If you’re a pie lover looking for a convenient and delicious way to whip up your favorite treats, you’re in luck! In this article, we’ll show you just how easy it is to create mouthwatering pies using an air fryer. From classic apple and pumpkin pies to unique creations like s’mores and banana cream, we’ve got a variety of delightful recipes that will satisfy any craving. Get ready to indulge in the sweet and savory goodness of air fryer pies that are sure to impress your friends and family with their crispy crusts and flavorful fillings. Yes, you absolutely can make pies in the air fryer! Air fryers have gained popularity in recent years for their ability to cook food quickly and with less oil than traditional frying methods. While they may be known for making crispy french fries or tender chicken wings, air fryers are also a versatile tool for making delicious pies. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about making pies in the air fryer, from choosing the right pie crust to troubleshooting common issues. Whether you’re craving a sweet apple pie, a savory chicken pot pie, or a creative pumpkin spice hand pie, the air fryer has got you covered.
Tips for Making Pies in the Air Fryer
Choosing the Right Pie Crust
The first step to making a delicious pie in the air fryer is choosing the right crust. You have several options when it comes to pie crusts – homemade or store-bought, butter-based or graham cracker crust, the possibilities are endless. For a classic, flaky crust, it is important to use a recipe that is specifically designed for pie crusts. Many pie crust recipes are available online, and you can even find pre-made pie crusts at your local grocery store.
Prepping the Air Fryer
Before you start baking your pie, it is important to properly prep your air fryer. Most air fryers come with a removable basket or tray that you will use to cook your pie. Make sure to thoroughly clean the basket or tray, removing any residue or food particles from previous use. You can also line the basket or tray with parchment paper to prevent the pie from sticking.
Using Proper Pie Fillings
Choosing the right pie filling is crucial for a flavorful pie. Whether you prefer sweet or savory fillings, there is a wide range of options available for air fryer pies. For sweet pies, classics like apple, chocolate, and berry are always a hit. You can also get creative with fillings like caramel pecan or s’mores. If you’re in the mood for a savory pie, chicken pot pie, vegetable quiche, or beef and mushroom empanadas are great choices. The key is to make sure your filling is not too runny, as this can lead to a soggy crust.
Adjusting Cooking Time and Temperature
When baking pies in the air fryer, it is important to follow the specific instructions for your particular model. Air fryers vary in temperature and cooking time, so it is crucial to adjust accordingly. As a general rule, start with a lower temperature and shorter cooking time, and gradually increase if necessary. It is also a good idea to check on your pie during the cooking process to ensure it is baking evenly. Use a toothpick to test the doneness of the filling and a golden crust.
Sweet Air Fryer Pie Recipes
Classic Apple Pie
Apple pie is a timeless dessert that is loved by many. To make a classic apple pie in the air fryer, start by preparing your pie crust of choice. Roll out the dough and line your pie dish, making sure to leave some overhang for sealing the top crust. In a separate bowl, mix together sliced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Fill the pie crust with the apple mixture and top with the second crust, sealing the edges with a fork. Brush the top crust with an egg wash for a beautiful golden finish. Air fry at the recommended temperature and time until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.
Decadent Chocolate Pie
If you’re a chocolate lover, this air fryer chocolate pie is a must-try. Start by preparing a chocolate graham cracker crust by crushing graham crackers and mixing them with melted butter and cocoa powder. Press the mixture into a pie dish and bake in the air fryer until set. For the filling, melt chocolate chips and heavy cream together, then pour it into the prepared crust. Let it chill in the fridge until set, and serve with whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Delicious Berry Pie
Berry pies are a refreshing and fruity treat, perfect for any occasion. To make a delicious berry pie in the air fryer, start by rolling out your pie crust and lining your pie dish. In a mixing bowl, combine your choice of berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries) with sugar, cornstarch, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Fill the pie crust with the berry mixture, top with the second crust, and seal the edges. You can even create a lattice design on top for an extra special touch. Air fry until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful summery dessert.
Caramel Pecan Pie
For those who enjoy a rich and gooey caramel pecan pie, the air fryer can deliver fantastic results. Start by preparing a butter crust or a graham cracker crust, depending on your preference. In a bowl, mix together caramel sauce, chopped pecans, brown sugar, eggs, and a splash of vanilla extract. Pour the mixture into the prepared crust and air fry until the filling is set and the crust is golden. Let it cool for a while before serving to allow the caramel to set. This pie is decadent on its own, but a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes it to the next level.
Savory Air Fryer Pie Recipes
Chicken Pot Pie
Chicken pot pie is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner. To make a chicken pot pie in the air fryer, start by preparing your pie crust and lining your pie dish. In a large skillet, cook diced chicken, diced potatoes, chopped carrots, peas, diced onions, and garlic until tender. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs of your choice. Transfer the mixture to the pie crust and top with the second crust. Seal the edges with a fork and make a few slits on the top crust for ventilation. Air fry until the crust is golden and the filling is piping hot. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Vegetable Quiche
Vegetable quiche is a versatile and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. To make a vegetable quiche in the air fryer, start by preparing your pie crust and lining your pie dish. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, shredded cheese, and your choice of chopped vegetables (such as spinach, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms). Pour the mixture into the prepared crust and air fry until the crust is golden and the filling is set. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Quiche can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Spinach and Feta Hand Pies
Hand pies are a fun and portable way to enjoy a savory pie. To make spinach and feta hand pies in the air fryer, start by preparing your pie dough and rolling it out into circles. In a skillet, cook chopped spinach, diced onions, and minced garlic until wilted. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs of your choice. Remove from heat and crumble feta cheese into the mixture. Spoon the filling onto one half of each dough circle and fold the other half over to create a half-moon shape. Seal the edges with a fork and brush with an egg wash for a golden finish. Air fry until the crust is crisp and golden. Serve as a tasty appetizer or a light lunch.
Beef and Mushroom Empanadas
Empanadas are a popular savory pastry filled with meat, vegetables, and spices. To make beef and mushroom empanadas in the air fryer, start by preparing your empanada dough and rolling it out into circles. In a skillet, cook ground beef, diced onions, and sliced mushrooms until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs and spices. Spoon the filling onto one half of each dough circle and fold the other half over to create a half-moon shape. Seal the edges with a fork and brush with an egg wash. Air fry until the empanadas are golden and crispy. Serve as a delicious snack or a filling main course.
Creative Air Fryer Pie Recipes
Pumpkin Spice Hand Pies
Pumpkin spice hand pies are a delightful fall treat that can be enjoyed any time of the year. To make pumpkin spice hand pies in the air fryer, start by preparing your pie dough and rolling it out into circles. In a bowl, mix together canned pumpkin puree, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a pinch of salt. Spoon the filling onto one half of each dough circle and fold the other half over to create a half-moon shape. Seal the edges with a fork and brush with an egg wash. Air fry until the hand pies are golden and fragrant. Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
S’mores Pie
S’mores pie is a delightful twist on the classic campfire treat. To make a s’mores pie in the air fryer, start by preparing a graham cracker crust by mixing crushed graham crackers with melted butter and a pinch of salt. Press the mixture into a pie dish and bake in the air fryer until set. In a separate bowl, melt chocolate chips and heavy cream together until smooth. Spread the chocolate mixture evenly over the crust. Top with mini marshmallows and graham cracker pieces. Air fry until the marshmallows are toasted and golden. Let it cool before serving for a gooey and delightful pie.
Banana Cream Pie Bites
Banana cream pie bites are a bite-sized version of the classic dessert, perfect for parties or gatherings. To make banana cream pie bites in the air fryer, start by preparing a butter crust. Roll out the dough and use a round cookie cutter to cut out small circles. Press the circles into a mini muffin tin, forming little crust cups. Bake in the air fryer until golden and crisp. In a bowl, mix together instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until thickened. Slice bananas and place a slice in each crust cup. Top with the pudding mixture. Chill in the fridge until set and serve as a delightful bite-sized dessert.
Strawberry Nutella Turnovers
Strawberry Nutella turnovers are a delicious and indulgent treat that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. To make strawberry Nutella turnovers in the air fryer, start by preparing a butter crust. Roll out the dough and cut it into squares or circles, depending on your preference. Spread a generous amount of Nutella in the center of each piece of dough, leaving a border around the edges. Top with sliced strawberries and fold the dough over to enclose the filling. Seal the edges with a fork and brush with an egg wash. Air fry until the turnovers are golden and the filling is bubbly. Serve warm for a gooey and delicious dessert.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Air Fryer Pies
Preparing the Pie Crust
To start making an air fryer pie, begin by preparing the pie crust. Whether you choose to make your own pie crust from scratch or use a store-bought one, make sure it is chilled and ready to use. If making your own crust, follow a trusted recipe, and be sure to chill the dough as directed to ensure a flaky crust. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface until it reaches the desired size to fit your pie dish.
Rolling and Shaping the Dough
Once the pie crust is rolled out, carefully transfer it to your pie dish. Gently press the dough into the dish, making sure it adheres to the sides and bottom. Trim any excess crust hanging over the edges with a sharp knife. If you’re making a double-crust pie, repeat the rolling and shaping process with the second portion of dough.
Filling the Pie
After your pie crust is in place, it’s time to add the filling. The filling will depend on the type of pie you are making. For sweet pies, consider using a mixture of fruit, sugar, and spices. For savory pies, choose ingredients like cooked meat, vegetables, and seasonings. Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust, making sure it is evenly distributed.
Baking in the Air Fryer
Now it’s time to bake your pie in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to the recommended temperature for your specific recipe. Once preheated, carefully place the pie in the air fryer basket or on the tray, making sure it is centered. Close the air fryer and set the cooking time according to your recipe. Keep an eye on the pie as it bakes, checking periodically to ensure it is browning evenly. Once the pie is golden brown and cooked through, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool before serving.
Tips for Achieving a Perfectly Flaky Crust
Chilling the Pie Crust
One of the keys to a flaky pie crust is keeping the dough cold. After preparing the pie crust dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out. This helps to prevent the butter from melting too quickly during baking, resulting in a flaky and tender crust.
Using Cold Ingredients
In addition to chilling the pie crust dough, it is important to use cold ingredients when making the dough. This includes cold butter, cold water, and even cold flour if possible. Cold ingredients help to keep the butter in the dough from melting prematurely, resulting in a flakier crust.
Avoiding Overworking the Dough
When mixing the pie crust dough, be careful not to overmix or overwork it. Overworking the dough develops the gluten, which can make the crust tough instead of tender and flaky. Mix the dough just until it comes together and then stop. It’s okay if there are small butter pieces visible in the dough.
Creating Ventilation
To ensure that steam can escape from the pie during baking, it is important to create ventilation in the top crust. This can be done by cutting several slits into the top crust with a sharp knife, creating small vents for steam to escape. This helps to prevent a soggy crust and allows the filling to properly cook.
Troubleshooting Common Air Fryer Pie Issues
Soggy Crust
If you find that your air fryer pie has a soggy crust, there are a few possible causes. One reason could be that the filling was too liquidy, causing the crust to become soggy. To prevent this, make sure to use thickening agents like cornstarch or flour in your filling. Another reason could be that the pie was not cooked long enough in the air fryer. Check the recommended cooking time and temperature for your specific recipe and adjust accordingly.
Undercooked Filling
If your pie has an undercooked filling, it may be due to not pre-cooking or properly preparing the filling before baking. Some fillings, especially those with raw fruits, may need to be pre-cooked on the stove before adding them to the pie crust. This ensures that the filling is cooked through by the time the crust is golden brown.
Burnt Edges
Burnt edges on an air fryer pie can occur if the crust is exposed to direct heat for too long. To prevent burnt edges, you can shield the edges of the pie with aluminum foil, especially if you notice them browning faster than the rest of the pie. This will help prevent them from burning while ensuring the rest of the pie cooks evenly.
Shrinking Crust
If you find that your pie crust shrinks during baking, it could be due to not properly chilling the dough or not allowing the crust to rest before baking. Make sure to chill the dough before rolling it out and letting it rest in the pie dish for a few minutes before filling and baking. This will help the gluten relax and prevent excessive shrinkage.
Different Pie Crust Variations for Air Fryer Pies
Butter Crust
A classic butter crust is a versatile and delicious option for air fryer pies. To make a butter crust, combine flour, salt, and cold butter in a food processor or by hand until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add ice water while mixing until the dough comes together. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out.
Graham Cracker Crust
Graham cracker crusts are a popular choice for pies that have a creamy or custard-like filling. To make a graham cracker crust, crush graham crackers in a food processor or by hand until fine crumbs form. Mix the crumbs with melted butter and a pinch of salt until evenly combined. Press the mixture into a pie dish and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before adding your filling.
Oatmeal Crust
An oatmeal crust is a heartier and slightly nutty option for air fryer pies. To make an oatmeal crust, combine flour, oats, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add ice water gradually until the dough comes together. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out.
Almond Flour Crust
For a gluten-free option, almond flour crusts are a great choice. To make an almond flour crust, combine almond flour, melted butter, sugar, and salt in a bowl until a crumbly mixture forms. Press the mixture into a pie dish and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before adding your filling. Almond flour crusts have a slightly nutty flavor and pair well with a variety of fillings.
Tips for Decorating Air Fryer Pies
Using Egg Wash
To achieve a beautiful golden brown crust, consider using an egg wash. An egg wash is made by whisking together an egg and a tablespoon of water or milk. Brush the mixture lightly over the surface of the pie crust before baking to give it a shiny and professional-looking finish.
Adding Lattice or Cut-Out Designs
For an extra decorative touch, consider adding a lattice or cut-out design to your pie crust. To create a lattice crust, simply roll out the second portion of dough and cut it into strips. Lay the strips over the pie filling, weaving them together in an over-under pattern. For cut-out designs, use small cookie cutters to cut shapes in the top crust before laying it over the filling. This adds visual interest and allows the filling to peek through.
Sprinkling Sugar or Crumb Topping
For a touch of sweetness and texture, sprinkle sugar or a crumb topping over the surface of your pie before baking. To make a simple crumb topping, combine flour, sugar, and cold butter in a bowl and mix until crumbly. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the pie filling, giving it a delicious crunch when baked.
Making Whipped Cream Topping
To add a creamy and decadent finish to your air fryer pie, consider making a homemade whipped cream topping. In a chilled mixing bowl, whip heavy cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Dollop or pipe the whipped cream onto individual slices of pie just before serving.
Serving and Storing Air Fryer Pies
Letting the Pie Cool
After removing your air fryer pie from the oven, it is important to let it cool before serving. This allows the filling to set and the pie crust to become crisp. While it may be tempting to dig in right away, letting the pie cool for at least 1 hour ensures the best texture and flavor.
Cutting and Plating
When it comes time to cut your air fryer pie, use a sharp knife or pie server. If you’re serving a sweet pie, wipe the knife clean between slices to prevent the filling from sticking. Carefully transfer each slice to a plate using a pie server or spatula, making sure to keep the presentation intact.
Storing Leftover Pies
If you have any leftovers, it’s important to store them properly to maintain their freshness. Air fryer pies can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cover the pie with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odors from the fridge.
Reheating Air Fryer Pies
To reheat an air fryer pie, preheat your air fryer to a low temperature, around 300°F (150°C). Place the pie in the air fryer and heat for 5-10 minutes, or until warm. Be careful not to overheat the pie, as this can cause it to become dry. Once reheated, let the pie cool for a few minutes before serving.
