Golden Air Fryer Apple Pies (Printer-Friendly)

Flaky hand pies with spiced apple filling and golden crisp crust made quickly in the air fryer.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Fruit Filling

01 - 2 cups diced Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples (about 2 medium apples)
02 - 4 tablespoons brown sugar
03 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
04 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
06 - 1 tablespoon cornstarch

→ Pastry and Finishing

07 - 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 sheets, fully thawed)
08 - 1 large egg
09 - 1 tablespoon whole milk
10 - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Combine diced apples, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 6 minutes, stirring frequently until the apples are soft and the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
02 - On a lightly floured surface, roll out thawed pie crusts if needed. Using a 4- to 5-inch round cookie cutter or glass rim, cut out a total of eight circles from the dough.
03 - Place four pastry circles on the work surface. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of cooled apple filling onto the center of each. Top each with another pastry circle and seal edges firmly with a fork.
04 - Whisk together the egg and milk. Brush the mixture lightly over the tops and edges of each hand pie. Sprinkle granulated sugar evenly on top.
05 - Heat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let it reach temperature for 3 minutes before cooking.
06 - Place hand pies in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, leaving space for air circulation. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and crisp. Cook in batches if necessary.
07 - Remove hand pies from the basket and cool on a wire rack until slightly warm. Optionally dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with glaze before serving.

# Helpful Hints:

01 - Ensure the apple filling is completely cool before assembling to prevent soggy crust. Seal edges tightly to avoid filling leaking during cooking.