H1 Easy Air Fryer Apple Pies: A Quick & Delicious Dessert Recipe
Are you craving a warm, comforting apple pie but don’t want the hassle of traditional baking? Look no further! These easy air fryer apple pies are the perfect solution. They’re quick, simple, and deliver all the delicious flavors of classic apple pie in a fraction of the time. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, impromptu gatherings, or anytime you need a sweet treat without a lot of fuss. Plus, using the air fryer ensures a perfectly golden and crispy crust every time. Let’s dive into this incredibly easy and satisfying recipe!
## Why Air Fryer Apple Pies?
Before we get to the recipe, let’s talk about why air fryer apple pies are such a game-changer:
* **Speed:** Air fryers cook much faster than conventional ovens, meaning you can have warm apple pies on the table in under 30 minutes.
* **Ease:** This recipe requires minimal ingredients and very little prep time. It’s so simple, even beginner cooks can master it.
* **Crispy Crust:** The air fryer circulates hot air around the pies, resulting in a perfectly golden and crispy crust.
* **Portion Control:** Using individual pie crusts makes portion control easy.
* **Less Mess:** Compared to making a full-sized apple pie, these mini pies create much less mess.
* **Perfect for Small Batches:** If you don’t want a whole pie sitting around, this recipe allows you to make just a few servings.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful air fryer apple pies:
* **Refrigerated Pie Crusts:** You’ll need two refrigerated pie crusts (usually found in the dairy section of your grocery store). We’re using store-bought to keep this recipe super simple, but feel free to use homemade if you prefer.
* **Apples:** About 2-3 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and diced. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples work well. Using a combination of apple types will add complexity to the flavor.
* **Butter:** 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted. This adds richness and helps to cook the apples.
* **Sugar:** 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Adjust to your preference depending on the sweetness of your apples. Brown sugar can also be used for a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
* **Cinnamon:** 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. A classic apple pie spice!
* **Nutmeg:** 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg (optional). Adds a warm, comforting note.
* **Lemon Juice:** 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Helps prevent the apples from browning and adds a touch of brightness.
* **Cornstarch:** 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Helps to thicken the apple filling.
* **Egg:** 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash). This will give the crust a beautiful golden sheen.
* **Turbinado Sugar (optional):** For sprinkling on top of the crust before air frying. Adds a touch of sweetness and sparkle.
## Equipment
* **Air Fryer:** A standard air fryer will work perfectly for this recipe.
* **Rolling Pin:** For gently rolling out the pie crusts.
* **3-4 inch Cookie Cutter or Bowl:** To cut out circles from the pie crusts.
* **Fork:** For crimping the edges of the pies.
* **Small Bowl:** For mixing the egg wash.
* **Pastry Brush:** For brushing the egg wash onto the pies.
* **Mixing Bowl:** For preparing the apple filling.
* **Measuring Spoons and Cups**
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get to the fun part: making the apple pies!
**1. Prepare the Apple Filling:**
* In a medium mixing bowl, combine the diced apples, melted butter, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), lemon juice, and cornstarch.
* Stir well to ensure all the apples are evenly coated.
* Set aside while you prepare the pie crusts. This allows the flavors to meld together.
**2. Prepare the Pie Crusts:**
* Lightly flour a clean, flat surface.
* Unroll one of the refrigerated pie crusts.
* Using a rolling pin, gently roll out the crust to slightly thin it. This will help it cook more evenly.
* Using a 3-4 inch cookie cutter or bowl, cut out circles from the pie crust. You should get about 4-6 circles from each crust, depending on the size of your cutter.
* Repeat with the second pie crust.
* Gather the scraps of pie crust, re-roll them, and cut out more circles until you’ve used up all the dough.
**3. Assemble the Apple Pies:**
* Place half of the pie crust circles on a clean surface. These will be the bottoms of the pies.
* Spoon a generous amount of the apple filling onto the center of each bottom crust. Be careful not to overfill them, as this can cause the filling to leak out during cooking.
* Top each filled pie with another pie crust circle.
* Use a fork to crimp the edges of the pies, sealing them tightly. This will prevent the filling from escaping and create a decorative edge.
* Use a knife to cut a few slits in the top of each pie. This will allow steam to escape during cooking and prevent the crust from puffing up too much.
**4. Prepare the Egg Wash (Optional but Recommended):**
* In a small bowl, whisk together the egg.
* Brush the tops of the pies with the egg wash. This will give them a beautiful golden sheen.
* Sprinkle the tops of the pies with turbinado sugar (if using) for extra sweetness and sparkle.
**5. Air Fry the Apple Pies:**
* Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes.
* Place the apple pies in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches. Avoid overcrowding the basket.
* Air fry for 12-15 minutes, or until the crusts are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
* Check the pies halfway through cooking and rotate them if necessary to ensure even browning.
**6. Cool and Serve:**
* Carefully remove the apple pies from the air fryer basket and place them on a wire rack to cool slightly.
* Let them cool for at least 5-10 minutes before serving, as the filling will be very hot.
* Serve warm and enjoy!
## Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Apple Pies
* **Don’t Overfill:** Overfilling the pies can cause the filling to leak out during cooking, resulting in a messy air fryer and potentially soggy crust.
* **Seal the Edges Well:** Make sure to crimp the edges of the pies tightly to prevent the filling from escaping.
* **Cut Slits in the Top:** Cutting slits in the top of the pies allows steam to escape, preventing the crust from puffing up too much.
* **Preheat Your Air Fryer:** Preheat your air fryer for even cooking and a crispier crust.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Basket:** Cook the pies in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can prevent the pies from cooking evenly and result in a soggy crust.
* **Adjust Cooking Time as Needed:** Air fryers can vary, so you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on your model. Keep an eye on the pies and remove them when the crusts are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
* **Use Different Apple Varieties:** Experiment with different apple varieties to find your favorite flavor combination. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Gala apples all work well.
* **Add Other Spices:** Get creative with your spices! Try adding a pinch of ginger, cardamom, or allspice to the apple filling for a unique flavor twist.
* **Serve with Ice Cream or Whipped Cream:** Elevate your air fryer apple pies by serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
## Variations and Additions
* **Caramel Apple Pies:** Add a drizzle of caramel sauce to the apple filling or after the pies are cooked.
* **Apple Crumble Pies:** Instead of a top crust, sprinkle a crumble topping (made from flour, butter, sugar, and oats) over the apple filling before air frying.
* **Apple Hand Pies:** Cut the pie crust into squares or rectangles instead of circles, and fold them over the filling to create hand pies.
* **Add Nuts:** Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the apple filling for added crunch and flavor.
* **Cheese Crust:** Instead of a regular pie crust, use a cheese pie crust for a savory twist.
## Serving Suggestions
These air fryer apple pies are delicious on their own, but they can also be enjoyed with:
* **Vanilla Ice Cream:** A classic pairing that never disappoints.
* **Whipped Cream:** Light and fluffy, whipped cream complements the warm, comforting flavors of apple pie perfectly.
* **Caramel Sauce:** Drizzle caramel sauce over the pies for an extra touch of sweetness.
* **Cinnamon Sugar:** Sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the pies for added flavor and sparkle.
* **Cheddar Cheese:** A surprisingly delicious combination! The sharp cheddar cheese balances the sweetness of the apple filling.
## Storage Instructions
* **Leftovers:** Store leftover air fryer apple pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the pies in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but the crust may not be as crispy.
* **Freezing:** To freeze air fryer apple pies, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate, per pie)
* Calories: 250-300
* Fat: 15-20g
* Saturated Fat: 8-10g
* Cholesterol: 40-50mg
* Sodium: 150-200mg
* Carbohydrates: 25-30g
* Fiber: 2-3g
* Sugar: 10-15g
* Protein: 2-3g
*Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
## Conclusion
These easy air fryer apple pies are a delightful treat that anyone can make. They’re quick, simple, and packed with the warm, comforting flavors of classic apple pie. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner cook, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. So, grab your ingredients, fire up your air fryer, and enjoy a delicious homemade dessert in minutes! These little pies are perfect for a quick dessert after dinner or to impress guests when you’re short on time. The crispy crust and warm apple filling are a match made in heaven. This recipe is very versatile and can easily be adapted to your taste preferences.
Don’t forget to share your creations on social media using #AirFryerApplePies! We love to see your culinary masterpieces.
Enjoy!