Mini Apple Pies
Nothing says Minnesota State Fair quite like the smell of warm apples, cinnamon, and buttery pie crust. Every year, one of our family’s traditions is picking up at least one apple dessert while wandering the fairgrounds. Whether it’s a caramel apple, apple crisp, or a slice of fresh apple pie, there’s always something apple-inspired we can’t resist.
These Mini Apple Pies bring all of those cozy fair flavors home in an easy, handheld dessert. Made with refrigerated pie crust, canned apple pie filling, and cooked in the air fryer, they’re perfectly flaky on the outside with a warm cinnamon apple filling inside.
They’re ideal for parties, lunchboxes, holiday desserts, or whenever you’re craving homemade apple pie without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love These Mini Apple Pies
- Minnesota State Fair inspired
- Easy air fryer recipe
- Uses just 3 simple ingredients
- Crispy, flaky crust
- Perfect individual portions
- Great for holidays and parties
- Ready in about 30 minutes
Ingredients
To make these Mini Apple Pies, you’ll need:
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts
- 1 can apple pie filling
- 1 large egg

Equipment You’ll Need
- Rolling pin
- Round cookie cutter or drinking glass
- Fork
- Small pastry brush
- Air fryer
- Small bowl
How to Make Mini Apple Pies
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Dough
Lightly flour your countertop or work surface.
Roll out the refrigerated pie crust until smooth.
Using a round cookie cutter or the rim of a drinking glass, cut circles from the dough.
Step 2: Add the Filling
Place half of the pie crust circles onto your work surface.
Spoon a small scoop of apple pie filling into the center of each circle.
Avoid overfilling so the pies seal properly.
If your apple slices are large, chop them into smaller pieces before filling the pies.
Step 3: Prepare the Top Crust
Take the remaining pie crust circles and gently roll them out just slightly larger than the bottom circles.
This helps them fit easily over the filling.
Step 4: Seal the Pies
Place the larger circles over the filled pies.
Use a fork to firmly crimp the edges closed all the way around.
This keeps the filling from leaking during cooking.
Step 5: Brush with Egg Wash
In a small bowl, whisk together one egg.
Brush each pie generously with the egg wash to create a beautiful golden-brown crust.
For extra sparkle, sprinkle the tops with coarse sugar before baking.
Step 6: Air Fry
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F if needed.
Arrange a few pies in the basket, leaving space between each one.
Cook for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and flaky.
Repeat with the remaining pies.
Step 7: Serve
Allow the pies to cool for a few minutes before serving.
The filling will be extremely hot immediately after cooking.

Tips for the Best Mini Apple Pies
- Chop large apple slices into bite-sized pieces.
- Don’t overfill the pies.
- Seal the edges tightly with a fork.
- Brush generously with egg wash for a bakery-style finish.
- Cook in batches without overcrowding the air fryer.
Delicious Serving Ideas
Serve your Mini Apple Pies with:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Cinnamon ice cream
- Caramel sauce
- Whipped cream
- Powdered sugar
- Salted caramel drizzle
- Chopped pecans
- A hot cup of coffee or apple cider
Easy Variations
Switch up the filling with:
- Cherry pie filling
- Blueberry pie filling
- Peach pie filling
- Strawberry pie filling
- Mixed berry filling
- Pumpkin pie filling (fall favorite)
- Apple cranberry filling
Storage
Store leftover Mini Apple Pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the air fryer at 325°F for 3–5 minutes to crisp the crust before serving.
You can also freeze baked pies for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake these instead of using an air fryer?
Yes! Bake them on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 375°F for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the pies ahead of time and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook them.
Do I have to use canned apple pie filling?
No. Homemade apple pie filling works wonderfully if you have some on hand.
Can I freeze Mini Apple Pies?
Yes! Freeze either before or after baking. Cook from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
These Mini Apple Pies are everything you love about classic apple pie in a perfectly portable, handheld dessert. Inspired by one of the most popular treats at the Minnesota State Fair, they’re buttery, flaky, filled with warm cinnamon apples, and incredibly easy to make in the air fryer. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering, packing them into lunchboxes, or enjoying them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, these mini pies are guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Don’t forget to check back tomorrow to see what Minnesota State Fair inspired food we are making. Also, be sure to check out our other state fair recipes.
Mini Apple Pies
Ingredients
- Pie Crust
- Apple Pie Filling
- 1 large Egg
Instructions
- First, you are going to roll out the pie crust. You will want to dust the countertop with a little flour so it doesn't stick. Take a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut the pie crust into circles. Take half of your circles and fill the centers with a scoop of apple pie filling. Roll the remaining circles out just a little bit more so they are slightly larger. Place the circles you just rolled out on top of the circles with pie filling. Then, take a fork and press the pie crust edges together.In a small bowl, make an egg wash by cracking the egg and whisking it. With a small brush, brush each apple pie with the egg wash. Place a few of the apple pies in the air fryer for 12-15 minutes at 350 degrees.Repeat until you've baked all your apple pies. Serve and enjoy!These are served best warm with a scoop of ice cream.

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