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- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed - 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced For the crust, I use all-purpose flour. It gives a nice texture. The salt adds depth to the flavor. Granulated sugar sweetens the crust just right. The unsalted butter makes the dough rich and flaky. I like to chill the butter for the best results. Fresh apples are key for the filling. They bring sweetness and juiciness. - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 egg (for egg wash) Cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth to the filling. I always use fresh spices for more flavor. Lemon juice brightens the apple taste. It cuts through the sweetness and keeps apples from browning. An egg wash gives the hand pies a beautiful golden color. - Additional granulated sugar for sprinkling - Icing or glaze variations For extra crunch and sweetness, I sprinkle more sugar on top. You can also add icing or a glaze if you like. This makes the hand pies look lovely and taste even better. To make the dough, start by mixing the dry ingredients. In a bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. This mix gives a nice base for the dough. Next, add the butter into the dry mix. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend in 1/2 cup of chilled and cubed butter. You want the mix to look like coarse crumbs. Then, slowly add cold water. Use a tablespoon and mix with a fork until the dough comes together. Don’t overmix! Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the dough stay firm. Now onto the filling. Peel, core, and dice 2 medium apples. You want them in small pieces for good flavor in every bite. In a bowl, mix the diced apples with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. This mixture will give the filling a delicious sweet and spicy flavor. Set the apple filling aside while you prepare the dough. Once the dough is chilled, roll it out on a floured surface. Aim for about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cutter or a glass to cut out circles, about 4-5 inches in diameter. Place a tablespoon of apple filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal. For a fun touch, use a fork to crimp the edges. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place a few hand pies in the basket, keeping space between them. Cook the hand pies for 10-12 minutes. You want them to be golden brown and crispy. After cooking, let the pies cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature for a tasty treat! - To make great dough, avoid overmixing. Mix until it just comes together. - Chill the dough for better texture. Wrap it in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes. - Use different types of apples for unique flavors. Granny Smith adds tartness, while Fuji gives sweetness. - Adjust sweetness with sugar. Start with a little, taste, and add more if needed. - Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. This helps the pies cook evenly and get crispy. - Check for doneness by looking for a golden brown color. If it's not golden, give it a few more minutes. {{image_2}} You can switch up the filling in your hand pies for fun flavors. Berries make a great choice. You can use fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. Simply mash them with a bit of sugar and cornstarch. This makes a juicy berry filling. Another tasty option is pumpkin spice. For this, mix canned pumpkin with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a bit of sugar. This gives a warm, cozy taste perfect for fall. If you need gluten-free options, you can try almond flour or a gluten-free blend. These work well in the dough. Just remember to adjust the liquid, as gluten-free flours absorb differently. For vegan adjustments, replace the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. You can use a flax egg instead of the egg wash. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit until it thickens, then brush it on the pies. To make your hand pies even tastier, consider adding vanilla extract to the apple filling. Just a splash can amplify the sweetness. You can also add nuts or raisins for extra texture. Chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch, while raisins bring sweetness. Mix these into your apple filling for a delightful twist. To store hand pies, first let them cool completely. Place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to store them longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap each pie in plastic wrap. Then put the wrapped pies in a freezer bag or container. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. For reheating, the air fryer works best. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the hand pies in the basket and heat for about 5 to 7 minutes. This will make them crispy again. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can use an oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes. In the fridge, hand pies last about three days if stored well. If you freeze them, they can last up to three months. Just remember to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. To do this, follow the steps to mix the flour, salt, and sugar with the butter. Once you form the dough, wrap it in plastic. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze the dough. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge overnight before you roll it out. For the best flavor, I recommend using tart apples. Varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great. These apples hold their shape and add a nice balance of sweet and tart flavors. You can also mix in some sweeter apples for extra taste. Just ensure they are fresh and firm. To stop the filling from leaking, sealing the edges is key. After placing the filling on the dough, fold it over carefully. Press the edges together firmly. Then use a fork to crimp the edges. This adds a nice look too. Finally, poke a few small holes in the top to let steam escape. You can use store-bought dough if you want to save time. Pre-made dough is often easier, but it may lack flavor. Check the label for quality ingredients. If you choose this option, just roll it out and follow the same steps for filling and sealing. It’s a great shortcut for busy days! This blog post covers how to make delicious hand pies from scratch. You learned about key ingredients like flour, apples, and spices. I shared step-by-step instructions for making the dough and filling. You saw tips for air frying and storing your tasty pies. Try different fillings to add your twist. Enjoy making and sharing these treats! They are easy and fun to create. Your friends and family will love them. Keep experimenting and find your favorite version. Happy baking!

Air Fryer Apple Cinnamon Hand Pies

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Air Fryer Apple Cinnamon Hand Pies! This easy recipe guides you through creating buttery pastry filled with sweet apples and warm spices. Perfect for a cozy dessert or snack, these hand pies are a quick way to satisfy your cravings. Ready in just an hour, you will love the crispy texture from the air fryer. Click to explore the recipe and treat yourself to these mouthwatering hand pies today!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed

1/4 cup cold water

2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 egg (for egg wash)

Additional granulated sugar for sprinkling

Instructions
 

Make the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Add the chilled and cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

    Slowly add cold water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough comes together. Do not overmix. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

      Prepare the Filling: In another bowl, mix the diced apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until well coated. Set aside.

        Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cutter or a glass to cut out circles (about 4-5 inches in diameter).

          Assemble the Hand Pies: Place a tablespoon of the apple filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and press the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.

            Prepare the Egg Wash: Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush it over the tops of the hand pies. Sprinkle a little granulated sugar on top for added sweetness and crunch.

              Air Fry the Pies: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place a few hand pies in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching. Cook for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

                Cool and Serve: Allow the hand pies to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

                  Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 8 pies