These air fryer apple pies feature a luscious, gooey, fruit-filled center bursting with flavor, all encased in a crispy, golden exterior. This apple pie recipe, spiced and air-fried to perfection, is just what you need. Using an air fryer makes this recipe not only quick and easy but also a healthier alternative to traditional frying. Get ready to delight your taste buds with the perfect combination of sweet and tart flavors wrapped in a flaky, buttery crust.
Ⅰ. Ingredients You’ll Need
Before diving into the cooking process, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious air fryer apple pies:
- Granny Smith Apples: These apples provide the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, holding up well during cooking without becoming too mushy.
- Light Brown Sugar: Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness to complement the tart apples.
- Salted Butter: Enhances the flavor and adds a creamy texture to the filling.
- Lemon Juice: Provides a hint of acidity to balance the sweetness and prevents the apples from browning.
- Ground Cinnamon: A classic spice that pairs beautifully with apples, adding warmth and depth to the flavor.
- Refrigerated Pie Crust: For a quick and easy crust that turns out flaky every time.
- Egg: Beaten for an egg wash that gives the pies a beautiful, golden brown finish.
- Powdered Sugar: For a touch of sweetness on top.
- Milk: Mixed with powdered sugar to create a simple glaze.
- Olive Oil Cooking Spray: Helps achieve a crispy exterior in the air fryer.
Ⅱ. Cooking Process
Now that we have our ingredients, let’s get cooking! Follow these steps to create your delicious air fryer apple pies:
1. Prepare the Filling:
Start by peeling and dicing the Granny Smith apples into small pieces to ensure they cook evenly and fit nicely within the pie crusts.
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the salted butter. Once melted, add the diced apples, light brown sugar, lemon juice, and ground cinnamon.
Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft and the mixture is thickened and caramelized. This usually takes about 10 minutes. Allow the filling to cool slightly before using.
2. Assemble the Pies:
Roll out the refrigerated pie crusts on a lightly floured surface and use a biscuit cutter or a glass to cut out circles of dough. The size can vary depending on your preference, but 4-inch circles work well.
Place a spoonful of the cooled apple filling in the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause the pies to burst open during cooking.
Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape and crimp the edges with a fork to seal. Make sure the edges are well-sealed to prevent any filling from leaking out.
3. Prepare for Air Frying:
In a small bowl, beat the egg and use a pastry brush to apply the egg wash over the tops of the pies. This gives them a beautiful, golden brown finish when cooked.
Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Place the hand pies in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
4. Air Fry:
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) if your model requires preheating.
Air fry the pies at 350°F for 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the cooking time to prevent overcooking.
5. Finishing Touches:
While the pies are still warm, mix powdered sugar with a little milk to create a simple glaze. The consistency should be thick enough to drizzle but not too runny.
Drizzle the glaze over the warm hand pies before serving. This adds an extra touch of sweetness and makes them look even more appetizing.
Ⅲ. Frequently Asked Questions
1.What type of apples work best?
Granny Smith apples are ideal due to their tart flavor and firm texture, which hold up well during cooking and provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the filling. However, you can experiment with other varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a different flavor profile.
2.How to choose the right pie crust?
Opt for a high-quality refrigerated pie crust for convenience. These are usually found in the refrigerated section of your grocery store. If you prefer homemade, ensure it is rolled out evenly to avoid uneven cooking and a flaky texture. Homemade crusts can add a personal touch and extra flakiness to your pies.
3.How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to five days or freeze them for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispiness before serving.
Ⅳ. Conclusion
These air fryer apple hand pies are the perfect blend of convenience and deliciousness. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a portable dessert, or a fun cooking project, this recipe has got you covered. The combination of a gooey apple filling and a crispy crust will have everyone reaching for seconds. So, grab your air fryer and get ready to enjoy these delightful treats!
