Air fryer apple pies are the perfect combination of crispy, flaky crust and warm, spiced apple filling. Whether you’re craving a quick dessert or a snack, these mini pies are easy to make and cook in a fraction of the time compared to traditional baking. This recipe gives you all the deliciousness of a homemade apple pie with much less effort. Let’s dive into how to make these tasty treats in your air fryer!
Ingredients:
- 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to thicken the filling)
- 1 package of refrigerated pie crusts (usually comes with 2 crusts)
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (for sprinkling on top)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Filling:
- Peel, core, and dice the apples into small pieces.
- In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. Stir until the apples are well coated. The cornstarch will help thicken the juices as the filling cooks.
- Prepare the Pie Crust:
- Roll out the pie crusts on a flat surface. Using a round cutter or a glass, cut out circles large enough to fit your air fryer basket (about 4 inches in diameter).
- Place a spoonful of the apple filling in the center of each pie crust circle. Be careful not to overfill, as it could cause the filling to spill out during cooking.
- Seal the Pies:
- Fold the pie crust over the apple filling to form a half-moon shape. Use a fork to press the edges together and seal the pies securely. This also helps create a decorative edge.
- Prepare for Air Frying:
- Brush each pie with melted butter to give it a golden, crispy finish.
- In a small bowl, whisk the egg and brush it over the top of each pie for a shiny, golden crust.
- Sprinkle the tops with brown sugar for added sweetness and crunch.
- Air Fry the Pies:
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the pies in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch. You may need to cook them in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Serve:
- Let the pies cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them as-is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence!
Tips & Tricks:
- Apple Selection: For the best texture and flavor, use apples that hold their shape when cooked, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. These apples balance sweetness and tartness, creating the perfect pie filling.
- Spice It Up: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. Add a pinch of ginger or allspice for extra warmth and flavor.
- Pre-made Pie Crusts: While homemade pie crusts are always an option, pre-made refrigerated pie crusts save time and still give great results. You can also use puff pastry for an extra flaky crust.
- Extra Crispy Crust: For an even crispier crust, spray the air fryer basket with a light coating of oil before adding the pies. This will help them crisp up nicely on all sides.
- Freezing for Later: You can freeze these pies before cooking them. Just assemble them, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze for about 30 minutes. Once frozen, transfer the pies to a freezer bag or airtight container. When ready to cook, air fry from frozen at 350°F for 12-14 minutes.
Notes:
- Air Fryer Size: The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size and model of your air fryer. Check the pies at the 10-minute mark to avoid overcooking.
- Pie Crust Edges: If the edges of your pie crusts are getting too dark, cover them with aluminum foil halfway through cooking to prevent burning.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve these pies with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream for an added treat!
FAQs:
Q: Can I make these apple pies ahead of time? A: Yes! You can prepare the pies and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. If you’re using frozen pies, just cook them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Q: Can I use a different type of fruit? A: Absolutely! You can swap the apples for other fruits like pears, peaches, or berries. Just make sure to adjust the sugar and spices accordingly, as different fruits have different sweetness levels.
Q: Can I make these apple pies without butter? A: Yes, you can omit the butter and use olive oil or coconut oil for a dairy-free option. The pies will still turn out crispy and golden.
Q: Why are my pies leaking filling? A: Make sure the pies are sealed properly before air frying. If you’re overfilling the pies, it could cause the filling to spill out during cooking. Try using less filling or pressing the edges more securely.
Q: Can I use a different type of crust? A: Yes, you can experiment with different types of crusts, such as puff pastry, gluten-free pie crust, or even phyllo dough for a different texture.
Easy Air Fryer Apple Pies
Ingredients:
- 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (for topping)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Filling:
- Peel, core, and dice apples into small pieces. In a bowl, mix apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. Stir until well combined.
- Assemble the Pies:
- Roll out pie crusts and cut into 4-inch circles. Place a spoonful of apple filling in the center of each circle. Fold crust over filling to form a half-moon shape. Seal edges with a fork.
- Prepare for Air Frying:
- Brush pies with melted butter. Beat egg and brush over the top of each pie. Sprinkle with brown sugar.
- Air Fry the Pies:
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place pies in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbling.
- Serve:
- Let pies cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy as is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
This easy recipe card is perfect for a quick reference when you’re making delicious, crispy air fryer apple pies!