Can I Cook a Frozen Pie in an Air Fryer Here Is How

Yes, you can cook a frozen pie in an air fryer—it’s a quick, convenient method that delivers a crispy crust and evenly heated filling without thawing. Simply preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C), place the frozen pie inside, and cook for 20–25 minutes, checking halfway to avoid over-browning. This hack saves time while preserving flavor and texture, making it perfect for busy home cooks.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can cook frozen pies in an air fryer—it’s quick and yields crispy results.
• Preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking and a golden crust.
• Adjust time and temperature based on pie size (typically 350°F for 12-15 mins).
• Flip halfway through for consistent browning and thorough heating.
• Check internal temperature—ensure it reaches 165°F for food safety.
• No thawing needed—cook directly from frozen to save time.
• Use foil or parchment to prevent over-browning or sticking.

Why Air Frying a Frozen Pie Feels Like Magic (But Is Actually Science)

Remember that rainy Tuesday when your oven decided to take an unscheduled vacation? Or maybe you just didn’t want to heat up your entire kitchen for a single slice of apple pie. That’s the moment I first wondered: can I cook a frozen pie in an air fryer? Spoiler alert—yes, you absolutely can. But like any kitchen hack, there’s a right way and a “why is my crust soggy?” way.

Air fryers have become the Swiss Army knife of modern kitchens. They crisp, bake, roast, and—yes—bake frozen pies with surprising precision. But before you toss that store-bought pie into the basket and hit “start,” let’s talk about how to do it right. This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about achieving that golden, flaky crust and gooey, perfectly warmed filling without turning your dessert into a sad, deflated mess. I’ve burned, undercooked, and even (accidentally) turned a pie into a molten lava cake. But through trial, error, and a few smoke alarms, I’ve learned the secrets to air fryer frozen pie success.

How Air Fryers Work (And Why They’re Perfect for Frozen Pies)

The Science Behind the Crisp

Air fryers don’t actually fry. They’re mini convection ovens that use a powerful fan to circulate hot air around food. This creates a crisp exterior while keeping the inside moist—ideal for frozen pies, which need both a crispy crust and a warm, not-mushy, filling. The rapid airflow mimics deep frying but with little to no oil. For a frozen pie, this means you get that “just baked from the bakery” texture in a fraction of the time.

Unlike a conventional oven, which heats slowly and often results in uneven browning, an air fryer delivers heat directly to the pie’s surface. This prevents the dreaded “soggy bottom” syndrome. The crust stays crisp, while the filling heats evenly from the outside in. Plus, air fryers preheat almost instantly—no 15-minute wait. Just pop in your pie and go.

Air Fryer vs. Oven: The Showdown

• Speed: Air fryers cook frozen pies in 15–25 minutes. Ovens take 40–60 minutes.
• Energy Efficiency: Air fryers use 50–70% less energy. Great for small batches.
• Texture: Air fryers deliver crispier crusts. Ovens can dry out the edges or leave the center undercooked.
• Convenience: No preheating. No babysitting. Just set and forget.

For example, I tested a Mrs. Smith’s Dutch Apple Pie in both appliances. The air fryer version had a golden, flaky crust and a warm, juicy filling after 20 minutes. The oven version? The crust was pale, the edges dried out, and the center was still lukewarm after 50 minutes. The air fryer won—hands down.

Step-by-Step: Cooking a Frozen Pie in an Air Fryer

Prep Like a Pro (No Guesswork)

First, check your pie’s size. Most standard 9-inch frozen pies fit in a 5.8-quart or larger air fryer. If it’s too big, you’ll need to cut it into slices (more on that later). Remove the pie from its cardboard base—it’s a fire hazard. Keep the foil pan; it protects the crust from direct heat.

Next, don’t thaw. Cooking a frozen pie from frozen is key. Thawing can make the crust soggy or cause the filling to leak. If your pie has a plastic wrap, leave it on until you’re ready to cook—this prevents freezer burn and keeps the crust intact.

The Golden Rules of Air Fryer Pie Cooking

• Temperature: 325°F (163°C) is the sweet spot. Higher temps burn the crust; lower temps leave the filling cold.
• Time: Start with 15 minutes. Check, then add 3–5 minute increments. Total time: 18–25 minutes.
• Placement: Center the pie in the basket. Don’t overcrowd. If your air fryer is small, cook one pie at a time.
• Rotation: For even browning, flip the pie halfway through (if it’s in a foil pan, just rotate 180°).
• Venting: Poke a few small holes in the top crust (if it’s sealed) to let steam escape. Prevents soggy tops.

Pro tip: For extra crispiness, lightly brush the crust with egg wash (1 egg + 1 tbsp water) before cooking. Or, for a dairy-free option, use melted butter or coconut oil.

When to Flip, When to Wait

Flipping a whole pie is tricky (and messy). Instead, rotate the foil pan 180° halfway through. This ensures even browning. If your pie has a lattice or open top, do not flip—the filling will spill. For single-serving pies or slices, flipping is easier. Just use a spatula and be gentle.

Example: I cooked a Marie Callender’s Cherry Pie (whole, 9-inch). I rotated it at 10 minutes. Result? A perfectly even, golden crust. For a Costco Mini Apple Pie, I flipped it at 8 minutes—crispy top and bottom, no leakage.

Common Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

The Soggy Crust Syndrome

Soggy crust = tragedy. It usually happens when the pie is too close to the heating element or the air flow is blocked. Fix it:

• Use a rack: Elevate the pie with an air fryer rack or crumpled foil balls. This improves airflow.
• Preheat (optional): Some air fryers benefit from a 2-minute preheat. Not essential, but helps.
• Avoid overcrowding: Leave 1–2 inches of space around the pie.

I once forgot to elevate a pie, and the bottom turned into a mushy pancake. Lesson learned: always use a rack or foil balls!

Undercooked Filling or Burnt Crust

• Burnt crust: Lower the temp to 300°F (149°C) or cover the crust with foil for the first 10 minutes. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up.
• Undercooked filling: Extend cooking time in 3-minute increments. Check the center temp with a meat thermometer—it should reach 165°F (74°C).
• Filling leakage: Place the pie on a parchment-lined air fryer tray. Catch drips without sacrificing crispness.

Real talk: I once set my air fryer to 375°F and walked away. The crust was charcoal. The filling? Still frozen. Moral: patience is key.

Size Matters (And So Does the Pan)

Not all frozen pies are created equal. Some come in deep-dish pans that don’t fit. Others are too tall for the basket. Solutions:

• Mini pies: Cook 2–3 at a time. Time: 12–15 minutes.
• Large pies: Cut into slices first. Cook 2–3 slices at a time. Time: 10–12 minutes per batch.
• Non-standard pans: Transfer the pie to an air fryer-safe metal or ceramic dish.

Example: A Trader Joe’s Mini Pumpkin Pie fits perfectly. A Costco Deep-Dish Pecan Pie? I had to slice it and cook in batches.

Beyond the Basics: Creative Twists & Variations

Single-Serving Pies (For Portion Control)

Love pie but hate leftovers? Try cooking frozen mini pies or slices. They cook faster and are easier to manage. For a whole pie, slice it into 4–6 pieces before freezing (if not already sliced). Wrap each slice in parchment paper, then foil, and freeze. To cook: place 1–2 slices in the air fryer at 325°F for 10–12 minutes.

Bonus: You can customize! Add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel after cooking.

Gluten-Free, Vegan, and Specialty Pies

Most frozen gluten-free and vegan pies (like Glutino or Sweet Loren’s) work well in air fryers. But check the packaging—some recommend oven baking. If the crust is delicate, cook at 300°F for 20–25 minutes. For vegan pies, avoid egg wash. Use maple syrup or agave for browning.

I tested a Glutino Chocolate Pie at 325°F for 22 minutes. The crust was crisp, the filling rich and creamy. A win!

Sweet vs. Savory: The Air Fryer Difference

• Sweet pies: Apple, cherry, pecan, pumpkin. Cook at 325°F. Time: 18–25 minutes.
• Savory pies: Chicken pot pie, beef pot pie. Cook at 350°F (177°C). Time: 20–25 minutes. Higher temp ensures the filling heats through.

Pro tip: For savory pies, cover with foil for the first 15 minutes to prevent crust over-browning. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes.

Data Table: Air Fryer Frozen Pie Cooking Times & Tips

Pie Type	Size	Temperature (°F)	Time (Minutes)	Special Tips
Apple Pie (Whole)	9-inch	325	18–22	Rotate halfway; vent top crust
Cherry Pie (Whole)	9-inch	325	20–25	Use rack; check for leakage
Chicken Pot Pie	9-inch	350	22–25	Cover with foil first 15 mins
Mini Apple Pie	4-inch	325	10–12	Cook 2–3 at a time
Pumpkin Pie (Slice)	Slice	325	10–12	Flip halfway; add cinnamon
Gluten-Free Pie	9-inch	300	22–25	Lower temp; avoid overcooking

Conclusion: Your Air Fryer Deserves a Pie

So, can you cook a frozen pie in an air fryer? Absolutely. It’s faster, crisper, and more energy-efficient than your oven. But it’s not magic—it’s method. Follow the steps: prep right, set the temp, rotate or flip, and watch the time. Avoid soggy crusts, burnt edges, and frozen centers by respecting the process.

Whether you’re reheating a store-bought classic or experimenting with a gluten-free twist, your air fryer is up to the task. And hey, if you mess up? That’s part of the fun. I’ve had pies that looked like modern art (and tasted like regret). But I’ve also had pies that made my family beg for seconds. The key is to keep trying, keep learning, and—most importantly—keep eating pie.

Next time you’re craving that warm, comforting slice, skip the oven. Grab your air fryer, a frozen pie, and a timer. In 20 minutes, you’ll have dessert that’s golden, flaky, and full of joy. Because sometimes, the best meals start with a simple question: “What if I tried this?” And the answer? It’s usually worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook a frozen pie in an air fryer without thawing it first?

Yes, you can cook a frozen pie in an air fryer directly from frozen—no thawing needed. Just adjust the cooking time slightly longer than if it were thawed, and check for a golden crust and bubbling filling.

What temperature should I use to cook a frozen pie in an air fryer?

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for best results. This temperature ensures even cooking without burning the crust while thoroughly heating the filling.

How long does it take to cook a frozen pie in an air fryer?

Most frozen pies take 18–25 minutes in an air fryer at 350°F, depending on size and thickness. Flip or rotate the pie halfway through for even browning.

Do I need to adjust the cooking time for mini frozen pies in an air fryer?

Yes, mini frozen pies cook faster—usually 12–15 minutes at 350°F. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking, especially if the crust is already browning quickly.

Can I cook a frozen pie in an air fryer if it has a delicate crust?

Yes, but protect the crust by wrapping the edges with foil or using a lower temperature (325°F) for a longer time. This prevents burning while ensuring the filling heats through.

Is it safe to cook a frozen pie in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Air fryers are safe for cooking frozen pies, as they circulate hot air evenly. Just ensure the pie reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.