Can I Cook an Apple Pie in the Air Fryer Discover How

Yes, you can cook a delicious apple pie in the air fryer—it’s faster, crispier, and more energy-efficient than using a traditional oven. With the right crust and filling adjustments, your air fryer delivers a golden, flaky pie in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect dessert hack for busy bakers.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can: Cook apple pie in an air fryer with great results.
• Prep matters: Use thin apple slices for even, quick cooking.
• Size fits all: Use 6–8 inch pie dishes for best air circulation.
• Time saver: Air fryer pies cook 20–30% faster than ovens.
• Prevent burning: Cover crust with foil halfway through baking.
• Test doneness: Pies are ready when crust is golden and apples tender.
• Easy cleanup: Use parchment paper or silicone liners for no-stick removal.

Why the Air Fryer Is the Secret to Perfect Apple Pie

Let’s be real: baking a traditional apple pie can feel like a project. Rolling out the crust, prepping the filling, waiting for the oven to preheat—it’s a process. And if you’re like me, you’ve probably had more than one pie come out of the oven with a soggy bottom or a crust that’s just… meh. Enter the air fryer. Yes, that little countertop appliance that crisps up chicken wings and reheats pizza like a champ might just be the secret to a faster, easier, and surprisingly delicious apple pie.

I first tried making an apple pie in my air fryer on a lazy Sunday afternoon. I was skeptical, honestly. How could something as classic and oven-dependent as apple pie work in a machine the size of a toaster? But after just one bite—crispy crust, tender apples, and a hint of cinnamon—I was sold. If you’ve ever wondered, “Can I cook an apple pie in the air fryer?” the answer is a resounding yes. And not just any pie—a pie that’s easier to make, faster to bake, and just as (if not more) delicious than its oven-baked cousin.

How the Air Fryer Transforms Apple Pie Baking

The Science Behind Air Frying

Air fryers work by circulating hot air around food at high speed, creating a crispy exterior while cooking the inside evenly. This is great news for pie crusts, which often struggle with moisture buildup in traditional ovens. The air fryer’s rapid airflow helps evaporate excess moisture, giving you a flaky, golden crust every time. Think of it as a mini convection oven with a turbo button.

For apple pies, this means the filling cooks evenly, the crust browns beautifully, and you don’t have to worry about the dreaded “soggy bottom.” The air fryer’s compact size also means it preheats in minutes, saving you time and energy.

Benefits Over Traditional Oven Baking

• Speed: Most air fryer apple pies cook in 20–30 minutes, compared to 45–60 in the oven.
• Energy efficiency: Air fryers use less electricity than ovens, making them a greener choice.
• Consistency: The even heat distribution reduces the risk of burnt edges or undercooked centers.
• Smaller batches: Perfect for 1–2 servings (or a cozy date night).

One thing I love is how the air fryer handles mini pies. Instead of baking a whole 9-inch pie, you can make individual servings in ramekins or small pie tins. They cook faster, look adorable, and are easier to share (or not share—no judgment here).

Step-by-Step Guide to Air Fryer Apple Pie

Ingredients and Tools You’ll Need

Before we dive in, let’s talk gear and ingredients. You don’t need anything fancy—just the basics:

• For the crust: Store-bought or homemade pie dough (enough for a top and bottom crust).
• For the filling: 2–3 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, 1 tbsp flour, 1 tbsp lemon juice.
• Extras: 1 tbsp butter (optional, for richness), 1 egg (for egg wash), vanilla ice cream (for serving, duh).
• Tools: Small pie tin or oven-safe ramekins, rolling pin, pastry brush, knife.

Pro tip: If you’re using store-bought dough, let it soften at room temperature for 10 minutes before rolling. It’ll be easier to work with and less likely to crack.

Preparing the Filling

The key to a great pie filling is balance. Too much sugar, and it’s cloying; too little, and it’s bland. Here’s my go-to method:

1. Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples (about 1/8-inch thick).
2. Toss them with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and lemon juice. The flour helps thicken the juices as the pie bakes, so don’t skip it!
3. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes while you prep the crust. This draws out some of the apple’s moisture, which helps prevent a watery filling.

I once skipped the flour and ended up with a pie that was more soup than dessert. Lesson learned: thickener is your friend.

Assembling and Baking

Now, the fun part—putting it all together:

1. Roll out the bottom crust and fit it into your pie tin or ramekin. Trim any excess dough.
2. Layer in the apple filling, dotting the top with small pieces of butter (this adds richness and flavor).
3. Cover with the top crust, seal the edges, and cut a few slits in the top to let steam escape.
4. Brush the crust with egg wash (1 egg + 1 tbsp water) for a golden, glossy finish.
5. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes. Place the pie in the basket, leaving space around it for airflow.
6. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the top is browning too fast, cover it loosely with foil.

Here’s a tip I wish I’d known earlier: use a pie shield or foil to protect the crust edges from burning. I learned this after my first pie came out with crust that looked like it had been through a campfire.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results Every Time

Choosing the Right Apples

Not all apples are created equal when it comes to pie. You want a mix of tart and sweet, with a texture that holds up to baking. My favorites:

• Granny Smith: Tart and firm. Holds its shape well.
• Honeycrisp: Sweet with a crisp bite. Adds juiciness.
• Braeburn: Balanced flavor and texture. Less common but worth trying.

Avoid mealy or overly soft apples (like Red Delicious). They’ll turn to mush in the air fryer.

Preventing Common Pitfalls

Even with the best intentions, things can go sideways. Here’s how to avoid the most common air fryer pie problems:

• Soggy crust: Pre-cook the filling slightly (sauté apples for 2–3 minutes) to reduce moisture. Or, blind bake the bottom crust for 5 minutes before adding filling.
• Over-browned top: Use a pie shield or foil. Rotate the pie halfway through cooking if your air fryer has hot spots.
• Uneven cooking: Arrange the apple slices evenly and don’t overfill. Too much filling can block airflow.

I once packed my pie with so many apples that the top crust barely sealed. The result? A pie that burst open like a volcano. It still tasted good, but presentation? Not so much.

Customizing Your Pie

The beauty of air fryer baking is how easy it is to customize. Try these fun twists:

• Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts in the filling add crunch and flavor.
• Spice it up: Swap cinnamon for cardamom or add a pinch of ginger.
• Go crustless: Make an apple crisp by topping the filling with a crumble of oats, flour, and butter.
• Mini versions: Use muffin tins for individual hand pies. Perfect for parties!

My favorite variation? A caramel apple pie. Just drizzle a little caramel sauce over the filling before adding the top crust. It’s decadent but not over-the-top.

Air Fryer vs. Oven: Which Is Better for Apple Pie?

Speed and Convenience

Let’s compare side by side:

	Air Fryer	Oven
Prep time	15–20 minutes	15–20 minutes
Baking time	20–25 minutes	45–60 minutes
Preheat time	3–5 minutes	10–15 minutes
Energy use	Low	High
Cleanup	Easy (non-stick basket)	Harder (oven walls, pans)

The air fryer wins on speed and energy efficiency. But if you’re baking a crowd-sized pie, the oven might still be your best bet.

Taste and Texture

This is where things get subjective. I’ve made the same pie recipe in both appliances, and here’s what I found:

• Crust: The air fryer’s crust was crispier, with a slightly nutty flavor (thanks to the rapid browning). The oven’s crust was more traditional—flaky but less crunchy.
• Filling: Both were tender, but the air fryer’s filling had a brighter, fresher taste (likely because it cooked faster, preserving more of the apple’s natural flavor).
• Overall: The air fryer pie felt lighter and more modern, while the oven pie was richer and more classic.

Honestly? I love both. But for a quick weeknight dessert, the air fryer is my go-to.

Beyond the Basics: Creative Air Fryer Pie Ideas

Hand Pies and Mini Pies

Why make one big pie when you can make a bunch of little ones? Hand pies are perfect for picnics, lunchboxes, or just because they’re cute. Here’s how:

1. Roll out the dough and cut into 4–5 inch circles.
2. Add a spoonful of filling to each, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
3. Fold in half, crimp the edges, and cut a few slits in the top.
4. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar.
5. Air fry at 350°F for 12–15 minutes.

Pro tip: Use a fork to crimp the edges for a classic look. Or get fancy with a pie crimper tool (I have one, but I still use a fork 90% of the time).

Gluten-Free and Vegan Adaptations

Good news: air fryer pies are easy to make allergy-friendly!

• Gluten-free: Use a GF pie crust (I like the store-bought ones from Wholly Gluten Free). Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the filling.
• Vegan: Swap butter for vegan butter or coconut oil, and use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water) for the egg wash.

I’ve made a vegan apple pie for a friend with dietary restrictions, and she couldn’t tell the difference. That’s a win in my book.

Seasonal Twists

Apple pie isn’t just for fall! Try these seasonal variations:

• Summer: Swap apples for peaches or berries. Add a splash of lemon zest for brightness.
• Winter: Use pears and cranberries. Add a pinch of clove for warmth.
• Spring: Try rhubarb and strawberries. It’s tart, sweet, and perfect for Easter.

Last summer, I made a peach pie in the air fryer, and it was so good I ate three slices in one sitting. No regrets.

Final Thoughts: Yes, You Should Cook Apple Pie in the Air Fryer

So, can you cook an apple pie in the air fryer? Absolutely—and you should. It’s faster, easier, and delivers a pie that’s just as delicious (if not more so) than the traditional version. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen newbie, the air fryer removes the intimidation factor from pie-making. No more worrying about overbaking, soggy crusts, or oven hot spots. Just roll, fill, and air fry.

I’ve made dozens of apple pies in my air fryer, and each one reminds me why I fell in love with this appliance. It’s not just a gadget; it’s a game-changer for home cooks. So grab your ingredients, fire up the air fryer, and discover how simple (and satisfying) homemade pie can be. And when you take that first bite—crispy crust, warm apples, and a hint of cinnamon—you’ll be asking yourself, “Why didn’t I try this sooner?”

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook an apple pie in the air fryer?

Yes, you can absolutely cook an apple pie in the air fryer! It delivers a crispy crust and tender filling in less time than a conventional oven. Just ensure your pie fits the basket and follow a trusted air fryer apple pie recipe.

What’s the best way to make an apple pie in the air fryer?

Start with a pre-made or homemade crust, layer thinly sliced apples with cinnamon-sugar filling, and seal the top crust. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.

Can I use store-bought pie crust for an air fryer apple pie?

Definitely! Store-bought crust works perfectly in the air fryer—just avoid overfilling to prevent leaks. Brush the top with egg wash for a shiny, crisp finish.

How long does it take to cook a mini apple pie in the air fryer?

Mini pies cook in 10–12 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Larger pies may take 15–20 minutes. Always check for a golden crust and bubbling filling to confirm doneness.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer for apple pie?

Preheating for 3–5 minutes ensures even baking and a flakier crust. While not mandatory, it’s recommended for best results, especially with thicker crusts.

Can I cook a frozen apple pie in the air fryer?

Yes! Air fry a frozen apple pie at 320°F (160°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway. Adjust time based on thickness—ensure the center is hot and the crust crispy.