Deep-frying pies made with homemade dough produces the tastiest results when it comes to hand pies, but an air fryer and store-bought pie dough make it so much easier to make them at home. These have a simple cinnamon-scented apple filling, and it’s important to let it cool before assembling the pies.
Note: This recipe was tested in a Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6-quart air fryer and a Cosori 5.8-quart air fryer. Depending on the appliance you use, you may need to adjust the cooking time and/or temperature to achieve the desired results.
Make ahead: The uncooked hand pies can be placed on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper, frozen until solid, transferred to a zip-top freezer bag or other airtight container, and stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To air-fry from frozen, add 2 to 3 minutes to the listed cooking time.
Storage: Cool completely, then place in an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
From Voraciously staff writer Aaron Hutcherson.
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Ingredients
measuring cupServings: 12 (makes 12 hand pies)
Directions
Time Icon Total: 1 hour 15 mins, plus 30 mins cooling timeStep 1
In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon and salt until combined; set aside.
Step 2
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until foamy. Add the apples and cook, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the sugar mixture, stir to combine and bring to a boil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid thickens and coats the apples, about 7 minutes. Remove from the heat, transfer to a bowl and let cool for at least 30 minutes.
Step 3
Lightly dust your work surface and rolling pin with flour. Roll out each pie crust to about a 12-inch-wide circle, rotating and flipping and dusting with more flour as needed to prevent it from sticking. Using a 4-inch biscuit cutter (or a 4-inch-wide plate or bowl and a paring knife), cut out 12 (4-inch) circles. (You may need to gather and re-roll the scraps.)
Step 4
For each hand pie, add about 1 tablespoon of the apple mixture to the center of each circle, brush half the border with the egg, then fold the pastry over the top, seal in a half moon and crimp the edges with a fork. Transfer to a baking sheet and repeat with the remaining pie crust and filling. (If freezing some or all of the hand pies for later, line the baking sheet with parchment paper and freeze them at this point.)
Step 5
Set the air fryer to 350 degrees and preheat for about 5 minutes.
Step 6
Brush the tops of the hand pies with the egg wash, sprinkle with demerara or turbinado sugar, and cut two small vents in the top of each.
Step 7
Working in batches, add pies to the basket so that there is at least 1 inch of space between them and air fry for about 12 minutes, or until golden brown. Transfer to a platter, carefully wipe out the basket if there are any spills, and repeat with the remaining hand pies. Serve warm or at room temperature.
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Nutritional Facts
Per serving (1 hand pie)
Calories
178
Fat
10 g
Saturated Fat
6 g
Carbohydrates
21 g
Sodium
82 mg
Cholesterol
41 mg
Protein
2 g
Fiber
1 g
Sugar
10 g
This analysis is an estimate based on available ingredients and this preparation. It should not substitute for a dietitian’s or nutritionist’s advice.
From Voraciously staff writer Aaron Hutcherson.
Tested by Aaron Hutcherson.
Published June 7, 2023
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