Picture this: your kitchen fills with the sweet scent of cinnamon-spiced apples as golden-brown pastry turns perfectly crispy in the air fryer. That’s the magic of these air fryer apple hand pies – little pockets of joy ready in under 30 minutes! I first made these for my niece’s birthday party (she’s obsessed with anything handheld), and now they’re my go-to when I need a quick dessert that feels special. No fussy deep-frying or waiting for the oven to preheat – just flaky crust, tender apples, and that irresistible crunch only an air fryer delivers. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies
These little pies are a game-changer for anyone who loves dessert but hates the hassle. Here’s why they’re a must-try:
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for last-minute cravings or unexpected guests.
- Perfectly Crispy: The air fryer gives you that golden, flaky crust without the mess of frying.
- Minimal Cleanup: No greasy pans or splatters—just pop them in the air fryer and you’re done.
- Kid-Friendly: Handheld and fun to eat, they’re a hit with little ones (and big ones too!).
Seriously, these hand pies are as delightful to make as they are to eat. You’ll want to keep this recipe on repeat!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies
Grab these simple ingredients—most probably already in your pantry—to create these little pockets of joy:
- For the filling: 2 cups diced Granny Smith apples (peeled), 1/4 cup packed brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tbsp lemon juice
- For the crust: 1 package refrigerated pie crust (or homemade equivalent)
- For the egg wash: 1 large egg, 1 tbsp water
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Don’t stress if you’re missing something—here’s how to improvise:
- Apples: Granny Smith holds up best, but Honeycrisp or Braeburn work too—just avoid mushy varieties.
- Sweetener: Swap brown sugar with honey or maple syrup (reduce to 3 tbsp since they’re sweeter).
- Crust: Store-bought saves time, but homemade adds that extra love (use your favorite pie dough recipe).
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom if you’re feeling fancy!
Equipment You’ll Need
You won’t need anything fancy—just these basics:
- Air fryer: Any model works, but basket-style gives the best airflow.
- Rolling pin: For flattening dough (or use a wine bottle in a pinch!).
- Fork: To crimp those edges tight—no leaks allowed!
- Pastry brush: For that golden egg wash (a folded paper towel works too).
That’s it! No special gadgets required—just good old-fashioned tools.
How to Make Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies
Ready to make magic happen? Follow these simple steps—I promise it’s easier than you think!
Preparing the Apple Filling
Toss those diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice in a bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes—this draws out some juice (which we want!). Then drain off any excess liquid so your pies stay crisp, not soggy.
Assembling the Hand Pies
Roll out your pie crust to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a 4-inch round cutter (or a bowl!) to cut circles. Spoon 1 heaping tablespoon of filling onto one half of each circle, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Fold dough over, press edges with a fork to seal tight—no escape routes for that delicious filling!
Air Frying to Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C)—this is key for that perfect golden crust! Brush pies with egg wash, then air fry for 10-12 minutes until they’re beautifully browned. Flip halfway if your air fryer needs it for even cooking. That heavenly smell means they’re ready!
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies
After making dozens of batches (some more successful than others!), I’ve learned these tricks guarantee perfect hand pies every time:
- Chill the dough: Pop assembled pies in the fridge for 10 minutes before air frying—it helps them hold their shape better.
- Vent the tops: Poke 2-3 small holes with a fork to let steam escape and prevent bursting disasters.
- Don’t overcrowd: Leave space between pies in the air fryer basket for proper air circulation.
- Patience pays: Let them cool for 5 minutes before biting in—that molten apple filling is sneaky hot!
Follow these simple tips, and you’ll be the air fryer hand pie champion of your kitchen!
Serving & Storing Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies
These hand pies are perfect on their own, but a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes them to the next level. For storage, pop them in an airtight container—they’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days. To reheat, just air fry for 2 minutes, and they’ll taste like they’re fresh out of the fryer!
Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies Nutritional Info
Each golden hand pie packs about 210 calories with 12g of natural sweetness from those spiced apples. You’ll get 2g of fiber per serving too (thanks, Granny Smith skins!). Just remember—nutrition varies slightly based on your exact ingredients. My advice? Enjoy every guilt-free bite!
FAQs About Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies
Got questions? I’ve got answers from all my trial-and-error baking sessions!
- Can I freeze these? Absolutely! Freeze unbaked pies on a tray first, then transfer to bags. Bake straight from frozen—just add 2-3 extra minutes.
- Puff pastry instead of pie crust? Yes! The texture will be flakier. Reduce cook time by 1-2 minutes since it browns faster.
- How to prevent leaks? Don’t overfill (1 tbsp max!), seal edges tightly, and leave that 1/2-inch border—no greedy spoonfuls!
- No lemon juice? A splash of apple cider vinegar works in a pinch to keep apples from browning.
Try these tips and tell me how your hand pies turn out—I love hearing your kitchen success stories!
Print
30-Minute Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies: Irresistibly Crispy Treats
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 6 hand pies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy, flaky hand pies filled with sweet cinnamon-spiced apples, made easy in the air fryer.
Ingredients
- 2 cups diced apples
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 package refrigerated pie crust (or homemade)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice in a bowl.
- Roll out pie crust and cut into 4-inch circles.
- Spoon apple mixture onto half of each circle.
- Fold dough over filling and crimp edges with a fork.
- Whisk egg and water for egg wash, then brush over pies.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith for best texture.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American