© Original Recipe By Mom’s Meals ©
🍎✨ Sweet and Crispy Mini Apple Pies: The Perfect Irresistible Bite! 🥧
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a delightful dessert that combines flaky pastry with sweet, tender apple filling, then these Sweet and Crispy Mini Apple Pies are exactly what you need. Their charming size makes them perfect for an afternoon snack, dinner party appetizer, or a quick treat to satisfy your sweet tooth. The aroma of cinnamon and baked apples as they cook is simply irresistible. This easy apple dessert offers a harmonious blend of crispy crusts and gooey, spiced apple goodness in every bite. Let’s explore how you can create these delightful mini pies right in your own kitchen!
2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 30 minutes: Perfect for last-minute cravings or entertaining guests.
- One-bowl dough: Simplifies cleanup and speeds up prep time.
- Great for all skill levels: Easy apple dessert that’s fun to make and delicious to eat.
- Customizable fillings: Add your favorite nuts or a drizzle of caramel for extra flair.
3. Ingredient Notes
Choosing high-quality ingredients elevates this classic mini apple pies. Opt for fresh, crisp apples like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala—they hold their shape well and offer a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. To infuse deep cinnamon flavor, use freshly ground cinnamon instead of pre-ground, which can sometimes be dull. For the crust, a good-quality butter, such as European-style butter, lends a rich, flaky texture. When it comes to sugar, light brown sugar enhances the caramelized notes of the apple filling. Adding a touch of lemon juice not only brightens the flavor but also prevents the apples from browning in advance of baking.
4. Kitchen Tools You Need
To achieve the best results, having the right tools can make all the difference. Check out this Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer, which is excellent for baking mini pies with a crispy crust without turning on your oven. A T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set ensures your pastry won’t stick, providing even heat distribution. The Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer Combo is versatile for baking, roasting, and crisping these mini treats. These high-quality tools streamline your baking process for consistently perfect mini apple pies.
5. How to Make Sweet and Crispy Mini Apple Pies
Preparing the Filling
Start by peeling and slicing your apples into small, uniform pieces. In a mixing bowl, toss them with lemon juice, cinnamon, a pinch of salt, and a splash of vanilla extract. Add brown sugar and a cornstarch slurry to thicken the filling during baking. The filling should look glossy and slightly syrupy—aromatic with warm spice.
Making the Pastry
Using a KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer, combine cold butter with flour, salt, and a touch of sugar until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add ice-cold water gradually until a shaggy dough forms. Chill the dough for at least 15 minutes for easier rolling.
Assembling the Mini Pies
Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut out circles with a cookie cutter or a glass. Place spoonfuls of apple filling in the center, then fold and crimp the edges. Brush with an egg wash for golden perfection—your kitchen will fill with a fruity, inviting aroma.
Baking and Finishing
Bake in your air fryer or oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes until the crust is crispy and golden brown. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel for extra indulgence.
6. Expert Tips for Success
- Handle the dough minimally: Overworking the pastry results in tough crust. Keep the butter cold and avoid over-rolling.
- Seal edges properly: Use a fork or your fingers to crimp tightly, preventing filling from leaking out during baking.
- Pre-bake crusts slightly: If your crusts aren’t crispy enough, prebake for 5 minutes before adding the filling.
- Adjust sweetness: Taste your filling before baking and add more sugar or spices to suit your preference.
7. Variations & Substitutions
Got dietary restrictions? Try substituting gluten-free flour in the crust or use a vegan butter alternative. For a fruit twist, swap apples for pears or peaches. To make these mini apple pies even richer, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling. For a festive touch, sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top before baking.
8. Storage & Reheating
Store leftover mini pies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in your air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warm and crispy. They’re best enjoyed fresh but still delicious when reheated.
9. FAQ
Can I freeze mini apple pies? Yes, assemble the pies and freeze them unbaked. Bake directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking? Make sure to crimp the edges well and don’t overfill the pockets.
What apples are best for baking? Crisp, firm apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp hold their shape and offer the best flavor during baking.
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, prepare the pies and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
10. Conclusion
In just under half an hour, you can create these adorable mini apple pies that are bursting with flavor and texture. Their crispy crust paired with warm, spiced apple filling makes them an unforgettable treat. Whether you keep them as a quick apple dessert or serve them at your next gathering, this recipe guarantees smiles. Ready to bake? Gather your ingredients and enjoy the wonderful aroma of homemade mini apple pies today!
Print
Sweet and Crispy Mini Apple Pies
Mini apple pies are a perfect blend of crispy crust and sweet, spiced apple filling in a compact, easy-to-make package.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 mini pies
Ingredients
- 1 sheet of refrigerated pie crust
- 2 medium apples, peeled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out pie crust and cut into 4-inch circles using a cookie cutter.
- In a bowl, combine sliced apples, sugar, cinnamon, flour, and vanilla.
- Place a spoonful of apple filling onto each crust circle.
- Fold dough over filling to form a half-moon shape and seal edges with a fork.
- Brush tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until crust is golden brown.
Notes
- You can substitute baking apples like Fuji or Gala for a different taste.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini pie
- Calories: 180 Kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg