Description
These Golden Air-Fryer Apple Pies are mini hand-pies loaded with tender, cinnamon-brown-sugar apples tucked into a flaky crust and finished in the air fryer for a golden, warm dessert treat that’s perfect for busy home bakers and family-friendly gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 sheets) – easy base and top for the pies.
- 2 ½ cups peeled and diced apples (about 2 medium apples) – the star filling, fresh apple chunks for texture.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar – sweetness to balance the tartness.
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed – adds caramel depth and moisture.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – classic apple-pie spice.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice – brightens flavors and prevents oxidation of apples.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter – adds richness and helps the filling soften gently.
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) – gives the crust a golden, glossy finish.
- 2 tablespoons coarse sugar (or turbinado sugar) for topping – adds crunch and sparkle on top.
- Cooking spray – ensures the air-fryer basket doesn’t stick and supports crisp crust.
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 350 °F (175 °C). Spray the basket lightly with cooking spray.
- In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter then add the diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon and lemon juice. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 4-5 minutes until the apples begin to soften but still hold shape. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out each pie crust sheet and use a round cutter (about 4-inch diameter) to cut out 10 circles total.
- Spoon about 1 heaping tablespoon of the cooled apple mixture onto 5 of the crust circles, leaving a border around the edges. Wet the rim lightly with water, then place the remaining 5 circles on top. Pinch and crimp the edges with a fork to seal, and cut two small slits in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape.
- Brush the tops of each pie with the beaten egg. Sprinkle with the coarse/turbinado sugar.
- Place the pies, not touching, in the preheated air-fryer basket. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Depending on the size of your air fryer you may need to work in batches.
- Remove carefully from the basket and let the pies rest for 2-3 minutes before serving warm.
Notes
- Use crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith so the pieces hold shape.
- Do not overfill the crust circles—leave a border for sealing and less spillage.
- Work in batches if your air fryer is small to ensure proper airflow and crisping.
- Serve warm for the best texture and flavor; a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle of caramel is a lovely addition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American (Comfort)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini pie
- Calories: ~290 kcal
- Sugar: ~20 g
- Sodium: (not specified)
- Fat: ~11 g
- Saturated Fat: ~5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: (not specified)
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: ~44 g
- Fiber: (not specified)
- Protein: ~3 g
- Cholesterol: (not specified)