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Air fryer apple hand pies pack classic comfort into a perfectly portable package. These treats feature spiced apple filling tucked into flaky pastry and transformed till golden in the air fryer. They are a quick fix whether you crave an after-school snack or a nostalgic dessert without fussing with a full pie.
I remember baking these for a fall bake sale and they disappeared faster than any other treat. Now I use them as a go-to dessert when family visits, since you can make a whole batch in one afternoon.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated pie crust: Look for a brand that lists butter or real fat high in the ingredients for flakiness
- Granny smith apples: Choose bright green fruit with smooth skin for a tart flavor that balances the sweetness
- Lemon juice: Fresh juice works best and keeps the apples from browning
- Granulated sugar: Select fine white sugar for smooth blending and even sweetness
- Cinnamon: Pick ground cinnamon with a warm fragrance for that classic apple pie flavor
- Nutmeg: Freshly grated is ideal for bold spice notes but bottled works well too
- Salt: Fine salt enhances all the flavors
- Cornstarch: This thickens the filling for a jammy texture instead of runny juice
- Egg: An egg makes a shiny golden crust when used as a wash before baking
- Coarse sugar: Sprinkle on the crust for extra crunch and sparkle
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Filling:
- Cook chopped apples with lemon juice sugar spices and a bit of water over medium-low heat. Stir often so nothing burns and cook for about ten minutes until apples soften and the juices thicken into syrup
- Cool the Apples:
- Let the filling rest for about ten minutes off the heat so it thickens and does not melt the dough when assembled
- Roll and Cut the Dough:
- Roll out your pre-made dough and cut circles about four and a half inches across. Rest the dough briefly in the fridge if it gets too sticky to handle
- Fill and Seal the Pies:
- Spoon about two tablespoons of cooled apple filling onto each circle. Fold dough over and press edges together with a fork for a firm seal. Cut small slits in the top with a knife for steam to escape
- Brush and Sprinkle:
- Whisk the egg with a splash of water and brush it over the tops. Sprinkle coarse sugar for that iconic bakery finish
- Air Fry to Perfection:
- Heat your air fryer to 350 degrees for five minutes. Space pies apart in the basket so air circulates well. Bake eight to ten minutes until deep golden and crisp
- Cool and Serve:
- Let them rest a minute or two before eating so the filling does not burn your mouth. They are great fresh but taste delicious at room temperature too
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Granny smith apples are my favorite because they hold their shape and taste bright even after cooking. My kids love sneaking bits of cooled filling and helping seal the pies edges with little fork marks which makes baking together extra fun.
Storage Tips
Store leftover hand pies in an airtight container once fully cooled. They will keep at room temperature for two days or in the fridge for up to five days. For longer storage line a tray with parchment freeze until solid then transfer to a freezer bag and keep frozen for up to two months. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them up again.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have granny smith apples try honeycrisp or braeburn for a sweet and tart balance. Store-bought canned apple pie filling can save time just use two cans and skip making the filling from scratch. For a dairy free version check pie crust ingredients as some use butter or lard.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for maximum comfort. They also work well tucked into a lunch box instead of the usual granola bars. Dress up hand pies with a caramel drizzle or dust with powdered sugar for a special event.
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Cultural and Historical Context
Hand pies have deep American roots and often showed up in lunch pails of workers who needed portable hearty food. They are popular throughout the South but every region in the US has its own take with different fillings and crusts. Apples are a classic filling especially in autumn when orchards overflow.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of apples work best?
Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tartness, holding their shape and balancing the sweetness in the filling.
- → How do I prevent the hand pies from bursting open?
Seal the edges tightly with a fork and add small slits on top to allow steam to escape during cooking.
- → Can I use canned pie filling?
Yes, you can substitute canned apple filling if you prefer a quicker preparation method.
- → How do I keep the pies from sticking in the air fryer?
Place the hand pies on parchment paper or use a light spray of oil in the air fryer basket.
- → Can these be baked in a regular oven?
Absolutely—bake at 400°F for 14-16 minutes or until golden brown for excellent results.