Is there anything better than warm apple turnovers straight from the air fryer? I didn’t think so either. These golden, flaky pockets of spiced apples are my go-to when I need a quick dessert that feels like I put in way more effort than I actually did. The air fryer works magic here—no soggy bottoms, just crisp pastry hugging tender, cinnamon-kissed apples. My kids always beg for these on weekend mornings (who am I kidding, I make them for myself just as often). The best part? You only need 7 simple ingredients and less than 30 minutes to make magic happen. Trust me, once you try air fryer apple turnovers, you’ll never want to bake them any other way.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Apple Turnovers
Let me count the ways these turnovers will become your new obsession:
- Crazy fast: From fridge to table in under 30 minutes – I’ve timed myself!
- Effortless cleanup: No messy oven spills or baking sheets to scrub
- That perfect crunch: The air fryer gives that bakery-quality golden crust
- Breakfast or dessert: Equally delicious with coffee or vanilla ice cream
- Kid-approved: My picky eaters devour these like they’re going out of style
Seriously, they’re so good you’ll want to make excuses to whip up another batch.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Apple Turnovers
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these irresistible turnovers – I promise it’s all basic stuff you probably have already:
- 2 cups diced apples (Granny Smith are my go-to – they hold their shape beautifully when cooked)
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (that extra molasses flavor makes all the difference)
- 1 tsp cinnamon (don’t skimp – this is the magic spice!)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (keeps the apples from browning and adds brightness)
- 1 package puff pastry sheets (thawed according to package – I always keep some in my freezer for emergencies)
- 1 egg (for that gorgeous golden sheen)
- 1 tbsp water (just enough to thin the egg wash)
See? Nothing fancy – just simple ingredients coming together to create something magical.
Equipment Needed
You probably have most of these in your kitchen already:
- Air fryer (obviously – but any size works!)
- Mixing bowl (for that heavenly apple filling)
- Pastry brush (or your finger in a pinch for the egg wash)
- Knife and cutting board (for prepping apples)
That’s it – no fancy gadgets required for these golden beauties!
How to Make Air Fryer Apple Turnovers
Making these turnovers is easier than you think – just follow these simple steps and you’ll be biting into flaky, apple-filled perfection in no time!
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling
First, grab your favorite mixing bowl (I use my grandma’s old yellow one for good luck). Toss in the diced apples – you want them about 1/2 inch pieces so they cook evenly. Sprinkle in that glorious brown sugar (pack it tight in the measuring cup for extra caramel flavor), cinnamon, and a good squeeze of lemon juice. Mix it all together until every apple piece is coated in that sweet, spicy goodness. The mixture should look glossy and juicy – that’s how you know it’s perfect!
Step 2: Assemble the Turnovers
Now for the fun part! Unroll your puff pastry on a lightly floured surface (trust me, this prevents sticking disasters). Cut it into 6 equal squares – I just eyeball it because perfection is overrated. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of apple filling onto one half of each square, leaving a border. Fold the pastry over to make triangles, then seal the edges with a fork – press firmly so no sneaky apples escape during cooking. Pro tip: If your edges aren’t sticking, dab a little water along them first.
Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (some models don’t need this, but mine works better when it’s hot). While it heats, whisk the egg with water to make your egg wash. Brush this golden magic all over the turnovers – it’s what gives them that gorgeous bakery shine! Carefully place them in the air fryer basket (don’t overcrowd – cook in batches if needed). In about 10-12 minutes, you’ll have golden brown, puffed-up beauties. The smell alone will have your family gathered in the kitchen waiting impatiently!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Apple Turnovers
After making countless batches (some more successful than others!), here are my hard-won secrets:
- Apple choice matters: Firm Granny Smiths hold up best – soft apples turn mushy
- Resist overfilling: 2 tablespoons max, or you’ll have bursting seams and sticky disasters
- Let them breathe: Space turnovers at least 1 inch apart in the air fryer for even crisping
- Cool before devouring: That molten apple filling needs 5 minutes to set (I know, it’s torture!)
- Check early: All air fryers run different – peek at 8 minutes to prevent over-browning
Follow these and you’ll get flawless turnovers every single time!
Variations for Air Fryer Apple Turnovers
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe (and trust me, you will!), try these fun twists to keep things exciting:
- Nutty crunch: Stir in 2 tbsp chopped pecans or walnuts with the apples
- Spice swap: Try pumpkin pie spice or cardamom instead of cinnamon
- Berry delicious: Swap half the apples for fresh raspberries or blueberries
- Caramel lovers: Drizzle melted caramel over turnovers after baking
- Savory-sweet: Add a pinch of black pepper to the filling – sounds weird, tastes amazing!
Mix and match – that’s the beauty of these versatile little pockets of joy!
Serving Suggestions
Oh, the possibilities! These turnovers shine on their own, but here’s how I love to dress them up: warm with vanilla ice cream melting over the top (heaven!), a drizzle of salted caramel, or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For breakfast? Just dust with powdered sugar and serve with coffee – perfection!
Storage and Reheating
These turnovers keep like a dream! Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days (if they last that long). To revive that fresh-from-the-air-fryer crispness, just pop them back in at 300°F for 3 minutes – good as new!
Nutritional Information
Just so you know what you’re biting into (not that it’ll stop you from having seconds!):
- Calories: 220 per turnover
- Sugar: 12g
- Fat: 10g (3g saturated)
- Carbs: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
Remember, these are estimates – actual numbers can vary depending on your exact ingredients and how generous you are with that apple filling!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to the questions I get asked most about these irresistible air fryer apple turnovers:
Can I use frozen apples instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just thaw them completely first and pat them dry with paper towels – that extra moisture will make your pastry soggy if you don’t. Frozen apples work great in a pinch!
Why did my turnovers burst open while cooking?
Usually means you overfilled them (been there!) or didn’t seal the edges well enough. Stick to 2 tablespoons of filling max, and really press that fork along the edges to create a tight seal.
How do I keep the bottoms from getting soggy?
Two tricks: make sure your air fryer is fully preheated, and don’t overcrowd the basket. That hot circulating air needs room to work its magic all around the turnovers.
Can I prep these ahead of time?
You bet! Assemble them completely (egg wash and all), then freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a bag. When cravings hit, just air fry frozen – add 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time.
What if I don’t have puff pastry?
Pie crust works in a pinch, though it won’t get quite as puffy. Crescent roll dough makes fun twisty versions too – just roll it out slightly thinner before filling.
Share Your Experience
I’d love to hear how your air fryer apple turnovers turned out! Tag me if you share photos – nothing makes me happier than seeing your golden, flaky creations. Happy baking, friends!
Print
Irresistible 30-Minute Air Fryer Apple Turnovers Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 6 turnovers 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy and delicious apple turnovers made in the air fryer. Perfect for a quick dessert or breakfast.
Ingredients
- 2 cups diced apples
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 package puff pastry sheets
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp water
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice in a bowl.
- Roll out puff pastry and cut into squares.
- Spoon apple mixture onto each square.
- Fold pastry over and seal edges with a fork.
- Whisk egg and water for egg wash, then brush over turnovers.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith.
- Let turnovers cool slightly before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 turnover
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: air fryer apple turnovers, easy dessert, quick breakfast