Air-Fried Apple Turnovers: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryer apple turnovers are a delicious dessert that can be made in half the time it would take to bake them in an oven. They are a classic handheld pastry filled with cooked apple and are incredibly crisp and tasty. The air fryer is faster, easier, and cheaper than a conventional oven, and it also makes the turnovers crispier. The ingredients are simple and easy to source, and the method is straightforward, making this an excellent dessert option for any occasion.

Choosing the right apples

If you don't have Granny Smith or Golden Delicious apples, you can use any apples you have on hand. However, be aware that some apples will be softer and sweeter than others, so you may need to adjust your recipe accordingly. For example, if you use a sweeter apple, you may want to reduce the amount of sugar in your recipe. You can also mix and match different types of apples to find the perfect combination of flavours and textures for your turnovers.

When preparing your apples, be sure to cut them into evenly sized chunks to ensure they cook evenly. You will also want to peel and core the apples before chopping them into small pieces. Some recipes call for the apples to be cooked on the stovetop before being used as a filling, while others suggest using raw apples. If cooking the apples, be sure to stir them occasionally to prevent sticking and burning.

Preparing the apple filling

For the apple filling, you can use any kind of apple you have on hand, but if you want to impress your guests, opt for a tart variety like Granny Smith. You will need to core and chop your apples into small pieces, about 1/4-inch or 5mm in size.

Next, heat a pan over medium heat and add some butter. You can also add a splash of water to the pan. Toss in your diced apples and cook until softened. For added flavour, you can include spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or even pumpkin spice mix. If you're feeling indulgent, throw in some brown sugar or granulated sugar to enhance the sweetness of the apples. You can also add a dash of lemon juice to brighten the flavour.

Cook the apples until they reach your desired consistency. Some recipes suggest cooking for about 15 minutes, while others recommend cooking until the apples are soft, which may take less or more time depending on your heat setting and the size of your apple pieces. Once your apples are ready, remove them from the heat and let them cool down.

If you want to get creative, you can even fill your apple turnovers with other ingredients like shaved almonds, peanuts, confetti, chocolate, caramel, or even cheese!

Choosing and preparing the pastry

The type of pastry you use for your apple turnovers is important and will depend on the kind of texture and flavour you want to achieve. You can use puff pastry, shortcrust pastry, or pie crust.

If you want to make your own pastry, you can find recipes for shortcrust and pie crust pastry online. However, if you want to save time, you can buy pre-made pastry from most supermarkets.

If you are using puff pastry, it is best to buy pre-cut squares to reduce preparation time and freezer space. You will need to thaw the pastry before using it. For the best results, leave it in the fridge overnight, but if you are short on time, you can leave it on the counter until it is soft but still cold.

If you are using a pie crust, you can either make your own or buy pre-made crusts from the supermarket.

Once you have your pastry, roll it out on a lightly floured surface. If you are using puff pastry, cut it into equal squares. If using pie crust, you can cut out circles using a pasty cutter.

Assembling the turnovers

To assemble the apple turnovers, start by preparing the filling. Peel and core the apples, then cut them into small pieces. Heat a pan over medium heat and add butter, chopped apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar. You can also add a splash of water or lemon juice to the pan. Cook the apples until they are soft, then remove from the heat and let them cool slightly.

Next, prepare the puff pastry. Cut the puff pastry sheet into equal squares—you can cut it into four squares or smaller ones if you want to make more turnovers. Spoon the apple mixture into the centre of each puff pastry square, being careful not to overfill. Then, fold the pastry over diagonally to create a triangle shape, and seal the edges together using a fork. You can also cut some slits or vents in the pastry to allow the steam to escape.

Once your turnovers are shaped, brush the tops with a beaten egg to give them a golden glow. You can also sprinkle some sugar on top for extra sweetness and crunch. If desired, you can chill or freeze the turnovers at this stage and cook them later.

Finally, place the turnovers in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between each one. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Set the temperature to 180-200°C and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the turnovers are golden brown and crispy.

Cooking and serving the turnovers

Now that your apples are cooked and your pastry is ready, it's time to assemble and cook your apple turnovers!

First, cut your pastry sheet into four squares. You can do this by first cutting the sheet in half lengthways and then widthways. Then, spoon a generous amount of the apple mixture onto the bottom half of each rectangle or square, making sure to leave a small border. Next, brush the exposed pastry edges with the beaten egg—this will help seal the pastry and give it a golden glow. Using a fork, crimp the edges to fully seal the turnovers. You can also use a fork to create a decorative pattern around the edges.

Brush the tops of the turnovers with more beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar. This step is optional, but it will give your turnovers a beautiful shine and extra sweetness. If you want to add a bit of spice, you can also sprinkle some cinnamon on top.

Preheat your air fryer to between 180°C and 200°C. Place the turnovers directly in the basket, making sure they are in a single layer with a bit of space between each one. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip them over and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and crispy.

Once they're cooked, remove the turnovers from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. You can serve them warm or at room temperature. Dust with icing sugar, if desired, and serve with vanilla ice cream, custard, or caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.

Your apple turnovers are now ready to be enjoyed! They can also be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.

Frequently asked questions