There’s something magical about that first bite of warm, flaky Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Turnovers – that perfect crunch giving way to sweet, spiced apples. I discovered this recipe last fall when my neighbor showed up with a basket of freshly picked apples and my air fryer became my new best friend. What used to take forever in the oven now comes together in minutes, with that same golden-brown perfection we all crave.
These turnovers have become my go-to when I need something impressive but easy – whether it’s for lazy Sunday brunches or when friends drop by unexpectedly. The air fryer gives them that bakery-quality crispness without all the fuss, and the scent of cinnamon apples wafting through my kitchen? Absolute heaven.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Turnovers
Let me count the ways these little pockets of joy will become your new obsession:
- Crazy quick: From fridge to table in under 30 minutes – seriously!
- Minimal mess: No oven splatters or greasy pans to scrub
- Versatile: Fancy enough for dessert, casual enough for breakfast (no judgment here)
- That perfect crunch: The air fryer gives you golden, flaky layers that’ll make you swoon
Trust me, once you try these Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Turnovers, you’ll be making them on repeat all season long.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Turnovers
Here’s everything you’ll need for those perfect, flaky turnovers – and trust me, these simple ingredients make all the difference:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed overnight in the fridge, not at room temp – this keeps it from getting too sticky)
- 2 medium apples (peeled and diced small – I always use Granny Smith for that perfect tartness)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (pack it in there – this isn’t the time to skimp!)
- 1 tsp cinnamon (the good stuff – your kitchen will smell amazing)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (real vanilla, not imitation)
- 1 tbsp butter (melted, for brushing)
- 1 egg (beaten with a splash of water for that golden egg wash)
Ingredient Substitutions & Notes
No brown sugar? Honey works in a pinch, but reduce to 1 tbsp since it’s sweeter. If your store’s out of puff pastry, pie crust will do – just won’t be as flaky. And about those apples: firm ones like Granny Smith hold their shape better than softer varieties that turn to mush. Oh, and that egg wash? You can skip it if needed, but it gives that gorgeous golden color we all want!
How to Make Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Turnovers
Making these beauties is easier than you think – especially with your trusty air fryer doing most of the work! The key is getting those edges sealed tight so all that juicy apple goodness stays inside where it belongs. Here’s how we’ll do it:
Step-by-Step Instructions
First things first – preheat that air fryer to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, mix your diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon and vanilla in a bowl until those apples are nicely coated. The smell alone will make your mouth water!
Now grab your thawed puff pastry sheet and cut it into 4 equal squares – I use a pizza cutter for clean edges. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the apple mixture onto each square, leaving a good border around the edges. Here’s my trick: fold the pastry diagonally to make triangles, then press the edges together firmly with a fork to seal them tight. Don’t be shy – press hard enough to make those cute little fork marks!
Brush each turnover with that beautiful egg wash (it’s what gives them that golden glow) and pop them in the air fryer basket – but don’t crowd them! They need space for that hot air to circulate. Cook for 10-12 minutes until they’re puffed up and that perfect deep golden brown. You’ll know they’re done when you can see the layers flaking apart at the edges. Let them cool for just 5 minutes (if you can wait that long!) before diving in.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Turnovers
Want bakery-level results every time? Here are my hard-won secrets: First, pop those filled turnovers in the fridge for 10 minutes before air frying – cold pastry equals extra flaky layers. Don’t overstuff them (I learned this the messy way!) or the filling will burst out. Halfway through cooking, give the basket a gentle shake or rotate the turnovers for even browning. And here’s my golden rule: always, always preheat your air fryer – it makes all the difference in getting that perfect crisp crust!
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Turnovers
Oh, the possibilities with these golden beauties! My absolute favorite way? Still warm from the air fryer with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the top – that hot-cold contrast is pure magic. For special mornings, dust them with powdered sugar and serve alongside your coffee. Holiday brunch? Drizzle with caramel sauce and watch them disappear before you can say “seconds please!” These turnovers somehow manage to be fancy enough for company yet cozy enough for solo indulgence in your pajamas (I won’t tell).
Storage & Reheating
These turnovers are best fresh, but if you’ve got leftovers (lucky you!), here’s how to keep them tasting great. Store cooled turnovers in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 days – any longer and they start losing that perfect crispness. To bring back that just-made magic, pop them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 minutes – they’ll come out nearly as good as new! Want to freeze them? Wrap cooled turnovers individually in foil, then in a freezer bag. When the craving hits, air fry frozen ones at 375°F for about 8 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Let’s be real – we’re not eating turnovers for their health benefits, but here’s what you’re getting per delicious serving (based on 1 turnover): About 280 calories, 15g sugar (thanks to those sweet apples!), and 16g fat from that flaky puff pastry. These are estimates, of course – your actual counts might vary slightly depending on apple size and exactly how much filling you stuff in there!
FAQs About Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Turnovers
Can I use frozen apples? Oh honey, I tried this once and learned the hard way – frozen apples release way too much water and turn your beautiful turnovers into soggy messes. Stick with fresh, firm apples peeled and diced right before using. Your pastry will thank you!
How do I prevent soggy bottoms? Two words: preheat properly! Always let your air fryer come to temp before adding turnovers. That initial blast of heat crisps the pastry instantly. Also, don’t skip the egg wash – it creates a protective barrier against steam from the juicy apples.
Can I make these vegan? Absolutely! Just swap the butter for coconut oil and use plant-based puff pastry (most store-bought brands are accidentally vegan). For the egg wash, brush with almond milk mixed with a touch of maple syrup instead. You’ll still get that gorgeous golden color!
Final Thoughts
I’d love to see your Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Turnovers! Snap a pic and tag me – nothing makes me happier than seeing your golden, flaky creations. Now go enjoy those warm, cinnamon-kissed pockets of joy!
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5-Star Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Turnovers That Wow
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 turnovers 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy, flaky turnovers filled with sweet cinnamon apples, made easy in your air fryer.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla in a bowl.
- Cut puff pastry into 4 squares.
- Place apple mixture in center of each square.
- Fold pastry over filling to form triangles and seal edges.
- Brush with egg wash.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
- Thaw puff pastry according to package instructions.
- Check turnovers halfway through cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 turnover
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: air fryer apple turnovers, cinnamon apple pastry, easy dessert recipe