Can I Cook Apple Pie in Air Fryer A Delicious Test

Yes, you can cook apple pie in an air fryer—and it turns out deliciously crisp and golden every time. With the right technique, your air fryer delivers a flaky crust and tender, spiced apple filling in under 20 minutes, making it a perfect quick dessert or weeknight treat. No oven needed, no hassle—just slice, assemble, and air fry to perfection.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can cook apple pie in an air fryer—it’s faster and crispier than an oven.
• Preheat the air fryer for even baking and optimal crust texture.
• Use parchment paper or foil to prevent filling from dripping and burning.
• Adjust time and temperature—typically 350°F for 15–20 minutes, depending on size.
• Monitor closely to avoid overcooking; check crust and filling doneness early.
• Individual servings work best—use ramekins or small pie dishes for perfect results.

Why I Decided to Try Making Apple Pie in an Air Fryer

Let me start with a confession: I love apple pie. Not just the taste—though that warm, cinnamon-kissed filling is pure comfort—but the whole ritual. Rolling out the crust, slicing the apples, the scent filling the kitchen… it feels like home. But here’s the thing: I don’t always have an hour or two to bake a pie. And let’s be honest, sometimes I just want a small, satisfying slice without making a whole pie that lasts for days.

That’s when I started wondering: Can I cook apple pie in an air fryer? The idea felt a little wild at first. The air fryer is my go-to for crispy chicken tenders, roasted veggies, and even reheating pizza. But pie? With a flaky crust and soft, tender apples? It seemed like a stretch. But curiosity got the best of me. So, I did what any home cook with an air fryer and a craving would do—I gave it a shot. And what I discovered might surprise you.

The Science of Air Frying and Baking Pies

Before jumping into recipes, it helps to understand how air frying actually works. Unlike traditional ovens that heat the air inside, air fryers use rapid air circulation to create a convection effect. A heating element warms the air, and a powerful fan blows it around the food at high speed. This results in faster cooking, a crisp exterior, and less oil needed.

But here’s the catch: apple pie isn’t just about crispy crust. It needs gentle, even heat to cook the apples through without burning the edges. So, how does that translate to the air fryer?

How Air Frying Affects Pie Texture

When you air fry a pie, the intense airflow can cause the outer edges to brown quickly—sometimes too quickly. This means you have to be careful with timing and temperature. But the good news? The air fryer’s compact space helps trap heat and moisture, which actually helps the apples soften without turning to mush. I found that using a lower temperature (around 325°F to 350°F) and shorter cook time prevents the crust from burning while still allowing the filling to cook through.

Crust Crisp vs. Apple Tenderness: The Balancing Act

The real challenge is balancing the crispness of the crust with the tenderness of the apples. In a regular oven, heat surrounds the pie evenly, giving both components time to cook together. In an air fryer, the top and sides cook faster than the bottom. To fix this, I experimented with:

• Using a pie dish that fits snugly in the basket (not too big, not too small)
• Covering the top with foil for the first half of cooking
• Flipping the pie halfway through (only if using a removable dish)

One tip that worked surprisingly well: pre-cooking the apples slightly. I sautéed them with sugar, cinnamon, and a splash of lemon juice for 5 minutes. This jump-started the softening process, so the air fryer didn’t have to do all the work—and reduced the risk of a raw center.

Air Fryer Size Matters

Not all air fryers are created equal. Mine is a 5.8-quart basket model, which fits a 6-inch pie dish just right. If you have a smaller unit (like 3-4 quarts), you might need to make mini pies or use a smaller ramekin. Larger ovens (6.5+ quarts) can handle bigger dishes, but watch the edges—they’ll brown faster. Always check your air fryer’s dimensions before choosing a dish.

Step-by-Step: How to Cook Apple Pie in an Air Fryer

Now, let’s get into the fun part—actually making the pie. I tested three versions: a full-size 6-inch pie, mini pies in ramekins, and even a hand pie folded in a tortilla. Here’s what worked best, along with my honest feedback on each.

Option 1: The 6-Inch Air Fryer Pie (Perfect for 2-3 Servings)

This was my favorite method. It felt like a real pie, but with a fraction of the effort.

• Crust: I used store-bought pie crust (no shame!) and pressed it into a 6-inch oven-safe ceramic dish. You could also use a small springform pan or metal pie tin, as long as it fits.
• Filling: 2 medium apples (I used Honeycrisp), peeled and thinly sliced, mixed with 3 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp nutmeg, 1 tbsp cornstarch, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
• Top crust: Another round of crust, crimped at the edges. I cut a few slits in the top for steam to escape.
• Prep: Brush the top with egg wash (1 egg + 1 tbsp water) for a golden finish. Optional: sprinkle with coarse sugar.

Cooking steps:

1. Preheat air fryer to 330°F for 3 minutes.
2. Place pie dish in the basket. Cover the top with foil.
3. Cook for 15 minutes. Remove foil.
4. Cook for another 10–12 minutes, until crust is golden and apples are tender when pierced with a knife.
5. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

Result: The crust was flaky and crisp, not soggy. The apples were soft but held their shape. My only tweak? I’d add a pinch of salt to the filling next time to balance the sweetness.

Option 2: Mini Air Fryer Pies (Great for Portion Control)

These were adorable and perfect for individual servings. I used 4-ounce ramekins and filled them about 3/4 full with filling, then added a small round of crust on top.

• Cook time: 12 minutes with foil, 8 minutes without.
• Tip: Use a small round cutter (like a biscuit cutter) to make perfect crust tops.

Result: These cooked faster and had an even better crust-to-filling ratio. My partner loved them—they felt like a fancy dessert. Downside? They cooled down quicker than the big pie, so serve immediately.

Option 3: Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies (Quick and Kid-Friendly)

For a no-dish, no-mess option, I tried hand pies. I rolled out pie dough into 5-inch circles, filled with 2 tbsp apple mixture, folded over, and sealed with a fork.

• Cook time: 8 minutes at 325°F. Flip halfway through.
• Tip: Don’t overfill, or they’ll burst!

Result: These were crispy on the outside, warm and gooey inside. My niece ate two and asked for more. They’re perfect for snacks or lunchboxes. Just be careful when biting—the filling gets hot.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Let’s be real: not every attempt was a success. I had some flops, and I’m sharing them so you don’t have to.

Mistake #1: Overcooking the Crust

The first time I tried this, I set the air fryer to 375°F—the same as my regular oven. Big mistake. The crust turned dark brown in 10 minutes, but the apples were still crunchy. Lesson learned: Air fryers cook faster. Always start with a lower temperature (325°F–350°F) and check early.

Mistake #2: Using a Dish That’s Too Tall

I once used a deep ceramic dish. The crust cooked fine, but the apples at the bottom were still raw. The air couldn’t circulate properly. Now, I use shallow, wide dishes—no more than 1.5 inches deep. This lets heat reach the center faster.

Mistake #3: Skipping the Foil

Foil is your friend. It acts like a shield, preventing the top crust from burning while the filling catches up. I now cover all pies for the first 10–15 minutes, then uncover for the last 8–10 to crisp the top. It makes a huge difference.

Mistake #4: Not Pre-Cooking the Apples (Sometimes)

Fresh apples release a lot of juice when heated. In a regular oven, that’s fine—the heat is even. In an air fryer, too much liquid can make the crust soggy. For juicier apples (like Granny Smith), I now sauté them for 5 minutes first. For firmer apples (like Honeycrisp or Fuji), I skip this step and just cook a little longer.

Mistake #5: Crowding the Basket

Air fryers need space for air to flow. If your pie dish takes up the whole basket, the sides will cook faster than the center. If you’re making mini pies, leave at least 1 inch between them. And never stack anything on top.

Customization Ideas and Flavor Twists

Once you master the basics, the possibilities are endless. Here are a few fun ways to switch things up—all tested and approved.

Add Nuts or Oats for Crunch

Mix 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling. Or, sprinkle a crumble topping (oats, brown sugar, butter) on top of the crust before air frying. I tried this with a crumble topping—cooked for 20 minutes total, covered for 12. The result? A crisp, nutty crust with a warm, spiced center. My husband called it “apple pie meets crumble.”

Spice It Up (Literally)

Classic cinnamon is great, but don’t be afraid to experiment. Try:

• 1/2 tsp cardamom for a floral note
• 1/4 tsp ginger for warmth
• A pinch of cloves (just a pinch—it’s strong!)

I once added a splash of vanilla extract to the filling. It deepened the flavor in a way I didn’t expect. A little goes a long way.

Dairy-Free or Vegan Options

No butter or eggs? No problem. Use:

• Vegan pie crust (many brands are now plant-based)
• Coconut oil instead of butter for the egg wash
• Cornstarch or arrowroot as a thickener (works just as well as flour)

I tested a vegan version using coconut oil and almond milk in the crust. It cooked perfectly and had a slightly nutty flavor—delicious.

Sweetener Swaps

Not a fan of brown sugar? Try:

• Maple syrup (reduce other liquids by 1 tbsp)
• Coconut sugar (gives a caramel-like taste)
• Date paste (blend dates with a little water—adds fiber!)

I used maple syrup once. It made the filling extra rich and sticky—great with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Comparing Air Fryer vs. Oven Baked Apple Pie

To really test this, I made the same recipe in both my air fryer and my regular oven. Here’s how they stacked up:

Factor	Air Fryer (6-inch pie)	Oven (9-inch pie)
Cook Time	25–27 minutes	45–50 minutes
Energy Use	Low (heats up fast, smaller space)	High (takes time to preheat, larger volume)
Crust Texture	Crisp edges, slightly thinner top	Evenly golden, fluffier layers
Apple Tenderness	Soft, slightly firmer center	Uniformly soft, juicier
Cleanup	Easy (small dish, less mess)	More involved (larger pan, drips)
Best For	Small servings, quick dessert, hot kitchens	Large gatherings, classic texture, traditional feel

The air fryer wins on speed and convenience. The oven wins on evenness and volume. But for a cozy night in, a date night, or when you’re just craving a slice? The air fryer is a total game-changer.

Final Verdict: Is Air Fryer Apple Pie Worth It?

So, back to the original question: Can I cook apple pie in an air fryer? The answer is a resounding yes—with a few caveats. It won’t replace your grandma’s oven-baked masterpiece, but it’s a fantastic alternative when you want a small, satisfying pie without the wait.

The air fryer gives you a crisp, golden crust and tender apples in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for portion control, quick desserts, or when you don’t want to heat up the whole kitchen. And honestly? The first time I pulled that little pie out of the basket, golden and steaming, I felt like a kitchen wizard.

But remember: success depends on your air fryer model, dish choice, and a little patience. Start with a lower temperature, use foil, and don’t overfill. Experiment with pre-cooked apples, crumble toppings, or vegan swaps. Most of all, have fun with it.

At the end of the day, cooking isn’t about perfection—it’s about joy. And if a warm, spiced apple pie in 25 minutes brings you joy, then the air fryer is your new best friend. Just grab a spoon, a scoop of ice cream, and savor every bite. You’ve earned it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook apple pie in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook apple pie in an air fryer! It’s a quick and convenient way to achieve a crispy crust and tender filling without heating up your oven. Just be sure to use an air fryer-safe dish or foil pan to hold the pie.

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

For the best results, use a pre-made or homemade crust in a shallow, air fryer-safe dish. Add your apple filling, cover loosely with foil to prevent over-browning, and cook at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, checking occasionally.

Can I cook a store-bought apple pie in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Store-bought apple pies can be cooked in an air fryer for a faster, crispier alternative to the oven. Follow the package instructions but reduce the time by 5–10 minutes and monitor closely to avoid burning.

Do I need to adjust cooking time for apple pie in an air fryer?

Yes, air fryers cook faster than ovens, so reduce the recommended oven time by 20–30%. For a typical apple pie, cook at 350°F (175°C) for 15–25 minutes, depending on size and filling thickness.

Can I make individual apple pie servings in an air fryer?

Definitely! Mini ramekins or muffin tins work perfectly for single-serve apple pies in an air fryer. This method cuts cooking time to 10–15 minutes and is great for portion control or quick desserts.

Why is cooking apple pie in an air fryer a good idea?

An air fryer delivers a golden, flaky crust with less energy and faster preheating than a conventional oven. It’s ideal for small batches or when you want a warm, fresh-baked treat without the wait.