Can I Cook a Pie in Air Fryer Discover the Perfect Method

Yes, you can cook a pie in an air fryer—and it delivers a crisp, golden crust with perfectly heated filling in less time than a conventional oven. This method works for both frozen and homemade pies, offering a quick, energy-efficient way to enjoy bakery-quality results at home.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can cook a pie in an air fryer—it’s faster and yields a crispy crust.
• Preheat the air fryer for even baking and optimal texture every time.
• Use oven-safe pie dishes to fit safely and avoid damage to your air fryer.
• Adjust time and temperature—typically 350°F for 15–20 minutes, depending on pie size.
• Check for golden crust and bubbling filling to confirm your pie is fully cooked.
• Let it rest before serving to prevent burns and allow filling to set properly.

Can I Cook a Pie in an Air Fryer? Let’s Find Out!

Imagine this: it’s a cozy Sunday afternoon. The smell of warm cinnamon and baked apples fills the kitchen. You’ve got a craving for pie—but the oven is already full, or maybe you just don’t want to wait an hour for it to preheat. That’s when the idea hits: Can I cook a pie in an air fryer?

As someone who’s spent years experimenting with kitchen gadgets—from slow cookers to Instant Pots—I’ve found the air fryer to be one of the most versatile tools in my kitchen. It’s fast, energy-efficient, and surprisingly capable of doing more than just crispy fries and chicken wings. But pie? That’s a whole different ballgame. Pies need a flaky crust, a bubbling filling, and even browning—all things we usually rely on a traditional oven for. So, can an air fryer really deliver?

After testing store-bought, homemade, and even frozen pies in my air fryer, I’ve got answers. And not just yes-or-no ones. I’ve learned the tricks, the timing, and the pitfalls. Whether you’re craving a classic apple pie, a savory chicken pot pie, or even a mini quiche, the air fryer can handle it—if you know how to use it right. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the perfect air fryer pie, from crust types to cooking times and pro tips that’ll save you from soggy bottoms and burnt edges.

Why Use an Air Fryer for Baking Pies?

Let’s be honest: ovens are great, but they’re not always convenient. They take time to heat up, use a lot of energy, and can make your kitchen unbearably hot in the summer. That’s where the air fryer shines. It’s compact, heats up in minutes, and uses convection technology to circulate hot air around your food—just like a convection oven, but faster and more efficient.

Speed and Efficiency

One of the biggest advantages of using an air fryer for pies is speed. Most air fryers preheat in 3–5 minutes, compared to 10–15 minutes for a conventional oven. Cooking times are also shorter—typically 20–30% faster. For example, a traditional apple pie might take 45–50 minutes in the oven. In an air fryer, you can get similar results in 25–35 minutes, depending on size and filling.

Energy Savings

Because air fryers are smaller and more insulated, they use significantly less energy. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, air fryers can use up to 70% less energy than full-sized ovens. That’s not just good for your electricity bill—it’s better for the environment too.

Even Cooking and Crispy Crusts

The convection fans in air fryers create a consistent, swirling heat that helps bake pies more evenly. This is especially helpful for crusts. In a regular oven, the bottom can be soggy while the top is golden—or vice versa. The air fryer’s circulation helps prevent that, giving you a crisp bottom and a beautifully browned top.

Real-life example: I once made a mini blueberry pie for a last-minute dessert. My oven was already in use for dinner, so I tried the air fryer. In just 28 minutes, I had a golden, bubbling pie with a flaky crust—no soggy spots, no burnt edges. My guests were shocked when I told them it wasn’t baked in the oven.

Types of Pies You Can Cook in an Air Fryer

Not all pies are created equal, and some work better in an air fryer than others. The key is size, crust type, and filling consistency. Let’s break it down.

Mini and Individual Pies

This is where the air fryer truly shines. Mini pies—like hand pies, turnovers, or individual pot pies—fit perfectly in most air fryer baskets (typically 5.8–8 quarts). Their small size allows for even heat distribution and faster cooking.

• Apple turnovers: 18–22 minutes at 350°F (175°C)
• Mini chicken pot pies: 20–25 minutes at 360°F (180°C)
• Fruit hand pies: 15–20 minutes at 350°F (175°C)

Tip: Use a silicone mold or foil cup to keep the shape and prevent spillage. I use silicone muffin liners for my fruit pies—they’re reusable and make cleanup a breeze.

Store-Bought and Frozen Pies

Yes, you can cook frozen pies in an air fryer! This is a game-changer for busy nights or impromptu dessert cravings. Brands like Marie Callender’s and Edwards have mini pies that fit perfectly.

• Frozen mini pies: 15–20 minutes at 350°F (175°C)
• Thawed store-bought pies: 12–18 minutes at 350°F (175°C)

Pro tip: Don’t skip preheating! A cold air fryer will extend cooking time and may lead to uneven results. I learned this the hard way when my first frozen pie came out with a cold center and a burnt top.

Homemade Pies (With a Few Adjustments)

You can bake a homemade pie from scratch in an air fryer, but it takes some tweaking. Full-sized 9-inch pies won’t fit, but you can make smaller versions using ramekins or pie tins (6-inch or smaller).

• Use a deep-dish pie pan (about 1.5 inches tall)
• Pre-cook fillings that release a lot of liquid (like apples or berries)
• Brush crust with egg wash for a golden finish

I once tried a full 9-inch pie in my 6-quart air fryer—disaster. The crust touched the heating element and burned instantly. Lesson learned: stick to smaller, shallow pies or use a pie shield (aluminum foil tent) if you must go larger.

Savory Pies and Quiches

Don’t forget savory options! Air fryers are excellent for mini quiches, shepherd’s pie cups, and even meat pies.

• Mini quiches: 18–22 minutes at 340°F (170°C)
• Shepherd’s pie in ramekins: 25–30 minutes at 360°F (180°C)

The key is to use a thick, stable crust or no crust at all (like a crustless quiche). I love making individual shepherd’s pie cups for my kids—they’re fun, portion-controlled, and cook in half the time of a full casserole.

Step-by-Step: How to Cook a Pie in an Air Fryer

Now that you know what kinds of pies work, let’s walk through the actual process. I’ll use a classic mini apple pie as our example, but the principles apply to most pies.

1. Choose Your Pie Pan or Mold

You need something that fits in your air fryer basket and allows air to circulate. I recommend:

• 6-inch pie dish (ceramic or metal)
• Silicone molds (great for mini pies)
• Oven-safe ramekins (for savory or quiche-style pies)

Make sure the pan isn’t too tall. If it blocks the airflow, the top won’t brown properly. My air fryer has a max height of 5 inches—anything taller risks touching the heating element.

2. Prepare the Filling

For fruit pies, pre-cooking the filling is crucial. Raw apples and berries release a lot of juice, which can make the crust soggy and cause overflow.

1. Peel and slice apples (or other fruit)
2. Toss with sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and a thickener (cornstarch or flour)
3. Simmer in a saucepan for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened
4. Cool before adding to crust

This step alone makes a huge difference. I skip it sometimes to save time—and always regret it when my pie leaks and smokes in the air fryer.

3. Assemble the Pie

Roll out your crust (homemade or store-bought), line the pan, add the filling, and top with a lattice or solid crust. Don’t overfill—leave about ½ inch of space to prevent bubbling over.

• Seal the edges by crimping with a fork or your fingers
• Cut slits in the top crust for steam to escape
• Brush with egg wash or milk for shine (optional but recommended)

4. Preheat the Air Fryer

Always preheat for 3–5 minutes at 350°F (175°C). This ensures even cooking from the start. I set a timer so I don’t forget—cold air fryers are the enemy of golden crusts.

5. Cook and Monitor

Place the pie in the air fryer basket. If it’s large or deep, cover the top loosely with aluminum foil for the first 10 minutes to prevent over-browning. Then remove the foil to let the top crisp up.

• Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes
• Check at 15 minutes—rotate the pan if needed for even browning
• Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safety

Use an instant-read thermometer if you have one. I didn’t at first, and my pies were either undercooked or overcooked. Now I check every time.

6. Cool and Serve

Let the pie cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set. I know it’s hard to wait, but trust me—a hot, runny pie is messy and disappointing.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with the best intentions, things can go wrong. Here are the most common pie-in-air-fryer pitfalls—and how to fix them.

Soggy Bottom Crust

This is the #1 complaint. The bottom crust doesn’t get enough direct heat, so it stays soft.

Solution:

• Pre-cook the filling to reduce moisture
• Brush the bottom crust with egg white or melted butter before adding filling (creates a moisture barrier)
• Use a metal pie pan instead of ceramic (conducts heat better)

I once used a thick ceramic dish—big mistake. The crust was pale and chewy. Switching to a thin metal pan made all the difference.

Over-Browning or Burnt Crust

Air fryers are powerful. The top crust can brown too quickly, especially with sugar in the filling.

Solution:

• Cover with foil for the first 10–12 minutes
• Reduce temperature to 330°F (165°C) if browning too fast
• Use a pie shield (a ring of foil) to protect edges

I use a pie shield for all my lattice-top pies. It’s simple: fold a long strip of foil into a circle, place it over the crust edges, and remove it in the last 5 minutes.

Filling Overflow

Too much filling or not enough thickening can cause messy leaks.

Solution:

• Don’t overfill—leave space for expansion
• Use cornstarch or flour (2–3 tablespoons per cup of fruit)
• Place a baking sheet or foil under the basket to catch drips

I keep a silicone liner in my basket just for pies. It catches any overflow and makes cleanup effortless.

Uneven Cooking

If one side is done and the other is raw, rotation is key.

Solution:

• Rotate the pan 180 degrees halfway through
• Use a turntable insert if your air fryer has one

My air fryer doesn’t have a turntable, so I manually rotate at the halfway point. It takes 10 seconds and saves a lot of frustration.

Data Table: Air Fryer Pie Cooking Times & Tips

Here’s a quick-reference table to help you get started. These times are based on a 6-quart air fryer preheated to 350°F (175°C). Adjust as needed for your model.

Pie Type	Size	Cook Time	Temperature	Pro Tips
Mini Apple Pie	6-inch	20–25 min	350°F (175°C)	Pre-cook filling; cover with foil first 10 min
Fruit Hand Pie	3–4 inch	15–20 min	350°F (175°C)	Use silicone mold; brush with egg wash
Frozen Mini Pie	4-inch	15–20 min	350°F (175°C)	Do not thaw; preheat air fryer
Mini Chicken Pot Pie	6-inch	20–25 min	360°F (180°C)	Use thick gravy; don’t overfill
Quiche (Crustless)	4-inch ramekin	18–22 min	340°F (170°C)	Let cool 5 min; check center with knife
Shepherd’s Pie Cup	10-oz ramekin	25–30 min	360°F (180°C)	Top with mashed potato; cover with foil first

Remember: these are starting points. Every air fryer is different. Use visual cues (golden crust, bubbling filling) and internal temperature (165°F for safety) as your guides.

Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can—And You Should!

So, can I cook a pie in an air fryer? Absolutely. With the right technique, you can make flaky, golden, delicious pies faster and more efficiently than with a traditional oven. It’s not just a gimmick—it’s a legitimate baking method that works for both sweet and savory pies.

That said, it’s not magic. You’ll need to adjust your expectations and methods. Forget full-sized, deep-dish pies. Think smaller, smarter, and more strategic. Use the right pans, pre-cook your fillings, and monitor your pies closely. The air fryer rewards attention—not set-and-forget cooking.

I’ve made everything from mini pumpkin pies for Thanksgiving to savory beef hand pies for game day, and the air fryer has never let me down. It’s become my go-to for quick desserts, meal prep, and even baking with kids (they love watching the crust puff up).

The best part? No more waiting for the oven to heat up. No more energy waste. Just fresh, hot pie in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or someone who just loves pie, the air fryer opens up a whole new world of possibilities.

So go ahead—give it a try. Start with a frozen mini pie or a simple fruit turnover. Follow the tips above, keep an eye on your timer, and enjoy the results. You might just find yourself asking, “What else can I bake in this thing?” And trust me, the answer is a lot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook a pie in an air fryer?

Yes, you can absolutely cook a pie in an air fryer! The air fryer’s rapid hot air circulation creates a crispy crust and evenly cooked filling, making it a convenient alternative to traditional ovens. Just ensure the pie fits in your air fryer basket and adjust cooking time accordingly.

What types of pies work best in an air fryer?

Small to medium-sized pies like hand pies, pot pies, or mini fruit pies are ideal for air fryers due to their compact size. Avoid oversized or deep-dish pies, as they may cook unevenly or exceed the basket’s capacity.

How do I adjust the cooking time for pies in an air fryer?

Air fryers cook faster than ovens, so reduce the recommended oven time by 20-30% and lower the temperature by 25°F (15°C). For example, a pie that bakes at 375°F for 30 minutes in an oven may need 20-22 minutes at 350°F in an air fryer.

Can I cook a frozen pie in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook a frozen pie in an air fryer—just add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time. Preheat the air fryer, place the frozen pie inside, and check for a golden crust and bubbling filling to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Do I need to preheat my air fryer before cooking a pie?

Preheating ensures even cooking and a crispier crust, especially for homemade or refrigerated pies. Preheat for 3-5 minutes at the target temperature, then place the pie in the basket. Skip preheating only if using a recipe that specifies otherwise.

What’s the best way to prevent a soggy crust when cooking a pie in an air fryer?

To avoid a soggy crust, brush the top with egg wash or milk before cooking to seal it. Also, avoid overcrowding the basket and ensure the pie is placed on a perforated parchment liner or directly on the basket for proper air circulation.