Air Fryer Apple Turnovers with Puff Pastry

Ingredients

For the Apple Filling:

• 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Gala), peeled, cored, and finely diced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water (slurry)

For the Pastry & Assembly:

• 1 sheet store-bought puff pastry, thawed according to package instructions
• 1 large egg + 1 tablespoon water (whisked together for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon coarse sparkling sugar or turbinado sugar (optional, for crunch)

For the Vanilla Glaze:

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 to 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Cinnamon Apple Filling

1. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Stir well to coat the apples.
3. Cook over medium heat for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften and release their juices.
4. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and vanilla extract. Allow the mixture to simmer for another 1 to 2 minutes until the liquid bubbles and thickens into a glossy glaze surrounding the apples.
5. Remove the pan from heat and let the filling cool completely before assembling. ( Hot filling will melt the butter in the puff pastry layers, preventing it from puffing up properly. )

Step 2: Prepare and Cut the Puff Pastry

1. Unroll the thawed sheet of puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface or a sheet of parchment paper.
2. Gently roll out the pastry with a rolling pin just enough to smooth out any fold lines into a square shape (approximately 10×10 inches).
3. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the pastry into 4 equal smaller squares (approx. 5×5 inches each).

Step 3: Fill and Fold the Turnovers

1. Brush a thin layer of the egg wash along the edges of each pastry square.
2. Spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of the cooled apple filling into the center of each square, leaving a clear perimeter around the edges.
3. Fold one corner diagonally over the filling to meet the opposite corner, forming a triangle.
4. Gently press the edges together to seal in the filling. Use the tines of a fork to firmly crimp the edges closed.
5. Cut two small slits on top of each turnover to allow steam to escape during cooking.

Step 4: Air Fry to Golden Perfection

1. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes.
2. Lightly brush the tops of each turnover with the remaining egg wash, then sprinkle with coarse sparkling sugar if desired.
3. Line the air fryer basket with a sheet of fitted parchment paper or lightly spray the basket with non-stick cooking spray.
4. Place the turnovers into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch (cook in batches of 2 if your air fryer is smaller).
5. Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 10 to 12 minutes , flipping them halfway through if your air fryer tends to cook unevenly on the bottom, until the pastries are puffed up and deep golden brown.

Step 5: Glaze and Serve

1. While the turnovers cool slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and drizzleable.
2. Transfer the cooked turnovers to a wire cooling rack.
3. Generously drizzle the vanilla glaze over the warm turnovers and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 365 kcal · Protein: 5 g · Fat: 19 g Saturated Fat: 7 g · Carbohydrates: 46 g Dietary · Saturated Fat: 7 g Trans · Fiber: 3 g · Sugar: 24 g · Sodium: 210 mg