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Golden Air Fryer Apple Pies Recipe

4.8 from 147 reviews

These Golden Air Fryer Apple Pies are perfectly crisp, flaky, and bursting with warm spiced apple filling. Using refrigerated pie crust and an air fryer, this recipe offers a quick and easy way to enjoy classic homemade apple pies without heating up your oven. The filling features tart apples sweetened with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of lemon juice, cooked until tender and thickened. Finished with an egg wash and a sprinkle of sugar for a golden, crispy crust, these hand pies are ideal for a cozy dessert or snack, served warm and optionally dusted with powdered sugar or glaze.

Ingredients

Scale

Spiced Apple Filling

  • 2 cups diced tart apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • 3 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch

Hand Pies

  • 2 sheets refrigerated pie crust, thawed
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tbsp milk
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • Optional: powdered sugar or glaze for dusting or drizzling

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Spiced Apple Filling: Combine diced apples, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the apples soften and the mixture thickens, about 6 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool completely before using.
  2. Cut Pastry Rounds: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed pie crust sheets. Using a 4-5 inch round cutter or glass rim, cut eight rounds. Gather scraps, re-roll, and cut additional rounds if necessary to total eight.
  3. Fill and Seal Hand Pies: Place one tablespoon of the cooled apple filling onto the center of four pastry rounds. Cover each with a remaining round and firmly press the edges together using a fork to seal completely.
  4. Apply Egg Wash and Sugar: Whisk together the egg and milk until combined. Brush this mixture over the tops and edges of the hand pies. Sprinkle granulated sugar evenly on top to achieve a golden, crisp finish.
  5. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes to ensure even cooking.
  6. Air Fry Until Golden: Arrange the hand pies in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure to leave space between each. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and crisp. Cook in batches if necessary.
  7. Cool and Serve: Carefully remove the pies with a spatula and let them cool on a rack until warm to the touch. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with glaze before serving warm.

Notes

  • Use tart apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a balanced sweet-tart flavor.
  • Make sure the filling is completely cooled before filling the pies to prevent soggy crusts.
  • If you do not have an air fryer, these pies can also be baked in a conventional oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes.
  • Refrigerated pie crust sheets should be thawed properly before rolling and cutting to prevent cracking.
  • To make a glaze, mix powdered sugar with a little milk or lemon juice until drizzling consistency is achieved.
  • Store leftover pies in an airtight container and reheat in the air fryer or oven for best texture.

Keywords: apple pies, air fryer dessert, hand pies, spiced apple filling, quick apple pie, easy dessert, fall recipes