Golden Air Fryer Apple Pies Recipe
Introduction
These Golden Air Fryer Apple Pies are a delightful twist on a classic dessert, offering a crispy, golden crust and a warm, spiced apple filling. Perfectly portioned for individual servings, they’re quick to prepare and bake using your air fryer.

Ingredients
- 2 cups diced tart apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 sheets refrigerated pie crust, thawed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp milk
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- Optional: powdered sugar or glaze for dusting or drizzling
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine diced apples, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the apples soften and the mixture thickens, about 6 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
- Step 2: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed pie crust sheets. Use a 4-5 inch round cutter or glass rim to cut eight rounds. Gather scraps and re-roll if needed to get eight circles total.
- Step 3: Place one tablespoon of the cooled apple filling into the center of four pastry rounds. Cover each with a remaining round and press edges firmly with a fork to seal completely.
- Step 4: Whisk together the egg and milk. Brush this egg wash over the tops and edges of the hand pies. Sprinkle granulated sugar evenly on top for a crisp, golden finish.
- Step 5: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Step 6: Place the hand pies in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, leaving space between each. Cook for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden brown and crisp. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Step 7: Remove pies carefully with a spatula and let cool on a rack until warm to the touch. Optionally dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with glaze before serving. Enjoy warm.
Tips & Variations
- Use a tart apple like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
- If you like a smoother filling, pulse the cooked apples slightly in a food processor before filling the pies.
- Try adding chopped nuts or raisins to the filling for extra texture.
- For a dairy-free egg wash, use a light brushing of melted coconut oil or plant-based milk.
Storage
Store leftover apple pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 320°F (160°C) for 3-5 minutes to restore crispness. These pies can also be frozen before baking; thaw and cook as directed.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pie crust instead of refrigerated?
Yes, homemade pie crust works beautifully. Just roll it out to the same thickness and cut as directed for best results.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake the pies in a conventional oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until golden and crisp. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-browning.
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Golden Air Fryer Apple Pies Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 hand pies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Golden Air Fryer Apple Pies, a quick and easy twist on a classic dessert. Made with spiced tart apples encased in flaky pie crust, these hand pies are baked to golden perfection in the air fryer, offering a crispy, buttery exterior and warm, tender filling. Perfect for a cozy snack or sweet treat any time of year.
Ingredients
Spiced Apple Filling
- 2 cups diced tart apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Pastry & Finishing
- 2 sheets refrigerated pie crust, thawed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp milk
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- Optional: powdered sugar or glaze for dusting or drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the Spiced Apple Filling: In a small saucepan, combine diced apples, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the apples soften and the mixture thickens, approximately 6 minutes. Allow the filling to cool completely before using.
- Cut Pastry Rounds: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed pie crust sheets. Using a 4-5 inch round cutter or the rim of a glass, cut eight circles from the dough. Gather any scraps and re-roll to cut out the remaining rounds.
- Fill and Seal Hand Pies: Place about one tablespoon of the cooled apple filling in the center of four pastry rounds. Cover each with the remaining four rounds, then press the edges firmly together using a fork to seal completely and prevent leakage during cooking.
- Apply Egg Wash and Sugar: Whisk together the egg and milk until combined. Brush the mixture over the tops and sealed edges of the hand pies. Sprinkle granulated sugar evenly over the top to ensure a golden, crisp crust after cooking.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes to ensure even cooking temperature for the pies.
- Air Fry Until Golden: Place the hand pies in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, leaving space between each one. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and crispy. If necessary, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Cool and Serve: Carefully remove the pies using a spatula and transfer to a cooling rack. Let them cool until warm to the touch. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with glaze before serving warm for an extra touch of sweetness.
Notes
- For best results, use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to keep a balance of sweetness and acidity.
- Ensure the filling is completely cool before assembling to prevent the pastry from getting soggy.
- You can freeze the uncooked pies for later: flash freeze on a baking sheet, then store in a freezer bag. Air fry from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to cook time.
- Adjust sugar amounts based on the tartness of your apples.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce for a decadent treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: apple pie, air fryer, hand pies, dessert, spiced apple filling, quick apple dessert

