Air-Fried Apple Pie: A Quick, Easy, And Delicious Treat

Air fryers are perfect for making apple pies, whether you want to make a whole pie or mini hand pies. The air fryer ensures the pie is cooked to perfection with a crispy crust and warm apple pie filling. The best apples to use are Granny Smith apples as they hold up best in baking since they don't turn to mush. If you prefer a sweeter apple pie mixture, you can use Gala apples. You can also use store-bought pie filling or make your own.

Choosing the right apples

For a traditional apple pie with a tart flavour, Granny Smith apples are a popular choice. Granny Smith apples hold their shape well during baking and have a firm texture, making them ideal for creating a chunky, textured pie filling. Their tartness also cuts through the sweetness of the pastry and any additional sugar in the filling.

If you prefer a sweeter apple pie, consider using Gala apples. These apples will add a delicate, sweet flavour to your pie and pair well with additional spices such as cinnamon. Golden Delicious apples are another good option for a sweet pie, as they have a mellow flavour and will soften during baking, creating a smooth, creamy texture.

When selecting apples for your pie, it's important to consider the balance of flavours and textures you want to achieve. If you're using a variety of apples, aim for a mix of sweet and tart apples to create a well-rounded flavour profile. Additionally, ensure the apples are firm and free of bruises or soft spots to guarantee the best results.

Making the filling

For the apple pie filling, you can either make your own or use a store-bought, canned apple pie filling.

If you want to make your own, you will need apples (Granny Smith, Gala, or Fuji are all good options), brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, cornstarch, and water. Start by combining the apples, sugar, butter, and cinnamon in a non-stick skillet. Cook over medium heat until the apples have softened, which should take around 5 minutes. In a separate bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in cold water and then stir this mixture into the apple mixture. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens, which should only take about another minute. Remove the apple pie filling from the heat and set it aside to cool while you prepare the crust.

If you are using store-bought filling, you may need to cut the apple slices in half, depending on the size.

Preparing the pastry

Firstly, gather your ingredients. For the pastry, you will need pie crusts, either store-bought refrigerated ones or homemade. You can use a package of refrigerated pie crusts, typically containing two crusts, or make your own double-crust pie pastry from scratch.

If you opt for store-bought, remove the pie crusts from their packaging and let them come to room temperature, following the package instructions. This step ensures the dough is easier to handle and roll out.

Now, it's time to roll out the dough. Lightly flour your work surface to prevent sticking. Place one of the pie crusts onto the floured area and use a rolling pin to flatten it. You may need to roll it out slightly to smooth the surface and ensure it's even. If making mini pies, use a cookie cutter or a knife to cut the dough into circles or rectangles of your desired size. Repeat this process with the second pie crust if needed.

For mini pies, the next step is to fill the pies. Place your chosen filling—such as apple pie filling—onto one half of each dough circle or rectangle, being careful not to overfill. Leave about a 1/2-inch border around the edges. You can moisten the edges with water to help the crusts stick together and form a better seal.

If you're making a full-sized pie, place one pie crust circle into the bottom of your pie plate, lightly pressing it down. Then, add your filling and spread it evenly. Cover with the second crust.

Once your pies are filled, it's time to seal them. For mini pies, place the second piece of dough on top of the filling, ensuring it's slightly bigger than the bottom piece. Gently press the edges together, sealing them with your fingers or a fork. For a decorative touch, you can use a fork to crimp the edges and ensure a tight seal. Don't forget to cut a few slits in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape while cooking.

Your pastry is now ready for the air fryer! Preheat your air fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions, usually around 360-385°F (175-195°C). Brush the pies with butter, an egg wash, or cooking spray to promote browning and a crispy texture. Place the pies in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them for even cooking.

Depending on the size of your pies and the air fryer model, the cooking time will vary. For mini pies, cook for approximately 5-10 minutes, and for a full-sized pie, aim for 18-23 minutes. Keep an eye on your creation, as you want the pastry to be golden brown and cooked through.

And there you have it—a perfectly prepared pastry for your air fryer apple pie!

Cooking the pie

Now that you have your apple filling and your pie crusts ready, it's time to cook your apple pie in the air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• First, you will need to unroll your pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to flatten them out if necessary. Cut your pie crusts into the desired shape and size, depending on the size of your air fryer and whether you want to make mini pies or a full-sized pie.
• Place one pie crust circle or rectangle into the bottom of your pie plate or air fryer basket, lightly pressing it down. If you are making mini pies, place a small amount of apple filling in the centre of each pie crust, about 1/2 inch from the edges. For a full-sized pie, simply pour the apple filling into the crust and spread it evenly.
• Top the filling with the second pie crust and trim any excess edges. Cut a few slits in the top of the pie to release steam while it's cooking. This is an important step to prevent your pie from getting soggy.
• Brush the top of the crust with melted butter or an egg wash to help the pie turn golden while it's cooking and give it a crispy texture. You can also sprinkle some cinnamon sugar or coarse sugar on top for extra flavour and a bakery finish.
• Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend cooking apple pie in the air fryer at temperatures between 320-385 degrees Fahrenheit (about 175-195 degrees Celsius).
• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place your pie or pies in the basket, leaving space around each one for proper air circulation.
• Cook your apple pie until the crust is golden brown. For mini pies, this should take around 5-10 minutes. For a full-sized pie, cook for about 18-23 minutes.
• Once your pie is done, you can sprinkle a little bit of brown sugar, white sugar, powdered sugar, or another dash of cinnamon and sugar mixture on top. Serve your apple pie warm or at room temperature, and enjoy the delicious flavours of autumn!

Serving suggestions

Air fryer apple pies are delicious served warm or at room temperature. You can also chill them before serving.

For an indulgent treat, serve your air fryer apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A cup of coffee is a great optional extra on the side.

If you're making mini apple pies, you can dunk them in homemade caramel sauce, or brush them with a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.

Frequently asked questions