AIR FRYER APPLE HAND PIES

Instructions

For the Crust

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Cut shortening into flour mixture using pastry blender or two knives.
3. Stir in just enough water with a fork until dough holds together.
4. TIP: Test dough for proper moistness by squeezing a marble-sized ball of dough in your hand. If it holds together firmly, do not add any additional water. If the dough crumbles, add more water by the tablespoonful, until dough is moist enough to form a smooth ball when pressed together.
5. Shape dough into a ball and flatten into a round disk. For ease in rolling, wrap dough in plastic wrap. Chill for 30 minutes or up to 2 days.
6. Once dough is chilled and you’re ready to assemble the pies, preheat oven to 400°F, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and prepare the filling.

For the Filling

1. In a medium bowl, toss the apples with the sugars, apple pie spice and flour.

Assemble the Pies

1. Remove dough from refrigerator and remove from the plastic wrap.
2. On a generously-floured work surface, roll the dough until it is about 1/8-inch thick.
3. Use a 5 inch round cookie cutter to cut the dough into circles. Reroll dough as needed in order to create 8-10 circles.
4. Add one heaping tablespoon of filling to the center of each dough circle, leaving as much liquid behind as possible.
5. Fold the dough circle in half and use your fingers or a fork to seal and crimp the edges.
6. Place hand pies on prepared baking sheet.
7. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water.
8. Use the tip of a sharp knife to cut 2 small slits into the tops of each pie.
9. Use a pastry brush to lightly brush the tops of the hand pies with the egg wash. If desired, top with sparkling sugar.
10. Preheat air fryer to 350 degrees F, then spray the basket with cooking spray and place two of the hand pies in.
11. Bake in preheated for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
12. Allow hand pies to cool. If desired, serve with homemade salted caramel sauce.