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

Scale

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