Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies (Printable)

Flaky pastry filled with warm spiced apples, crisped to perfection in the air fryer.

# Components:

→ Filling

01 - 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
02 - 2 tablespoons brown sugar
03 - 1 teaspoon lemon juice
04 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
06 - 1 teaspoon cornstarch

→ Pastry & Finish

07 - 1 box refrigerated pie crusts (2 sheets), thawed
08 - 1 large egg, beaten
09 - 1 tablespoon milk
10 - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
11 - Powdered sugar or glaze, optional, for drizzling

# Directions:

01 - Combine diced apples, brown sugar, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and cornstarch in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 5 to 6 minutes until apples are softened and the mixture is thickened. Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely.
02 - Unroll both sheets of pie crust. Using a 4 to 5 inch round cutter or a glass, cut out 8 equal rounds. Gather scraps and re-roll if needed to achieve the full amount.
03 - Place approximately 1 tablespoon of the cooled apple filling in the center of 4 pastry rounds. Cover each with a second round, press edges firmly with a fork to seal all sides.
04 - Whisk the egg with milk to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of each sealed hand pie with egg wash and sprinkle with granulated sugar.
05 - Preheat the air fryer to 350°F for 3 minutes.
06 - Arrange hand pies in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches as necessary. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes or until pastry is golden and crisp.
07 - Allow hand pies to cool slightly before serving. Optionally dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with prepared glaze.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses refrigerated pie crusts so no need to make dough from scratch
  • Ready in just over thirty minutes including prep time
  • Air fryer creates that bakery-style golden finish without deep frying
  • Customizable with different fruit fillings or toppings
  • Ideal for making ahead or baking fresh for gatherings
02 -
  • High in comforting flavors but lighter than deep-fried pastries
  • No need for oil thanks to the air fryer
  • Easy to freeze and bake fresh
  • You can make these pies with pears or mixed berries for a twist
03 -
  • Do not skip letting the filling cool before assembling or the crust can get soggy
  • For even browning avoid crowding the air fryer basket
  • If you prefer a thicker glaze replace the milk with cream for the egg wash or whisk powdered sugar with milk and drizzle after baking
  • I have learned that using a little extra flour beneath the dough makes it easier to move the rounds without tearing
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