Air-Fryer Fried Pies: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a convenient and healthier alternative to deep frying, and they can be used to make delicious treats like fried pies. Air-fried pies are quick and easy to make, portable, and can be made with a variety of fillings. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to make mouth-watering fried pies using your air fryer.

Choosing the right apples

• Granny Smith: This apple variety is a top choice for apple desserts due to its tart flavour, which balances the sweetness of other ingredients. Granny Smith apples also hold their shape well when baked.
• Honeycrisp: Honeycrisp apples offer a crisp, juicy texture and a sweet flavour with hints of honey. They are delicious fresh and bake up wonderfully.
• Braeburn: Braeburn apples are a slightly sweeter version of Granny Smith apples, with a beautiful red, pink, yellow, and green exterior.
• Jonagold or Golden Delicious: These apple varieties are sweet, crisp, and juicy, making them ideal for dishes where you want a strong sweet flavour. They also hold their shape nicely when baked.

When making fried apple pies, it is important to cook the apples until they are soft and have a thick, applesauce-like consistency. This helps prevent soggy pies. You can also use freeze-dried or dehydrated apples, which tend to be drier and require less cooking time.

Preparing the filling

The first step in preparing the filling for your fried pies is to decide on the flavour. You can use store-bought pie fillings or make your own. Popular flavours include apple, blueberry, cherry, and peach.

If you are making your own apple pie filling, you will need apples, butter, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Peel, core, and slice the apples, then sauté them in a pan with the other ingredients until soft. You can also add nutmeg to taste. For apple hand pies, you will need to cut the apples into slices, rather than leaving them diced.

If you are using store-bought pie filling, you can simply open the can and proceed to the next step.

Once you have prepared or opened your pie filling, you will need to cut circles out of your pie crust. You can do this with a cookie cutter, or by hand. The circles should be around 4-5 inches in diameter. You will need two circles for each pie, so be sure to cut enough.

Now it's time to assemble the pies. Place a heaping tablespoon of filling in the centre of one of your pie crust circles. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause the seal to come undone. Brush some water or egg wash around the inside edge of the circle, then place a second circle on top. Press the edges together firmly and crimp with a fork to seal. You can also use your hands to seal the pastry.

Finally, use a knife to cut a small slit or an X in the top of each pie. This will allow steam to escape while the pies are cooking, preventing them from becoming soggy.

Making the pastry

The first step in making fried pies in an air fryer is to prepare the pastry. You can choose to make your own pastry dough or use a store-bought refrigerated pie crust. If you're short on time, the store-bought option is a convenient choice. However, if you want to add a personal touch and ensure the freshest ingredients, making your own pastry is a rewarding option.

To make your own pastry from scratch, you'll need a combination of flour, fat (such as butter or shortening), and liquid (such as water or milk). The specific quantities and ingredients can vary depending on your preferred recipe. The process typically involves mixing the dry ingredients, cutting in the fat, and gradually adding the liquid to form a dough. Once the dough is prepared, it's time to roll it out.

When using a store-bought refrigerated pie crust, it's important to follow the package instructions for proper handling. Remove the crust from the packaging and let it come to room temperature as instructed. This step ensures that the dough is pliable and easy to work with.

Whether you opt for a homemade or store-bought pastry, the next step is to cut it into the desired shape. For fried pies, a circular shape is typical, and you can use a cookie cutter or a small bowl as a guide. Place the cut-out circles of dough onto a lightly floured surface or a large cutting board.

Now it's time to fill and shape your pies. Spoon your chosen filling—whether it's apple, blueberry, or another delicious option—onto one half of each dough circle, being careful not to overfill. Lightly moisten the edges of the dough with water to help it seal. Then, carefully fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape.

To ensure a tight seal, use a fork to crimp the edges of the pie. This step not only makes your fried pie look pretty but also helps prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking. At this point, you can also use a sharp knife to score the top of the crust, creating a decorative pattern or simply making a few slits to allow steam to escape during cooking.

Before placing your pies in the air fryer, it's a good idea to preheat the appliance. Set the temperature to around 350°F to 360°F, and give it a few minutes to heat up. While the air fryer is preheating, you can brush the tops of your pies with an egg wash (a mixture of beaten egg and a splash of water) to give them a golden, crispy crust. You can also sprinkle coarse sugar or cinnamon sugar on top for added sweetness and texture.

Cooking the pies

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F–360°F. You can cook the pies without preheating the air fryer first, but doing so will help you achieve the perfect golden crust.

Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or olive oil spray. This will prevent the pies from sticking to the basket. Place two pies in the basket, ensuring they are not touching. You can cook more than two at a time if your air fryer basket is large enough.

Air fry the pies for 5 minutes, then flip them over and cook for another 4–5 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. For a crispier crust, you can cook the pies for a further 1–2 minutes.

Repeat this process with the remaining pies. Allow the pies to cool on a wire rack before serving.

These fried pies are best served warm or at room temperature. You can also store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze them for up to two months.

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve air-fried pies. Here are some suggestions:

• Dunk them in caramel sauce for an added treat.
• Serve them with vanilla ice cream.
• Dust them with powdered sugar.
• Drizzle with a simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk.
• Serve them while they are warm or at room temperature.
• Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• Reheat them in the air fryer for a couple of minutes to crisp them back up.

Frequently asked questions