Golden Air Fryer Apples

These golden air fryer apple pies capture the essence of a cozy autumn dessert with minimal effort. The combination of tart apples, warm spices, and a flaky crust baked to perfection in the air fryer creates a sweet ending that feels both indulgent and homey. Perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous treats, these hand pies deliver comforting flavors without the mess of traditional frying or baking.

The first time I made these pies I was amazed by how crispy and flaky the crust got in the air fryer. They've since become a go-to sweet treat that my kids ask for when the craving hits, often requesting extra glaze on top.

Ingredients

• Apples: Choose crisp tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and balanced flavor
• Brown sugar: Adds a rich caramel sweetness that softens the apples perfectly
• Lemon juice: A splash brightens the fruit and prevents it from turning brown
• Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and classic pie spice flavor Use fresh jars for the best aroma
• Ground nutmeg: Adds gentle complexity and depth Best if grated fresh from whole nutmeg
• Cornstarch: Thickens the filling so it stays neat and less runny
• Refrigerated pie crusts: Choose one that is flaky and golden when baked Make sure the crust is fully thawed for easier handling
• Egg: Provides a beautiful glossy finish when used in the egg wash
• Milk: Smooths the egg wash and tenderizes the crust
• Granulated sugar: Sprinkled on top for a golden color and crunchy finish
• Powdered sugar or glaze: Optional for drizzling over the finished pies for extra sweetness

Instructions

Prepare the Spiced Apple Filling:

Combine diced apples brown sugar lemon juice cinnamon nutmeg and cornstarch in a small saucepan Place over medium heat and cook for about six minutes stirring often until the apples soften and the mixture thickens to a jammy consistency with no pools of liquid Let the filling cool completely before using

Shape the Pastry Rounds:

Lay out the fully thawed pie crust sheets on a lightly floured surface Use a round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass about four to five inches in diameter to cut eight circles Gather any scraps roll them out again and cut more circles so you have eight total rounds

Fill and Seal the Hand Pies:

Place about one tablespoon of the cooled apple filling in the center of four rounds Top each with another pastry circle Use a fork to press the edges firmly all around to seal tightly so the filling doesn’t leak during cooking

Apply Egg Wash and Sugar:

Beat the egg with milk until fully combined Brush lightly over the tops and edges of each hand pie Sprinkle granulated sugar on top to help create a crispy golden finish

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Turn on your air fryer and set it to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit letting it preheat for three minutes so the pastry cooks evenly

Air Fry to Golden Perfection:

Place the hand pies in a single layer in the air fryer basket leaving space between them for air circulation You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer Cook for ten to twelve minutes or until the crust is deeply golden and crisp

Cool and Finish:

Carefully remove the pies with a spatula and let them cool on a wire rack until just warm Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with glaze if you want extra sweetness Serve warm for the best texture and flavor

One of my favorite little moments is sneaking bites of the caramelized apple edges that crisp up on the tray during baking That treat always brings a smile and the smell of these pies baking now means cozy movie nights with my family.

Storage Tips

Allow the pies to cool completely at room temperature to avoid soggy crusts from condensation Store them in an airtight container on the counter for up to two days or in the refrigerator for four days Refresh their crispiness by reheating gently in the air fryer for a couple of minutes before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have brown sugar try coconut sugar or maple syrup for a different but delicious sweetness Gluten-free pie crusts work well here if needed Swap the apples for diced pears or toss in dried cranberries to add tartness Mixing tart and sweet apples adds a lively flavor contrast.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch For brunch cut smaller pastry rounds to make mini hand pies Dipping the edges in cinnamon sugar after baking is a fun twist my friends adore giving them a donut-like feel.

Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.

FAQs About This Recipe

→ How do I prevent the filling from making the crust soggy?

Make sure the apple filling cools completely before filling the pastry. This reduces moisture seepage that can soften the crust during cooking.

→ Can other fruits be used instead of apples?

Pears or peaches work well when spiced and thickened similarly, offering a delicious variation for these hand pies.

→ What type of pie crust works best for these hand pies?

Using a pre-made refrigerated pie crust ensures flaky texture and convenience, though homemade dough is just as suitable.

→ How can I get the crust extra golden and crisp?

Brush the tops and edges with an egg wash and sprinkle sugar before air frying to achieve a shiny, crisp, and golden finish.

→ Is it possible to prepare these ahead of time?

You can assemble the hand pies and refrigerate them before cooking, but air frying them fresh ensures the best texture.