Can I Bake a Pie in the Air Fryer Discover the Easy Method

Yes, you can bake a pie in the air fryer—and it’s a game-changer for achieving a perfectly golden crust and evenly cooked filling in less time than a conventional oven. With the right settings and a simple method, your air fryer delivers delicious, flaky results every time, making it an easy, efficient way to enjoy homemade pie anytime.

Key Takeaways

• Bake pies faster: Air fryers cut baking time by up to 25%.
• Use oven-safe dishes: Only metal, ceramic, or silicone pans work safely.
• Preheat for crisp crusts: Always preheat for 3–5 minutes before baking.
• Adjust temperature: Reduce oven temp by 25°F to avoid over-browning.
• Single-layer only: Avoid overcrowding to ensure even heat circulation.
• Check doneness early: Pies cook quicker—start testing 5 mins early.

Can I Bake a Pie in the Air Fryer? Discover the Easy Method

Have you ever stared at your air fryer, wondering if it could do more than just crisp up frozen chicken nuggets or reheat last night’s pizza? I’ve been there. After years of using my air fryer for quick snacks and side dishes, I started asking myself: Can I bake a pie in the air fryer? The answer surprised me—not only is it possible, but it’s often faster, easier, and produces a deliciously golden crust that rivals traditional oven baking.

If you’re like me, you love the idea of homemade pie but dread the long preheating time, the mess of a messy oven, or the guilt of using too much electricity. That’s where the air fryer comes in. It’s compact, energy-efficient, and surprisingly versatile. Whether you’re craving a classic apple pie, a gooey cherry pie, or even a savory chicken pot pie, your air fryer might just be your new best friend. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from choosing the right pie dish to mastering baking times—so you can confidently answer “yes” the next time someone asks, “Can I bake a pie in the air fryer?”

How the Air Fryer Works for Baking Pies

Understanding Air Fryer Technology

Before we dive into recipes and techniques, let’s get a quick science lesson. Air fryers use rapid air circulation (also called convection) to cook food evenly. A powerful fan blows hot air around the food at high speed, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist. This process mimics deep frying but with little to no oil—making it healthier and less greasy.

When it comes to baking pies, this convection effect is a game-changer. Unlike a conventional oven that heats from the bottom or top (often leading to undercooked centers or burnt edges), the air fryer surrounds the pie with consistent heat. The result? A perfectly baked pie with a flaky crust and a juicy, evenly cooked filling.

Why Air Fryer Baking Is Ideal for Pies

• Faster preheat time: Most air fryers reach cooking temperature in 2–3 minutes, compared to 10–15 minutes for a standard oven.
• Even heat distribution: No more rotating your pie halfway through—the air fryer does the work for you.
• Compact size: Great for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or when you don’t want to heat up the whole house.
• Less energy use: Uses up to 75% less electricity than a full-sized oven—perfect for eco-conscious bakers.

One of my favorite memories was baking a mini blueberry pie during a summer heatwave. Instead of cranking up the oven and making my apartment unbearable, I used my air fryer. In just 25 minutes, I had a warm, fragrant pie with a golden crust—and my apartment stayed cool. That’s when I truly believed: Yes, you can bake a pie in the air fryer.

Choosing the Right Pie Dish for Your Air Fryer

Material Matters: What Works Best?

Not all pie dishes are created equal—especially when it comes to air fryers. Since air fryers rely on even airflow, you need a dish that conducts heat well and fits comfortably inside the basket or tray. Here’s what to look for:

• Oven-safe ceramic or stoneware: These retain heat beautifully and are perfect for fruit pies. Make sure they’re labeled “air fryer safe” or “oven safe up to 450°F (230°C).”
• Metal pie pans (aluminum or steel): Lightweight and durable. They heat up quickly but may cause the bottom crust to brown faster—so keep an eye on it.
• Silicone molds: Flexible and non-stick, but they don’t brown as well. Best for mini pies or when you need easy release.
• Disposable aluminum foil pans: Affordable and convenient, but avoid flimsy ones that can warp. Look for “heavy-duty” versions.

I once tried using a glass pie dish—big mistake. It cracked due to thermal shock because it couldn’t handle the rapid temperature change. Lesson learned: always choose materials designed for fast, even heating.

Size and Fit: Measuring Your Air Fryer

Air fryers come in different sizes, from 3.5-quart models to 8-quart giants. Before buying a pie dish, measure your air fryer’s basket or tray. Here’s a quick guide:

• Small air fryer (3–4 quarts): Use a 5–6 inch pie dish or make individual mini pies in ramekins.
• Medium air fryer (5–6 quarts): A 7–8 inch pie dish fits perfectly.
• Large air fryer (7+ quarts): You can fit a 9-inch pie or even two 6-inch pies at once.

Pro tip: Leave at least 1 inch of space around the dish for airflow. Crowding the basket can lead to uneven baking or even damage to your appliance.

Where to Buy Air Fryer-Friendly Pie Dishes

You don’t need to break the bank. Here are some affordable options:

• Amazon: Search for “air fryer pie pan” or “mini ceramic pie dishes.” I love the Lodge 6-inch cast iron pie pan—it browns beautifully.
• Walmart or Target: Look for oven-safe ceramic ramekins or mini pie sets.
• Kitchen supply stores: Check out brands like Pyrex, Nordic Ware, or Wilton.

Bonus tip: If you already have a standard pie dish, test it by placing it in your air fryer (without heating) to ensure it fits with room to spare.

Best Types of Pies to Bake in an Air Fryer

Fruit Pies: The Classic Choice

Fruit pies are the perfect starting point for air fryer baking. They cook evenly, and the crust gets beautifully golden. Some of my favorites:

• Apple pie: Slice apples thinly, toss with sugar, cinnamon, and a splash of lemon juice. Use a lattice or full top crust.
• Cherry pie: Use canned pie filling or make your own with fresh cherries. The air fryer keeps the filling juicy without turning it to mush.
• Blueberry pie: Add a bit of cornstarch to prevent a runny filling. Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes.

One reader shared how she made a mini peach pie for her daughter’s birthday. It was ready in 22 minutes and looked like it came from a bakery. She said, “I finally understand why people keep asking, ‘Can I bake a pie in the air fryer?’ It’s magical!”

Savory Pies: Comfort Food Made Easy

Don’t limit yourself to desserts! Savory pies thrive in the air fryer too. Try these:

• Chicken pot pie: Use pre-cooked chicken and frozen veggies for a quick filling. Top with puff pastry or a biscuit crust.
• Shepherd’s pie: Layer ground beef, veggies, and gravy in a dish, then top with mashed potatoes. Bake until golden.
• Quiche: A mini quiche in a ramekin bakes in just 15 minutes. Perfect for breakfast or brunch.

I made a spinach and feta quiche last Sunday morning. My kids devoured it, and I didn’t have to wait for the oven to preheat. Win-win!

Mini Pies and Hand Pies: Portable Perfection

Air fryers are ideal for mini pies. You can bake 4–6 at once, making them perfect for parties, gifts, or meal prep. Try:

• Hand pies: Use store-bought puff pastry, fill with jam, Nutella, or fruit compote, then seal and bake.
• Tartlets: Mini crusts filled with lemon curd, chocolate, or berries.
• Empanadas: Savory Latin American pastries with beef, cheese, or veggies.

My neighbor made mini pumpkin pies for Thanksgiving. She baked them in batches and served them in paper liners. Guests couldn’t believe they were made in an air fryer!

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Bake a Pie in the Air Fryer

Preparing Your Pie Filling

The key to a successful air fryer pie is a well-prepared filling. Here’s how to do it:

• Thicken fruit fillings: Use cornstarch, tapioca, or flour to prevent a runny pie. For 2 cups of fruit, use 1–2 tablespoons of thickener.
• Pre-cook savory fillings: Sauté meat and veggies first so they don’t release excess moisture in the air fryer.
• Don’t overfill: Leave at least ½ inch of space at the top to allow for bubbling.

I once overfilled a blueberry pie and ended up with a mess in my air fryer. Now I always measure carefully. Lesson learned: less is more.

Assembling the Crust

You can use store-bought or homemade crust. For air fryer baking:

• Press the bottom crust firmly into the dish: This prevents it from floating or bubbling up.
• Vent the top crust: Cut slits or use a lattice design to let steam escape. This prevents sogginess.
• Brush with egg wash: Mix 1 egg + 1 tbsp water and brush over the top crust for a golden finish.
• Sprinkle with sugar or coarse salt: Adds flavor and texture.

Pro tip: If using puff pastry, thaw it first and handle it gently to avoid tearing.

Baking Time and Temperature

Here’s a general guide for air fryer pie baking:

Pie Type	Temperature	Time	Notes
Mini fruit pie (6-inch)	350°F (175°C)	20–25 minutes	Check at 18 minutes; cover with foil if browning too fast
Standard fruit pie (8-inch)	350°F (175°C)	25–30 minutes	Use a pie shield or foil to protect crust edges
Chicken pot pie	375°F (190°C)	25–30 minutes	Ensure internal temp reaches 165°F
Hand pies (4 pies)	375°F (190°C)	15–20 minutes	Flip halfway for even browning
Quiche (in ramekin)	325°F (160°C)	12–15 minutes	Center should be set but slightly jiggly

Always preheat your air fryer for 3 minutes before baking. And remember: every air fryer is different. Start with the lower end of the time range and check often.

Checking for Doneness

• Fruit pies: The crust should be golden, and the filling should bubble around the edges.
• Savory pies: Insert a meat thermometer into the center. It should read 165°F (74°C).
• Mini pies: Cut one open to check if the filling is hot and the crust is cooked through.

Let the pie rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This allows the filling to set and prevents a mess.

Tips, Tricks, and Common Mistakes to Avoid

Pro Tips for Success

• Use a pie shield: A silicone or aluminum shield protects the crust edges from burning. You can make one with foil.
• Rotate if needed: Some air fryers have hot spots. If your pie is browning too fast on one side, rotate the dish halfway through.
• Line the basket: Use parchment paper with holes cut for airflow. This catches drips and makes cleanup easy.
• Don’t skip the egg wash: It gives the crust a professional, golden look.

One of my biggest wins was making a gluten-free cherry pie using a rice flour crust. The air fryer cooked it perfectly, and no one could tell it was GF!

Common Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

• Mistake: Soggy bottom crust. Solution: Pre-bake the bottom crust for 5 minutes before adding the filling.
• Mistake: Burnt edges. Solution: Cover edges with foil or a pie shield after the first 10 minutes.
• Mistake: Runny filling. Solution: Use a thickener and let the pie rest after baking.
• Mistake: Cracked crust. Solution: Don’t handle the dough too much, and avoid overfilling.

I once forgot to vent the top crust of a peach pie. The steam had nowhere to go, and the crust split open. Now I always cut at least 3–4 slits.

Cleaning and Maintenance

After baking, let the air fryer cool completely. Remove the basket and wash it with warm, soapy water. Wipe the heating element with a damp cloth. For stubborn residue, use a non-abrasive sponge.

Pro tip: Line the basket with foil or parchment for easy cleanup—just don’t cover the entire surface, as this blocks airflow.

Conclusion: Yes, You Can Bake a Pie in the Air Fryer!

So, can you bake a pie in the air fryer? Absolutely! From classic fruit pies to savory hand pies, the air fryer offers a fast, energy-efficient, and surprisingly foolproof way to bake delicious pies. It’s perfect for small batches, quick desserts, or when you don’t want to heat up your kitchen.

What I love most is how accessible it makes pie baking. No more waiting 20 minutes for the oven to preheat. No more worrying about uneven browning. Just mix, assemble, and bake—and enjoy a warm, homemade pie in under 30 minutes.

Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who loves pie (who doesn’t?), the air fryer is a game-changer. So go ahead—grab your favorite pie recipe, find a dish that fits, and give it a try. You might just find yourself asking, “What else can I bake in my air fryer?” And trust me, the answer is a lot more than you think.

Happy baking—and enjoy every bite!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake a pie in the air fryer?

Yes, you can bake a pie in the air fryer! It’s a quick and energy-efficient method that delivers a crispy crust and evenly cooked filling. Just ensure your pie fits comfortably in the basket and adjust cooking times for best results.

What types of pies work best in an air fryer?

Small to medium-sized pies, like hand pies, mini fruit pies, or custard tarts, work best due to the air fryer’s compact cooking space. Avoid overly tall or deep pies that might block airflow or cook unevenly.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer before baking a pie?

Yes, preheating your air fryer for 3-5 minutes ensures consistent baking and a crispier crust. This step mimics traditional oven preheating and helps set the pie’s structure early in the cooking process.

How long does it take to bake a pie in the air fryer?

Most pies take 10-15 minutes at 350°F (175°C) in an air fryer, but time varies based on size and filling. Check for a golden crust and bubbling filling, and use a toothpick to test doneness if needed.

Can I use frozen pies in the air fryer?

Absolutely! Frozen pies can go straight into the air fryer—just add 3-5 extra minutes to the cooking time. Keep the original wrapping or foil removed and monitor to avoid over-browning.

What tips help prevent a soggy bottom when baking a pie in the air fryer?

Brush the bottom crust with egg wash or melted butter before baking to create a moisture barrier. Also, avoid overfilling the pie, and consider pre-cooking juicy fillings like apples to reduce excess liquid.