Ultimate Guide to Making Air Fried Apple Pies

Air fried apple pies are a modern twist on a classic dessert that’s been adored for generations. Using an air fryer instead of a traditional oven, these mini pies cook in a fraction of the time while still delivering that irresistible crispy texture. Unlike deep-frying, which involves immersing the pies in oil, the air fryer uses circulating hot air to cook the pies evenly and quickly. This method results in a golden, crispy crust without the need for excessive oil, making the pies a healthier option than their fried counterparts.

Air Fried Apple Pies Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s begin by exploring a basic recipe for making air fried apple pies. For this guide, we’ll use puff pastry, which is quick and easy to work with, resulting in a flaky, buttery crust. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, this recipe is simple enough for anyone to follow.

Ingredients:

• 2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• 1 package of puff pastry (usually contains 2 sheets)
• 1 egg (for the egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon water (for the egg wash)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Apples: Begin by peeling, coring, and slicing the apples into thin wedges. Thin slices are crucial for ensuring that the apples cook evenly in the air fryer. Once sliced, place the apples in a bowl.
2. Season the Apples: Add the sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter to the apple slices and mix everything together until the apples are evenly coated. Allow the mixture to sit for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the spices and sugar to meld, creating a rich, flavorful filling.
3. Prepare the Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a clean, lightly floured surface. Cut the pastry into squares or rectangles, depending on how large or small you want your pies. Each piece should be large enough to hold a spoonful of the apple mixture, but small enough to fit inside your air fryer.
4. Assemble the Pies: Spoon a generous portion of the apple mixture onto the center of each pastry square. Fold the corners of the pastry over the apples to create a pocket or triangle shape, depending on your preference. Use a fork to press the edges of the pastry together and seal the filling inside.
5. Prepare the Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk the egg and water together to create an egg wash. This wash will give your pies that beautiful golden color as they cook. Brush the egg wash over the tops of the pies to ensure they cook to perfection.
6. Preheat and Cook: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the pies into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching. Cook the pies for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the pies and the type of air fryer you have, so keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overcook.
7. Cool and Serve: Once the pies are golden and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch.

How to Make Air Fryer Apple Pie from Scratch

For those who love the idea of making everything from scratch, the dough for your air fryer apple pies can also be homemade. Here’s a simple recipe for a buttery, flaky dough that works beautifully in the air fryer.

Ingredients for the Dough:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 cup ice water (adjust as needed)

Instructions for the Dough:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Stir to mix.
2. Cut in the Butter: Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to incorporate the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The key to a flaky dough is to ensure that the butter stays cold.
3. Add Ice Water: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just begins to come together. You don’t want to overwork the dough, so stop adding water once it forms into a ball.
4. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough ensures that the butter remains cold, resulting in a crispier, flakier crust when cooked.
5. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough is chilled, roll it out on a lightly floured surface. Cut the dough into squares or circles, depending on the shape of the pies you prefer.

Now that your dough is ready, you can proceed with the apple filling and air frying instructions as mentioned earlier. Using homemade dough elevates your air fryer apple pies and gives them a fresh, homemade touch that’s hard to beat.

How Long to Cook Apple Pie in Air Fryer: Cooking Times Explained

One of the advantages of using an air fryer is how quickly it cooks food. However, it’s important to understand that cooking times can vary depending on several factors, such as the size of the pies and the type of air fryer you have.

In general, air fried apple pies should be cooked at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes. The small size of the pies allows them to cook quickly and evenly. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time based on the following factors:

• Small Hand Pies: Smaller hand pies or bite-sized versions will cook in less time, usually around 10-12 minutes.
• Frozen Apple Pies: If you’re cooking frozen apple pies, they will require slightly more time, typically around 18-20 minutes. This is because they need extra time to thaw and cook through.
• Larger Pies: If you’re making larger pies with thicker dough or more filling, you may need to increase the cooking time to 18-20 minutes to ensure they are fully cooked.

Always check the pies halfway through cooking and adjust the time as needed to ensure they are crisp and golden.

How Long to Cook Frozen Apple Pie in Air Fryer for Best Results

Frozen apple pies are a convenient option when you’re short on time but still crave a delicious dessert. Cooking frozen apple pies in the air fryer is simple and yields excellent results. Here’s how to do it:

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and preheat for 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures that the pies start cooking immediately and cook evenly.
2. Arrange the Pies: Place the frozen apple pies in the air fryer basket. Be sure not to overcrowd them, as this can hinder air circulation and prevent them from cooking evenly.
3. Cook: Cook the frozen pies for 18-20 minutes, checking halfway through. The pies are done when they are golden brown and crispy. If they’re not quite there yet, continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.

The beauty of using the air fryer for frozen pies is that they don’t require thawing, making this an excellent last-minute dessert option.

Air Fried Apple Pies vs Other dishes

Here’s a comparison table showing Air Fried Apple Pies versus Other Dishes (such as baked apple pies, deep-fried apple pies, and fruit hand pies) in terms of various factors like cooking time, texture, health benefits, and more:

Air Fryer Apple Pies with Puff Pastry: A Quick and Easy Option

Puff pastry is an excellent choice for making air fryer apple pies. It’s quick, easy to work with, and delivers a perfectly crisp and flaky crust. If you’re looking for a simple dessert that doesn’t require making dough from scratch, puff pastry is your best option.

1. Prepare the Filling: Use the same apple filling recipe described earlier, combining apples, sugar, cinnamon, and butter. This will be your filling.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into squares or rectangles, ensuring they are large enough to hold a spoonful of apple filling.
3. Assemble the Pies: Spoon the apple mixture onto each piece of puff pastry and fold it into a pocket. Press the edges with a fork to seal, ensuring that no filling escapes during cooking.
4. Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the pies into the basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch each other. Cook for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Puff pastry apple pies are a quick and delicious option for when you want a homemade dessert without all the effort.

Air Fryer Hand Pies with Puff Pastry: A Perfect Grab-and-Go Snack

Hand pies are the perfect portable dessert. Their small size makes them easy to eat on the go, and they’re just as delicious when made in the air fryer. Here’s how to make air fryer hand pies with puff pastry:

1. Prepare the Filling: For hand pies, the apple filling is the same as the one used for traditional apple pies. You can also experiment with other fillings like cherry, peach, or even savory options like chicken pot pie.
2. Assemble the Hand Pies: Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into smaller squares. Place a spoonful of apple filling in the center of each square, fold it over into a triangle, and seal the edges with a fork.
3. Cook: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the hand pies in the basket and cook for 8-10 minutes until golden brown.

These hand pies are an ideal snack or lunchbox treat, and the air fryer makes them quick and easy to prepare.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Air Fried Apple Pies

• Use Cold Butter for the Dough: Whether you’re using store-bought puff pastry or making your dough from scratch, make sure the butter is cold. This helps create a flaky, tender crust.
• Don’t Overstuff: Avoid overfilling your pies with too much apple filling, as it may cause the filling to leak out while cooking. A spoonful of filling is enough for each pie.
• Air Fry in Batches: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. For the best results, cook your pies in batches to allow for even cooking.
• Brush with Egg Wash: Brushing the tops of your pies with an egg wash gives them a beautiful golden color and helps achieve a crisp, flaky texture.
• Experiment with Spices: While cinnamon is a classic pairing with apples, don’t be afraid to get creative with other spices like nutmeg, allspice, or ginger for added flavor.

Conclusion

Air fried apple pies are a quick, easy, and healthier alternative to traditional baked or deep-fried pies. Whether you’re using puff pastry, homemade dough, or even cooking frozen pies, the air fryer guarantees a golden, crispy crust and a warm, flavorful apple filling. This dessert is perfect for a quick snack, a family gathering, or any time you crave a comforting treat.

By following the tips and recipes shared in this guide, you’ll be able to make the most delicious air fried apple pies that everyone will love. Experiment with different fillings, shapes, and cooking times to discover the perfect pie for you. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to prepare the crust for air fried apple pies?

The best way to prepare the crust for air fried apple pies is to use chilled dough. Whether you’re making your crust from scratch or using store-bought puff pastry or pie dough, it’s important to keep the dough cold. Cold dough results in a crispier, flakier texture after cooking. For air fried pies, rolling the dough to a thin consistency is key to ensuring even cooking.

Can I use frozen apple pie filling for air fried apple pies?

Yes, you can use frozen apple pie filling for air fried apple pies. Simply thaw the filling before using it in the pie crust. Using frozen filling makes the recipe even quicker, as you don’t have to cook the apples ahead of time. Be sure to drain any excess moisture to avoid soggy pies.

How long does it take to cook an air fried apple pie?

Air fried apple pies typically take around 12-15 minutes to cook, depending on the size and thickness of the pie. Be sure to preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) before placing the pies inside to ensure even cooking and a crisp crust. You may need to check halfway through and adjust the time based on your air fryer’s performance.

Can I make mini air fried apple pies?

Yes! Mini air fried apple pies are perfect for individual servings and cook even faster. Simply cut the dough into smaller circles or squares, add a spoonful of filling, fold, and seal. Mini pies typically take around 8-10 minutes to cook at 375°F (190°C), making them a great option for a snack or party treat.

How do I prevent my air fried apple pies from leaking filling?

To prevent your air fried apple pies from leaking filling, be sure to seal the edges of the pie crust well. You can use a fork to crimp the edges or press them down firmly with your fingers. Additionally, avoid overstuffing the pies with filling—just a spoonful is enough for each pie.

Can I use different fillings for air fried pies?

Absolutely! While apple filling is the classic choice, you can experiment with other fruit fillings such as peach, cherry, or blueberry. You can also try savory fillings like chicken pot pie or spinach and cheese for a unique twist on hand pies.

Do I need to preheat my air fryer for apple pies?

Yes, preheating your air fryer is essential for achieving the best results. Preheating to 375°F (190°C) ensures that the pies cook evenly and develop a golden-brown, crispy crust. It only takes a few minutes to preheat most air fryers.

Can I bake air fried apple pies in the oven instead?

While air frying offers a quicker, crispier alternative, you can bake the apple pies in a conventional oven if you prefer. To bake in the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

How do I store leftover air fried apple pies?

To store leftover air fried apple pies, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, store them in the fridge for up to a week. You can reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.

Can I freeze air fried apple pies?

Yes, you can freeze air fried apple pies. To freeze, let them cool completely and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place them in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-8 minutes or until they are heated through and crispy.