Fried apple pies are a delicious and popular dessert that many people enjoy. Traditionally, these pies are cooked in hot oil, which can make them quite greasy and unhealthy. However, with the rise in popularity of air fryers, it is now possible to make crispy and delicious fried apple pies without using a lot of oil. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to make fried apple pies in an air fryer. So, let’s get started!
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you start making fried apple pies in an air fryer, it is essential to gather all the necessary ingredients. For this recipe, you will need the following:
– 4 medium-sized apples (preferably Granny Smith or another tart variety)
– 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
– 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
– 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
– 1 package of pre-made pie crusts (you can also make your own if you prefer)
– 1 tablespoon of melted butter
– Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Preparation
To begin, peel and dice the apples into small, bite-sized pieces. Place the diced apples in a mixing bowl and add the lemon juice, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and all-purpose flour. Toss the apple mixture gently until all the ingredients are well combined. Set the mixture aside for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Assembling the Pies
While the apple mixture is resting, it’s time to prepare the pie crusts. If you are using store-bought pie crusts, follow the instructions on the package for rolling out the dough. If you prefer to make your own crust, roll it out to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
Next, using a round cookie cutter or a pastry cutter, cut out circles from the rolled-out dough. The size of the circles will depend on your preference, but a diameter of around 4 inches works well. You should be able to get about six circles from a standard pie crust. Repeat this process with the second pie crust.
Filling and Sealing the Pies
Once you have the circles cut out, it’s time to fill and seal the pies. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the apple mixture onto one half of each circle, leaving a small border around the edges. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make sealing the pies difficult.
To seal the pies, fold the empty half of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly with your fingers or use a fork to crimp the edges. This will ensure that the pies are sealed properly and that the filling doesn’t leak out during cooking.
Cooking in the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. Once preheated, lightly brush the melted butter over the surface of the pies. This will help them turn golden brown and give them a delicious buttery flavor.
Place the assembled pies in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not touch. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the pies in multiple batches. Cook the pies for around 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Serving and Enjoying
Once the fried apple pies are cooked to perfection, carefully remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. Dust the pies with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness, if desired. Serve the pies warm and enjoy the delicious, homemade flavor of this classic dessert.
Conclusion
Making fried apple pies in an air fryer is an excellent alternative to the traditional deep-fried method. Not only is it healthier, but it also produces the same crispy and delicious results. With this easy recipe, you can enjoy the taste of homemade fried apple pies without the guilt. So, go ahead and give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!