Can a Pie Be Cooked in an Air Fryer Discover the Perfect Crust

Yes, you can cook a pie in an air fryer—and it delivers a perfectly crisp, golden crust every time. The air fryer’s rapid circulation of hot air ensures even browning and faster cooking than a conventional oven, making it ideal for both sweet and savory pies. With the right technique, your air fryer transforms into a pie-cooking powerhouse, locking in flavor and achieving that bakery-quality finish.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, pies cook perfectly in air fryers with crispy, golden crusts.
• Preheat the air fryer for even baking and optimal texture.
• Use shallow pie dishes to ensure proper air circulation and browning.
• Adjust time and temperature—typically 320°F for 15–20 minutes.
• Shield edges with foil to prevent over-browning during cooking.
• Check filling doneness with a toothpick or internal thermometer.
• Ideal for small batches—perfect for 1–2 serving desserts.

Can a Pie Be Cooked in an Air Fryer? Discover the Perfect Crust

Let’s face it—pie is one of those desserts that feels like a hug. Whether it’s a warm apple pie on a rainy Sunday or a flaky cherry pie at a summer BBQ, few things beat the comfort of a well-baked pie. But what if I told you there’s a way to get that golden, crisp crust and tender filling in less time, with less mess, and without turning on your oven? Enter: the air fryer.

When I first heard about air fryer pies, I was skeptical. My air fryer had been great for chicken wings and frozen fries, but pie? Really? That delicate pastry, the juicy filling, the perfect balance of texture—could a countertop appliance really handle it? After a few trial runs (and yes, a couple of soggy bottoms), I’m here to tell you: yes, a pie can be cooked in an air fryer. And not just any pie—the kind with a crust so perfect, you’ll want to brag about it to your neighbors.

How the Air Fryer Transforms Pie Baking

The Science of Air Frying Pies

Air fryers work by circulating hot air at high speeds, creating convection currents that cook food evenly and quickly. This method is ideal for achieving a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist—something that’s a constant challenge with traditional pie baking. In a conventional oven, heat rises from the bottom and takes longer to reach the top crust, often leading to uneven browning. The air fryer’s 360-degree airflow solves this by hitting the pie from all sides.

For pies, this means:

• Faster baking times: Most pies cook 20-40% faster in an air fryer.
• Even browning: No more pale top crusts or burnt edges.
• Better moisture control: Less chance of a soggy bottom crust (a pie baker’s nemesis).

I learned this the hard way when I tried my first apple pie in a 1500-watt air fryer. I used the same recipe I’d used for years in my oven—same crust, same filling, same baking time. The result? A beautifully golden top crust… and a bottom that was still doughy. The air fryer had cooked the top faster than the bottom, which taught me a crucial lesson: air fryer pie baking requires adjustments.

Why the Air Fryer Excels at Crust Texture

The secret to a perfect pie crust is a balance of moisture and heat. Too much moisture, and it’s soggy. Too much heat, and it burns. The air fryer’s rapid air circulation creates a dry environment, which is excellent for browning and crisping. But it also means you need to:

• Use a pie shield or foil to protect the crust’s edges from over-browning (more on this later).
• Preheat the air fryer to ensure even heat distribution from the start.
• Brush the crust with egg wash or milk to enhance browning without adding excess moisture.

One of my favorite tricks? I now bake individual pies in 4-inch ramekins. The smaller size means the heat penetrates faster, and the crust crisps up beautifully. Plus, they’re perfect for portion control (or not sharing—no judgment here).

Best Types of Pies for Air Frying

Sweet Pies: From Classic Apple to Decadent Chocolate

Not all pies are created equal when it comes to air frying. Some fillings and crusts work better than others. Here’s what I’ve found after testing a dozen recipes:

• Fruit pies (apple, cherry, peach): These are ideal for air frying. The fruit filling releases juice during cooking, but the air fryer’s airflow helps evaporate excess moisture, preventing a soggy bottom. I recommend pre-cooking the fruit filling slightly (sauté with a bit of cornstarch) to thicken it before adding to the crust.
• Chocolate cream pie: Yes, even custard-based pies work! Bake the crust first (more on that below), then fill with chilled pudding. The air fryer’s gentle heat won’t curdle the custard if you’re careful.
• Banana cream pie: Similar to chocolate, but add a layer of sliced bananas before the custard. Pro tip: Use a lattice top to let steam escape.

I once made a blueberry pie with a store-bought crust and fresh berries. I pre-cooked the filling for 5 minutes with 1 tbsp cornstarch, then added it to the crust. After 18 minutes at 350°F, the crust was golden, and the filling was thick and bubbly. My husband, who usually skips pie, asked for seconds.

Savory Pies: Pot Pies, Quiches, and More

Don’t limit yourself to desserts! Air fryer pies are fantastic for savory dishes, too. Think:

• Chicken pot pie: Use shredded rotisserie chicken, frozen veggies, and a creamy sauce. Bake in a 6-inch pie pan for 20-25 minutes. The crust turns out flaky, and the filling is hot and comforting.
• Quiche: Line a 6-inch springform pan with crust, add eggs, cheese, and spinach, and bake at 325°F for 25 minutes. The air fryer cooks the eggs evenly without overcooking the edges.
• Shepherd’s pie: Bake the filling in a casserole dish, top with mashed potatoes, and crisp the top in the air fryer for 5-7 minutes at 375°F.

One of my go-to weeknight meals is a mini chicken pot pie. I use a pre-made crust, fill it with leftover chicken and gravy, and bake it while I clean up dinner prep. In 20 minutes, I have a hot, satisfying meal—no oven needed.

Step-by-Step Guide to Air Fryer Pie Success

Choosing the Right Equipment

Not all air fryers are the same, and not all pie dishes fit. Here’s what you need:

• Size matters: Most air fryers fit 6-inch pie pans or 4-inch ramekins. Check your air fryer’s dimensions before buying dishes.
• Material: Use metal, ceramic, or glass pans. Avoid non-stick coatings that can chip in high heat.
• Accessories: A silicone trivet or heatproof liner helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.

I learned this the hard way when my first pie stuck to a non-stick pan. Now I always line the pan with parchment paper or a silicone mat. It’s a small step, but it saves a lot of frustration.

Preparing the Crust and Filling

The key to a perfect air fryer pie is preparation. Here’s my step-by-step method:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes. This ensures even heat from the start.
2. Prepare the crust: If using a store-bought crust, let it thaw first. For homemade, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent shrinking.
3. Pre-cook the filling: For fruit pies, sauté fruit with thickener (cornstarch, tapioca) for 2-3 minutes. For savory pies, cook meats and veggies beforehand.
4. Assemble the pie: Place the bottom crust in the pan, add filling, then top with crust. Seal edges and cut vents (or create a lattice).
5. Egg wash: Brush the top crust with egg wash (1 egg + 1 tbsp water) for shine and browning.
6. Shield the edges: Cover crust edges with foil or a pie shield to prevent burning.

For my apple pie, I use Granny Smith apples, cinnamon, sugar, and 1 tbsp cornstarch. I sauté them for 3 minutes, then let them cool slightly before adding to the crust. This prevents the crust from getting soggy.

Baking Time and Temperature Tips

Air fryers vary in power, so baking times are guidelines. Here’s what works for me:

• 350°F (175°C) for fruit pies: 18-22 minutes. Check at 15 minutes—if the top is browning too fast, cover with foil.
• 325°F (160°C) for custard pies: 20-25 minutes. The lower heat prevents curdling.
• 375°F (190°C) for savory pies: 20-25 minutes. Higher heat crisps the crust faster.

Always let the pie rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This allows the filling to set and makes slicing easier. I learned this after my first attempt, where the filling spilled out like a lava flow. Not ideal.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Soggy Bottom Crust: The Pie Baker’s Nightmare

A soggy bottom crust is the most common air fryer pie problem. Here’s how to fix it:

• Pre-cook the filling: Thickened fillings release less moisture.
• Pre-bake the crust (blind bake): Bake the bottom crust for 5 minutes before adding filling. I use pie weights or dried beans to keep it flat.
• Use a metal pan: Metal conducts heat better than ceramic, helping the bottom crust crisp up.

I once tried a pumpkin pie without pre-baking the crust. The result? A crust that was pale and doughy, with a filling that tasted great but had the texture of soup. Now I always blind bake, and the difference is night and day.

Overbrowning or Burnt Crusts

Air fryers can brown crusts too fast. To prevent this:

• Use a pie shield: A reusable silicone shield or aluminum foil wrapped around the edges protects them.
• Check early: Start checking at 15 minutes. If the top is browning too fast, cover with foil.
• Rotate the pan: Some air fryers have hot spots. Rotate the pan halfway through for even browning.

I use a silicone pie shield for my cherry pie. It’s easy to remove and clean, and it keeps the edges from burning without trapping steam.

Filling Spills and Leaks

Juicy fillings can bubble over and make a mess. Here’s how to prevent it:

• Thicken the filling: Use cornstarch, tapioca, or flour to absorb excess liquid.
• Leave headspace: Don’t overfill the crust—leave 1/2 inch at the top.
• Use a drip tray: Place a foil-lined pan under the pie to catch spills.

I learned this after my peach pie overflowed and smoked up my kitchen. Now I always line the air fryer basket with foil—it catches spills and makes cleanup a breeze.

Beyond the Basics: Creative Air Fryer Pie Ideas

Individual Pies and Mini Tarts

One of my favorite things about air fryer pies is how easy it is to make individual servings. Use:

• 4-inch ramekins: Perfect for mini fruit pies or quiches.
• Muffin tins: Line with crust, add filling, and bake for 12-15 minutes.
• Phyllo cups: Fill with custard or fruit for no-bake tarts.

I made mini apple pies for a party using 4-inch ramekins. I prepped the filling ahead of time, then assembled and baked them in batches. They were a hit—and so much easier than a full-sized pie.

No-Bake and Hybrid Pies

Not all pies need to be baked! Try:

• No-bake cheesecake: Bake the crust in the air fryer for 8 minutes, then fill with no-bake cheesecake filling.
• Hybrid pies: Bake the crust and filling separately, then assemble. I use this for chocolate cream pie—bake the crust, make the pudding on the stove, then chill and assemble.

For my no-bake key lime pie, I baked the graham cracker crust in the air fryer, then filled it with a mixture of condensed milk, lime juice, and whipped cream. It was creamy, tangy, and had the perfect crust.

Gluten-Free and Vegan Options

Air fryer pies can be adapted for any diet:

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free crusts or almond flour crusts. They crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
• Vegan: Use vegan butter in the crust and plant-based fillings. I love a vegan pumpkin pie with coconut milk and maple syrup.

I made a gluten-free cherry pie using a store-bought crust. It baked perfectly in 20 minutes, with no soggy bottom in sight. My gluten-free friend was thrilled.

Data Table: Air Fryer Pie Baking Guide

Pie Type	Temperature (°F)	Baking Time (Minutes)	Pre-Cook Filling?	Special Tips
Apple Pie	350	18-22	Yes (2-3 min)	Use pie shield; check at 15 min
Cherry Pie	350	20-25	Yes (3-4 min)	Thick filling with cornstarch
Chicken Pot Pie	375	20-25	Yes (pre-cooked)	Use 6-inch pan; shield crust
Quiche	325	20-25	No	Cover with foil if browning too fast
Chocolate Cream Pie	325	15 (crust only)	No	Fill after baking; chill before serving

This table is based on my testing with a 1500-watt air fryer. Times may vary by 2-3 minutes depending on your model, so always check early.

Conclusion: The Air Fryer Pie Revolution

So, can a pie be cooked in an air fryer? Absolutely—and it might just become your new favorite way to bake. The air fryer’s rapid convection heat gives you a crisp, golden crust, a tender filling, and a dessert (or dinner) that’s ready in half the time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, small kitchens, or anyone who wants a pie without the fuss of a full-sized oven.

But it’s not magic. Like any baking method, it requires a few adjustments. Pre-cook your fillings, shield your crusts, and don’t skip the preheat. And if you’re new to air fryer baking, start with a simple recipe—maybe a mini apple pie or a chicken pot pie—and build from there.

At the end of the day, the air fryer isn’t replacing my oven. It’s giving me a new tool to make the pies I love, faster and with less stress. And that’s something worth celebrating—with a slice of pie, of course.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a pie be cooked in an air fryer without burning the crust?

Yes, you can cook a pie in an air fryer while achieving a golden, flaky crust. Just adjust the temperature (350°F or lower) and monitor cooking time to prevent over-browning.

How do you keep a pie from drying out in an air fryer?

To prevent dryness, brush the crust with egg wash or butter and cover the edges with foil. The air fryer’s rapid air circulation cooks pies evenly while sealing in moisture.

Can a pie be cooked in an air fryer with store-bought crust?

Absolutely! Store-bought crust works well in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer, place the pie in a shallow dish, and cook at 325°F for 15-20 minutes for best results.

What’s the ideal air fryer setting for baking a pie?

For most pies, use 325°F–350°F for 12–20 minutes. Smaller or frozen pies may need less time, so check for a bubbling filling and crisp crust.

Can you cook a frozen pie in an air fryer?

Yes, a frozen pie can be cooked in an air fryer—no thawing needed. Cook at 325°F for 20–25 minutes, or until the center is hot and the crust is crisp.

Why use an air fryer instead of an oven for pies?

An air fryer cooks pies faster with less energy, delivering a perfectly crisp crust. It’s ideal for small batches or reheating individual slices without sogginess.