Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies Perfectly Delicious Treats

Are you craving a sweet treat that’s easy to make? Look no further! Air fryer apple hand pies are the perfect dessert. These mini delights burst with flavor and are a breeze to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a warm, flaky snack that impresses everyone. Let’s dive into how to whip up these perfectly delicious treats and satisfy your sweet tooth today!

Ingredients

Here’s what you need for these tasty Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies:

– 2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced

– 1 tablespoon lemon juice

– 1 teaspoon cinnamon

– 2 tablespoons brown sugar

– 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

– 1 package of pre-made pie crusts (or homemade if preferred)

– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

– Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

Gathering these ingredients is easy. Choose sweet apples for a great flavor. You can use store-bought pie crusts to save time. If you want to make your own, that works too! The lemon juice helps keep the apples fresh and bright. Cinnamon adds warmth and spice. Brown sugar gives a nice sweetness and depth. The flour helps thicken the filling to keep it from being too runny.

Once you have everything, you can start making these delicious hand pies. Each ingredient plays a role in creating the perfect treat. The mix of flavors will excite your taste buds, while the texture will make you want more. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to make them again and again!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Apple Filling

Start by dicing two large apples. I recommend using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a great balance of sweet and tart. Place the diced apples in a bowl. Add one tablespoon of lemon juice to keep the apples fresh. Then, sprinkle in one teaspoon of cinnamon, two tablespoons of brown sugar, and one tablespoon of flour. Mix everything well. This step helps coat the apples and adds flavor.

Assembling the Hand Pies

Next, take your pre-made pie crusts. Roll them out on a lightly floured surface to smooth any wrinkles. Use a round cutter, about four inches in diameter, to cut out circles. Place about one tablespoon of the apple mixture in the center of each dough circle. Make sure to leave a small border around the edges. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges to seal them well. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a nice look.

Air Frying the Hand Pies

Now it’s time to preheat your air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C) for about three minutes. While it heats, brush the tops of the hand pies with a beaten egg. This will give them a golden finish. Place the hand pies in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to do this in batches. Air fry them for 10 to 12 minutes. Look for a golden brown color and a crispy texture. Once done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. If you like, dust them with powdered sugar before serving.

Tips & Tricks

Best Apples for Hand Pies

You want apples that give great flavor and hold their shape. I suggest using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples.

– Granny Smith: They are tart and firm. They balance the sweetness well.

– Honeycrisp: These apples are sweet and juicy. They add a nice crunch.

Using a mix can also work well. It gives a blend of flavors in each bite.

Ensuring a Perfect Seal

A good seal keeps the filling inside. Here’s how to seal your hand pies:

– After placing the filling, fold the dough over carefully.

– Press the edges firmly to seal.

– Use a fork to crimp the edges. This adds a nice touch and helps seal better.

If you worry about leaks, you can brush a little water on the edges before sealing.

Making Hand Pies Ahead of Time

You can prep these pies ahead for easy baking later. Here are some tips:

– After assembling your hand pies, lay them on a baking sheet.

– Cover them with plastic wrap and store them in the fridge. They can stay fresh for one day.

– For longer storage, freeze the unbaked pies. Just make sure they are in a single layer.

When you’re ready to bake, just air fry them straight from the freezer. Add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Variations

Different Filling Options

You can change up the filling for your hand pies. Try using different fruits. Here are some tasty options:

– Pears: Sweet and juicy, these add a nice twist.

– Berries: Use blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries for a fresh flavor.

– Cherries: Tart cherries can give a sweet and sour taste.

– Peaches: Soft and sweet, these are great in summer.

Each fruit brings its own flavor. Feel free to mix and match, too!

Sweet vs. Savory Adaptations

Hand pies don’t have to be sweet. You can make them savory, too! Consider these ideas:

– Cheese and Spinach: Mix ricotta or feta cheese with spinach for a creamy filling.

– Meat and Veggies: Ground beef or chicken with diced veggies makes a hearty pie.

– Mushrooms and Herbs: Sautéed mushrooms with thyme or rosemary create a rich flavor.

Savory hand pies make great snacks or meals.

Gluten-Free and Vegan Options

If you need gluten-free or vegan options, I have ideas for you:

– Gluten-Free Crust: Use a gluten-free pie crust, which you can find at stores.

– Vegan Butter: Substitute regular butter with vegan butter for the crust.

– Egg Wash Substitute: Brush the pies with coconut milk instead of egg for a golden finish.

These swaps keep the flavors intact while meeting dietary needs. Enjoy your tasty treats!

Storage Info

How to Store Cooked Hand Pies

You can store cooked hand pies in the fridge or freezer. To keep them fresh, let them cool completely. Then, put them in an airtight container. If you have many, layer them with parchment paper between each one. For freezing, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag.

Reheating Hand Pies

To reheat your hand pies and keep them crispy, use an air fryer or oven. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5 minutes. If using the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10 minutes. This method keeps the crust nice and flaky.

Shelf Life Expectations

Cooked hand pies last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. If frozen, they can stay fresh for up to 3 months. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Freshness is key to enjoying these tasty treats!

FAQs

Can I use homemade pie crust for this recipe?

Yes, you can use homemade pie crust. To make your own, mix 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ cup of cold butter. Add 4-5 tablespoons of ice water until the dough forms. Roll it out on a floured surface. Cut circles just like with store-bought crust. This gives you a fresh taste.

How can I tell when the hand pies are done?

Look for a lovely golden brown color on the crust. The edges should be firm to the touch. If you poke them gently, they should feel crispy but not hard. You might also hear a slight crunch when you tap them. These signs mean your hand pies are ready to enjoy.

What can I serve with Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies?

You can serve these hand pies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a warm dessert. A drizzle of caramel sauce or chocolate sauce adds extra sweetness. You can also pair them with whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a fun twist. Enjoy these treats with friends or family!

Making air fryer apple hand pies is fun and easy. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips to make them perfect. You learned about variations like gluten-free or savory options.

Enjoy your delicious pies and impress your friends and family. These hand pies are great for any occasion. Now, grab your ingredients and start baking! Your kitchen will smell amazin