Crispy Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies Recipe for Sweet Snacking

Crispy golden crusts meet sweet, tender apple filling in this delightful air fryer apple hand pies treasure.

Miniature pastries pack incredible flavor into every single bite.

Perfectly portioned treats emerge from the air fryer with a beautiful caramelized exterior.

Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg dance through the delicate dough, creating an irresistible aroma.

Handheld desserts bring pure comfort without complicated preparation steps.

Minimal ingredients and quick cooking time make these pies a smart choice for spontaneous sweet cravings.

You’ll love how simple these hand-held delights are to create and devour.

Grab a fork and savor every delectable morsel of these irresistible mini pies.

Pair Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies With These Desserts

• Scoop a cold, velvety vanilla ice cream next to the warm, crispy hand pies for a delightful temperature and flavor contrast.
• Drizzle rich, golden caramel sauce over the hand pies to enhance the apple's sweetness and add luxurious depth.
• Brew a hot, aromatic cinnamon tea that perfectly complements the warm spices in the apple filling and provides a cozy beverage pairing.
• Create a smooth, sweet-and-salty latte that echoes the pie's flavors and offers a sophisticated, warming drink to enjoy alongside the hand pies.

Change Up the Filling in Your Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies

• Gluten-Free Variation: Replace standard pie crust with gluten-free pastry dough, using almond flour or gluten-free flour blend to accommodate celiac or wheat-sensitive diets.
• Vegan Hand Pies: Swap egg wash with plant-based milk and use vegan pie crust. Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine for a dairy-free alternative.
• Low-Sugar Version: Substitute regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use tart apples like Granny Smith to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining flavor intensity.
• Spiced Pumpkin Alternative: Replace apple filling with pumpkin puree mixed with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg for a seasonal autumn-inspired hand pie option.

FAQs for Air Fryer Apple Hand Pie Baking

• Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any baking apple like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. Choose apples that are firm and slightly tart for the best flavor and texture.

• Do I need to peel the apples before mixing them in the filling?

It’s recommended to peel the apples to ensure a smoother filling and prevent tough skin pieces in your hand pies. Peeling helps create a more consistent texture.

• What if I don't have an air fryer?

You can bake these hand pies in a preheated oven at 375F for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. The texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still taste delicious.

• Can I make these hand pies ahead of time?

You can prepare the hand pies and refrigerate them unbaked for up to 24 hours before air frying. This makes them perfect for preparing in advance for gatherings or parties.

Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies That Stay Golden and Crisp

• Create a fun cooking experience by involving kids in filling and folding the pies, turning dessert-making into a playful family activity that everyone will enjoy.
• Transform traditional pie-making with the air fryer, achieving a crispy golden crust without excess oil, delivering restaurant-quality results right in your kitchen with less mess and cleanup.
• Easily adapt the recipe by switching apple filling with other fruits like peaches or berries, creating a flexible dessert that suits different taste preferences and seasonal ingredients.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies

• Apples: Sweet and tart base for the hand pies, choose firm baking varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Add sweetness and help caramelize the apple filling.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that enhance the apple flavor and provide depth.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the apple filling and create a smooth consistency.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and prevents apples from browning.

• Pie Crusts: Flaky wrapper for the hand pies, store-bought or homemade work well.

• Egg: Creates a golden, shiny crust when brushed on top.
• Powdered Sugar, Cinnamon Sugar: Optional sweet topping for extra flavor and presentation.

• Cooking Spray or Parchment Paper: Prevents hand pies from sticking to air fryer basket.

How to Bake Apple Hand Pies in the Air Fryer

Step 1: Prepare Apple Filling

• Diced apples
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• All-purpose flour
• Lemon juice

Mix thoroughly and set aside.

Step 2: Create Pie Dough Circles

Roll out pie crusts and cut into 4-5 inch circular shapes using a cookie cutter or small bowl. Reroll leftover dough scraps to maximize usage.

Step 3: Assemble Hand Pies

Place a generous spoonful of apple filling in the center of each dough circle. Carefully fold dough over to create a half-moon shape. Seal edges by pressing with a fork’s tines.

Step 4: Egg Wash Preparation

Whisk egg in a small bowl. Gently brush the top of each hand pie with the egg wash.

Step 5: Prepare Air Fryer

Lightly spray air fryer basket with cooking spray or line with parchment paper.

Step 6: Air Fry Pies

Cook pies in batches at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Allow pies to cool slightly. Optionally dust with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar before serving.

Tips to Get Flaky Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies

• Prevent Leaking Filling: Avoid overfilling the hand pies by using just 1 to 1½ tablespoons of apple mixture to ensure clean edges and prevent spillage during cooking.
• Seal Edges Tightly: Press fork edges firmly and completely to create a secure seal that keeps the delicious filling inside during air frying.
• Customize Crust Options: Swap traditional pie crust with gluten-free or whole wheat versions to accommodate different dietary needs without compromising taste.
• Control Browning Technique: Watch hand pies closely during last few minutes of air frying to achieve perfect golden-brown color without burning the delicate pastry.
• Experiment with Spice Levels: Adjust cinnamon and nutmeg quantities to match personal preference, creating a more intense or subtle flavor profile in each hand pie.

Store Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies Like a Baker Would

• Store leftover hand pies in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them in a single layer to prevent sticking and maintain their crispy texture.
• Warm refrigerated hand pies at 300F for 3-4 minutes until heated through and crisp. This method restores their original golden-brown crunch without drying out the filling.
• Wrap individual pies in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Frozen hand pies can last up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Allow pies to cool completely before storing. Never seal warm pies, as condensation can make the crust soggy and compromise their delightful texture.

Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Crispy golden air fryer apple hand pies deliver sweet autumn comfort in one delightful bite. Cinnamon-spiced apples nestled in buttery pastry create a perfect portable dessert that brings homemade warmth to your table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruit Filling:

• 1 ½ cups peeled and diced apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Crust and Binding:

• 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts), thawed
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

Egg Wash and Optional Topping:

• 1 egg
• Optional: powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar for topping

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Instructions

1. Combine chopped apples with granulated and brown sugars, warming spices, flour, and a splash of citrus to create a fragrant filling. Allow mixture to macerate and develop rich flavors.
2. Unroll prepared pie dough and slice into generous circular shapes using a round template or kitchen implement. Gently reprocess dough scraps to maximize yield.
3. Place a generous dollop of spiced apple mixture precisely in the center of each pastry circle, leaving adequate border for sealing.
4. Delicately fold pastry over filling, creating a crescent shape. Crimp edges meticulously with fork tines to ensure complete enclosure and prevent leakage.
5. Whisk egg until smooth and apply a delicate glaze across the exterior of each hand pie, promoting beautiful golden coloration during cooking.
6. Prepare air fryer basket with light olive oil spray or protective parchment paper to prevent sticking.
7. Position hand pies inside air fryer compartment, maintaining space between each pastry. Cook at moderate temperature until pastries transform into crisp, amber-hued delicacies, rotating midway for uniform browning.
8. Remove and permit brief cooling period. Optional elegant finish includes gentle dusting of powdered or cinnamon-infused sugar across surface.

Notes

• Perfectly seal edges by crimping with a fork to prevent filling from leaking during air frying.
• Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture in hand pies.
• Adjust spice levels by adding a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom for extra warmth and complexity.
• For gluten-free option, substitute regular pie crust with gluten-free pastry dough and use cornstarch instead of flour in filling.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 348
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 659 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg