Air-Fried Apple Pies: A Quick, Easy Treat

Yes, you can make fried apple pies in an air fryer! This cooking method yields a crispy crust and a warm apple pie filling. You can make the pies from scratch or use pre-made pie crusts and canned apple pie filling. The pies can be made in a variety of shapes, including circles, rectangles, and half-moons, and can be served warm or at room temperature.

Air Fryer Apple Pie Filling

The filling for an apple pie is the star of the dish, and making it from scratch can be time-consuming. However, it is possible to make a delicious apple pie filling at home using an air fryer in a few simple steps.

Firstly, you will need to prepare your apples. For a classic apple pie, Granny Smith apples are a good choice as they are tart, but you can also use Gala apples for a sweeter pie. Dice two medium apples and combine them in a non-stick skillet with six tablespoons of brown sugar, four tablespoons of butter, and one teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Cook this mixture over medium heat for around five minutes, or until the apples have softened.

Next, you will need to thicken the filling. To do this, dissolve one teaspoon of cornstarch in two teaspoons of cold water and stir this into the apple mixture. Cook for about one more minute, or until the sauce has thickened, then remove the filling from the heat and allow it to cool while you prepare the pastry.

This recipe will make enough filling for four mini apple pies or one standard-sized pie. You can also get creative and experiment with adding other ingredients to the filling, such as nutmeg or raisins.

Air Fryer Apple Pie Crust

Making apple pies in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy this classic dessert. You can use pre-made pie crusts or make your own from scratch. Here is a step-by-step guide to making the perfect air fryer apple pie crust:

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crusts

If you are using pre-made pie crusts, simply unfold them and place them on a lightly floured surface. If you need to, use a rolling pin to flatten the crusts and roll them out slightly. This will ensure that they fit into your pie plate and create a nice, even base for your filling.

Step 2: Cut the Crusts

Using a round biscuit or cookie cutter, cut out circles from the pie crusts. For mini pies, you will need two circles per pie, one for the base and one for the top. Cut out enough circles to make the desired number of pies, ensuring they are small enough so that at least two pies can fit in your air fryer at once.

Step 3: Assemble the Pies

Fill each base crust circle with your chosen apple pie filling. Be careful not to overfill, leaving about 1/2 inch of space from the edges. Place the second circle of crust on top of the filling. Press down the edges and crimp them with a fork to seal the pie shut.

Step 4: Prepare for Baking

Cut a few slits in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape during cooking. Brush the tops of the pies with either melted butter or an egg wash to help them turn golden while baking. You can also sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top for extra flavour and a bakery-style finish.

Step 5: Bake in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, usually around 320-385 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the pies in the basket, leaving space between them for air circulation.

Step 6: Enjoy Your Apple Pies!

Bake the pies until they are golden brown, which should take approximately 5-8 minutes. Remove them from the air fryer and serve warm or at room temperature. You can also top them with a glaze, ice cream, or whipping cream for an extra indulgent treat!

Making apple pies in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to enjoy this classic dessert. With pre-made pie crusts and fillings, you can have delicious, crispy apple pies ready in less than 30 minutes!

Air Fryer Apple Pie Temperature and Timing

Air-fried apple pies are a quick and easy dessert to make, and you can have a delicious, crispy, and warm apple pie in minutes.

The temperature and timing of your apple pie will depend on the type of pie you are making, the size of the pie, and the type of air fryer you are using.

Air Fryer Temperature

Most recipes recommend preheating your air fryer to between 350°F and 385°F (175°C-195°C).

Timing

The timing will depend on the size of your pie. For mini apple pies, cook for 5-10 minutes, and for a full-size apple pie, you are looking at around 18-25 minutes.

For example, if you are making mini apple pies, you can cook two at a time for around 8 minutes at 385°F (195°C). For a full-size pie, you can cook at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes, and then another 25 minutes at 325°F (160°C).

If you are making a McDonald's-style apple pie using puff pastry, cook at 375°F (190°C) for 6-8 minutes.

Tips

• Always preheat your air fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Brush the pies with egg wash and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before cooking to help them turn golden.
• Make sure there is space around each pie for air to circulate.
• Pies should be a golden brown colour when ready.
• If you are making a full-size pie in the oven, bake at 375°F (191°C) for 25-30 minutes.

Air Fryer Apple Pie Serving Suggestions

Air fryer apple pies are best served warm or at room temperature. They can be served on their own, or with ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel sauce for dipping.

If you want to make your apple pies look like they're straight out of a bakery, brush the tops with a glaze made from a mixture of confectioners' sugar and milk. Alternatively, sprinkle the tops with brown sugar, white sugar, or powdered sugar.

If you're making mini apple pies, you can get creative with how you present them. Arrange them in a circle on a plate, or stack them into a pyramid shape. You could also place them in small paper bags and tie the bags with a ribbon, so your guests can easily grab one as a portable treat.

If you're serving a large apple pie, consider cutting it into slices and fanning the slices out on a plate. Top the pie with a scoop of ice cream, or place a small scoop of ice cream on each plate next to a slice of pie. You could also drizzle some caramel sauce over the pie or on the plates.

For a more casual gathering, serve the apple pie in a rustic style by placing the whole pie on a wooden board or platter. Provide a pie server so your guests can help themselves. You can also put out some bowls of toppings, such as ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel sauce, along with some spoons so guests can add their desired toppings.

Finally, don't forget to consider the drinks you'll be serving with your apple pie. A cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk are classic choices, but you could also offer apple cider or a sweet dessert wine to complement the flavours of the pie.

Air Fryer Apple Pie Storage

Air fryer apple pies are a quick and easy dessert to make, and they can be stored for later if you have any leftovers. Here are some tips for storing your air fryer apple pie:

Room Temperature Storage:

If you plan on serving the apple pie within a few hours, you can keep it at room temperature. Simply wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other flavours from the fridge. Room temperature storage is best for the same day or up to 8 hours before serving.

Refrigerator Storage:

If you want to store your air fryer apple pie for longer, refrigeration is a good option. Cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out and absorbing other flavours from the fridge. Refrigeration can extend the shelf life of your apple pie by up to a week, but it is best consumed within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezer Storage:

For even longer storage, you can freeze your air fryer apple pie. Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen apple pie can last for up to 2 months in the freezer. When you're ready to serve it, thaw the pie in the refrigerator overnight, and then bring it to room temperature or reheat it in the air fryer before serving.

Reheating:

To reheat your air fryer apple pie, it is best to use the air fryer to maintain its crispy texture. Place the pie in the air fryer basket and reheat at 350°F for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the oven; however, the air fryer will provide a crispier crust.

It is important to note that the storage times mentioned above are estimates, and the freshness of your apple pie may vary depending on the ingredients used and the quality of your storage containers. Always use your best judgement when storing and consuming food, and make sure to properly label and date your leftovers.

Frequently asked questions