Crunchy Apple Hand Pies: Effortless Air Fryer Recipe

Sweet aromas of cinnamon and buttery pastry swirl through the kitchen when you make these delightful air fryer apple hand pies.

Tucked inside a golden, flaky crust, warm baked apples burst with rich, comforting flavors that dance on your palate.

Handheld and perfectly portioned, these pies offer a delectable twist on classic desserts.

Each bite delivers a crisp exterior that gives way to soft, spiced apple filling.

No complicated techniques or lengthy baking times stand between you and this irresistible treat.

The air fryer transforms simple ingredients into a bakery-worthy dessert in minutes.

Prepare to fall in love with this easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that brings pure joy to the table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 180 kcal

Servings: 9

Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies Ingredient Guide

• Apples: Crisp and sweet variety like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith, perfect for creating a rich, tangy pie filling.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps caramelize the apple mixture.
• Brown Sugar: Provides deep, molasses-like flavor and helps create a luscious filling.
• Cinnamon: Warm, aromatic spice that complements the apples beautifully.
• Nutmeg: Subtle, earthy spice that enhances the overall warmth of the filling.
• All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the filling and prevents excess liquid.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens flavors and prevents apple browning.

• Pie Crusts: Flaky, pre-made dough for quick and easy hand pie assembly.

• Egg: Creates a golden, glossy exterior when brushed on pastry.
• Powdered Sugar or Cinnamon Sugar: Optional topping for extra sweetness and decoration.
• Cooking Spray or Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking in air fryer basket.

Tools That Make Air Frying These Hand Pies Simple

• Rolling pin: Essential for flattening and rolling out pie crusts evenly.
• Cookie cutter or small bowl: Perfect for cutting uniform circular pie shapes.
• Small mixing bowls: Needed for preparing apple filling and egg wash.
• Fork: Great for crimping and sealing pie edges.
• Air fryer: Primary cooking equipment for creating crispy hand pies.
• Pastry brush: Helpful for applying egg wash to pie tops.
• Parchment paper or cooking spray: Prevents pies from sticking to air fryer basket.
• Measuring spoons and cups: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.

How to Cook Apple Hand Pies to Golden Perfection

• Whip Up Apple Filling

Toss apples with sweet spices and a splash of lemon for a burst of flavor. Mix everything in a bowl until the ingredients dance together.

• Shape Pocket Pastries

Roll out soft pie dough and cut into perfect circles. Spoon a generous dollop of apple mixture onto each round.

• Seal the Delicious Packets

Fold dough over filling, creating adorable half-moon shapes. Crimp edges with a fork to lock in all the yummy goodness.

• Brush and Prep

Give your hand pies a beautiful golden glaze by brushing with beaten egg. Get your air fryer ready with a quick spray of oil.

• Crisp to Perfection

Slide hand pies into the air fryer and cook until they turn a gorgeous golden-brown. Watch them transform into crispy, flaky treats.

• Finish with Flair

Let the pies cool slightly, then dust with a snowy sprinkle of powdered sugar or cinnamon. Serve warm and watch smiles spread.

Adjustments for Fillings, Glaze, or Seasonings

• Use a fork's tines to create a tight, decorative seal that prevents filling from leaking during air frying. Press firmly around the edges to ensure a complete closure.
• Prepare hand pies in advance and freeze them unbaked. When ready to serve, air fry directly from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to cooking time for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.
• Swap traditional pie crust with gluten-free pastry dough or use almond flour-based crusts for a celiac-friendly version. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free for a safe alternative.
• Replace egg wash with plant-based milk or maple syrup for a golden finish. Use dairy-free pie crust and swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine to create a completely plant-based dessert.
• Experiment with different fruit fillings like mixed berries, peach, or pear. Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a dash of cardamom for unexpected flavor complexity that elevates the classic hand pie.

Best Ways to Serve These Mini Apple Pies

• Sweet Duo Pairing: Serve these warm hand pies alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a delightful temperature and flavor contrast that melts in your mouth.
• Breakfast Companion: Transform these apple hand pies into a morning treat by serving them with a hot cup of cinnamon-spiced coffee or creamy chai tea for a cozy start.
• Dessert Platter Presentation: Create an elegant dessert display by arranging the hand pies on a rustic wooden board, garnished with fresh mint leaves and a light dusting of powdered sugar, perfect for sharing at gatherings.
• Seasonal Garnish: Top the hand pies with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans to enhance the autumnal apple flavor and add a delightful crunch.

Store Them for Later Without Losing the Flake

• Wrap individual hand pies in plastic wrap or store in airtight containers to maintain crisp texture and prevent moisture buildup, keeping them delicious for 3-4 days.
• Layer hand pies between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container, where they'll remain tasty for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before reheating.
• Revive refrigerated or frozen hand pies in the air fryer at 325F for 3-4 minutes, restoring their initial golden crispiness without sacrificing flavor.
• Prepare hand pie filling and assemble pies up to 24 hours before cooking, storing them covered in the refrigerator to streamline your baking process and save time.

Crispy Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Crispy, golden air fryer apple hand pies deliver pure comfort with each delightful bite. Warm spices and flaky pastry invite home cooks to savor classic dessert magic in minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ cups apples (peeled and diced, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 2 tbsps granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts), thawed
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• optional: powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar for topping

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Instructions

1. Prepare Filling: Combine diced apples with sweet and warming spices, creating a rich, fragrant mixture that will infuse the hand pies with deep, complex flavors.
2. Create Pastry Circles: Skillfully roll and cut pie dough into perfect circular shapes, ensuring smooth edges and maximum filling capacity.
3. Assemble Hand Pies: Carefully place apple mixture in the center of each dough circle, then delicately fold and crimp edges using a fork to create a secure, elegant seal.
4. Apply Egg Glaze: Gently brush the exterior with beaten egg, which will produce a lustrous, golden-brown finish during cooking.
5. Prepare Air Fryer: Lightly coat the basket with cooking spray or parchment to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the pies.
6. Cook and Crisp: Air fry at 350F (175C) until the pastries transform into beautifully bronzed, crispy parcels with a delightfully flaky texture, approximately 8-10 minutes.
7. Garnish and Serve: Allow pies to cool momentarily, then dust with a delicate sprinkle of powdered or cinnamon sugar for an elegant, sweet finishing touch.

Notes

• Let apple mixture sit for 10-15 minutes to release excess liquid, preventing wet and runny hand pies.
• Use fork tines firmly to crimp and completely seal edges, stopping filling from leaking during air frying.
• Watch pies closely during last 2-3 minutes to avoid over-browning, adjusting air fryer temperature if needed.
• Replace regular pie crust with gluten-free pastry dough for celiac or wheat-sensitive individuals.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg