If you’re craving a warm, flaky, and comforting dessert, these Air Fryer Apple Turnovers are just the ticket. Made with buttery puff pastry, a spiced apple filling, and a drizzle of icing, they’re everything you love about apple pie but in a portable, hand-held package!
What’s even better? These turnovers come together in under 30 minutes and don’t require any special baking skills. The air fryer ensures they’re perfectly golden and crisp without the need for a hot oven. They’re great as a quick dessert, an indulgent snack, or even for a cozy brunch. Let’s get started on making these irresistible treats!
What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (thawed)
- 1 large apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp milk (for egg wash)
Optional Icing:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Pro Tips for Perfect Apple Turnovers
- Use cold puff pastry: Keep the pastry chilled until you’re ready to use it for the flakiest results. Warm dough can get sticky and lose its texture.
- Dice the apples small: Small pieces cook faster and fit better inside the turnovers.
- Seal tightly: Use a fork to crimp the edges well, so the filling doesn’t leak out while cooking.
- Don’t skip the egg wash: It gives the turnovers a beautiful golden color.
- Customize the filling: Add raisins, chopped pecans, or a pinch of nutmeg for extra flavor.
Tools You’ll Need
- Air fryer
- Rolling pin
- Knife or pizza cutter
- Mixing bowls
- Fork
- Pastry brush
Substitutions and Variations
- Filling Variations: Try pear, peach, or berry fillings instead of apples.
- Puff Pastry Substitute: Use crescent roll dough for a softer texture.
- Low-Sugar Option: Replace the sugar with a sugar substitute or use honey.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free puff pastry to make this recipe suitable for everyone.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the apple filling up to 2 days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Assemble the turnovers and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag and cook directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Apple Filling
In a small bowl, mix the diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Stir until the apples are evenly coated.
Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface to smooth out the folds. Cut it into 4 equal squares using a knife or pizza cutter.
Step 3: Fill and Seal the Turnovers
Place a spoonful of the apple filling in the center of each puff pastry square. Fold each square into a triangle, pressing the edges together to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges.
Step 4: Brush with Egg Wash
In a small bowl, whisk the egg and milk together. Brush the tops of the turnovers with the egg wash for a golden, shiny finish.
Step 5: Air Fry the Turnovers
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes. Place the turnovers in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
Step 6: Add Icing and Serve
Optional: Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl to make a simple icing. Drizzle the icing over the warm turnovers and sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon if desired. Serve immediately!
Leftovers and Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftover turnovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked turnovers for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer for 4-5 minutes at 350°F.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Apple Turnovers are the ultimate quick dessert for when you’re craving something warm, flaky, and filled with cozy fall flavors. They’re perfect for kids, parties, or as a treat-yourself moment. Give this recipe a try, and let us know how it turned out in the comments below—don’t forget to share your favorite toppings or variations! 🍎✨
