THESE AIR FRYER BAKED APPLES ARE MY FAVORITE APPLE PIE SHORTCUT

When fall rolls around, all I want are apple desserts (sorry, pumpkin). While I love a classic apple pie, I also love finding new and unique ways to enjoy the warming, spiced flavor in a different form. My newest obsession is all thanks to the air fryer—apple pie baked apples. They have all the elements of a classic apple pie (including a lattice crust!), but in a single-serving package. Plus, they come together in 30 minutes, making them an easy, quick alternative when you need apple pie flavors in a fraction of the time.

Pink Lady apples are recommended here, but if you can't find them, another type of apple for baking like Jonagold, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn will do. If you don’t feel like dealing with a lattice crust, just top each apple with a round piece of dough (that has a few slits cut in it to let the steam escape).

Serve with caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent upgrade, or make this breakfast-y and serve with a spoonful of Greek yogurt. The best part about these mini baked pies is that they can be a breakfast, snack, and dessert—the possibilities are endless!

Made this? Let us know how it went in the comments below!

Yields: 2 servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories per Serving: 377

Ingredients

• 3

  Pink Lady apples

• 2 tbsp.

  granulated sugar, plus more for sprinkling

• 1 tsp.

  cornstarch

• 1/2 tsp.

  ground cinnamon, plus more for sprinkling

• 1/4 c.

  water

• 1 tsp.

  fresh lemon juice

• All-purpose flour, for dusting

• 1

  refrigerated pie crust

• 1

  large egg, beaten to blend

• Caramel sauce, for drizzling (optional)

Directions

1. Peel and finely chop 1 apple. Transfer to a small pot. Add sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon and toss to coat. Add water and lemon juice, then bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until apples are tender and liquid thickens, about 10 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, slice off top 1/2" of remaining 2 apples. Hollow out apples with a melon baller or teaspoon. Arrange apples on a work surface and fill with cooked apple mixture.
3. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/8" thick. Cut out 2 (4") circles. Slice each circle into scant 1/4"-thick strips. Arrange strips in a lattice pattern over each apple, pressing outer edges into apple and trimming any excess.
4. Brush dough with egg; sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon. Place apples in an air-fryer basket. Cook at 350° until tender, filling is bubbling, and crust is golden, about 14 minutes. Let cool slightly before drizzling with caramel sauce, if using.

2025-10-01T16:47:22Z