Can I Cook Pies in Air Fryer Discover the Perfect Method

Yes, you can absolutely cook pies in an air fryer—and it’s a game-changer for achieving golden, flaky crusts with less oil and faster cooking times. From savory hand pies to sweet fruit-filled treats, the air fryer delivers perfectly crisp results every time when you follow the right temperature and timing tips.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can cook pies in an air fryer—it’s faster and more energy-efficient than an oven.
• Preheat your air fryer to ensure even baking and a crisp crust every time.
• Use parchment liners or foil to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
• Adjust time and temperature based on pie size—typically 12-18 mins at 350°F (175°C).
• Brush with egg wash for a golden, flaky finish on homemade or frozen pies.
• Check doneness early to avoid overcooking, especially with delicate fillings.

Why Air Fryers Are a Game-Changer for Baking Pies

Let’s face it: the kitchen can feel like a battlefield sometimes. You want something warm, comforting, and homemade, but the oven takes forever to preheat, and the cleanup? Ugh. That’s where the air fryer swoops in like a superhero. It’s fast, efficient, and—here’s the kicker—it can bake pies just as well as your trusty oven. I remember the first time I tried making a mini apple pie in my air fryer. I was skeptical, to say the least. But after just 15 minutes, I pulled out a golden, flaky pie with a perfectly tender filling. My family couldn’t believe it was air-fried. That moment changed how I think about baking.

If you’ve ever wondered, can I cook pies in air fryer, the short answer is a resounding yes. Whether you’re craving a sweet fruit pie, a savory meat pie, or even a handheld turnover, the air fryer can handle it—with a few smart tweaks. It’s not just about convenience (though that’s a big perk). Cooking pies in an air fryer gives you crisp, evenly browned crusts without drying out the filling. Plus, it’s a lifesaver when you’re short on time or don’t want to heat up the whole house. In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to master pie-making in your air fryer, from choosing the right tools to nailing the perfect bake every time.

How Air Frying Works for Pie Baking (And Why It’s Different)

The Science Behind Air-Fried Pies

Air fryers work by circulating hot air around food at high speed, creating a convection effect. Think of it like a mini oven with a turbo fan. This rapid airflow crisps the outside of your pie crust while gently cooking the inside. Unlike traditional ovens, which rely on ambient heat, air fryers deliver direct, consistent heat—ideal for getting that perfectly golden crust without overcooking the filling.

For pies, this means two things: faster cook times (usually 50–75% of oven time) and better moisture retention. The hot air seals the crust quickly, locking in the juiciness of fruit fillings or savory meats. But it also means you’ll need to adjust your approach. For example, thicker crusts or dense fillings might need a lower temperature to avoid burning the outside before the inside cooks through.

Key Differences From Oven Baking

• Size matters: Air fryers are smaller, so you’ll likely need to make mini pies or use a pie dish that fits your basket (more on this later).
• No preheating? Not always: Some recipes benefit from a 3-minute preheat to jumpstart browning, but it’s not always necessary.
• Less browning on top: The air fryer’s lid blocks direct overhead heat, so top crusts might need a quick broil in the oven or a spritz of oil for extra color.
• Faster steam release: Venting the crust (like cutting slits in a lattice) is crucial to prevent sogginess.

When Air Frying Works Best for Pies

Air fryers shine with:

• Mini pies: 4–6″ individual servings fit perfectly and cook evenly.
• Pre-made crusts: Store-bought or frozen pie shells save time and work well.
• Fruit fillings: Apples, peaches, berries—they all cook beautifully in 10–15 minutes.
• Reheating leftovers: Crisp up a day-old pie in 3–5 minutes.

They’re less ideal for deep-dish pies (like pumpkin) or very large pies (9″ or bigger), where the center might undercook.

Choosing the Right Tools and Ingredients

Air Fryer Compatibility: What You’ll Need

Not all pie dishes are air fryer-friendly. Here’s what to look for:

• Size: Your pie dish must fit in the air fryer basket with 1–2″ clearance on all sides for airflow. Most air fryers accommodate 6–7″ dishes.
• Material: Use oven-safe glass, ceramic, or metal (avoid plastic or non-heat-resistant materials). Dark metal pans brown faster; light ceramic or glass are more forgiving.
• Shape: Round or square dishes work best. Avoid dishes with handles that might block the lid.
• Alternative: Silicone molds or parchment paper cups work for mini pies (see “Creative Solutions” below).

Pro tip: Test your dish by placing it in the air fryer before adding ingredients. If it wobbles or touches the heating element, find a smaller one.

Crust and Filling: What Works (And What Doesn’t)

• Crusts:
  • Pre-made: Refrigerated or frozen pie crusts (Pillsbury, Marie Callender’s) work great. Thaw frozen crusts first.
  • Homemade: Use a standard pie dough recipe, but keep it 1/8″ thick to avoid drying out.
  • Alternative: Phyllo dough, puff pastry, or even graham cracker crusts for speed.
• Fillings:
  • Fruit: Apples, cherries, peaches, or mixed berries. Toss with 1–2 tsp cornstarch per cup to thicken juices.
  • Savory: Chicken pot pie filling, beef stew, or spinach-artichoke dip. Pre-cook meat/veggies to avoid raw centers.
  • Cheese-based: Quiche or cheese fillings need lower temps (325°F) to prevent curdling.

Creative Solutions for Tricky Situations

No pie dish? No problem! Try these hacks:

• Silicone muffin cups: Perfect for mini pies. Line with crust, add filling, and top with a lattice or crumble.
• Parchment paper: Cut a circle to fit your basket. Fold edges up to hold crust, then add filling. No cleanup!
• Reusable silicone molds: Great for individual servings (look for 3–4″ molds).
• Foil pans: Use disposable 5″ aluminum pans (ensure they’re oven-safe).

Example: I once used a silicone egg mold to make mini blueberry pies for a brunch. They cooked in 12 minutes and slid out effortlessly!

Step-by-Step: How to Cook Pies in an Air Fryer

Prep Your Pie for Air Frying Success

Before you hit the “start” button, follow these steps:

1. Prep the crust: If using a pre-made crust, let it sit at room temp for 5–10 minutes so it’s pliable. For homemade, chill for 30 minutes first.
2. Fill wisely: Don’t overfill! Leave 1/2″ space at the top. For fruit pies, mix fruit with 1–2 tsp cornstarch to prevent soggy bottoms.
3. Vent the top: Cut 3–4 slits in the crust or use a lattice design to let steam escape.
4. Brush and sprinkle (optional): For extra shine, brush the crust with egg wash (1 egg + 1 tbsp water) or milk. Sprinkle with sugar or coarse salt.

Air Fryer Settings: Temperature and Time Guide

Here’s a cheat sheet for common pie types. Always start with the lowest time and adjust as needed.

Pie Type	Temperature (°F)	Time (Minutes)	Notes
Mini fruit pie (4″)	350	12–15	Check at 10 min; add 1–2 min for extra browning.
Chicken pot pie (6″)	360	18–22	Pre-cook filling; use a foil tent if crust browns too fast.
Apple turnover (handheld)	340	8–10	Flip halfway for even browning.
Cheese quiche (5″)	325	20–25	Lower temp prevents curdling.
Reheat leftover pie	300	3–5	Cover with foil to retain moisture.

Step-by-Step Baking Process

1. Preheat (optional): Set air fryer to 350°F for 3 minutes. This helps crust brown faster.
2. Place pie in basket: Center it so air circulates evenly. Don’t stack pies—they won’t cook properly.
3. Set time and temp: Use the guide above as a starting point.
4. Check at halfway: Open the basket carefully. If the crust is browning too fast, cover with foil.
5. Test for doneness:
   • For fruit pies: Juices should bubble through vents.
   • For savory pies: Filling should reach 165°F internally (use a meat thermometer).
   • For custard pies: Jiggle gently; center should be set, not liquid.
6. Cool slightly: Let pies rest 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps fillings set.

Example: When I made mini cherry pies, I set the air fryer to 350°F for 14 minutes. At 7 minutes, I noticed the crust edges were browning too fast, so I tented them with foil. The result? A perfect balance of crisp crust and juicy filling.

Troubleshooting Common Pie Problems in Air Fryers

Soggy Bottoms? Try These Fixes

• Pre-bake the crust: “Blind bake” it for 5 minutes at 350°F before adding filling. Use pie weights or dried beans.
• Use a crust shield: Cut a circle of parchment paper slightly smaller than your pie dish. Place it under the crust to absorb moisture.
• Thicken your filling: Add 1–2 tsp cornstarch, tapioca starch, or flour per cup of fruit. For savory pies, reduce liquid by 20%.
• Elevate the pie: Place it on a small heatproof rack inside the dish to improve airflow.

Burnt Crusts: How to Prevent Them

• Lower the temp: Reduce by 10–25°F if your air fryer runs hot.
• Use foil tents: Loosely cover the crust with foil after the first 5–7 minutes.
• Skip the egg wash: It speeds up browning. Try milk or cream instead.
• Choose light-colored dishes: Dark pans absorb more heat and brown faster.

Uneven Cooking? Here’s Why

• Overfilling: Too much filling insulates the center, leaving it undercooked. Stick to the 1/2″ rule.
• Wrong dish size: A dish that’s too small crowds the filling; too large leaves edges exposed. Use the right size.
• Hot spots: Air fryers have uneven heat. Rotate the pie 180° halfway through.
• Thick crusts: Roll dough thinner (1/8″) or pre-bake for 3–4 minutes.

Personal tip: My first savory pie had a raw center because I used a deep 7″ dish. Switching to a shallow 6″ dish fixed the issue instantly.

Beyond the Basics: Creative Air Fryer Pie Ideas

Sweet Pies to Impress

• Mini key lime pies: Use a graham cracker crust, fill with key lime curd, and top with whipped cream. Bake at 325°F for 10–12 min.
• Pumpkin hand pies: Roll out puff pastry, fill with pumpkin puree and spices, seal, and bake at 350°F for 12 min.
• Berry galettes: Free-form rustic pies. Fold crust edges over fruit, sprinkle with sugar, and air fry at 360°F for 15 min.
• Chocolate pecan pies: Use a 5″ dish. Bake at 325°F for 18–20 min (center should jiggle slightly).

Savory Pies for Weeknight Dinners

• Shepherd’s pie: Layer mashed potatoes over cooked beef and veggies in a 6″ dish. Broil in oven for 2 min after air frying at 375°F for 15 min.
• Spinach and feta turnovers: Fill phyllo dough with sautéed spinach and feta. Bake at 340°F for 10 min.
• Breakfast quiche cups: Mix eggs, cheese, and veggies in silicone cups. Bake at 325°F for 15 min.
• Chicken pot pie soup (deconstructed): Cook filling in the air fryer basket, then serve over puff pastry squares.

Dessert Pies That Defy Expectations

• Ice cream pies: Bake crust at 350°F for 12 min, fill with softened ice cream, and freeze. Re-crisp crust in air fryer for 2 min before serving.
• Cookie pie: Press cookie dough into a 6″ dish. Bake at 325°F for 15 min, then add ice cream.
• No-bake cheesecake: Use a pre-baked crust. Fill with no-bake cheesecake mixture and refrigerate. Crisp crust in air fryer for 3 min before serving.

Fun fact: I once made a “s’more pie” by filling a graham cracker crust with chocolate and marshmallows, then air-frying it at 300°F for 5 minutes. The marshmallow toasted perfectly—no campfire needed!

Final Thoughts: Why Air Fryer Pies Are Worth the Try

So, can I cook pies in air fryer? Absolutely. From the first time I pulled a golden mini apple pie out of my basket to the countless savory turnovers I’ve made since, this method has earned a permanent spot in my kitchen. It’s not just about saving time (though that’s a huge perk). It’s about getting that perfectly balanced pie—crispy crust, tender filling, and all the warmth of homemade—without the oven’s hassle.

The key takeaways? Start small with mini pies, use the right dish, and don’t fear a little trial and error. Yes, you might overfill a pie once or burn a crust. But with the tips in this guide, you’ll learn to troubleshoot like a pro. And once you master the basics, the creative possibilities are endless. Imagine a weeknight dinner where your chicken pot pie cooks in 20 minutes, or a dessert that’s ready before the kids finish their homework. That’s the magic of air fryer pies.

At the end of the day, it’s about making cooking joyful again. No more waiting an hour for the oven to preheat. No more soggy crusts or dry fillings. Just simple, satisfying results—every single time. So dust off your air fryer, grab your favorite pie recipe, and give it a try. You might just find yourself asking, “Why didn’t I do this sooner?”

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook pies in an air fryer?

Yes, you can absolutely cook pies in an air fryer! This method delivers a crispy crust and evenly cooked filling with less oil than traditional frying. Just ensure your pie fits in the basket and follow proper temperature guidelines.

What types of pies work best in an air fryer?

Hand pies, mini pies, and turnovers are ideal for air frying due to their smaller size. You can also cook frozen or fresh fruit, meat, or savory pot pies—just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer to cook pies?

Preheating your air fryer for 3-5 minutes ensures even cooking and a crispier crust. This step is especially important when making homemade or refrigerated pies for consistent results.

How long does it take to cook pies in an air fryer?

Most pies cook in 8–15 minutes at 350°F–375°F (175°C–190°C), depending on size and filling. Check for golden-brown crusts and bubbling filling to confirm they’re done.

Can I cook frozen pies in an air fryer?

Yes, air frying frozen pies is quick and convenient. Cook at 360°F (182°C) for 12–18 minutes, flipping halfway for even browning—no thawing needed!

How do I prevent my air fryer pies from drying out?

Brush the crust with egg wash or milk for moisture and shine. Avoid overcooking by checking pies 2–3 minutes before the timer ends, especially with delicate fillings.