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

Yes, you can cook a pie in an air fryer—and it’s a game-changer for achieving a crispy, golden crust with perfectly tender filling in record time. With the right technique, your air fryer delivers oven-quality results faster, making it ideal for quick desserts or savory hand pies without the wait.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can cook pies in an air fryer with great results.
• Preheat the air fryer for even baking and a flaky crust.
• Use smaller pie dishes to fit and ensure proper air circulation.
• Adjust cooking time to 10-15 minutes to avoid overcooking.
• Brush crust with egg wash for a golden, crispy finish.
• Check filling temperature to ensure it’s fully cooked through.
• Let pies rest briefly before serving to set the filling.

Why You Should Consider Baking Pies in an Air Fryer

Picture this: it’s a cozy Sunday evening, and the smell of a warm apple pie fills your kitchen. The crust is golden, the filling is bubbling, and the whole house feels like a scene from a holiday movie. But here’s the twist—you didn’t use your oven. You made it in your air fryer.

Yes, you read that right. The same compact appliance that crisps up chicken wings and reheats pizza can also bake a delicious, flaky pie. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Can I cook a pie in an air fryer?”, the answer is a resounding yes—and it’s easier than you think. As someone who loves baking but hates waiting for the oven to preheat (and heating up the entire kitchen in the process), I’ve spent months experimenting with pies in my air fryer. From mini hand pies to full-sized quiches and even fruit tarts, I’ve learned what works, what doesn’t, and how to get that perfect golden crust every time.

How the Air Fryer Works for Baking Pies

You might be wondering: how can a device designed for frying also bake delicate pastries? The secret lies in how an air fryer works. Unlike a traditional oven that heats from a single source, an air fryer uses rapid air circulation to cook food evenly and quickly. This means hot air swirls around your pie, crisping the crust from all sides while gently baking the filling.

The Science Behind Crispy, Even Baking

Air fryers use a powerful fan and a heating element to circulate hot air at high speeds—typically between 300°F and 400°F (150°C to 200°C). This convection-style cooking is ideal for pies because:

• Even heat distribution prevents soggy bottoms or burnt tops
• Faster preheating (usually 2-3 minutes vs. 10-15 in an oven)
• Energy efficiency—smaller chamber means less energy wasted
• Better moisture control, which is crucial for fruit fillings that release juice

Think of it like a mini convection oven. In fact, many modern air fryers are essentially countertop convection ovens with a compact design. This makes them perfect for small-batch baking, especially when you’re making individual or mini pies.

Best Pie Types for Air Frying

Not all pies are created equal when it comes to air frying. Some work beautifully, while others may need slight adjustments. Here’s what I’ve found works best:

• Mini hand pies (apple, cherry, blueberry) – crisp crust, juicy filling
• Turnovers – great for savory or sweet fillings
• Quiches and savory tarts – perfect for brunch or dinner
• Single-serving pot pies – ideal for portion control and quick meals
• Pre-made frozen pies – a game-changer for busy nights

Full-sized 9-inch pies can be tricky due to size limitations, but with the right pan and timing, they’re definitely possible. More on that later!

Choosing the Right Pie Pan and Equipment

One of the first hurdles when asking, “Can I cook a pie in an air fryer?”, is figuring out what tools to use. The wrong pan can lead to uneven cooking, sticking, or even a fire hazard. Let me share what I’ve learned after testing dozens of setups.

Size Matters: Pan Dimensions for Air Fryers

Most air fryers have a round basket with a diameter of 6 to 8 inches. That means your pie pan needs to fit comfortably inside with at least 0.5 inches of clearance on all sides for air circulation. Here are my top picks:

• 6-inch springform pan – perfect for quiches and deep-dish pies
• 6-inch round cake pan – lightweight and non-stick
• Silicone baking molds – flexible, heat-resistant, and easy to remove
• Oven-safe ceramic ramekins – great for mini pies or individual servings

Pro tip: Measure your air fryer basket before buying any pan. I once bought a 7-inch pan that *almost* fit—until it blocked the fan. Not a fun discovery!

Materials That Work (and Those to Avoid)

Stick with these materials:

• Non-stick metal – conducts heat well and releases easily
• Silicone – won’t warp, and cleanup is a breeze
• Oven-safe glass or ceramic – retains heat evenly

Avoid:

• Aluminum foil pans – can block airflow and melt at high temps
• Plastic containers – obviously a no-go, but worth mentioning
• Non-oven-safe ceramics – some glazes crack under rapid heat

One of my favorite hacks? Use a disposable aluminum pie plate (6-inch size) and place it on a baking rack inside the basket. This elevates the pie slightly, allowing hot air to circulate underneath and preventing a soggy bottom.

Step-by-Step Guide to Baking the Perfect Air Fryer Pie

Now that you’ve got the right tools, let’s dive into the actual process. I’ll walk you through my go-to method for a classic apple hand pie—my favorite because it’s easy, delicious, and foolproof for beginners.

Ingredients and Prep (Makes 4 Mini Pies)

• 1 store-bought or homemade pie crust (or puff pastry for extra flakiness)
• 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (to thicken the filling)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tbsp water
• Optional: coarse sugar for topping

Prep time: 15 minutes. Baking time: 12-15 minutes.

Step 1: Make the Filling

In a small bowl, mix diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Let it sit for 5 minutes—this helps the cornstarch activate and prevents a runny filling.

Why this works: The cornstarch is crucial. Without it, the apples release too much juice and make the crust soggy. I learned this the hard way when my first batch turned into apple soup!

Step 2: Cut and Fill the Crust

Roll out your pie crust and cut into 8 circles (about 4-5 inches each). Place 1 tbsp of filling in the center of 4 circles. Top each with a second circle of crust. Seal the edges with a fork or your fingers, then cut 2 small slits in the top for steam to escape.

Pro tip: Don’t overfill! I once added a heaping tablespoon and had filling oozing everywhere. A little goes a long way.

Step 3: Egg Wash and Season

Whisk egg and water together. Brush the tops of each pie with the mixture, then sprinkle with coarse sugar (optional, but it adds a nice crunch).

Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection

1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes.
2. Place 2 pies in the basket (don’t overcrowd—they need space for air to circulate).
3. Cook for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
4. Remove carefully with tongs or a spatula. Let cool for 2-3 minutes (the filling will be very hot!).
5. Repeat with the remaining pies.

My personal note: I like to rotate the basket halfway through for even browning, especially in older air fryer models with weaker fans.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding: Cooking more than 2-3 mini pies at once reduces airflow and leads to uneven cooking.
• Skipping the preheat: Just like an oven, preheating ensures consistent results.
• Using wet fillings: Always thicken fruit fillings to prevent sogginess.
• Not checking halfway: Air fryers vary. Open the basket and peek at 10 minutes to avoid burning.

Savory Pies and Creative Variations

While fruit pies are a classic, air fryers are fantastic for savory options too. I’ve made everything from chicken pot pies to spinach and feta turnovers—all with great results.

Chicken Pot Pie (Individual Servings)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
• 1/2 cup mixed veggies (peas, carrots, corn)
• 1/2 cup chicken gravy or cream of chicken soup
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 6-inch pie crust or puff pastry

Method:

1. Mix filling ingredients in a bowl.
2. Fill pie crust, seal edges, and cut vents.
3. Air fry at 360°F (182°C) for 15-18 minutes.

Why it works: The high heat crisps the crust while gently warming the filling. Plus, individual servings mean no messy slicing!

Spinach and Feta Turnovers

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh spinach, wilted and chopped
• 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup ricotta (for creaminess)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• Phyllo dough or puff pastry

Method:

1. Mix filling and chill for 10 minutes (helps prevent leakage).
2. Cut dough into squares, add 2 tbsp filling, fold into triangles.
3. Brush with egg wash, sprinkle with sesame seeds.
4. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.

My tip: Use a silicone mat to prevent sticking, especially with delicate phyllo.

Creative Ideas to Try

• Breakfast quiche: Use pie crust, eggs, cheese, and veggies. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 18-20 minutes.
• Meat pies: Ground beef, onions, and gravy in a flaky crust—perfect for a quick dinner.
• Cheesecake bites: Mini graham cracker crusts with cream cheese filling. Chill before air frying at 300°F (149°C) for 8-10 minutes.

Temperature, Time, and Troubleshooting Guide

One of the biggest challenges with air frying pies is getting the timing and temperature right. Too hot, and the crust burns. Too cool, and the filling stays cold. Here’s my go-to reference table based on real-world testing.

Air Fryer Pie Baking Time & Temperature Table

Pie Type	Size	Temperature	Time	Notes
Apple Hand Pies	4-inch	350°F (175°C)	12-15 min	Rotate halfway
Chicken Pot Pie	6-inch	360°F (182°C)	15-18 min	Use gravy for moisture
Spinach & Feta Turnovers	5-inch	350°F (175°C)	10-12 min	Chill filling first
Quiche (6-inch)	6-inch	325°F (163°C)	18-20 min	Check with toothpick
Frozen Mini Pies	4-inch	340°F (171°C)	14-16 min	No preheating needed
Cheesecake Bites	2-inch	300°F (149°C)	8-10 min	Chill before baking

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Soggy bottom crust? Elevate the pie with a rack or bake in a springform pan.
• Burnt top? Lower the temperature by 10-20°F or cover lightly with foil.
• Uneven browning? Rotate the basket halfway through cooking.
• Filling leaking? Use less filling, chill it first, or thicken with cornstarch.
• Crust not browning? Brush with extra egg wash or milk.

Personal note: I keep a small spray bottle of water nearby to lightly mist the basket if things look too dry. It helps prevent burning without affecting crispness.

Conclusion: Yes, You Can (and Should) Cook Pies in an Air Fryer

So, can you cook a pie in an air fryer? Absolutely. Not only is it possible, but it’s often better than traditional oven baking—especially for small batches, quick meals, or when you want that perfect golden crust without the wait.

From mini fruit pies to savory quiches, the air fryer offers speed, efficiency, and surprisingly professional results. It’s perfect for busy parents, small-space dwellers, or anyone who loves the smell of fresh-baked pie without the oven’s energy drain.

My advice? Start simple. Try those apple hand pies. Use a store-bought crust to keep it easy. Follow the timing table above, and don’t be afraid to peek and adjust. You’ll be amazed at how quickly your air fryer becomes your new favorite baking tool.

And remember: baking in an air fryer is as much about learning as it is about the result. Every pie teaches you something new—about timing, temperature, or just how much filling your crust can handle. So go ahead, preheat that basket, and get ready to enjoy a warm, flaky, delicious pie in under 20 minutes. Your taste buds (and your kitchen) will thank you.

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 circulating hot air creates a crispy crust and evenly cooked filling, making it a great alternative to traditional ovens.

What types of pies work best in an air fryer?

Smaller pies like hand pies, mini pot pies, or single-serving desserts (like apple or cherry) work best. Their compact size fits well in the air fryer basket and ensures even cooking.

Do I need to adjust cooking time or temperature for air fryer pie?

Yes, air fryers cook faster than ovens, so reduce the temperature by 25°F (usually 325–350°F) and check doneness 5–10 minutes earlier. This prevents overcooking while achieving a golden crust.

Can I use a store-bought pie crust in the air fryer?

Absolutely! Store-bought crusts work perfectly in an air fryer. Just ensure the pie fits in the basket and seal the edges well to prevent filling leakage during cooking.

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

Brush the crust with egg wash or milk for moisture and cover the filling with foil if it browns too quickly. Avoid overcooking by using a meat thermometer (internal temp of 165°F for meat pies).

Is it safe to cook frozen pies in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen pies in an air fryer, but add 5–10 minutes to the cooking time. Start at 300°F to thaw the center, then increase to 350°F for a crispy finish.