Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies – Flaky, Sweet, and Perfectly Golden Every Time
When fall rolls around, nothing smells cozier than the aroma of apples, cinnamon, and pastry baking (or in this case, air-frying!) in the kitchen. These Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies are everything you love about a warm apple pie — gooey, sweet filling wrapped in a golden, flaky crust — but in a perfectly portioned handheld form.
They’re quick to make, easy to customize, and cook up beautifully crisp in the air fryer without the need for deep frying or turning on your oven. Whether you’re looking for a simple dessert, a sweet breakfast treat, or something to bring to a fall gathering, these hand pies will instantly become a family favorite.
Let’s dive into how to make these irresistibly crisp and cozy little apple pies right at home.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade, if preferred)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
- Optional glaze: ½ cup powdered sugar + 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions:
- Prepare the apple filling: Peel, core, and dice the apples into small cubes. In a small skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir occasionally and cook for 5–7 minutes until the apples soften.
- Thicken the filling: In a small bowl, stir cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water to make a slurry. Add this mixture to the apples and cook for another 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
- Cut the dough: Roll out the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Using a round cutter or glass (about 4 inches wide), cut out circles.
- Assemble the pies: Place a spoonful of apple filling in the center of half the dough circles. Brush the edges lightly with water, then place another dough circle on top. Seal the edges by pressing with a fork.
- Add egg wash: Whisk egg and water together, then brush over each hand pie. Sprinkle lightly with granulated sugar for extra crunch.
- Air fry: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the pies in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between them. Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crisp.
- Optional glaze: Mix powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl. Once the pies cool slightly, drizzle the glaze over the tops for extra sweetness.
- Serve warm: These are best enjoyed right away when the pastry is crisp and the filling is warm and fragrant.
Tips & Tricks
- Choose firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn for the best texture.
- Don’t overfill your pies — too much filling can cause leaks during air frying.
- Use parchment rounds or lightly spray your air fryer basket to prevent sticking.
- For a caramel twist, drizzle caramel sauce inside with the filling before sealing.
- These pies are also delicious served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare apple filling by cooking apples with butter, sugar, and spices.
- Thicken with cornstarch slurry, then cool completely.
- Cut dough into circles and fill with apple mixture.
- Seal edges with a fork, brush with egg wash, and sprinkle with sugar.
- Air fry at 350°F for 8–10 minutes until golden brown.
- Drizzle with optional glaze and serve warm.
Notes
Variations
- Cinnamon Sugar Coated: Instead of glazing, brush the warm pies with melted butter and toss in cinnamon sugar.
- Berry Hand Pies: Swap apples for blueberries or mixed berries and a splash of lemon juice.
- Apple-Cranberry Twist: Add ¼ cup dried cranberries to the filling for a tart pop.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter and skip the egg wash—brush with oat milk or coconut oil instead.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these air fryer apple hand pies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a cozy dessert. They also make a delightful breakfast pastry with coffee or chai tea. For gatherings, you can make mini versions for bite-sized treats that are both adorable and delicious.
Storage Information
Store cooled hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 325°F (160°C) for 3–4 minutes to regain that crispy texture.
For longer storage, freeze uncooked pies on a tray until solid, then store in a freezer bag. Air fry from frozen for 2–3 minutes longer than usual.
FAQ
Q: Can I bake these in the oven instead of an air fryer?
A: Absolutely! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes until golden brown.
Q: Can I use canned pie filling?
A: Yes, you can! Just use about 1 tablespoon per pie to avoid overfilling.
Q: How do I prevent soggy pies?
A: Let the apple filling cool completely before assembling, and don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket.
History / Fun Facts
Hand pies have been around for centuries, originally created as portable meals for travelers and workers. Versions of them appear in cultures all over the world — from Cornish pasties to Jamaican patties to American fruit hand pies.
In this modern twist, we take the classic apple pie and give it a fun, air-fried upgrade. The air fryer perfectly crisps the crust while keeping the filling warm and gooey inside — all with less oil and less mess. It’s comfort food meets convenience, and it’s guaranteed to become one of your go-to desserts all year long.
