Craving a delightful dessert that’s both quick and incredibly easy to make? Look no further than these sensational Air Fryer Apple Turnovers! Imagine perfectly soft, warmly spiced cinnamon apples nestled inside a golden, flaky puff pastry shell. Each bite is a symphony of textures and flavors, reminiscent of your favorite bakery treat but made right in your own kitchen. And the best part? While an air fryer makes them exceptionally fast and crispy, you can achieve equally delicious results in a traditional oven. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this irresistible homemade dessert!
These Air Fryer Apple Turnovers are truly the quick and easy indulgence you’ve been searching for. For anyone who, like me, finds it impossible to resist a classic apple turnover with a dollop of cream when passing a bakery, this recipe is a game-changer. The sheer convenience of whipping up bakery-quality treats at home, often with ingredients already on hand, is incredibly satisfying. Be warned, though: the ease with which you can satisfy your sweet cravings might become a delightful, albeit dangerous, habit!
The magic begins with our signature Stewed Cinnamon Apples, baked to perfection inside delicate, flaky puff pastry. These turnovers are incredibly versatile; enjoy them warm or cold, plain or decadently paired with cream. A fair warning: these are so delicious, stopping at just one will be a challenge! They are perfect for breakfast, a delightful afternoon snack, or a sophisticated dessert after dinner.
New to the world of air frying? Elevate your culinary skills by downloading our free printable Air Fryer Cooking Chart. It’s packed with essential cooking times and temperatures for all your beloved foods, alongside expert tips and tricks to maximize the potential of your air fryer for perfect results every time.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Apple Turnovers
There are countless reasons to fall in love with this simple yet sophisticated apple turnover recipe. First and foremost, the speed and efficiency of the air fryer mean you can enjoy a warm, homemade treat in a fraction of the time it would take with traditional baking methods. No more waiting an hour for your oven to preheat and cook! The air fryer circulates hot air evenly, creating an impossibly crispy and golden exterior that is truly irresistible, while keeping the apple filling tender and juicy.
Beyond the speed, these turnovers offer unmatched convenience. With just a few staple ingredients, you can transform everyday items into a luxurious dessert. They are also incredibly versatile, allowing for customization to suit your taste preferences. Whether you prefer a sweeter apple filling, a hint of nutmeg, or a sprinkle of coarse sugar on top for extra crunch, this recipe provides a fantastic base to experiment with. From a quick breakfast grab-and-go to an elegant dessert for guests, these air fryer apple turnovers fit every occasion. They truly bring that comforting, bakery-fresh experience right into your home without any of the fuss.
Essential Ingredients for Flawless Apple Turnovers
Crafting these delectable apple turnovers starts with a handful of quality ingredients. The foundation of our filling is my classic Stewed Cinnamon Apples, renowned for their incredible simplicity and quick preparation time. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to create this comforting dessert at home. Full, precise measurements can be found in the comprehensive printable recipe card below.
FOR THE STEWED CINNAMON APPLES
- Apples: For the best texture and flavor, I highly recommend using firm, slightly tart apples that hold their shape well when cooked. Varieties like Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji are excellent choices. Peel and dice them into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and a tender bite within the turnover.
- Cinnamon: This warming spice is the heart of our apple filling, infusing it with that classic, comforting aroma and taste. Adjust the amount to your personal preference for spice intensity.
- Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that complements the apples beautifully, adding a subtle depth of flavor without being overly sweet. You can substitute with brown sugar or honey if preferred, adjusting the quantity based on the sweetness of your apples.
- Water: A small amount of water helps to create a gentle simmering environment for the apples, ensuring they soften without scorching and form a lovely, saucy consistency.
FOR THE TURNOVERS
- Puff Pastry: The secret to that iconic flaky texture! Store-bought frozen puff pastry sheets are a fantastic time-saver and deliver consistently excellent results. Ensure you have one sheet ready.
- Egg: A single egg, lightly whisked, creates an essential egg wash. This wash is brushed over the pastry before cooking, contributing to that irresistible golden-brown color and a beautiful, glossy finish. It also helps seal the edges of the turnovers.
- Thickened Cream (Optional): While delicious on its own, a dollop of whipped thickened cream takes these turnovers to an even higher level of indulgence. Don’t skip this if you’re looking for that authentic bakery experience!
Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Your Apple Turnovers
Creating these exquisite Air Fryer Apple Turnovers is a straightforward process, broken down into a few simple steps. Follow these instructions carefully to ensure perfectly golden and delicious results every time.
-
First, prepare the star of our filling: the Stewed Cinnamon Apples. Follow the detailed instructions provided in this dedicated post. Once cooked, transfer the warm apple mixture to a plate or shallow bowl and allow it to cool slightly. This step is crucial, as hot filling can make the pastry soggy.
- Next, retrieve your puff pastry sheet from the freezer. Allow it to thaw partially at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes until it’s pliable but still cold enough to handle easily without becoming sticky. Once thawed, carefully unfold the sheet and cut it into four equal squares. In a small bowl, whisk one egg to create your egg wash. Lightly brush the edges of each puff pastry square with this egg wash. This will help to seal the turnovers and achieve that beautiful golden finish.
-
Now it’s time to fill! Spoon a generous amount of the cooled cinnamon apple mixture into the center of each puff pastry square. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make sealing difficult. Gently fold one corner of the pastry square over to meet the opposite corner, forming a perfect triangle shape. Press the edges together firmly with your fingers, then use the tines of a fork to crimp and seal the edges all around. This creates a secure seal and adds a decorative touch.
-
Once the turnovers are sealed, lightly brush the tops of each turnover with the remaining egg wash. This ensures a beautifully golden and shiny crust. If your air fryer basket is small, work in batches. Place two turnovers carefully into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded to allow for even cooking. Cook for approximately 15 minutes at 180°C / 350°F, or until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and are puffed up. Repeat this process for any remaining turnovers.
- Serve your freshly baked Air Fryer Apple Turnovers warm, straight from the air fryer. They are absolutely delightful as is, allowing the natural sweetness of the apples and the flakiness of the pastry to shine. For an extra touch of decadence, serve them alongside a generous dollop of whipped thickened cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Enjoy!
Top Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Apple Turnovers
Achieving bakery-quality apple turnovers at home is simple with these expert tips:
- No Preheating Necessary: One of the many advantages of using an air fryer for these turnovers is that there’s absolutely no need to preheat it. This saves you valuable time and makes the process even quicker.
- Prevent Sticking: If your air fryer basket isn’t inherently non-stick, a light spray of cooking oil or a thin layer of parchment paper specifically designed for air fryers will prevent the turnovers from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- The Power of Egg Wash: While you can technically skip the egg wash, it’s highly recommended. Brushing the turnovers with a lightly whisked egg before cooking gives them that beautiful, glossy golden-brown color and a slightly crispier crust, enhancing their visual appeal and texture.
- Batch Cooking for Best Results: If you own a single-basket air fryer, you’ll likely need to cook these turnovers in two batches to ensure they have enough space to crisp up evenly. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and a less crispy result. If you have a larger air fryer with trays or a trivet attachment, you might be able to cook them all at once.
- Oven Baking Option: No air fryer? No problem! These apple turnovers can be baked in a conventional oven too. Simply arrange the prepared turnovers on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Place them in a preheated oven at 180°C / 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown and puffed.
- Freeze for Later Enjoyment: You can easily freeze uncooked apple turnovers to bake at a later date. This is particularly convenient if you have a smaller air fryer, as a typical batch yields four turnovers, but most smaller models can only accommodate two at a time. Cook two now for an immediate treat, and freeze the remaining two for a quick dessert anytime inspiration strikes. To bake from frozen, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time until golden and cooked through.
- Storage for Leftovers: Should you have any glorious leftovers (a rare occurrence, I assure you!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore some of their crispness.
- Don’t Overfill: While tempting, resist the urge to overfill your pastry squares. Too much filling can cause the turnovers to burst during cooking, making them messy and less appealing. A modest spoonful is usually perfect.
- Ensure a Good Seal: Take your time to properly seal the edges with a fork. This prevents the delicious apple filling from leaking out during the cooking process.
LEFTOVER STEWED CINNAMON APPLES? USE THEM IN THESE DELIGHTFUL RECIPES
If you find yourself with extra stewed cinnamon apples, don’t let them go to waste! This versatile filling can be incorporated into other delicious dishes:
- How to Make Oatmeal: Stir a spoonful into your morning oatmeal for a naturally sweet and comforting breakfast.
- Healthy Overnight Oats: Layer them into your overnight oats for an easy, flavorful, and nutritious start to your day.
- Yogurt Parfaits: Use them as a topping for plain yogurt with granola for a quick and healthy snack or dessert.
- Ice Cream Topping: Warm them slightly and serve over vanilla ice cream for a simple yet elegant treat.
EXPLORE MORE DELICIOUS AIR FRYER RECIPES
The air fryer is a remarkably versatile appliance, perfect for creating a wide array of treats and snacks beyond these apple turnovers. Expand your air frying repertoire with these fantastic recipes:
- Air Fryer Roasted Almonds: A healthy and crunchy snack.
- Air Fryer Baked Apples: A simple, warm, and comforting dessert.
- Air Fryer Apple Pies: Mini individual apple pies for a delightful twist.
- Air Fryer Brownies: Rich, fudgy brownies with crispy edges.
- Air Fryer Apple Cinnamon Rolls: Fluffy, spiced rolls perfect for breakfast or brunch.
- Air Fryer Apple Crisps: A quick and easy dessert with a crunchy topping.
- Air Fryer Banana Muffins: Moist and tender muffins, baked to perfection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Apple Turnovers
Here are some common questions to help you master your apple turnovers:
- Can I use fresh apples instead of stewed? While you *can* use finely diced fresh apples, stewing them beforehand ensures they become soft and tender, preventing a crunchy or undercooked texture inside the turnover. It also creates that luscious, saucy filling that’s characteristic of a great apple turnover.
- What kind of puff pastry should I use? Standard frozen puff pastry sheets work perfectly. Look for brands that use butter for a richer flavor, but any quality brand will yield flaky results. Ensure it’s fully thawed but still cold when working with it.
- How do I prevent the turnovers from becoming soggy? The key is to cool your stewed apple filling completely before adding it to the pastry. Hot filling will steam the pastry from the inside, making it soggy. Also, ensure your air fryer isn’t overcrowded to allow for proper air circulation.
- Can I make these gluten-free? Yes, if you can find gluten-free puff pastry sheets, the rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
- Can I add other spices to the apple filling? Absolutely! A pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or even a touch of cardamom would be wonderful additions to the cinnamon apple mixture, personalizing the flavor profile.
Eager for more fantastic Air Fryer recipes and tips? Be sure to join our vibrant Facebook Group – Air Fryer Fun. It’s a community where you can share your creations, ask questions, and discover endless culinary inspiration!
If you’ve had the pleasure of trying these delightful Air Fryer Apple Turnovers, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Please take a moment to pop a comment and a star rating below to share your thoughts. Your feedback helps other home cooks discover and enjoy this recipe too!
You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST to keep up to date with more delicious and easy recipes that will make your cooking journey a joy.
📋 RECIPE
Air Fryer Apple Turnovers
4
20 minutes
15 minutes
35 minutes
Craving a delightful dessert that’s both quick and incredibly easy to make? Look no further than these sensational Air Fryer Apple Turnovers! Imagine perfectly soft, warmly spiced cinnamon apples nestled inside a golden, flaky puff pastry shell. Each bite is a symphony of textures and flavors, reminiscent of your favorite bakery treat but made right in your own kitchen. And the best part? While an air fryer makes them exceptionally fast and crispy, you can achieve equally delicious results in a traditional oven. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this irresistible homemade dessert!
Ingredients
For Stewed Cinnamon Apples
- 2 Apples (I use Pink Lady), skin removed and diced
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon Maple Syrup
- 2 tablespoon Water
For Turnovers
- 1 sheet Frozen Puff Pastry
- 1 Egg, lightly whisked into an egg wash
Optional to Serve
- Thickened Cream, whipped
Instructions
- Cook Stewed Cinnamon Apples following the instructions in this post. Place on a plate and allow to cool completely. This prevents the pastry from becoming soggy.
- Remove puff pastry sheet from the freezer and allow to thaw partially for about 10-15 minutes until pliable. Then, cut the sheet into 4 equal squares and brush the edges of each square with the egg wash.
- Spoon a generous amount of the cooled apple filling into the center of each puff pastry square. Fold the pastry over from corner to corner to form a triangle, pressing firmly to seal the edges. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a secure seal and decorative finish.
- Brush the tops of each turnover with the remaining egg wash. Place two turnovers in the air fryer basket (do not overcrowd) and cook for 15 minutes at 180°C / 350°F, or until golden brown and puffed. Repeat to cook the remaining turnovers.
- Serve the turnovers warm, as is, or with whipped thickened cream, ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra treat.
Notes
Tips for making Air Fryer Apple Turnovers
- There’s no need to preheat the air fryer for these apple turnovers.
- If your air fryer isn’t non-stick I’d suggest lightly spraying the bottom of your basket before adding the turnovers.
- You can skip the egg wash but it does make the turnovers more golden and shiny.
- If you have a single basket air fryer you’ll need to cook these turnovers in two batches. If you have trays or a trivet attachment, cook all at once.
- To cook in the oven simply put the turnovers on a lined baking tray in a preheated oven (180C / 350F) for 15-20 minutes until golden.
- You can freeze uncooked apple turnovers to bake later. This is especially handy if you have a smaller air fryer, as a batch will make you 4 turnovers, and most smaller air fryers will only bake 2 at a time. Cook 2 now, freeze 2 for later!
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 days.
- Don’t overfill the pastry; a modest spoonful is sufficient to prevent bursting.
- Ensure a firm seal with a fork to keep the filling secure during baking.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4
Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 154
Total Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 101mg
Sodium: 57mg
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 11g
Protein: 4g