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- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed - 1/4 cup cold water - 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced into small pieces - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - 1 egg (for egg wash) - Additional granulated sugar for sprinkling These ingredients create a tasty treat. The all-purpose flour helps make the crust flaky. The butter adds richness, and the apples provide sweet flavor. - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 tablespoon brown sugar - A pinch of salt for balance Adding vanilla enhances the taste. Brown sugar gives a deeper sweetness. A pinch of salt brings out the flavors too. - Use whole wheat flour for a healthier crust. - Swap fresh apples for canned pie filling. - Replace butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option. These swaps keep the hand pies delicious. You can still enjoy great flavor and texture with these changes. To start, grab a large mixing bowl. In this bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Mix until everything blends well. Next, add 1/2 cup of chilled and cubed unsalted butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the dry mix. You want it to look like coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter. Now, it's time to add the cold water. Gradually pour in 1/4 cup of cold water, one tablespoon at a time. Use a fork to gently mix until the dough starts to come together. Be careful not to overwork it. Once it’s mixed well, shape the dough into a disk. Wrap it in plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. While the dough chills, let’s prepare the apple filling. Take 2 medium apples and peel, core, and dice them into small pieces. In a separate bowl, mix the diced apples with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Toss everything together until the apples are well-coated. Set the filling aside to let the flavors come together. Once the dough is chilled, it's time to roll it out. On a clean, floured surface, roll the dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cutter or a drinking glass to cut out circles of dough. Aim for circles that are about 4-5 inches in diameter. Gather any scraps, re-roll, and cut more circles if needed. Take one circle of dough and place about one tablespoon of the apple filling in the center. Carefully fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges. This not only makes it look nice but also helps keep the filling inside. Now, let’s cook these little delights. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Depending on your air fryer size, place a few hand pies in the basket. Make sure they do not touch. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy outside. You might need to adjust the cook time based on your air fryer's performance. Once they are done, carefully remove the hand pies from the air fryer. Let them cool for a few minutes before enjoying. To make flaky dough, start with cold butter. Cut the butter into small cubes and keep it chilled. When mixing, work quickly. You want small pieces of butter in the dough. This helps create layers. Don’t overmix the dough; just combine until it forms a ball. After mixing, wrap it in plastic and chill for at least 30 minutes. This resting time lets the gluten relax, making it easier to roll out. To ensure even filling, avoid overstuffing the hand pies. Use about one tablespoon of filling per pie. Place the filling in the center of the dough circle. Leave enough space around the edges to seal the pie well. If the filling spills out, it could create a mess while cooking. Press the edges firmly to keep the filling inside. Use a fork to crimp the edges, which also helps seal them tightly. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is key for crispiness. Depending on your air fryer’s size, arrange the hand pies in a single layer. Avoid crowding them; they need space for air to circulate. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, but check them often. If your air fryer runs hot, reduce the time slightly. Look for a golden brown color, which means they are done. Adjust cooking time as needed based on your air fryer’s performance. {{image_4}} You can swap apples for other fruits. Try pears for a sweet twist. Cherries add a tart flavor that works well. You can also use berries like blueberries or raspberries. These fruits bring their own unique taste and texture. Just remember to adjust the spices to match the fruit you choose. Cinnamon is a classic choice, but you can mix it up. Add ginger for warmth and depth. You might also try cardamom for a fragrant kick. For a more tropical vibe, sprinkle in some coconut or nutmeg. Feel free to experiment with your favorite spices to create new tastes. To make these hand pies vegan, use plant-based butter instead of regular butter. You can also replace the egg wash with a mixture of almond milk and maple syrup. For gluten-free options, swap regular flour with a gluten-free blend. Ensure that all your ingredients are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination. These changes allow everyone to enjoy this treat! To keep your hand pies fresh, let them cool completely first. Place them in an airtight container. They will stay good at room temperature for about two days. If you want them to last longer, store them in the fridge for up to five days. Always cover them to avoid drying out. You can freeze these hand pies for later. After they cool, wrap each pie in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat them, just thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat, use your air fryer for the best results. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5-7 minutes. This will help keep the crust crispy. You can also use an oven set to the same temperature. Avoid the microwave, as it may make the pies soggy. Yes, you can use store-bought pastry. It saves time and effort. Look for pie crust or puff pastry. This can make your hand pies quicker to prepare. Just follow the same steps for filling and sealing. You will know the hand pies are done when they are golden brown. The outside should look crisp and flaky. After about 10-12 minutes, check for the nice color. If they are not brown enough, cook for a few more minutes. These hand pies taste great on their own. You can serve them warm with vanilla ice cream. A drizzle of caramel sauce adds a nice touch too. Dusting with powdered sugar makes it pretty and sweet. These hand pies last for about two days at room temperature. Keep them in an airtight container. This helps to keep them fresh. If you want to store them longer, consider freezing them. You now have all you need to make delicious Air Fryer Apple Cinnamon Hand Pies. With the right ingredients, easy steps, and helpful tips, you'll enjoy a tasty treat. Don’t forget to try different fruits and spices to make it your own. Remember, storage and reheating methods can help keep these pies fresh. Whether for a snack or dessert, these hand pies are sure to impress. Dive in and let your creativity shine in the kitchen!

Air Fryer Apple Cinnamon Hand Pies

Indulge in the delightful taste of Air Fryer Apple Cinnamon Hand Pies! These perfectly crispy pies are packed with sweet spiced apples and are easy to make in your air fryer. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you'll have a delicious treat ready in no time. Check out the full recipe now and impress your family and friends with this mouthwatering dessert that’s perfect for any occasion!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed

1/4 cup cold water

2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced into small pieces

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 egg (for egg wash)

Additional granulated sugar for sprinkling

Instructions
 

Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and sugar until combined. Add the cubed, chilled butter to the bowl. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, with small pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.

    Combine with Water: Gradually add cold water to the mixture, one tablespoon at a time, while gently using a fork to combine. Mix until the dough starts to come together but be careful not to overwork it. Once mixed, shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to relax the gluten.

      Prepare the Filling: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the diced apples, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss everything together until the apples are well coated in the spice mix. Set the filling aside to allow the flavors to meld.

        Roll Out the Dough: On a clean, floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to approximately 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cutter or a drinking glass to cut out circles of dough, aiming for a diameter of about 4-5 inches. Gather any scraps, re-roll, and cut out additional circles as necessary.

          Assemble the Hand Pies: Take a circle of dough and place approximately one tablespoon of the apple filling in the center. Carefully fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly to seal, then use a fork to crimp the edges for an appealing finish and to ensure a tight seal.

            Prepare the Egg Wash: In a small bowl, beat the egg until well mixed. Using a pastry brush, generously apply the egg wash over the tops of each hand pie. Finally, sprinkle a bit of granulated sugar on top for a delightful sweetness and crunchy texture after cooking.

              Air Fry the Pies: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Depending on the size of your air fryer, place a few hand pies in the basket without allowing them to touch. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside. Adjust the time as necessary based on your air fryer's performance.

                Cool and Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the hand pies from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

                  Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 8 pies

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the hand pies on a rustic wooden platter, dusted lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant touch, or pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.