Air Fryer Apple Turnovers

Equipment

• Air Fryer (4-quart capacity or larger recommended)
• Medium Saucepan
• Rolling Pin
• Parchment Paper (or air fryer parchment liners)
• Pastry Brush
• Small Bowl & Fork (for crimping)

Ingredients

Cinnamon Apple Filling

• 2 large apples (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Gala), peeled, cored, and diced small (about 2 cups)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water (cornstarch slurry)
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Pastry & Assembly

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

Simple Vanilla Glaze

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
• 1 to 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Apple Filling

1. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat .
2. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Stir well to combine.
3. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples begin to soften and release their juices.
4. Pour in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 1–2 minutes, stirring continuously, until the liquid thickens into a glossy glaze coating the apples.
5. Remove the saucepan from heat, stir in the vanilla extract, and set the filling aside to cool completely.
6. Important: Never place hot filling onto uncooked puff pastry sheet dough. Cold or room-temperature filling prevents the butter layers in the pastry from melting prematurely, ensuring maximum rise and flakiness.

Step 2: Prepare & Cut the Puff Pastry

1. Lightly dust your work surface with flour and unroll the thawed sheet of puff pastry.
2. Use a rolling pin to smooth out any fold lines into an approximate $12 \times 12\text{-inch}$ square.
3. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the sheet evenly into 6 rectangular strips or 6 equal squares ( $4 \times 4\text{-inch}$ each for classic triangle folds).

Step 3: Assemble & Seal the Turnovers

1. Brush a thin layer of egg wash along the edges of each pastry square.
2. Place roughly 2 tablespoons of cooled apple filling in the center of each square, leaving a clear $1/2\text{-inch}$ border around the edges. Avoid overfilling, as excess liquid will breach the seal during cooking.
3. Fold one corner over the filling diagonally to meet the opposite corner, forming a triangle.
4. Press the edges down firmly with your fingers to seal, then use a fork to crimp all sealed edges tightly.
5. Cut two small slits on the top of each turnover to allow steam to escape during air frying.

Step 4: Air Fry the Turnovers

1. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes.
2. Lightly brush the tops of the turnovers with the remaining egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sparkling sugar if desired.
3. Line the air fryer basket with perforated parchment paper or lightly coat it with non-stick cooking spray.
4. Place 2–3 turnovers into the basket, leaving at least 1 inch of space between each piece to ensure proper hot air circulation. Cook in batches if necessary.
5. Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 10 to 12 minutes , flipping gently at the 8-minute mark if your air fryer model cooks unevenly from the bottom, until the turnovers are deep golden brown and puffed up.

Step 5: Glaze & Serve

1. Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (or heavy cream), and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
2. Transfer cooked turnovers to a wire rack and let them cool for 5 minutes.
3. Drizzle generously with the vanilla glaze before serving warm.

Nutrition

Calories: 310 kcal · Protein: 4g · Fat: 17g · Carbohydrates: 36g Dietary · Saturated Fat: 6g · Fiber: 2g · Sugar: 18g · Sodium: 180mg