Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies – A Cozy Fall Treat in Minutes
If you love the warm, nostalgic flavor of baked apples, buttery crusts, and a hint of cinnamon spice, you’re going to fall in love with Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies. This quick and cozy dessert captures everything you adore about homemade apple pie — but without the hassle of rolling out large crusts, preheating the oven, or waiting forever for a pie to cool.
Perfectly golden, crisp on the outside, and gooey on the inside, these mini pies are a dream come true for busy families, dessert lovers, or anyone craving something sweet and comforting. And the best part? They’re made right in your air fryer, so they’re ready in a fraction of the time of a traditional pie.
Whether you’re planning a cozy autumn dessert night, a Thanksgiving appetizer, or just need a quick treat with your morning coffee, these Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies will make your kitchen smell like a bakery and your taste buds dance with joy.
🍎 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: No oven needed — the air fryer does all the work in about 10 minutes.
- Perfectly Portionable: Individual hand pies are great for kids, guests, or lunchbox treats.
- No Mess, No Stress: Minimal cleanup thanks to pre-made crusts or simple homemade dough.
- Crispy Yet Tender: The air fryer gives the pies that perfect golden crunch without drying them out.
- Customizable: Add caramel drizzle, use puff pastry, or swap in pears or peaches for a fun twist.
🍏 Ingredients
For the Apple Filling:
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tsp water (for thickening)
For the Hand Pies:
- 1 package refrigerated pie crust (or homemade, if preferred)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp water (to thin the egg wash)
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar + 1/4 tsp cinnamon (for sprinkling)
For the Optional Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk (or cream)
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Apple Filling
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced apples, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Stir frequently until apples start to soften (about 5–6 minutes). Mix in the cornstarch slurry and cook another minute until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
2. Prepare the Pie Crusts
Unroll your pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Use a round cookie cutter (about 4 inches wide) to cut circles. You should get 8–10 circles per crust. Re-roll scraps if necessary.
3. Assemble the Hand Pies
Spoon 1–2 tablespoons of apple filling into the center of half of the crust circles. Top each with another circle, pressing the edges together with a fork to seal.
4. Apply Egg Wash
In a small bowl, whisk the egg and water together. Brush each pie with egg wash, then sprinkle lightly with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
5. Air Fry the Pies
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray the basket with nonstick spray. Arrange the pies in a single layer (work in batches if necessary). Air fry for 8–10 minutes or until golden brown and crisp.
6. Add Optional Glaze
In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over cooled pies for a bakery-style finish.
7. Serve & Enjoy
Serve warm for the ultimate comfort dessert. Pair with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a saucepan, melt butter and cook apples with sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice for 5–6 minutes.
- Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook 1 minute until thickened. Cool completely.
- Cut pie crusts into 4-inch circles on a floured surface.
- Add apple filling to half the circles, top with another circle, and seal edges with a fork.
- Brush each pie with egg wash and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook pies for 8–10 minutes until golden brown.
- Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make glaze. Drizzle over cooled pies.
Notes
🍂 Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies
- Don’t Overfill: Too much filling can cause leaks during air frying.
- Cool Filling Before Assembling: Warm filling makes the dough harder to seal.
- Use Parchment Paper Rounds: Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Different air fryer models may vary — check at the 8-minute mark.
- Freeze for Later: These pies freeze beautifully before or after cooking. Just reheat in your air fryer for a quick dessert anytime.
🥧 Variations
- Caramel Apple Hand Pies: Add 1 tablespoon of caramel sauce to the filling for a gooey twist.
- Apple Pie with Puff Pastry: Use puff pastry sheets for an even flakier texture.
- Vegan Version: Use vegan butter, a dairy-free pie crust, and skip the egg wash (use plant milk instead).
- Spiced Pear Pies: Substitute pears for apples and add a pinch of ginger.
- Apple-Cranberry Combo: Add a handful of dried cranberries for a tart contrast.
☕ Serving Suggestions
Serve these pies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or alongside a mug of hot apple cider. They’re also great as breakfast pastries with coffee or tea. If you’re hosting a fall brunch or Thanksgiving gathering, arrange them on a dessert board with pumpkin bars, cinnamon rolls, and chocolate-dipped apples.
🎃 Fun Facts About Hand Pies
Hand pies, also known as turnovers or pasties, have been around for centuries. Originally designed as portable meals for workers in fields or mines, they became a beloved comfort food around the world. In America, fruit-filled hand pies gained popularity in the 19th century, especially in Southern and Midwestern kitchens.
The air fryer revival has brought this humble dessert back with a modern twist—less oil, faster cooking, and an irresistibly crispy texture. It’s a win-win for tradition and convenience.
🧡 Why Air Fryer Desserts Are Game-Changers
Air fryers aren’t just for fries and wings. They’re a baker’s secret weapon for quick, evenly cooked desserts without preheating the oven. You save time, energy, and cleanup — all while getting that satisfying crunch and golden perfection.
From donuts to cookies to these Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies, dessert lovers are discovering that the air fryer can produce bakery-level results right at home.
🕒 Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store cooled hand pies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Wrap individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Pop in the air fryer at 325°F (160°C) for 3–4 minutes to restore crispiness.
🍴 Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies are the perfect blend of old-fashioned comfort and modern convenience. With their flaky crusts, spiced apple filling, and bakery-style aroma, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re making them for a fall party, Thanksgiving dessert, or just a quiet night in, they deliver big flavor in a small, handheld package.
So, dust off your air fryer, grab those apples, and get ready to fall in love with this sweet, easy, and totally irresistible treat!
