Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies

$- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1/3 cup brown sugar - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - 1 tablespoon butter, melted - 1 package (1 lb) refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade pie dough) - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) - Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional) Alternative fruits for filling You can swap apples with pears or berries. Use what you love. Gluten-free pie crust options Look for gluten-free pie crusts in stores. You can also make your own with gluten-free flour. Sugar substitutes Try using coconut sugar or stevia. Both will keep the sweetness without regular sugar. First, gather your ingredients. You need two medium apples, diced, and some lemon juice. In a medium bowl, mix the diced apples with one tablespoon of lemon juice. Add in 1/3 cup of brown sugar, one teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg. Lastly, stir in one tablespoon of cornstarch. This helps thicken the filling. Mix well until the apples are coated. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes. This allows the sugar to draw out the juices from the apples. Next, let’s make the crust. Roll out the refrigerated pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Cut them into circles, about 5 inches in diameter. You should get around 6-8 circles from each crust. Now, place about two tablespoons of the apple filling in the center of each dough circle. Brush the edges of the dough with melted butter. This helps the edges seal better. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges with a fork to seal. You can crimp by hand for a nice touch. Now it’s time to cook the hand pies! Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Lightly brush the tops of the hand pies with the beaten egg for a golden finish. If you want, sprinkle some extra cinnamon and sugar on top. Place the hand pies in the air fryer basket. You might need to do this in batches. Cook for 10-12 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even cooking. They should turn golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, carefully remove the hand pies from the air fryer. Let them cool for a few minutes before enjoying! For crispy hand pies, set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This temperature helps create a nice crunch. Flip the hand pies halfway through cooking. This step ensures even browning on both sides. To avoid sogginess, do not overcrowd the basket. Give each pie room to breathe. Crimping the edges is key to a good seal. Use a fork to press down along the edges. This method keeps the filling inside while cooking. You can also pinch the edges with your fingers for a decorative look. To prevent leaks, brush the edges with melted butter before sealing. If you want a golden finish, consider vegan options. Use a mixture of almond milk and maple syrup instead of egg. This blend gives a nice color without using animal products. You can also use regular milk or cream for a similar effect. {{image_2}} You can change the filling to surprise your taste buds. Adding nuts or raisins brings a nice crunch and sweetness. Chopped walnuts or pecans work well. They add texture and a rich flavor. Raisins provide a chewy element that pairs perfectly with apples. You can also spice it up! Try adding cardamom or allspice to the apple mix. These spices add warmth and depth. Just a pinch can elevate the taste and make your pies unique. Experimenting is the fun part of cooking! The dough you choose can change the hand pies a lot. Whole wheat dough offers a nutty flavor and is more nutritious. Puff pastry gives a light, flaky texture that's hard to resist. Both options can be delicious! You can use homemade or store-bought dough. Homemade dough lets you control the ingredients. It can be fun to make, but store-bought is quick and easy. Both ways can lead to tasty hand pies. Serving your hand pies can be just as fun as making them! A scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream pairs great with warm pies. The cold creaminess contrasts nicely with the warm filling. These hand pies aren’t just for dessert. They make a tasty breakfast or snack too! You can grab one on the go or serve them at a brunch. They are versatile and always a hit! To keep your apple hand pies fresh, store them in the fridge. Use an airtight container to avoid drying out. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap. This method helps keep them moist. If you want to save them for longer, freezing is a great option. Place the hand pies in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as you can. They will stay fresh for about three months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat your hand pies, reheating is key to keeping them crispy. Place them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This method brings back the crunch. If you freeze them, first thaw them in the fridge overnight. Then, heat them using the same method. Thawed pies will take about 7-10 minutes to warm up. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. Stored apple hand pies last for about 3-4 days in the fridge. Make sure to check for signs of spoilage. Look for any changes in color or smell. If they feel soggy or have an off taste, it’s best to toss them. Freezing can extend their life to three months. Always label your freezer bags with the date for easy tracking. Making pie dough from scratch is easy. You need just four simple ingredients. Here’s a quick overview: - 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup cold butter, diced - 3-4 tablespoons cold water Start by mixing the flour and salt in a bowl. Add the cold butter and mix until it looks like crumbs. Next, slowly add the cold water until the dough forms. Roll it out on a floured surface. Chill the dough for about 30 minutes before using. This will give you a nice, flaky crust for your apple hand pies. Yes, you can make apple hand pies ahead of time. Here are the best storage methods: - Refrigeration: Store uncooked hand pies in the fridge for up to 24 hours. - Freezing: For longer storage, freeze them before cooking. Place the pies on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can stay frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to bake, cook them straight from the freezer. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time. Using the right apples makes a big difference. Here are my top recommendations: - Granny Smith: These apples are tart and hold their shape well. - Honeycrisp: Sweet and juicy, they add great flavor. - Fuji: These apples are crisp and sweet, perfect for a balanced pie. Mixing different apples can also create a delightful taste. Enjoy experimenting with flavors! In this blog post, I shared how to make delicious apple hand pies. You learned about the key ingredients, like fresh apples, brown sugar, and spices. I explained simple steps for preparation, assembly, and air frying. I also included tips for sealing, variations, and storage. Making these hand pies can be fun and easy. You can enjoy them as treats or snacks anytime. With these clear instructions and helpful tips, you’re ready to bake and share!$

Create a delightful treat with these Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies, perfect for any occasion! Made with fresh diced apples and warm spices, these crispy pastries are super easy to prepare. Learn how to whip up this delicious dessert with just a few simple ingredients. Click to discover the full recipe and bring the cozy flavors of homemade apple pie to your kitchen in no time! Enjoy a sweet moment today!

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Ingredients

2 medium apples, peeled and diced

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/3 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 tablespoon butter, melted

1 package (1 lb) refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade pie dough)

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

Instructions

In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. Mix well until the apples are coated, then let it sit for about 10 minutes to allow the sugar to draw out juices.

Roll out the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Cut them into circles, about 5 inches in diameter. You should get about 6-8 circles per crust.

Place about 2 tablespoons of the apple filling in the center of each dough circle.

Brush the edges of the dough with some melted butter to help them seal better. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and press the edges with a fork to seal, or crimp by hand for a decorative touch.

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).

Lightly brush the tops of the hand pies with the beaten egg for a golden finish. Optional: sprinkle a little extra cinnamon and sugar on top.

Place the hand pies in the air fryer basket (you may need to do this in batches) and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

Once cooked, carefully remove the hand pies from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes.

Dust with powdered sugar before serving if desired for a sweet finish.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 6-8 hand pies