Hand pies are a timeless dessert that work year-round. This hand pies recipe is one of my favorites: a light, flaky crust filled with apple pie filling and cooked until golden—either in the oven or the air fryer.
You can bake these hand pies in a conventional oven or make air fryer hand pies. Both methods yield delicious results.
Air fryer apple hand pies are an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert. These mini handheld pies can be filled with any favorite fruit filling, and they make great single-serve treats for gatherings or weeknight desserts.
Why you’ll enjoy these hand pies:
- Easy to make
- Quick preparation
- Single-serve apple pie pockets
- Works with store-bought pie crust for a short cut
- Use canned or homemade apple pie filling
- Perfect for holidays, potlucks, and cookouts
Ingredients Needed
This apple pastry recipe is warm and comforting, with tender apples and cozy spices in every bite.
- 1 package refrigerated pie crust (about 14 ounces)
- 1 can apple pie filling (about 21 ounces) or homemade filling
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Coarse sugar, optional for sprinkling
How to Make
Step 1: Lightly flour your work surface and unroll the pie crust(s). Use a 2-inch round cookie cutter (or a size you prefer) to cut circles from the dough.
Step 2: Spoon about one tablespoon of apple pie filling into the center of half of the dough circles, leaving about 1/4 inch of space around the edges. Reserve the remaining circles to use as tops.
Step 3: Place a top circle over each filled bottom. Press the edges together and crimp with a fork to seal. Cut 2–3 small vents in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape while cooking.
Step 4: Whisk the egg and milk together to make an egg wash. Brush the tops of the pies with the wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired. Repeat for all pies.
Step 5: Air fryer method: Arrange pies in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them. Air fry at 375°F for about 5 minutes, or until the crusts are golden brown.
Oven method: Preheat the oven to 375°F and bake the pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 5–9 minutes, or until the crusts are fully baked and golden. Times may vary slightly depending on size and oven.
Step 6: Remove the mini apple hand pies and let them cool briefly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Note: You may have leftover pie filling—store it in the refrigerator and use it for tarts, pancakes, French toast, ice cream topping, or other desserts.
Storage
Store cooled hand pies at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To freeze, allow baked pies to cool completely, place in a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for 3–4 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Expert Tips and Variations
- Use any pie filling you like—apple, cherry, peach, or lemon curd all work well.
- If you prefer, make a homemade pie crust for extra flakiness instead of using store-bought.
- Leave space between pies in the air fryer or on the baking sheet for even browning.
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the filling before sealing for caramel apple hand pies.
- These are great to make ahead and freeze, then reheat for quick desserts at parties or holidays.
Recipe FAQs
Yes. Add about 1/3 cup of caramel sauce distributed among the pies before sealing, or drizzle caramel over the baked pies. Salted caramel is a tasty alternative.
Any pie filling works: apple, cherry, peach, rhubarb, lemon curd, and more. Feel free to experiment.
Keep cooled pies in an airtight container at room temperature up to 3 days or refrigerated up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze baked pies for 3–4 months.
Slits allow steam to escape during baking, preventing the pies from bursting open and helping them bake evenly.
Yes. Double or triple the recipe and cook in batches, leaving space between pies for even cooking.
More Pie Recipes
- Mini S’mores Pies
- Key Lime Pies
- Peach Pies
- No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie
Apple Hand Pies Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 package refrigerated pie crust (14 ounces)
- 1 can pie filling (21 ounces)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Coarse sugar, optional topping
Instructions
- Roll out the pie crust and cut circles with a round cookie cutter.
- Place about a tablespoon of apple pie filling into each bottom circle. Save half the circles as tops.
- Place a top circle over each filled bottom and cut 2–3 vents in the top to release steam.
- Mix the egg and milk; brush the mixture over the tops and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
- Air fry at 375°F in a single layer until golden, or bake at 375°F for 5–9 minutes until the crust is done.
- Remove, cool slightly, and serve.
Notes
Oven baking: Bake at 375°F for about 5–8 minutes or until the crust is golden and cooked through.
Use any flavor of pie filling, homemade or store-bought.
For caramel apple pies, add a small drizzle of caramel sauce to each filling before sealing.
Store-bought refrigerated pie crusts are convenient and work well if you prefer not to make crust from scratch.
Equipment
- Round cookie cutters
- Air fryer or oven
Nutrition
Calories: 98 kcal
Carbohydrates: 11 g
Protein: 2 g
Fat: 5 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Cholesterol: 16 mg
Sodium: 88 mg
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 3 g
Did you make this recipe?
Share your results on social media and enjoy these little apple hand pies with friends and family.
Apple hand pies are fast to prepare and offer the comforting flavor of classic apple pie in a portable, single-serve package. Whether air-fried or baked, they make a delightful dessert for any occasion.