Air-Fried Apple Pie: A Tasty, Quick Treat

Apple pie is a classic dessert, but can you cook it in an air fryer? The answer is yes, you can! Air-fried apple pies are easy to make and only require basic ingredients. They are also a great option for those who want to avoid turning on their oven, especially on warmer days. In addition, air fryers preheat faster than ovens, and the concentrated heat means you can bake at a lower temperature. This can result in savings on your electricity bill. Whether you're looking for a new way to enjoy apple pie or simply want to make the most of your air fryer, this cooking method is definitely worth considering.

Air fryer apple pie recipe

Air fryer apple pies are easy to make and are a great way to enjoy this classic dessert. You can make small individual apple pies or a full-size air fryer apple pie.

Ingredients:

• Apples
• Pie crust (pre-made or from scratch)
• Brown sugar
• Butter
• Cinnamon
• Cornstarch
• Milk
• Confectioner's sugar
• Egg (optional)

Instructions:

First, prepare the apple pie filling by combining apples, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon in a nonstick skillet. Cook over medium heat until the apples have softened, which should take about 5 minutes. Next, dissolve cornstarch in cold water and stir this into the apple mixture. Cook for another minute until the sauce thickens. Remove the apple pie filling from the heat and set it aside to cool.

Now, prepare the pie crust. If you are making it from scratch, mix flour, salt, and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Then, add butter and cut it into the mixture until it resembles a coarse meal with pea-sized flakes of butter. Gradually add water until the texture starts to clump together. If you are using pre-made pie crusts, simply unroll the dough on a lightly floured surface and roll it out slightly to smooth the surface.

Cut the dough into rectangles or circles, depending on the shape of your air fryer basket, ensuring that two can fit in the basket at one time. Repeat this process until you have 8 equal rectangles or circles.

For rectangular pies, wet the outer edges of 4 rectangles with water and place some apple filling in the center, about 1/2 inch from the edges. Roll out the remaining 4 rectangles so that they are slightly larger than the filled ones and place them on top of the filling. For circular pies, place one pie crust circle into the bottom of the pie plate, lightly pressing it down. Then, pour the apple filling over the crust and spread it evenly. Top with the second crust.

For both shapes, crimp the edges with a fork to seal the pies. Cut a few slits in the tops of the pies to release steam while they are cooking. You can also brush the tops with an egg wash (a mixture of whisked egg and a splash of water) or melted butter to help the pies turn golden while cooking.

Preheat your air fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions, usually between 320-385 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray the basket with cooking spray and place 2 pies in the basket at a time, leaving space around each for air circulation. Bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

Remove the pies from the basket and repeat with the remaining pies. For a sweet glaze, mix together confectioners' sugar and milk in a small bowl and brush it onto the warm pies. Allow the glaze to dry and then serve the pies warm or at room temperature.

Tips:

• If you notice that your pies are browning too quickly, you can loosely cover them with aluminum foil for the last few minutes.
• You can store assembled and unbaked pies in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• The type of apple you use will affect the taste of your pie. For a traditional tart apple flavor, use Granny Smith apples. For a sweeter apple pie, Gala apples are a good choice.

Enjoy your homemade air fryer apple pie!

Making the pie crust

Start by mixing the dry ingredients—flour, salt, and sugar—in a large bowl. Cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles a coarse meal with pea-sized flakes of butter. Then, gradually add water until the texture starts to clump together. You can do this by hand if you like.

Once you have your dough, it's time to roll it out. Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and use a rolling pin to flatten it out. You can cut the dough into circles, rectangles, or any shape you like, depending on the shape of your air fryer basket. Just be sure to leave enough room for the filling and to seal the edges.

If you're making a traditional pie with a top crust, you'll need to cut out a second piece of dough. Place the apple filling on the bottom crust, then top it with the second crust. Trim any excess dough from the edges and crimp them together with a fork to seal in all that delicious filling. Don't forget to cut a few slits in the top crust to release steam while the pie is cooking.

If you're making hand pies, place a heaping spoonful of filling on one half of the dough circle, then fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Seal the edges with a fork or your fingers, and don't forget to cut a slit in the top to release steam.

Now your pie crust is ready for the air fryer!

Preparing the apple filling

Cook the mixture over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until the apples have softened to your desired consistency. If you prefer a more tart apple filling, use Granny Smith apples as they hold their shape better during baking. Once the apples have reached your desired consistency, remove the mixture from the heat and set it aside to cool.

If you want to make the apple filling in larger batches, you can add all the ingredients to a medium-sized saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes. This method ensures that the apples soften and the sauce thickens, creating a delicious and hearty apple filling for your pie.

Keep in mind that the apple filling can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. This step can save you time and streamline the pie-making process, especially if you're short on time or want to prepare some components in advance.

Cooking and glazing the pie

Now that your apple pie filling is ready, it's time to assemble and cook your pie!

First, unfold your pie crust and use a rolling pin to flatten it out. Place one pie crust circle into the bottom of your pie plate, lightly pressing it down. Then, pour your apple filling over the crust and spread it evenly. Top it with the second crust and trim the excess edges. Cut a few slits in the top of the pie to release steam while it's cooking. If you want a golden crust, brush the top with melted butter or an egg wash. You can also sprinkle a bit of cinnamon sugar on top for extra flavour.

Place the pie in the air fryer basket and cook at 320 degrees Fahrenheit for about 18-23 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. If you're using a different air fryer, adjust the temperature and time accordingly. Some recipes suggest cooking at 350- 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-10 minutes, while others recommend 385 degrees Fahrenheit for about 8 minutes. Keep an eye on your pie to ensure it doesn't burn.

Once your pie is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool. If you want a shiny glaze on your pie, mix together powdered sugar and milk, or a mixture of cinnamon, powdered sugar, and milk, and brush it on the warm pie. Allow the glaze to dry before serving. Your apple pie is now ready to be enjoyed!

You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat the pie in the air fryer for a couple of minutes to crisp it up again.

Storing and reheating the pie

Storing your apple pie depends on how long you want it to last and how much you have left. If you plan to eat your pie within one or two days, you can store it at room temperature. The sugar and acid in the apple pie will slow down bacteria growth during this period. However, it is recommended that you cover your pie with a lid or plastic wrap to avoid the crust from going stale and the pie from collecting dust.

If you want your pie to last longer, it is best to store it in the refrigerator, either with a lid or covered tightly with plastic wrap. It will last up to four days in the refrigerator. If you don't want to eat cold pie, you can reheat it in an air fryer, oven, toaster oven, microwave, or cast-iron skillet.

To reheat a slice of pie in an air fryer, wrap it in foil to keep the filling from spilling and place it in the air fryer at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for about five minutes. For a partial or whole pie, ensure that it sits flat in a heatproof pie plate in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for at least ten minutes, and then check on it in five-minute increments.

You can also reheat your pie in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. If you choose to reheat your pie in the microwave, place it on a microwave-safe plate and heat it in 30-second to one-minute intervals.

Frequently asked questions