Go Back

Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies with Cinnamon Sugar

Air fryer apple hand pies have flaky, puffed pastry filled with cinnamon apples and finished with a crisp cinnamon sugar coating. Cooked in batches until deep golden, these handheld pies are a simple way to enjoy warm apple filling.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 33 minutes
Cooling 5 minutes
Total Time 58 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 280
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the apple filling
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 apples medium, about 2 cups, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/4-inch dice
  • 2 tbsp light brown sugar packed
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon divided
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 0.125 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp water divided
For the hand pies
  • 1 package (17.3 oz) frozen puff pastry 2 sheets, thawed according to package directions
  • 1 tsp neutral oil
  • 1 egg large
For the cinnamon sugar
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar

Equipment

  • 1 6-quart air fryer

Method
 

Make the apple filling
  1. Melt the butter in a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add the apples, brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, lemon juice, and salt, and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring, until the apples are just tender.
  3. Stir the cornstarch into 1 tablespoon water.
  4. Add the cornstarch mixture to the pan and simmer for 1 minute until thickened.
  5. Transfer the filling to a bowl and cool completely.
Prepare the pastry and coatings
  1. Preheat a 6-quart air fryer to 350°F for 3 minutes.
  2. Unfold the pastry sheets and cut each into four 5-inch squares, keeping the pastry cold.
  3. Whisk the egg with the remaining 1 tablespoon water.
  4. Stir the granulated sugar with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl.
Assemble and air-fry
  1. Place 1 tablespoon cooled filling on one half of each square, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
  2. Brush the edges with egg wash, fold the pastry over, and crimp firmly with a fork.
  3. Cut two small vents in each pie.
  4. Brush the tops with egg wash and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
  5. Lightly brush the air-fryer basket with neutral oil.
  6. Arrange the pies in a single layer without crowding.
  7. Air-fry at 350°F for 10–13 minutes, until puffed and deep golden, then repeat with the remaining pies.
  8. Transfer the pies to a rack and let them cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Keep the puff pastry cold while cutting and assembling for the flakiest layers. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; freeze for up to 2 months. For a dairy-free variation, use plant-based butter.