Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies
There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a warm, flaky hand pie filled with sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples. These air fryer apple hand pies capture that homemade magic in a convenient, bite-sized package. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a simple dessert, these handheld treats are sure to delight your taste buds.
The combination of a buttery crust and a flavor-packed apple filling is a classic that never goes out of style. And by using an air fryer, you can enjoy all the crispy, golden-brown goodness of a traditional fried pie without the added fat and calories. It’s a win-win situation for your taste buds and your waistline!
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
These air fryer apple hand pies are the perfect blend of convenience and homemade flavor. The flaky, golden crust contrasts beautifully with the soft, spiced apple filling, creating a delightful texture experience in every bite. Plus, the air fryer method makes them a healthier alternative to their deep-fried counterparts, without sacrificing any of the irresistible flavor.
What’s more, these hand pies are incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them as a quick breakfast on the go, a satisfying snack throughout the day, or a delectable dessert after a meal. And with the option to make them ahead of time and freeze for later, you can have freshly baked hand pies anytime the craving strikes.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies ❓
• 2 cups peeled, diced apples (about 2-3 medium apples)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
• 2 tablespoons coarse sugar (for sprinkling, optional)
The beauty of this air fryer apple hand pie recipe is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of sweet apples, warm spices, and a buttery crust creates the classic American-inspired flavor profile that has made hand pie recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: In a medium bowl, mix the diced apples, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour until well combined.
• Step 3: Unroll the pie crusts and cut each into 4 equal rectangles, for a total of 8 rectangles.
• Step 4: Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the apple mixture onto the center of 4 of the pie crust rectangles. Brush the edges with the egg wash.
• Step 5: Top each filled rectangle with the remaining 4 pie crust rectangles and use a fork to crimp and seal the edges.
• Step 6: Brush the tops of the hand pies with the remaining egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar, if desired.
• Step 7: Carefully transfer the hand pies to the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch. Work in batches if necessary.
• Step 8: Air fry the hand pies for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and flaky.
• Step 9: Remove the hand pies from the air fryer and let them cool for 5 minutes before serving.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 12-15 minutes
• Total time: 32-35 minutes
Compared to traditional deep-fried hand pies which can take up to 30 minutes to prepare, this air fryer apple hand pie recipe saves you over 40% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 8 servings):
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fat: 11g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 195mg
These air fryer apple hand pies provide approximately 10% of your daily carbohydrate requirements and 5% of your daily fiber needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour, and use a sugar substitute in the filling.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Use a plant-based pie crust and replace the egg wash with a plant-based milk or water.
• Added protein: Fold in 2-3 tablespoons of chopped walnuts or pecans to the apple filling for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Grate in 1/2 cup of carrots or zucchini to the apple filling for added nutrients and moisture.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the air fryer apple hand pies.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a cup of hot apple cider or a mug of freshly brewed coffee for a cozy autumn treat
• Complement with a crisp green salad for a well-rounded meal
• For a brunch spread, serve alongside quiche, fresh fruit, and mimosas
• Create an afternoon tea platter with the hand pies, scones, and assorted jams and preserves
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Not sealing the edges properly: Failing to crimp the edges with a fork can result in the filling leaking out during cooking. Be sure to press the edges firmly to seal them.
• Overcrowding the air fryer basket: Placing the hand pies too close together can prevent even cooking and browning. Work in batches if necessary to ensure each pie has enough space.
• Undercooking the pies: If the crust is not golden brown and flaky, the hand pies may still be doughy inside. Adjust the cooking time as needed to achieve the desired texture.
• Skipping the egg wash: The egg wash helps create a beautiful golden-brown sheen on the crust. Don’t skip this step for the best presentation.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These air fryer apple hand pies retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the hand pies up to the point of baking, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container or resealable bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Freezing baked: Allow the baked hand pies to cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap or foil. Place in an airtight container or resealable bag and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes, then warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes until heated through.
❓ FAQs
Can I make the air fryer apple hand pies ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these hand pies in advance. For unbaked hand pies, prepare them up to the point of baking, then freeze them as directed in the storage tips. When ready to serve, bake the frozen hand pies directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. For baked hand pies, you can prepare them fully, let them cool, then freeze them. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven until heated through.
Can I use a different type of fruit in the filling?
Absolutely! While apples are a classic, you can easily swap them out for other fruits like pears, peaches, or even a berry mixture. Just be sure to adjust the sugar and spices to complement the new fruit filling.
Are these hand pies gluten-free or dairy-free?
The standard recipe is not gluten-free or dairy-free, as it uses refrigerated pie crust and an egg wash. However, you can easily adapt the recipe to be gluten-free by using a gluten-free pie crust, and dairy-free by substituting the egg wash with a plant-based milk or water.
Why are my hand pies leaking or bursting during cooking?
If your hand pies are leaking or bursting, it’s likely due to overfilling the pies or not sealing the edges properly. Be sure to stick to the recommended 2-3 tablespoons of filling per pie and use a fork to firmly crimp the edges to seal them.
Can I add additional ingredients to the apple filling?
Absolutely! You can get creative with the filling by adding chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even a bit of caramel or chocolate. Just be mindful of not overfilling the pies and adjust the other filling ingredients as needed to maintain the right consistency.
Conclusion
These air fryer apple hand pies represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a quick breakfast on the go or a satisfying afternoon snack, they’re sure to impress with their crispy, flaky crust and delectable apple filling. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward air frying preparation, these hand pies demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the assembly. So why not give these irresistible air fryer apple hand pies a try? Your taste buds (and your waistline) will thank you!
