Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies

Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies are a quick and delicious twist on the classic apple pie. With golden, flaky crusts and a warm spiced apple filling, these handheld treats are perfect for dessert, snacks, or even breakfast on the go. Thanks to the air fryer, they’re ready in minutes—no need to heat up the oven.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly crisp and golden without deep frying
• Uses store-bought crust and filling for convenience
• Great for both kids and adults
• Ready in under 30 minutes
• Easy to customize with different fillings or glazes

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Refrigerated pie crusts
• Canned apple pie filling (or homemade)
• Ground cinnamon (optional, for extra flavor)
• Egg
• Water
• Coarse sugar or cinnamon sugar, for topping
• Cooking spray or oil (for air fryer basket)

Directions

this recipe

1. Prep the crust
   Unroll refrigerated pie crusts onto a floured surface. Use a 4- to 5-inch round cutter or a glass to cut out circles. Re-roll scraps to make additional rounds.
2. Add filling
   Chop the apple pie filling into smaller pieces if needed. Place a spoonful (about 1–2 tablespoons) of filling on one side of each dough round. Sprinkle with cinnamon if desired.
3. Seal the pies
   Wet the edges with water. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and press edges with a fork to seal tightly.
4. Egg wash and sugar
   Beat the egg with a splash of water to make an egg wash. Brush the tops of the pies with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
5. Vent
   Cut 2–3 small slits in the top of each pie to let steam escape while cooking.
6. Air fry
   Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place hand pies in a single layer without overlapping. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
7. Cool and enjoy
   Let the pies cool for at least 5–10 minutes before eating—they’ll be hot!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6–8 hand pies
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10–12 minutes per batch
• Total Time: About 25 minutes

Variations

• Different fillings: Try cherry, blueberry, or peach pie filling.
• Homemade apple filling: Use fresh diced apples sautéed with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
• Glazed pies: Mix powdered sugar with a little milk or vanilla to drizzle over cooled pies.
• Savory version: Swap out the fruit filling for ham and cheese or pizza ingredients.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store cooled hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 300°F for 3–5 minutes or in the microwave for about 30 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use puff pastry instead of pie crust?

Yes, puff pastry gives a flakier texture and works well in the air fryer.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?

Don’t overfill the pies and be sure to seal the edges well with a fork.

Do I need to preheat my air fryer?

It’s best to preheat for even cooking, but some models don’t require it. Follow your manufacturer’s guide.

Can I make these with fresh apples?

Absolutely—just cook diced apples with a bit of butter, sugar, and cinnamon until tender.

What’s the best way to cut even circles?

Use a biscuit cutter, large glass, or even a small bowl as a guide.

Are these good cold?

They’re best warm, but they still taste great at room temperature.

Can I bake these in the oven?

Yes, bake at 400°F for about 15–20 minutes or until golden brown.

Can I skip the egg wash?

You can, but the pies may not brown as nicely. A little milk or cream can be used as an alternative.

How do I make a sugar glaze?

Mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1–2 tablespoons of milk or lemon juice until smooth, then drizzle over cooled pies.

Can kids help make these?

Definitely! Kids can help cut the dough, fill the pies, and crimp the edges.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies are an easy, satisfying treat with all the flavor of traditional apple pie—no oven needed. Whether you’re whipping them up for a quick dessert or making a batch for guests, they’re guaranteed to impress with their flaky crust and sweet, spiced filling.

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