Air-Fried Apple Pies: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to ovens for baking apple pies, yielding a crispy crust and warm apple pie filling. The pies can be made from scratch or using pre-made pie crusts and apple filling. The pies can be made in a variety of sizes, from mini hand pies to full-size pies, and can be customised with different types of apples and spices. The key to a flaky texture is to ensure the butter is very cold and not to overwork the crust.

Choosing the right apples

Taste

The ideal apple pie should strike a delicate balance between sweetness and tartness. Granny Smith apples, known for their bright green colour and firm texture, are a popular choice due to their tart flavour. However, they may be too sour for some palates, so combining them with a sweeter variety like Gala apples can create a more well-rounded taste. Golden Delicious apples, with their blend of sweetness and mild tartness, are another excellent option for a harmonious flavour profile.

Texture

The ideal apple for fried pies should retain its structure and not turn to mush when cooked. Apples like Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, and Honeycrisp are praised for their ability to stay relatively firm during the baking process. Honeycrisp apples offer a delightful combination of flavour and texture, making them a superb choice. However, they are only available during a short window in the fall, so you'll need to grab them while you can. Golden Delicious apples, on the other hand, are typically available year-round and offer a good balance of texture and taste, even if they lose some firmness when cooked.

Availability and Seasonality

When selecting apples for your fried pie, it's essential to consider what's in season and readily available. Granny Smith apples are a safe bet, as they are typically available year-round in most supermarkets. Golden Delicious apples are also easy to find and offer a good blend of texture and taste, even if they lose some firmness when cooked. If you're lucky enough to stumble upon Honeycrisp apples during their short fall season, they are worth adding to your pie for their superb texture and sweetness.

Personal Preference

Ultimately, the best apple for your fried pie comes down to your personal preference. Some people prefer a mix of apples to create a complex flavour profile and varied texture. Experimenting with different varieties will help you discover your favourite combination. You can also ask your local farmer at the market for their recommendations and insights on which apples work best for fried pies.

When choosing apples for your fried apple pie, consider taste, texture, availability, and your personal preferences. Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, and Honeycrisp apples are excellent choices for flavour and texture, but don't be afraid to experiment with other varieties to find your perfect blend. Remember to use fresh, in-season apples for the best results, as their texture and flavour will be at their peak.

Preparing the filling

If you're making your own, start by peeling and chopping your apples. You can use a variety of apples, but Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Gala apples are popular choices. For a tarter filling, use Granny Smith apples, and for a sweeter filling, go for Gala apples. You'll need about two medium-sized apples or three cups of peeled and chopped apples.

Next, combine the apples with butter, sugar, and cinnamon in a nonstick skillet. You can adjust the amount of sugar and cinnamon to taste, but a good starting point is two tablespoons of brown sugar, two tablespoons of granulated sugar, and a teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Cook this mixture over medium heat for about five minutes, or until the apples have softened.

To thicken the filling, create a slurry by dissolving a teaspoon of cornstarch in two teaspoons of cold water. Stir this into the apple mixture and continue cooking for about another minute until the sauce thickens.

Remove the filling from the heat and set it aside to cool while you prepare the crust. You can also add a splash of lemon juice to your filling while it cools to add a tangy flavour.

Making the pastry

To make the pastry, you will need the following ingredients:

• Flour
• Salt
• Sugar
• Butter
• Water

You can make the pastry by hand or using a food processor.

By hand:

Start by mixing the flour, salt, and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Then, cut the butter 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.

Using a food processor:

Place the flour, salt, sugar, and butter in a food processor and pulse until pea-sized butter flakes are visible. Add a tablespoon of water at a time, pulsing a couple of times after each addition. Stop adding water when the dough starts to clump together.

Once you have made the dough, transfer it onto a piece of plastic wrap. Shape it into a disc, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. The dough needs to be chilled for at least 2 hours, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

When you are ready to assemble your pies, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface. Cut the dough into circles using a cookie cutter or the top of a glass. You can also cut the dough into rectangles if you prefer.

Cooking the pies

Preheat your air fryer to 385°F (195°C). If you are using a Cosori 5.8-quart fryer like Becky Abbott, preheat to 320°F. If you have a Cuisinart air fryer, you may want to preheat to a lower temperature, as one user reported their pies burning after 4 minutes at 390°F.

Spray the basket of your air fryer with cooking spray. Brush the tops of your pies with oil or butter and transfer them to the air fryer basket using a spatula. Insert the basket and bake until golden brown. This should take around 8 minutes in an air fryer preheated to 385°F. If you are cooking at a lower temperature, you may need to leave them for longer.

Once cooked, remove the pies from the basket and repeat with any remaining pies. You can serve these pies warm or at room temperature.

Serving suggestions

These fried apple pies can be served warm or at room temperature. Dunk them in caramel sauce or serve them with vanilla ice cream, or a cup of coffee. They can also be enjoyed on their own.

If you want to store them, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 2 months.

Frequently asked questions