Can You Put Pie Tin in Air Fryer Find Out Here

Yes, you can safely put a pie tin in an air fryer—as long as it’s made of heat-safe materials like metal or ceramic and fits without touching the heating element. Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines to avoid warping or fire hazards, and use oven mitts when removing for safety.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can: Use pie tins in air fryers if they’re heat-safe and fit properly.
• Check materials: Metal and ceramic pie tins work best; avoid plastic or non-heat-resistant options.
• Size matters: Ensure the tin leaves 1-2 inches of space for air circulation.
• Preheat when needed: Preheat the air fryer for even baking with pie tins.
• Monitor closely: Air fryers cook faster—check pies 5 minutes early to avoid overbaking.
• Grease lightly: Prevent sticking with a light oil spray or butter on the tin.

Can You Put a Pie Tin in an Air Fryer? Let’s Break It Down

Ah, the air fryer—our modern kitchen superhero. It crisps, it roasts, it bakes, and sometimes even feels like it can do laundry (okay, maybe not that last one). But one question keeps popping up in kitchens across the world: can you put a pie tin in an air fryer? If you’ve ever stared at your air fryer, pie tin in hand, wondering if it’s safe or smart, you’re not alone. I’ve been there too—holding a flaky, buttery crust ready to go, only to pause and ask, “Wait… is this even allowed?”

Whether you’re reheating last night’s leftover apple pie, baking a personal quiche, or trying to make a single-serving dessert without firing up the oven, the air fryer feels like the perfect solution. But pie tins come in all shapes, sizes, and materials—metal, ceramic, glass, and even disposable aluminum. So, which ones are air fryer-friendly? And more importantly, which ones won’t melt, warp, or set off a smoke alarm? In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the world of pie tins and air fryers, answering your burning (pun intended) questions with real-world tips, practical advice, and a little kitchen wisdom to keep your cooking safe, delicious, and stress-free.

Understanding Air Fryer Safety and Materials

Before we toss a pie tin into the air fryer, it’s crucial to understand how air fryers work—and what they don’t like. Unlike conventional ovens that heat from the bottom and sides, air fryers use rapid, circulating hot air to cook food quickly and evenly. This means the basket (or tray) gets hot, fast, and anything you place inside must be able to handle high heat and direct airflow.

How Air Fryers Cook: The Science of Hot Air

Air fryers operate by heating air to temperatures between 175°F and 400°F (80°C to 200°C), depending on the model and setting. A powerful fan circulates this hot air around the food, creating that crispy, fried texture without the need for deep oil. The key here is airflow. Anything that blocks or restricts it—like a pie tin with high sides or a warped bottom—can cause uneven cooking, hot spots, or even damage to your appliance.

Think of it like blowing hot wind through a tunnel. If the tunnel is blocked, the wind gets stuck. Same with your air fryer. If your pie tin is too large or poorly shaped, it disrupts the airflow, which can lead to undercooked centers or burnt edges.

What Materials Can Handle the Heat?

Not all pie tins are created equal. Here’s a quick rundown of common materials and their air fryer compatibility:

• Metal pie tins (aluminum or stainless steel): These are usually the safest bet. They conduct heat well, are lightweight, and most importantly—don’t melt or warp at typical air fryer temperatures. Disposable aluminum pie pans? Yes, they’re safe, but keep reading—there’s a catch.
• Ceramic pie dishes: These can work, but only if they’re oven-safe and designed for high heat. Avoid ceramic with metallic glazes or decorative finishes, as these can chip or release fumes when heated.
• Glass pie plates (like Pyrex or tempered glass): These are generally safe, but only if they’re labeled oven-safe and can handle rapid temperature changes. Sudden heat (like going from fridge to air fryer) can cause glass to crack due to thermal shock.
• Silicone pie molds: These are flexible and heat-resistant, but they can be too flimsy for air fryer use. The hot air can blow them around, and they don’t crisp crusts as well as metal.
• Plastic or melamine: Never use these. They melt, warp, or release toxic fumes at high heat. Just don’t.

So, to answer the core question: yes, you can put a pie tin in an air fryer—but only if it’s made of the right material. The next step is making sure it fits and doesn’t block airflow.

Which Pie Tins Work Best in Air Fryers?

Now that we know the materials, let’s talk fit. Air fryers come in all shapes and sizes—from compact 3-quart models to large 6-quart beasts. The key is choosing a pie tin that fits comfortably inside without touching the heating element, walls, or fan.

Size Matters: Matching Your Pie Tin to Your Air Fryer

Most air fryers have a circular basket, so round pie tins are your best friend. But size is critical. Here’s a general guideline:

• Small air fryers (3–4 quarts): Use pie tins no larger than 6 inches in diameter. A 7-inch might fit, but it could block airflow or touch the heating coil.
• Medium air fryers (4.5–5.8 quarts): A 7- or 8-inch pie tin should work well. This is ideal for personal pies, mini quiches, or reheating slices.
• Large air fryers (6+ quarts): You can go up to 9 inches, but always check the manufacturer’s max load size. Some models have a “max fill line” inside the basket.

Pro tip: Before you cook, do a dry fit. Place the empty pie tin in your air fryer and run it for 30 seconds on high. Listen for rattling (a sign it’s too loose) or scraping (too tight). If it wobbles or touches the sides, it’s not safe.

Best Pie Tins for Air Fryer Use: Our Top Picks

Based on real-world testing and user feedback, here are the types of pie tins that work best:

• Disposable aluminum pie pans (6–8 inch): Lightweight, heat-conductive, and perfect for single servings. I’ve used these for mini chicken pot pies—crispy crust, tender filling, no issues. Just make sure they’re flat-bottomed and don’t have flimsy edges that could fold under heat.
• Oven-safe ceramic pie dishes (7–8 inch): Great for presentation and even baking. I used a 7-inch ceramic dish to reheat a pumpkin pie—came out warm, moist, and not dried out. Just let it come to room temp first to avoid cracking.
• Tempered glass pie plates (8 inch): Works well if your air fryer has a flat tray (not a mesh basket). I’ve used a Pyrex plate to bake a mini quiche—perfect texture. But again, no cold-to-hot transitions.
• Stainless steel pie tins: Durable and long-lasting. These are harder to find, but if you have one, it’s a great investment.

One thing to avoid: deep-dish pie tins with high walls. They block airflow and can trap steam, leading to soggy crusts. Stick to shallow or standard depth (about 1–1.5 inches).

How to Use a Pie Tin in Your Air Fryer: Step-by-Step Tips

Now that you’ve got the right pie tin, let’s talk technique. Using a pie tin in an air fryer isn’t just about tossing it in and hitting “start.” A little prep goes a long way in getting perfect results.

Prepping Your Pie Tin for Air Frying

1. Let it warm up: If your pie tin is cold (like from the fridge), let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes. This reduces the risk of thermal shock, especially with glass or ceramic.
2. Grease or line it: Even with non-stick pans, a light spray of oil or a parchment paper liner helps prevent sticking. For metal tins, I like to brush with melted butter for extra flavor and crispness.
3. Don’t overfill: Air fryers cook quickly, but they need space for steam to escape. Fill your pie no more than ¾ full to avoid boil-overs.

Setting the Right Temperature and Time

Air fryers cook faster than ovens, so you’ll need to adjust your settings. Here’s a general guide:

• Reheating a pre-baked pie: 320°F for 4–6 minutes. Check halfway—no need to overcook. I reheated a slice of pecan pie this way and it came out warm, gooey, and not dried out.
• Baking a new pie (e.g., mini quiche or fruit tart): 350°F for 10–15 minutes. Start checking at 10 minutes—crust should be golden, filling set.
• Frozen pies or pot pies: 360°F for 12–18 minutes. Flip or rotate halfway if your air fryer doesn’t have even heating.

Tip: Use the shake test for custard or quiche pies. Gently shake the air fryer basket. If the center jiggles slightly, it’s done. If it sloshes, give it another minute.

Monitoring and Avoiding Common Mistakes

Here are a few things I’ve learned the hard way:

• Don’t overcrowd: If you’re making multiple mini pies, leave space between them. I once tried to fit three 6-inch tins in a 5-quart fryer—result: uneven cooking and one burnt crust.
• Use a trivet or rack (if available): Some air fryers come with a raised rack. Placing your pie tin on it improves airflow and prevents soggy bottoms.
• Check for smoke: If you see smoke, stop immediately. It could mean grease dripped onto the heating element. Remove the tin, let it cool, and clean the basket.
• Let it rest: Just like in the oven, let your pie sit for 2–3 minutes after cooking. This helps the filling set and prevents burns.

Real-World Examples: What Works (and What Doesn’t)

Let’s get real. Theory is great, but what actually works in the kitchen? Here are a few examples from my own experiments and reader feedback.

Success Stories: Pie Tins That Delivered

Example 1: Mini Chicken Pot Pie (Disposable Aluminum, 7-inch)
I used a store-bought frozen pot pie in its original aluminum tin. Placed it directly in my 5-quart air fryer at 360°F for 15 minutes. Result: golden crust, hot filling, no mess. The tin held up perfectly, and cleanup was easy—just toss the tin.

Example 2: Reheating Apple Pie (Ceramic, 8-inch)
I had a leftover slice in a ceramic dish. Warmed it at 320°F for 5 minutes. The crust stayed crisp, the filling stayed moist, and no cracking. A win!

Example 3: Baked Berry Galette (Parchment-Lined Metal Tin, 6-inch)
I made a small galette in a metal pie tin, lined with parchment. Baked at 350°F for 12 minutes. The crust was flaky, the fruit bubbling. The parchment made removal a breeze.

Failures and Lessons Learned

Example 1: Cold Glass Pie Plate
I once put a cold glass pie dish (with a slice of pecan pie) straight into the air fryer. It cracked halfway through. Lesson: always warm glass first.

Example 2: Plastic Pie Carrier
A friend tried reheating a pie in a plastic storage container. It melted and released a terrible smell. The air fryer needed a deep clean. Lesson: never use plastic.

Example 3: Overfilled Quiche
I filled a quiche too high. It boiled over, dripped onto the heating element, and set off a smoke alarm. Lesson: leave space for expansion.

Comparing Air Fryer Pie Tins: A Quick Reference

To help you choose, here’s a handy comparison of common pie tin types and their air fryer performance:

Pie Tin Type	Max Temp	Best For	Air Fryer Safe?	Pros	Cons
Disposable Aluminum	400°F+	Mini pies, reheating, single servings	Yes	Lightweight, cheap, disposable	Can warp if overfilled
Oven-Safe Ceramic	450°F	Reheating, baking, presentation	Yes (if oven-safe)	Even heating, attractive	Heavy, risk of cracking if cold
Tempered Glass (Pyrex)	425°F	Quiches, custards, reheating	Yes (with caution)	Durable, non-reactive	Thermal shock risk
Stainless Steel	500°F+	Baking, roasting, long-term use	Yes	Very durable, no warping	Hard to find, heavier
Silicone	425°F	Flexible baking, easy release	Limited (flimsy in air flow)	Flexible, non-stick	Can blow around, poor crisping
Plastic/Melamine	250°F	Storage only	No	Lightweight	Melts, releases toxins

Final Thoughts: Can You Put a Pie Tin in an Air Fryer?

So, back to our original question: can you put a pie tin in an air fryer? The short answer is yes—but with conditions. You need the right material (metal, ceramic, or tempered glass), the right size (small to medium), and the right technique (prep, temperature, monitoring).

The air fryer isn’t just a fad—it’s a game-changer for small-batch baking, quick reheating, and energy-efficient cooking. And with a little know-how, your pie tin can be a trusted tool in that process. Whether you’re making a cozy mini pie for one, reviving last night’s dessert, or experimenting with savory quiches, the air fryer can deliver delicious results—without heating up your whole kitchen.

Just remember: safety first. Avoid plastic, respect the airflow, and never rush the temperature transition. And when in doubt, do a test run. Your taste buds (and your smoke alarm) will thank you.

So go ahead—grab that pie tin, fire up your air fryer, and bake something wonderful. The only limit is your imagination (and maybe your air fryer’s size). Happy air frying!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you put a pie tin in an air fryer safely?

Yes, you can put a pie tin in an air fryer as long as it’s made of heat-safe materials like metal or ceramic. Avoid plastic or non-heat-resistant pie tins, as they can melt or warp under high temperatures.

What type of pie tin works best in an air fryer?

Metal or ceramic pie tins are ideal for air fryers because they conduct heat evenly and withstand high temperatures. Always check that the tin fits without blocking airflow to ensure even cooking.

Can you use a disposable pie tin in an air fryer?

Yes, disposable aluminum pie tins are safe to use in an air fryer. Just ensure they’re sturdy enough to hold the filling and don’t collapse during cooking.

Does a pie tin affect air fryer cooking time?

A pie tin may slightly increase cooking time due to heat absorption, but the difference is usually minimal. Monitor your pie closely and adjust the time or temperature as needed.

Can you put a frozen pie in a pie tin in the air fryer?

Yes, you can cook a frozen pie in a pie tin in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer slightly and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time for thorough heating.

How do you clean a pie tin after using it in an air fryer?

Let the pie tin cool completely, then wash it with warm, soapy water or place it in the dishwasher if it’s dishwasher-safe. Metal tins are often easier to clean than ceramic ones.