Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies

$- Apples: Use two large apples. I like Granny Smith for tartness. Honeycrisp is sweet and crisp, too. Both work well and bring great flavor. - Sugar: I prefer brown sugar for its rich taste. It adds depth. Granulated sugar is fine, but it’s not as flavorful. - Additional flavorings: Cinnamon brings warmth. I add one teaspoon to the apple mix. A tablespoon of lemon juice brightens the flavor, balancing the sweetness. - Pie crust options: You can use pre-made pie crusts for speed. Homemade crust is great if you have time. It can add a personal touch to your hand pies. To make the apple filling, start by mixing the ingredients. Take two large apples, peel and dice them. In a medium bowl, add the diced apples, half a cup of brown sugar, one teaspoon of cinnamon, one tablespoon of lemon juice, and one tablespoon of cornstarch. Toss all the ingredients well to coat the apples evenly. This step is key as it helps to balance the flavors. Next, set the mixture aside for about ten minutes. Letting the flavors meld enhances the taste and aroma of your filling. Now, it’s time to shape the hand pies. Roll out the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. You can use pre-made crusts, which simplify the process. Using a round cutter about four to five inches wide, cut out circles from the dough. You should get around eight to ten circles, depending on how big you cut them. Before cooking, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even cooking and a crispy crust. After preheating, place a spoonful of the apple mixture in the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill. Fold the pastry over into a half-moon shape and pinch the edges tightly to seal the pie. You can also use a fork to crimp the edges for a nice look. Next, brush the tops of the hand pies with beaten egg for a beautiful golden color. Sprinkle a little granulated sugar on top for extra crunch. Arrange the hand pies in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch. This allows air to circulate properly. Cook the hand pies for about ten to twelve minutes. Check for doneness when they are golden brown and crispy. If needed, you may have to cook them in batches. Once done, remove the hand pies and let them cool slightly before serving. To get your hand pies crispy, sealing the edges well is key. If the edges are not sealed, filling may leak out. Use your fingers to pinch the edges tightly. You can also crimp the edges with a fork for a fun design. An egg wash adds a nice golden color. To do this, beat an egg and brush it over the tops. This helps the sugar stick and creates a beautiful finish. Soggy fillings can ruin your hand pies. To avoid this, use cornstarch in your filling. This thickens the juices and keeps the crust crisp. Also, don’t overfill the pies. A spoonful of filling is enough. If your hand pies stick to the basket, try using parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier. You can also shake the basket gently during cooking to keep them moving. You can add spices or nuts to boost the flavor. Try cinnamon, nutmeg, or even chopped pecans. These add warmth and crunch to each bite. For serving, enjoy the hand pies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also dust them with powdered sugar for a sweet touch. Pairing with whipped cream makes for a delightful treat. {{image_2}} You can change the filling in hand pies to make them fun. Try using other fruits like pears, cherries, or mixed berries. Each fruit brings a unique taste. Pears add a sweet, soft touch. Cherries give a tart balance. Berries can add color and zing. Mixing sweet and savory fillings is also a great idea. Imagine apples with cheese or even bacon. This mix can surprise your taste buds and make a perfect snack. For those who need gluten-free options, look for gluten-free pie crusts. Many brands offer good choices. You can also make your own crust using almond or coconut flour. If you want to skip eggs, use a plant-based milk for the wash. Almond milk or soy milk works well. This keeps your pies vegan-friendly while still looking golden. Air frying gives a crispy result without much oil. It cooks faster and is easy to clean. Traditional baking takes longer and uses more energy. You can also use other appliances. A toaster oven works well too. It’s great for smaller batches. Just keep an eye on the time. Adjust it based on your appliance's heating power. These variations and modifications help everyone enjoy delicious hand pies! To keep your air fryer apple hand pies fresh, choose between refrigeration and freezing. If you plan to eat them soon, store them in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for about three days. For longer storage, freeze the hand pies. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. This helps prevent freezer burn. When you want to enjoy them again, reheating is key. You can reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes. This method keeps the crust crispy. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make them soggy. How long do hand pies last? In the fridge, they last about three days. In the freezer, they can last up to three months. Always check for signs of spoilage. If the crust looks dry or the filling smells off, it's best to toss them. Freshness is important for taste and safety. Preparing the filling ahead of time is a great idea. You can mix the diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch a day in advance. Store this mixture in the fridge. When you're ready to bake, just roll out the crusts and fill them. You can also assemble the hand pies before air frying. Place unbaked pies in the fridge for up to a day. This makes it easy to enjoy a quick treat later. Just remember to brush with egg wash before cooking! Air fryer apple hand pies take about 10-12 minutes to cook. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) first. Place the hand pies in a single layer in the basket. This helps them cook evenly. After about 10 minutes, check the pies. They should turn golden brown and crispy. Yes, you can use canned apples. Canned apples save time. They are already cooked and sweetened. However, fresh apples offer better texture and flavor. Fresh apples give a nice bite and a juicy inside. Canned apples may have added sugar, so taste the filling before adding more. Many sauces can enhance the flavor of apple hand pies. Here are some tasty options: - Caramel sauce adds a sweet touch. - Vanilla ice cream makes a creamy pairing. - Whipped cream is light and fluffy. - A scoop of cinnamon ice cream is also delightful. Try these sauces to make your hand pies even more enjoyable! In this post, we covered how to make delicious apple hand pies. We looked at key ingredients, like apples and spices, to make your filling pop. I shared step-by-step instructions to shape and cook your pies perfectly in an air fryer. You learned tips for achieving crisp edges and dealing with common issues. Finally, we explored fun variations and storage tips. Now, you can enjoy tasty hand pies anytime. Remember, the best flavor comes from a little creativity. Happy baking!$

Get ready to indulge in Crispy Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies that are bursting with flavor! Made with juicy apples, warm cinnamon, and a flaky crust, these hand pies are easy to whip up in your air fryer. Perfect for a dessert or snack, they come together in just 30 minutes. Follow our simple recipe to create this delightful treat and enjoy them warm with ice cream on the side. Click through to discover the full recipe and start baking today!

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Ingredients

2 large apples, peeled and diced

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 package of pre-made pie crusts (2 crusts)

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for topping)

Instructions

In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss to coat the apples evenly. Set aside to let the flavors meld for about 10 minutes.

Roll out the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Using a round cutter (about 4-5 inches in diameter), cut out circles from the dough. You should get about 8-10 circles, depending on the size.

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).

Place a spoonful (about 1-2 tablespoons) of the apple mixture in the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill.

Fold the pastry over to create a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges tightly to seal the pie. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for an extra decorative touch.

Brush the tops of the hand pies with the beaten egg to give them a golden color during cooking. Sprinkle granulated sugar over the top for a sweet crunch.

Arrange the hand pies in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch to allow air circulation.

Cook in the air fryer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the hand pies are golden brown and crispy. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Once cooked, remove the hand pies and let them cool slightly before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 8-10

- Presentation Tips: Serve the hand pies warm, dusted with powdered sugar, and accompanied by a small scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on the side for an indulgent touch.