Are you ready for a treat that’s easy to make and hard to resist? In this blog post, I’m sharing my favorite recipe: Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies! With a crispy crust and a sweet apple filling, these hand pies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, you’ll find the steps straightforward and fun. Let’s get started on creating this delightful dessert together!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– Apples: For these hand pies, I suggest using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. Granny Smith adds a nice tartness, while Honeycrisp offers sweetness. Both hold their shape well when cooked.
– Sugar and spices: Sugar sweetens the filling. Ground cinnamon adds warmth and flavor. You can adjust the sugar based on your apple variety. If your apples are sweeter, reduce the sugar to 1/4 cup.
– Pie crusts: You can use store-bought, refrigerated pie crusts, which are quick and easy. For a homemade touch, make your own crust from scratch. It takes more time but can enhance the flavor.
Optional Ingredients
– Egg wash: Brushing the tops with a beaten egg gives your hand pies a beautiful golden color. It also helps to create a nice crust.
– Toppings: After baking, consider dusting your pies with powdered sugar. For a richer flavor, drizzle with caramel sauce. Both add a lovely finish that makes these pies even more tempting.
For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions above.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Apple Filling
First, gather your apples, sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch. In a medium bowl, mix the diced apples with 1/3 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to help thicken the filling.
Let this mixture sit for about 10 minutes. This resting time helps the flavors mix well, making the filling taste great. The cornstarch is key. It absorbs extra juice from the apples. This way, the filling stays thick and does not make your crust soggy.
Assembling the Hand Pies
Next, roll out your refrigerated pie crusts on a floured surface. Use a round cutter or a glass about 4-5 inches wide to cut out circles. Aim for uniform sizes so that your hand pies cook evenly. You can usually get 6-8 circles from each crust.
To seal the pies, place a tablespoon of the apple filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges to seal them tightly. You can use a fork to crimp the edges, giving your pies a nice look and ensuring they stay closed.
Air Frying the Hand Pies
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This step is important for even cooking. If you skip this, your pies may not cook well.
Once preheated, place the hand pies in the basket. Do not overcrowd them; give them space to cook. You might need to do this in batches. Air fry the hand pies for 12-15 minutes. Flip them halfway through to get that crispy texture on both sides.
When they are golden and crispy, take them out. Let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle caramel sauce if you like. You can find the full recipe [here](#).
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting Your Hand Pies
To make your hand pies a hit, you must avoid soggy bottoms. A few simple tricks can help. First, make sure your filling isn’t too wet. Use cornstarch to thicken it, as it absorbs extra moisture. Let the apple filling rest for about 10 minutes. This step allows the flavors to blend and helps with moisture control.
Next, consider the pie crust. Pre-baking the crust for a minute or two in the air fryer can give you that extra crispiness. This technique helps create a barrier against moisture from the filling.
Spices are another fun area to explore. While cinnamon is classic, don’t be afraid to experiment. Try adding nutmeg or allspice for a warm twist. You could even use ginger for a zesty kick. Personalizing the flavor can make your hand pies unique!
Serving Suggestions
Pairing your hand pies with the right sides can elevate your dessert. A scoop of vanilla ice cream goes perfectly with warm hand pies. You can also serve them with a drizzle of caramel sauce. The sweetness complements the tart apples well.
For leftover hand pies, store them in an airtight container. They can last for about three days in the fridge. To keep them fresh, place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.
If you want to enjoy them later, freezing is a great option. Simply wrap each pie in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months. To reheat, use your air fryer at 350°F for about 5-8 minutes. This method keeps them crispy!
For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions.
Variations
Alternative Fillings
You can mix up your apple hand pies with different fillings. For a fruity twist, try berries or peaches.
– Berries: Use blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries. These fruits add a nice tartness.
– Peaches: Fresh or canned peaches bring a juicy sweetness.
If you want to get creative, consider savory fillings. Adding cheese or meat can change the game.
– Cheese: Try a mix of cream cheese and herbs. This gives a rich flavor.
– Meat: Cooked chicken or ham can make a fun hand pie.
Dietary Adjustments
Making your hand pies fit different diets is easy. You can find options for gluten-free and vegan diets.
– Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pie crusts. Many brands offer great taste and texture.
– Vegan: Substitute the egg wash with almond milk or a mix of flour and water. Use coconut oil instead of butter for the filling.
These adjustments keep the deliciousness while meeting dietary needs. For more details, check the Full Recipe.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your air fryer apple hand pies fresh, store them in an airtight container. They can stay good in the fridge for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, freezing is a great option. To freeze, place the hand pies on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer.
Reheating Tips
For reheating, the air fryer is your best friend. It keeps the hand pies crispy. Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5-7 minutes. You can also use the oven. Preheat it to the same temperature and bake for about 10 minutes. To keep them crispy, avoid using the microwave, as it makes them soggy. Enjoy your delicious hand pies warm!
FAQs
How to make Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies from scratch?
You can choose between homemade or refrigerated pie crust. Homemade crust gives you full control over texture and flavor. You can adjust the thickness and add spices. However, it takes more time.
Refrigerated crust is quick and easy. It still provides a nice flaky texture. You can find it at most grocery stores. Both options work well, so pick what suits your time and skill level.
Can I use frozen apples for the filling?
Yes, you can use frozen apples. Thaw them first to avoid a soggy filling. Drain any extra liquid after thawing. This helps keep the hand pies crisp.
You can add a bit more cornstarch if the filling is too wet. This will help thicken the mixture. Just remember to mix well before filling your crusts.
What’s the best way to know when they are done?
Look for a golden brown color on the pies. This shows they are cooked through. The edges should also be crispy. If you notice any puffing, that’s a good sign too!
You can also use a toothpick. Insert it into a pie to check if it’s hot inside. If it comes out clean, they are ready. Enjoy your warm, crispy hand pies!
You learned how to make tasty air fryer apple hand pies from scratch. We covered key ingredients like apples and spices, and explored crust options. You got step-by-step instructions on filling, assembling, and cooking. We also shared tips to perfect your pies and ideas for variations. Finally, we discussed storage and reheating methods to keep your hand pies fresh. Now, you can impress everyone with your delicious homemade treats! Enjoy every bite and share your creations with friends and family.
. To make your hand pies a hit, you must avoid soggy bottoms. A few simple tricks can help. First, make sure your filling isn't too wet. Use cornstarch to thicken it, as it absorbs extra moisture. Let the apple filling rest for about 10 minutes. This step allows the flavors to blend and helps with moisture control. Next, consider the pie crust. Pre-baking the crust for a minute or two in the air fryer can give you that extra crispiness. This technique helps create a barrier against moisture from the filling. Spices are another fun area to explore. While cinnamon is classic, don't be afraid to experiment. Try adding nutmeg or allspice for a warm twist. You could even use ginger for a zesty kick. Personalizing the flavor can make your hand pies unique! Pairing your hand pies with the right sides can elevate your dessert. A scoop of vanilla ice cream goes perfectly with warm hand pies. You can also serve them with a drizzle of caramel sauce. The sweetness complements the tart apples well. For leftover hand pies, store them in an airtight container. They can last for about three days in the fridge. To keep them fresh, place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. If you want to enjoy them later, freezing is a great option. Simply wrap each pie in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months. To reheat, use your air fryer at 350°F for about 5-8 minutes. This method keeps them crispy! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions. {{image_2}} You can mix up your apple hand pies with different fillings. For a fruity twist, try berries or peaches. - Berries: Use blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries. These fruits add a nice tartness. - Peaches: Fresh or canned peaches bring a juicy sweetness. If you want to get creative, consider savory fillings. Adding cheese or meat can change the game. - Cheese: Try a mix of cream cheese and herbs. This gives a rich flavor. - Meat: Cooked chicken or ham can make a fun hand pie. Making your hand pies fit different diets is easy. You can find options for gluten-free and vegan diets. - Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pie crusts. Many brands offer great taste and texture. - Vegan: Substitute the egg wash with almond milk or a mix of flour and water. Use coconut oil instead of butter for the filling. These adjustments keep the deliciousness while meeting dietary needs. For more details, check the Full Recipe. To keep your air fryer apple hand pies fresh, store them in an airtight container. They can stay good in the fridge for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, freezing is a great option. To freeze, place the hand pies on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. For reheating, the air fryer is your best friend. It keeps the hand pies crispy. Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5-7 minutes. You can also use the oven. Preheat it to the same temperature and bake for about 10 minutes. To keep them crispy, avoid using the microwave, as it makes them soggy. Enjoy your delicious hand pies warm! You can choose between homemade or refrigerated pie crust. Homemade crust gives you full control over texture and flavor. You can adjust the thickness and add spices. However, it takes more time. Refrigerated crust is quick and easy. It still provides a nice flaky texture. You can find it at most grocery stores. Both options work well, so pick what suits your time and skill level. Yes, you can use frozen apples. Thaw them first to avoid a soggy filling. Drain any extra liquid after thawing. This helps keep the hand pies crisp. You can add a bit more cornstarch if the filling is too wet. This will help thicken the mixture. Just remember to mix well before filling your crusts. Look for a golden brown color on the pies. This shows they are cooked through. The edges should also be crispy. If you notice any puffing, that’s a good sign too! You can also use a toothpick. Insert it into a pie to check if it's hot inside. If it comes out clean, they are ready. Enjoy your warm, crispy hand pies! You learned how to make tasty air fryer apple hand pies from scratch. We covered key ingredients like apples and spices, and explored crust options. You got step-by-step instructions on filling, assembling, and cooking. We also shared tips to perfect your pies and ideas for variations. Finally, we discussed storage and reheating methods to keep your hand pies fresh. Now, you can impress everyone with your delicious homemade treats! Enjoy every bite and share your creations with friends and family.](https://soyumrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/e5efb682-d938-46bc-9f52-ebe9ea464e70-250x250.webp)