Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies

$- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 cup powdered sugar - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed - 5-6 tablespoons ice water - 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 tablespoon brown sugar - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) - Optional: powdered sugar for dusting If you need substitutes, here are some ideas: - Instead of all-purpose flour, try whole wheat flour. - If you don’t have powdered sugar, use granulated sugar. - Coconut oil can replace unsalted butter for a dairy-free option. - For the egg wash, you can use milk or a plant-based milk. Choose apples that are firm and crisp for the best flavor. - Granny Smith apples add tartness and hold their shape well. - Honeycrisp apples offer a nice balance of sweet and tart. - Look for apples that are shiny and smooth, not dull. - Avoid apples with bruises or soft spots, as they can ruin your pies. To start, gather your ingredients. You need flour, salt, powdered sugar, and cold butter. Use a food processor for this step. Mix the flour, salt, and powdered sugar first. Then, add the cold butter. Pulse until the mix looks like small crumbs. Next, add ice water one tablespoon at a time. Pulse until the dough starts forming. Once it does, shape it into a disc. Wrap the disc in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes. This step keeps the dough firm and easy to roll. While the dough chills, prepare the apple filling. Take two medium apples, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Peel, core, and dice them into small pieces. In a bowl, mix the diced apples with cinnamon, lemon juice, and brown sugar. This mix will create a sweet and tangy filling. Let it sit for a bit. This lets the flavors blend perfectly, making each bite tasty. Now it’s time to assemble your hand pies. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface. Aim for a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Cut the dough into circles or squares, around 4 to 5 inches wide. Place a spoonful of your apple mixture in the center of each piece. Be careful not to overfill. If you do, the filling will leak out. Moisten the edges of the dough with water. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges and ensure they stay closed. Before cooking, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This should take about 5 minutes. While it heats, brush the top of each hand pie with the beaten egg. This gives them a nice golden color. Place the hand pies in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they don’t touch each other. You may need to cook in batches if your air fryer is small. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden brown. Check halfway through cooking for even browning. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. For a sweet touch, dust with powdered sugar. Enjoy your delicious air fryer apple hand pies! To get crispy hand pies, use cold butter in your dough. This keeps the fat solid. When you bake, the butter melts and creates air pockets. These pockets make the crust light and flaky. Roll the dough thin, about 1/8-inch thick. This helps it cook evenly in the air fryer. Make sure to preheat your air fryer for at least 5 minutes. This step ensures a nice, crisp finish. One common mistake is overfilling the pies. If you add too much filling, they can burst while cooking. Keep the filling to a spoonful. Also, ensure you seal the edges well. Use water to moisten the edges before sealing. If not sealed, the filling will leak out. Lastly, don’t skip the egg wash. It gives your pies a golden color and a nice shine. Spices can make your hand pies even better. Cinnamon is a classic choice, but you can try others, too. Nutmeg works well with apples. A pinch can add warmth and depth. You can also add a bit of vanilla extract to the apple mixture. This adds a sweet, fragrant note. For a twist, consider adding a dash of ginger or cardamom for a unique flavor. {{image_2}} You can change the filling for your hand pies. Instead of apples, try pears, peaches, or berries. Each fruit brings a unique flavor. For berries, use fresh or frozen. Just remember to adjust sugar based on sweetness. This makes each pie special and fun. You can make these hand pies gluten-free. Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Make sure it has xanthan gum for better texture. The rest of the recipe stays the same. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty treats. Add cream cheese for a rich twist. Mix it with your fruit filling for a creamy bite. You can also drizzle caramel sauce inside or on top. This sweet touch takes the flavors up a notch. Both options make your hand pies even more delightful. Store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. This way, you can enjoy them later without losing flavor. To reheat your hand pies, use the air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This method keeps the crust crispy. You can also use a toaster oven. Just be sure to check often so they don’t overcook. You can freeze uncooked hand pies before air frying. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, just cook them straight from the freezer. For cooked pies, let them cool first. Then, wrap them tightly and freeze. Use within two months for the best taste. Yes, you can make the hand pies ahead of time. You can prepare the dough and filling and store them separately in the fridge for up to two days. When you are ready to cook, roll out the dough and fill the pies. If you want to make them even earlier, you can freeze the assembled pies. Just make sure to wrap them well to avoid freezer burn. Each air fryer may cook differently. Most models cook at 375°F (190°C). Start with 10 to 12 minutes. Check the pies halfway through cooking. If your air fryer runs hot, they may need less time. If it runs cooler, you might need to add a few minutes. Always keep an eye on them to avoid burning. The hand pies are done when they are golden brown and crispy. You can check the color of the crust. If it looks a rich golden hue, they are likely ready. You can also gently press the pies; they should feel firm, not soft. Yes, these hand pies are suitable for vegetarian diets. The filling contains only apples and spices. The dough includes basic ingredients and no meat. Just ensure that any optional toppings are also vegetarian-friendly. You can serve these hand pies with various tasty options. Here are a few ideas: - Vanilla ice cream - Whipped cream - Caramel sauce - A drizzle of chocolate sauce - Fresh whipped yogurt Each of these adds a nice touch and makes the dessert even more delightful. You learned about making delicious Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies. We covered the ingredients, how to make the dough, and tips for a crispy finish. I shared ideas for variations and how to store leftovers. Making these hand pies is fun and simple. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can impress friends and family. Experiment with fruit fillings and spices to find your favorite flavors. Enjoy every bite!$

Indulge in these delightful Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies that are sure to impress! With a flaky crust and sweet apple filling spiced with cinnamon, these hand pies are perfect for any occasion. Discover the easy steps to create this delicious treat using your air fryer, from making the dough to achieving that golden finish. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring a taste of homemade goodness to your table!

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Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup powdered sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

5-6 tablespoons ice water

2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

Make the Dough: In a food processor, combine the flour, salt, and powdered sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, pulsing until the dough starts to come together. Form it into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Prepare the Apple Filling: In a medium bowl, mix the diced apples, cinnamon, lemon juice, and brown sugar until well combined. Set aside to let the flavors meld while the dough chills.

Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut it into squares or circles (about 4-5 inches across).

Fill the Pies: Place a spoonful of the apple mixture in the center of each dough piece. Be careful not to overfill, as it will make sealing difficult.

Seal the Pies: Moisten the edges of the dough with a little water. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape or place a second piece over the top. Press the edges together firmly, then crimp with a fork to seal completely.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.

Egg Wash and Cook: Brush the top of each hand pie with the beaten egg to give them a golden color when cooked. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching. You may need to do this in batches.

Air Fry the Hand Pies: Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Check halfway through to ensure even cooking, and adjust the time as necessary based on your air fryer model.

Serve: Once cooked, let them cool slightly. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar before serving for an extra sweet touch.

Prep Time: 30 min | Total Time: 1 hr | Servings: 8 hand pies