As autumn whispers its way into our lives, there’s nothing quite like the nostalgic scent of spiced apples baking. That’s why I can’t get enough of these Quick & Flaky Air Fryer Apple Pies! Perfectly portioned and charmingly rustic, these hand-held delights combine flaky crust with a warm, gooey apple filling that feels just like a hug on a chilly day. This recipe is a lifesaver for busy folks—ready in under 30 minutes, they make an unforgettable dessert for family gatherings or a cozy night in. Plus, with the air fryer, there’s minimal mess and no guilt attached! Whether you’re an experienced home-chef or someone simply tired of fast food, these air fryer apple pies will have you baking with a smile. Curious how easy it is to whip up this fall favorite? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Why Make Air Fryer Apple Pies?
Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and under 30 minutes, you’ll have mouthwatering pies ready to impress!
Golden Flaky Crust: The air fryer creates a delightful crispy crust, making every bite as satisfying as traditional frying but without all the oil.
Warm, Gooey Filling: Imagine biting into a warm apple pie treasure, with cinnamon-sweet apples enveloped in a comforting crust.
Versatile Treat: Feel free to swap in pears or cranberries for a unique twist, or try different spices to customize your flavors.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve these alongside a scoop of ice cream or a hot cider for a cozy finish to any meal—ideal for holidays and gatherings!
For more delightful flavors, check out these Baked Apples Cinnamon recipes!
Air Fryer Apple Pies Ingredients
For the Pie Crust
– Pie Dough – Provides the flaky crust; consider using refrigerated biscuit dough for quicker prep.
For the Filling
– Apple Pie Filling (3/4 cup) – This sweetness and flavor base can be homemade by sautéing apples with brown sugar and cinnamon, or use canned for convenience.
For the Topping
– Cinnamon Sugar (1 tablespoon) – Adds a sweet, spiced topping; adjust according to your sweetness preference.
– Melted Butter or Oil Spray (1 tablespoon) – Acts as a glaze for browning the crust; oil spray offers a lighter option.
For the Optional Glaze
– Powdered Sugar (1/4 cup) – Adds sweetness and enhances presentation when mixed with 1-2 tsp milk.
Make these air fryer apple pies your next go-to dessert, perfect for cozy afternoons or holiday gatherings!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Air Fryer Apple Pies
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Begin by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial to ensure your air fryer apple pies cook evenly and achieve that golden brown color. Allow about 3-5 minutes for the air fryer to reach the desired temperature while you prepare the dough.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Roll out your pie dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. Using a round cutter or knife, cut the dough into 4 to 5-inch circles or squares. Aim for uniform shapes to ensure even cooking. These dough pieces will cradle your delicious apple filling as they turn into warm, flaky air fryer apple pies.
Step 3: Fill the Dough
Place 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of your prepared apple pie filling right in the center of each dough piece. Spoon just enough filling to avoid overflow, keeping the edges clear for sealing. As you fill each piece, watch the filling for any excess that might need adjustment—just the right balance ensures a perfectly contained filling when air frying.
Step 4: Seal the Pies
Carefully fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon or pocket shape. Using a fork, press down on the edges to seal them tightly, ensuring no filling escapes during cooking. This step not only secures the filling but also adds a decorative touch with the fork’s imprint, showcasing your homemade air fryer apple pies.
Step 5: Glaze the Tops
Brush the tops of the sealed pies with melted butter or lightly spray them with oil for a golden finish. This glaze helps achieve that crispy exterior you’re aiming for, while also enhancing the rich flavor of the air fryer apple pies. Make sure each pie is evenly coated for the best results!
Step 6: Arrange in the Air Fryer
Place the glazed apple pies in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure air circulation around each pie, which promotes even cooking and browning. Depending on your air fryer size, you might need to cook in batches, so arrange with care!
Step 7: Air Fry the Pies
Slide the basket into the preheated air fryer and cook for 8 to 10 minutes. At the 4-minute mark, gently flip the pies to achieve a uniform golden brown color on both sides. Keep an eye on them, as cooking times may vary slightly based on your air fryer’s model.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once the air fryer apple pies are golden brown and flakey, carefully remove them from the basket and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. This will allow the steam to dissipate, ensuring the crispy texture remains intact. Feel free to sprinkle with cinnamon sugar or drizzle with an optional glaze before serving!
Air Fryer Apple Pies: Variations & Substitutions
Customize your air fryer apple pies to create a delightful twist, enhancing their flavors and textures while ensuring every bite is a treasure.
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Dairy-Free: Substitute melted butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative to make them suitable for dairy-free diets.
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pie crust or almond flour dough for a gluten-free version that doesn’t skimp on taste.
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Extra Fruity: Enhance the filling by mixing in pears or cranberries for a vibrant flavor contrast that dances on the palate.
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Spice It Up: Experiment with spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger to add warmth and depth to the apple filling, making it extra cozy.
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Flavor Infusion: Infuse a splash of vanilla or almond extract into the apple pie filling for a delightful aromatic lift as they bake.
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Puff Pastry Mix-Up: For a flaky delight, try using puff pastry instead of traditional pie dough; the texture becomes wonderfully light and airy.
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Sweet Topping: Swap out cinnamon sugar for a mixture of brown sugar and crushed pecans for a crunchy, sweet topping that elevates the pies even further.
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Hot & Zesty: Add a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes to the filling for a surprising twist of heat, balancing the sweetness beautifully.
Feel inspired to explore flavors and textures? For more delightful variations, check out these Apple Fritter Bites that take a fun spin on classic apple desserts!
How to Store and Freeze Air Fryer Apple Pies
Fridge: Store cooled air fryer apple pies in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh while preventing them from drying out.
Freezer: If you want to save them for later, place unbaked pies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, and transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy leftover baked pies, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes for that just-baked crispiness.
Make-Ahead Tip: Unbaked air fryer apple pies can be frozen and cooked directly from frozen. No thawing needed! Simply add a few extra minutes to the air frying time.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Apple Pies
As the sweet aroma of cinnamon and apples fills the air, let’s create a memorable meal that perfectly complements these delightful treats.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melts beautifully over the warm pies, enhancing their sweetness and adding a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle over the pies to elevate your dessert with a rich, buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon apples.
- Hot Apple Cider: A mug of spiced apple cider brings warmth and seasonal flavor to your meal, making it feel like autumn in every sip.
- Mixed Green Salad: Light and refreshing, a salad with a citrus vinaigrette balances the richness of the pies, creating a harmonious meal experience.
- Pumpkin Spice Latte: This beloved fall drink adds a cozy, spiced warmth that echoes the flavors of your apple pies—perfect for a chilly afternoon.
- Low-Fat Yogurt: A dollop of yogurt adds a creamy tang that complements the sweetness of the pies while offering a healthier option to satisfy your cravings.
- Chai Tea: The aromatic spices in chai tea echo the cinnamon in the pies, creating a soothing, delicious pairing that warms the soul.
- Cheddar Cheese: A slice of sharp cheddar contrasts wonderfully with the sweet filling, providing a savory note that enhances your dessert experience.
- Chocolate Sauce: For the chocolate lovers out there, a light drizzle of chocolate sauce adds a decadent touch that transforms each bite into pure bliss.
- Spiced Nuts: Serve a small bowl of spiced nuts on the side for a crunchy element that rounds out the meal and adds delightful texture.
Make Ahead Options
These air fryer apple pies are perfect for busy home cooks who need a sweet treat at a moment’s notice! You can prep the dough and filling up to 24 hours in advance—simply roll out the dough and cut into shapes, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. For the apple filling, combine the ingredients and refrigerate as well. When you’re ready to enjoy, just assemble and air fry; cooking from chilled will keep the crust crispy and just as delicious. If you want to take it a step further, consider freezing the unbaked pies. When you’re ready to enjoy, cook directly from frozen for 12-14 minutes at 340°F (170°C) for minimal effort and maximum flavor!
Expert Tips for Air Fryer Apple Pies
• Fill Wisely: Avoid overfilling the pies; too much filling may cause them to burst while cooking. Stick to 1-1.5 tablespoons for best results.
• Chop Filling Apples: For a neater seal, chop canned apples into smaller pieces, ensuring the filling stays contained during air frying.
• Dough Alternatives: Try using crescent dough for a flakier crust or puff pastry for a luxurious texture—each option elevates your air fryer apple pies!
• Cooking from Frozen: If you’re using unbaked frozen pies, cook them directly from frozen at 340°F for about 12-14 minutes for delicious results without thawing.
• Experiment with Spices: Infuse your filling with extra flavors like nutmeg or allspice for unique twists, customizing your air fryer apple pies to match your taste buds.
Air Fryer Apple Pies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right apples for my filling?
Absolutely! For an apple pie filling, it’s best to choose firmer apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. These varieties hold their shape well when cooked and balance sweetness with tartness, adding depth to your air fryer apple pies.
What’s the best way to store leftover pies?
You can store cooled air fryer apple pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh and prevent drying out, make sure the container is sealed tightly.
Can I freeze unbaked air fryer apple pies?
Yes! To freeze unbaked air fryer apple pies, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and keep them frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, air fry them directly from frozen; just add an extra 2-4 minutes to the cooking time.
Why are my pies bursting open during cooking?
Very common! If your pies are bursting, it’s likely due to overfilling. Stick to 1-1.5 tablespoons of apple pie filling. Additionally, be sure to seal the edges well with a fork, ensuring they’re tightly closed to contain the filling during air frying.
Are air fryer apple pies safe for my pets?
While the filling itself is mostly apples and spices that are not harmful in small amounts, it’s best to avoid sharing desserts with your pets. Ingredients like cinnamon can be irritating to some animals, so it’s safer to stick with pet-friendly treats.
How long do air fryer apple pies take to cook?
To achieve that perfect golden brown crust, air fryer apple pies will take about 8-10 minutes at 350°F, flipping them halfway through for even cooking. Keep an eye on them, as air fryers can vary in performance!
Warm & Flaky Air Fryer Apple Pies for Cozy Fall Days
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
- Roll out your pie dough until it’s about 1/8 inch thick and cut into 4 to 5-inch circles or squares.
- Place 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of apple pie filling in the center of each dough piece.
- Fold the dough over the filling creating a half-moon shape and seal the edges with a fork.
- Brush the tops of the sealed pies with melted butter or spray with oil for a golden finish.
- Arrange the glazed pies in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping at the 4-minute mark for even browning.
- Remove from the air fryer and let cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.
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