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To make these apple hand pies, gather the following items: - 2 large apples (recommended: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and finely diced - 1/4 cup packed brown sugar - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - 1 package of refrigerated pie crusts (store-bought or homemade) - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) - Powdered sugar (for optional dusting) Choosing the right apples is key. I love using Granny Smith apples. They add a nice tartness. Honeycrisp apples are also great. They are sweet and juicy. You can mix these varieties for more flavor. This mix makes the filling bright and tasty. You can add more flavors if you like. Try adding a handful of raisins for sweetness. Chopped walnuts or pecans can add crunch. You could also use a pinch of ginger for spice. Each option brings a new twist to the pies. Feel free to get creative! To start, gather your apples. I prefer Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for their tartness. Peel and finely dice two large apples. Place the diced apples in a medium bowl. Add 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Pour in 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Finally, add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Stir gently until all apples are coated. Allow the mixture to sit for 10-15 minutes. This step lets the flavors blend and enhances the taste. Next, prepare your pie crust. You can use store-bought or homemade crusts. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth. Use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut circles. Aim for 4-5 inches in diameter. You should get about 8-10 circles. If you have extra dough, you can reroll and cut more. Now, it’s time to cook the hand pies. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even cooking. Take a tablespoon of your apple filling and place it in the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill; otherwise, they might burst. Gently fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Use a fork to crimp the edges and seal the filling inside. Brush the tops with beaten egg wash for a golden color. Arrange the hand pies in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until they are crispy and golden brown. Once done, carefully remove them and let cool for a few minutes. If you like, dust with powdered sugar for added sweetness. Enjoy your tasty treat! To get crispy hand pies, you need to follow some steps. First, use a good egg wash. This helps the crust shine and get golden. Brush the tops evenly with the beaten egg. Next, do not overcrowd your air fryer basket. Give each pie space to cook well. Lastly, check for doneness. Look for a nice, golden color. If they look pale, they need more time. Avoid these common mistakes to ensure success. First, do not overfill the pies. If you add too much filling, they may burst open. Second, do not skip the resting time for the filling. Allowing the mix to sit helps flavors blend. Lastly, remember to seal the edges well. If they are not crimped tightly, filling can leak during cooking. You can make these hand pies even better with a few tweaks. Add a pinch of salt to the filling. This boosts the sweetness of the apples. Try mixing in some raisins or chopped nuts for extra texture. For a fun twist, add a splash of vanilla extract. This adds warmth and depth to the flavor. {{image_4}} You can switch up the filling for your hand pies. Try using pears for a sweet twist. Berries like blueberries or raspberries also work well. They add bright colors and flavors. You can even mix fruits for a fun blend. Just keep the sugar and spices similar to what you use for apples. If you prefer gluten-free, you can use gluten-free pie crusts. Many stores sell these. You can also make your own with gluten-free flour. The filling stays the same, so enjoy the same great taste! Spices can really change the flavor of your hand pies. If you want a warm taste, add ginger or allspice. For a fresh kick, try adding a pinch of cardamom. Just be careful not to use too much. A little spice can go a long way! Store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap for extra protection. Keep them at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, move to the fridge. They will stay good for about a week in the fridge. To reheat, use the air fryer for the best results. Set it at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This will make them crispy again. You can also use a microwave, but this may make them soft. Heat for about 15-20 seconds, just enough to warm them up. You can freeze these hand pies for later. Place them on a tray first, without touching. Freeze them for 1-2 hours until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To cook from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the air fryer time. Enjoy your tasty treat anytime! Yes, you can use frozen pie crusts. They save time and work well. Just thaw them first. Follow the package instructions for best results. I like using these crusts for quick treats. They make the process easier and still taste great. To stop the filling from leaking, be careful with the amount you add. Use about one tablespoon of filling per pie. Seal the edges well with a fork. You can also chill the filled pies for a few minutes before cooking. This helps the dough firm up. Apple hand pies go well with many sides. A scoop of vanilla ice cream makes a delicious pair. You can also serve them with whipped cream for extra sweetness. Drizzling caramel sauce over them can add a fun twist. Enjoy your hand pies warm for the best taste! You now have everything needed to make delicious hand pies. From selecting the best apple varieties to preparing the filling and crust, each step counts. Follow the tips for a crispy result and avoid common mistakes for success. Explore various fruit fillings or spice options to keep it fun. Lastly, store any leftovers properly for future enjoyment. With these easy instructions and ideas, you can bake hand pies everyone will love. Enjoy creating and sharing them with others!

Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies

Indulge in the ultimate treat with these Crispy Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies! Perfect for any occasion, these delightful pastries feature a sweet apple filling infused with cinnamon and nutmeg, all wrapped in a flaky crust. With just 30 minutes of prep time, you can enjoy a warm, irresistible dessert anytime. Click through to discover the full recipe and impress your friends and family with your baking skills!
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Ingredients
  

2 large apples (recommended: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and finely diced

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 package of refrigerated pie crusts (store-bought or homemade)

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Powdered sugar (for optional dusting)

Instructions
 

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Stir gently until all the apple pieces are evenly coated with the mixture. Allow the filling to sit for about 10-15 minutes to enhance the flavors.

    On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pie crusts until smooth. Use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut out circles that are approximately 4-5 inches in diameter. You should be able to make about 8-10 circles, depending on the size of your cutter.

      Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it's ready for cooking.

        Take a tablespoon of the apple filling and place it in the center of each dough circle, being careful not to overfill.

          Gently fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Use a fork to crimp the edges securely, sealing the filling inside.

            Brush the tops of each hand pie with the beaten egg wash to achieve a golden-brown finish during cooking.

              Arrange the hand pies in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they do not touch each other (you may need to air fry in batches). Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the hand pies are golden brown and crispy.

                Carefully remove the hand pies from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. If desired, dust with powdered sugar for an added touch of sweetness.

                  Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4-6

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve these delightful hand pies warm on a decorative platter, pairing them with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert experience!