Are you ready for a snack that warms your heart? Let’s make Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies! These sweet treats are packed with juicy apples and spices, all nestled in a flaky crust. In just a few easy steps, you’ll have delicious hand pies that are perfect for sharing or enjoying alone. Ready to impress your taste buds? Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
Ingredients
To make Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies, you need the following ingredients:
– 2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
– 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
– 1 package of refrigerated pie crusts (contains 2 crusts)
– 1 egg, beaten (for the egg wash)
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for topping)
You can find these items at any grocery store. Granny Smith apples work best because they are tart and hold their shape. The lemon juice helps keep the apples fresh and bright. Brown sugar and cinnamon add sweetness and warmth. The butter makes the filling rich. The pie crusts save time, but you can make your own if you prefer. The egg wash gives the pies a nice golden color. The sugar on top adds a sweet crunch.
Gather your ingredients, and let’s create something delicious! For the full recipe, refer to Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies .
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Apple Filling
– Combine diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter.
– Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes.
To make the apple filling, start by mixing diced Granny Smith apples with fresh lemon juice. This juice helps keep the apples bright and fresh. Add packed brown sugar for sweetness and ground cinnamon for warmth. Finally, mix in melted butter to add richness. After mixing, let it sit for about 10 minutes. This waiting time softens the apples and blends the flavors nicely.
Preparing the Pie Crusts
– Unroll and cut the refrigerated pie crusts into circles.
– Create a total of 8 circles using a large round cutter.
Next, grab your refrigerated pie crusts. Unroll them onto a clean surface. Use a large round cutter to cut out circles. You should aim for 8 circles in total. This step is easy and fun. Keep the scraps for later if you want to make mini pies or decorations.
Filling and Sealing the Hand Pies
– Add apple filling to the pie circles.
– Seal the edges with water and a fork.
Now it’s time to fill the dough. Place about 1 tablespoon of apple filling in the center of half the pie circles. Be careful not to overfill; a small border is key to sealing. Lightly moisten the edges with water using your fingertip. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Use a fork to press the edges firmly. This keeps the delicious filling inside while they cook.
Brushing and Preheating
– Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar.
– Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
For a golden crust, brush the top of each hand pie with beaten egg. This egg wash gives a nice shine when baked. Sprinkle a little granulated sugar on top for extra sweetness and crunch. While you do this, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This step ensures even cooking right from the start.
Air Frying the Hand Pies
– Arrange hand pies in the air fryer basket.
– Cook for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
Carefully place the hand pies in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they do not touch each other. Cook them for 10 to 12 minutes. You want them to turn golden brown and crisp. Keep an eye on them; every air fryer cooks a bit differently.
Cooling and Serving
– Remove and cool on a wire rack.
– Serve warm, optionally with powdered sugar or ice cream.
Once cooked, take the hand pies out and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. This cooling helps keep the crust crisp. Serve them warm. You can dust them with powdered sugar or add a scoop of ice cream for a delightful treat. These hand pies are sure to please everyone!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Hand Pies
To make the best hand pies, you must keep the filling from being too watery. If it is too wet, the pies will get soggy. Mix the diced apples with the lemon juice, brown sugar, and cinnamon well. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to help the flavors blend.
Also, use cold pie crusts. Cold crusts help create a flaky texture. Storing them in the fridge before use makes a big difference.
Cooking Techniques
When you cook these hand pies, you may need to adjust the time. Different air fryer models may cook at different speeds. Start with 10 minutes and check for doneness. If they need more time, add a minute or two.
Flipping the hand pies halfway through helps them brown evenly. This way, both sides get that perfect golden color.
Serving Suggestions
To serve your hand pies, try pairing them with ice cream or whipped cream. The warm pie and cold cream create a delicious contrast.
Dust them with powdered sugar for a fancy finish. It adds sweetness and makes the pies look beautiful.
For the full recipe, check the Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies .
Variations
Different Fruit Fillings
You can switch out apples for pears or berries. Both fruits bring a sweet and juicy twist. If you want more texture, add nuts or raisins. These little extras create a surprise in every bite.
Flavor Enhancements
Think about adding spices like nutmeg or ginger. These spices can change the flavor profile and make your hand pies special. A splash of vanilla extract can also add richness. This small step brings warmth and depth to your dessert.
Alternative Crusts
For a new texture, use puff pastry instead of pie crust. Puff pastry gives a flaky and light bite. If you need gluten-free options, look for gluten-free pie crusts. They still taste great and fit dietary needs.
Storage Info
Storing Leftover Hand Pies
You can keep leftover hand pies fresh easily. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to save them longer, freeze the pies. They will stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just make sure they are sealed well to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating Instructions
To enjoy your hand pies again, reheat them in the air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for a few minutes. This helps keep the crust crispy. If you prefer a crispier texture, use your oven instead. This method works well and gives you a delightful snack once more!
FAQs
Can I make Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies in advance?
Yes, assemble them and refrigerate until ready to cook. This makes it easy to have a fun snack on hand.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking?
Ensure proper sealing and avoid overfilling. A little filling goes a long way!
What other toppings can I use?
Consider caramel drizzle, chocolate sauce, or cinnamon sugar. These add great flavor!
Is it possible to use homemade pie crust?
Absolutely! Homemade crusts can enhance the flavor. Plus, it adds a personal touch.
How do I know when the hand pies are done?
Look for a golden brown color and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This means they are perfectly cooked!
Full Recipe
For a detailed recipe, refer to Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies .
This recipe is simple and fun to make. You will love how easy it is to create these tasty treats. Here’s a closer look at the steps you need to follow.
– Prepare the Apple Filling: Start by mixing diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter. This mix gives the apples a sweet, tangy flavor. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. This step helps soften the apples and blend the flavors.
– Prepare the Pie Crusts: Unroll the refrigerated pie crusts on a clean surface. Use a large round cutter or a glass rim to cut each crust into circles. You will make 8 circles total.
– Fill the Hand Pies: Place about 1 tablespoon of the apple mix in the center of half the circles. Be sure not to overfill them. Leave some space around the edges for sealing.
– Seal the Edges: Lightly dampen the edges of the filled circles with a tiny bit of water. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Use a fork to press the edges tightly. This keeps the filling inside while they cook.
– Add Egg Wash and Sugar: Brush the tops of each hand pie with the beaten egg. This gives them a nice golden color. Sprinkle a little granulated sugar on top for sweetness and a nice crunch.
– Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
– Air Fry the Hand Pies: Place the hand pies in a single layer in the basket. Make sure they don’t touch each other. Air fry them for 10-12 minutes until they turn golden brown and crisp.
– Cool and Serve: Once done, take the hand pies out and let them cool on a wire rack. This makes the crust even crispier.
You can serve them warm with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a special treat. Enjoy your delicious air fryer apple hand pies!
You learned how to make delicious Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies. We covered the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and useful tips. Now you can enjoy a treat that’s easy and fun to make. Try different fillings or toppings to make them unique. Don’t forget to store leftovers properly. With these hand pies, you’ll impress friends and family. Enjoy your baking adventure!
