Air Fryer Hand Pies

Discover the art of convenience and flavor with our air fryer hand pies, where golden, flaky crust embraces a gooey sweet filling for a delightful treat.

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Prep Time15

Cook Time15

Total Time30

Servings

Table of Contents

Air Fryer Hand Pie Ingredients
Substitutions and Additions for Air Fryer Pie
How To Make Air Fryer Pies
Troubleshooting this Recipe
How To Serve Apple Pies Made in an Air Fryer
Storing Air Fryer Apple Pies
Why We Love This Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
More Recipes You’ll Love
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These apple air fryer hand pies are a modern twist on a family favorite. Imagine biting into a warm, flaky pastry, the crisp layers giving way to a sweet, gooey filling that’s bursting with flavor. It’s the kind of treat that makes you close your eyes and savor every bite. This recipe for homemade hand pies is all about indulgence without the guilt, thanks to the magic of the air fryer.

Apple Pies stacked on top of each other on a plate

One of our favorite things about having a food blog is the chance to experiment with new cooking methods and flavors. This recipe for air fryer hand pies is a result of that culinary curiosity.

When we decided to make hand pies using an air fryer, we knew it would take some trial and error to get everything just right.

After testing different fillings, crusts, and cooking times, we’re thrilled to share this recipe that perfectly combines a classic dessert with the convenience and benefits of the air fryer. The result is a crispy, golden hand pie that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy.

Air Fryer Hand Pie Ingredients

Air Fryer Apple Pie raw ingredients that are labeled

Ingredient Profile

This air fryer apple hand pies recipe centers around apple pie filling for its sweetness, enriched texture, and balanced warmth from cinnamon and nutmeg.

The convenience of refrigerated pie crusts provides a flaky contrast, while an egg-milk wash imparts a golden hue.

Coarse sugar adds crunch, and a drizzle of powdered sugar and milk glaze adds sweetness.

Ingredients Needed

1 box of refrigerated pie crusts
½ of a 20-ounce can of apple pie filling
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
⅛ teaspoon of nutmeg
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1 egg + 2 tablespoons of milk
4 tablespoons of coarse sugar

For The Glaze:

⅔ cup of powdered sugar + 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk

Substitutions and Additions for Air Fryer Pie

APPLE PIE FILLING: Try experimenting with different fruit pie filling like cherry or peach for a twist on the classic. You can also mix in chopped nuts or raisins for added texture.

PIE CRUSTS: Opt for pre-made puff pastry instead of traditional pie crusts for a flakier texture and elegant presentation. If you have a preferred homemade pie crust recipe

CINNAMON AND NUTMEG: For a more exotic flavor, consider cardamom and ginger as a spice blend.

COARSE SUGAR: Swap coarse sugar for turbinado sugar or sprinkle with a touch of sea salt for a sweet-savory balance.

GLAZE: Instead of a milk-based glaze, use citrus juice for a tangy zing, or infuse the glaze with a splash of flavored extract like almond or maple.

OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS

Make sure to check your air fryer manual for cooking time guidelines for your specific model, as times and temperatures vary depending on the type of air fryer you have.

How To Make Air Fryer Pies

By taking a classic dessert and giving it a modern twist, there’s a whole new way to enjoy a timeless apple pie. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this recipe:

STEP ONE: Place the apple pie filling, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl and mix well.

STEP TWO: Carefully cut the apple pieces into smaller pieces with scissors.

apples cut into smaller pieces in the bowl

STEP THREE: Roll out one pie crust on a lightly floured surface. With a round 3-inch cookie cutter, cut as many dough circles as you can.

Gather together the leftover pieces of pie crust, bring them together, and roll them out again. Repeat the process until all the pie crust is used.

STEP FOUR: Place a heaping tablespoon of the apple filling into the center of each circular pie.

apple pie filling placed on top of the circular pie

STEP FIVE: With the second pie crust, repeat step three to make the tops for each pie.

STEP SIX: Mix the egg and milk in a small bowl and brush the mixture around the edges before placing the tops on.

egg and milk mixture brushed on the pie crust

STEP SEVEN: With a fork, gently press around the edge of your pies to seal them.

STEP EIGHT: Brush the remaining egg mixture over the top of each hand pie with a pastry brush and sprinkle with coarse sugar.

egg mixture brushed on top of the apple pies and sprinkled with coarse sugar

STEP NINE: Cut a few small slits in the center of each pie before placing them in a single layer into the air fryer. Make sure to spray the inside of the air fryer with some oil first.

STEP TEN: Cook for 10-12 mins at 300°F or until golden brown.

PRO TIP:

You can also bake these hand pies in the oven. Just follow the baking instructions for the store-bought pastry you use. Or bake in a 350°F oven until golden brown.

STEP ELEVEN: Mix the powdered sugar with the milk for the glaze. Add 1 tablespoon of milk at a time to get the consistency you like. If it’s too runny, add more powdered sugar.

powdered sugar and milk combined in a bowl

Troubleshooting this Recipe

How To Serve Apple Pies Made in an Air Fryer

Serve these mini apple pies warm, either on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of temperatures enhances the experience, while the ice cream adds creaminess to the warm, spiced filling.

Pair these hand pies with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The airy cream complements the rich, fruit-filled interior.

Drizzle the apple pies with caramel sauce before enjoying them with a cup of coffee or vanilla latte.

Our blueberry hand pies and s’mores hand pies are two more flavors of these brilliant, individual-sized snacks.

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Storing Air Fryer Apple Pies

MAKE AHEAD: Prepare these easy apple hand pies up until the assembly step. Store the assembled but uncooked pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before air frying.

IN THE FRIDGE: Once cooked, store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.

IN THE FREEZER: To freeze, arrange the uncooked, assembled hand pies on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.

Transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag, separating each with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to three months.

When ready to enjoy, air fry directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

REHEATING: For reheating, air fry at 300°F (150°C) for 3-5 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, use a conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

Why We Love This Recipe

QUICK AND EASY DESSERT: With just a handful of ingredients and the magic of the air fryer, these delicious pies come together in no time. They’re a perfect last-minute dessert option that doesn’t compromise on taste.

PORTABILITY: These hand pies are not only delicious but also portable, making them a fantastic treat for gatherings, potlucks, and picnics.

CUSTOMIZATION: The recipe serves as a canvas for creativity. Experiment with different fillings, spices, and glazes to make these hand pies your own signature dessert.

close up shot of a bunch of Air Fryer Apple Pies with a bite taken out of one of them

These air fryer hand pies bring together the nostalgia of classic apple pie and the convenience of handheld treats. Their tasty flavors, portability, and ease of preparation make them a delightful addition to any occasion, from brunches to picnics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade pie crusts instead of refrigerated ones?

Absolutely! Just ensure your homemade pie crusts are rolled out to the appropriate thickness for these hand pies.

What other fruits can I use for the filling?

Experiment with berries, peaches, pears, or a combination of your favorite fruits for a unique twist.

Can I skip the egg wash?

While the egg wash adds a beautiful sheen and helps seal the pies, you can skip it if desired. Just keep in mind that the appearance may be slightly different.

Can I make mini versions of these hand pies for parties?

Use a smaller cookie cutter to create mini hand pies that are perfect for serving at parties or events.

Can I omit the glaze if I prefer less sweetness?

Absolutely! These hand pies are delicious on their own, and omitting the glaze won’t take away from the overall enjoyment.

Can I use fresh apples instead of canned filling?

Certainly! Peel, core, and dice fresh apples, then cook them down with sugar and spices until softened before using them as filling.

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