Name: Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (14.1 ounce) refrigerated pie crust (2 crusts); 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and chopped into small pieces; 2 teaspoons lemon juice; 1 cup water; 2/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon water; 3 tablespoons coarse sugar

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These Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies are the perfect combination of warm, tender apples, cinnamon, and a flaky, golden crust. Made with a simple apple filling and a refrigerated pie crust, these hand pies are a quick and easy dessert that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. With minimal prep time and an air fryer to speed up the cooking process, you can enjoy a delicious, homemade treat in just 30 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a fun and easy dessert, these Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies are sure to impress. They’re filled with spiced cinnamon apples, and the air fryer makes them crispy and golden without the need for deep frying. The flaky, buttery crust and sweet apple filling make these hand pies the perfect snack, breakfast treat, or dessert. Whether you’re craving something sweet or need a quick, homemade dessert to impress guests, these hand pies come together effortlessly. Plus, they’re just the right size for an individual treat—perfect for sharing or enjoying all to yourself!

Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies

Ingredients

For the Filling:

2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and chopped into small pieces
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 cup water
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Hand Pies:

1 (14.1 ounce) refrigerated pie crust (2 crusts)
1 large egg
1 tablespoon water
3 tablespoons coarse sugar

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

Directions

Heat a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the sliced apples, lemon juice, water, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and cornstarch. Stir until well combined.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and cook for about 10 minutes until the apples soften slightly and the sauce thickens.
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the apples cool for about 10 minutes.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the pie crust and cut it into 4 ½-inch circles using a cookie cutter or similar tool. Place the circles on the prepared baking sheet.
Place 2 tablespoons of the apple filling onto the bottom half of each circle. Fold the top half of the crust over to cover the filling, pressing the edges together with a fork.
Use a small knife to make three slits in the top of each hand pie.
Brush the hand pies with an egg wash (made by mixing the egg and 1 tablespoon of water). Sprinkle the tops with coarse sugar.
Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
Place 2–5 hand pies in the air fryer basket, ensuring they aren’t touching. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, until golden brown.
Serve and enjoy these crispy, delicious hand pies!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 hand pies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’d like to keep them for longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 1 week.
Reheating: To reheat, place the hand pies back in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until crispy again.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?

Granny Smith apples are a great choice because they’re tart and hold their shape when cooked, but you can also use Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a sweeter variation.

Can I make these hand pies with homemade pie crust?

Absolutely! You can use your favorite homemade pie crust recipe if you prefer. The store-bought version is simply a shortcut for convenience, but homemade crust will taste just as delicious.

Can I freeze these hand pies?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked hand pies before air frying. Place them in the freezer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, you can air fry them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Can I make these without cornstarch?

The cornstarch helps thicken the filling, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with a small amount of flour or omit it altogether for a slightly runnier filling.

Can I make a larger batch of these?

Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe to make more hand pies. Just be sure to cook them in batches in the air fryer, making sure not to overcrowd the basket.

How do I know when the hand pies are done?

The hand pies should be golden brown and crispy on the outside. If you’re unsure, you can cut one open to check the filling—it should be bubbling and warm inside.

Can I use a different sweetener instead of granulated sugar?

You can use alternatives like honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar. However, these substitutions may slightly alter the texture and sweetness of the filling.

Can I add extra spices to the filling?

Absolutely! You can add a pinch of allspice, cloves, or ginger for a deeper spiced flavor, depending on your taste preferences.

Can I make these hand pies in the oven instead of the air fryer?

Yes! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the hand pies in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 18–20 minutes, or until golden and crispy.

Are these hand pies gluten-free?

These hand pies are not gluten-free as they are made with regular pie crust. If you want to make them gluten-free, look for a gluten-free pie crust or use a homemade gluten-free crust.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies are the perfect dessert for anyone craving a warm, sweet treat with minimal effort. The tender, cinnamon-spiced apples wrapped in a flaky, golden crust are a delightful bite-sized indulgence that cooks up quickly in the air fryer. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, dessert, or even a fun breakfast treat, these hand pies are sure to be a hit. Try them today and enjoy a simple, delicious homemade dessert in just 30 minutes!

Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe