Air Fryer Pie: Baking Perfection Or Disaster?

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance that can cook food with little to no oil, making them a healthier alternative to deep frying. They are also more energy-efficient than conventional ovens as they require less preheating time and have a smaller size. You can cook a variety of dishes in an air fryer, including chips, vegetables, fish, chicken, and even pies!

When it comes to baking a pie in an air fryer, the cooking time and temperature will depend on the type of pie and the model of the air fryer. For example, Bob cooked his steak and kidney pie at 180 degrees for 20 minutes, while another source recommends cooking apple pies at 385 degrees Fahrenheit for about 8 minutes.

Some things to keep in mind when baking a pie in an air fryer are to use a temperature probe to ensure the food is cooked throughout and to cover the pie with foil if the crust starts to brown too quickly.

Air Fryer Apple Pie

Yes, you can bake a pie in an air fryer! Here is an Air Fryer Apple Pie recipe for you:

Ingredients:

• 1 box Pre-made Pie Crusts (2 crusts)
• 1 21-ounce can of Apple Pie Filling
• 1 tablespoon of Unsalted Butter, melted
• Cinnamon Sugar (optional)
• Brown Sugar, White Sugar, or Powdered Sugar (optional)

Method:

• Unfold the pie crust and, if necessary, use a rolling pin to flatten it out.
• Place one pie crust circle into the bottom of the pie plate, lightly pressing it down.
• Pour the apple filling over the crust and spread it evenly.
• Top with the second crust and trim any excess edges. Cut a few slits in the top of the pie to release steam while it's cooking.
• In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter, then brush the top of the crust with it. You can also use an egg wash to help the pie turn golden while it's cooking.
• If desired, sprinkle a dash of cinnamon sugar on top.
• Place the pie in the air fryer basket and cook at 320 degrees Fahrenheit for about 18-23 minutes, or until the pie crust is golden brown.
• Once it is done cooking, you can sprinkle a little bit of brown sugar, white sugar, or powdered sugar on top, or add another dash of cinnamon and sugar.
• Serve chilled or warm, topped with ice cream or whipping cream.

Tips:

• To keep the edges of the crust together, brush them with water.
• Granny Smith apples are a good choice for a tart apple pie, while Gala apples will result in a sweeter mixture.
• You can make this pie ahead of time and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Pre-made vs. Homemade Pie Crusts

There are several factors to consider when choosing between a pre-made and a homemade pie crust. While homemade pie crusts allow for customisation and can be more satisfying to make, pre-made pie crusts are more convenient and can yield similar results.

Customisation

One of the biggest advantages of making a pie crust from scratch is the ability to customise it to your liking. You can choose the type of flour, fat, and other ingredients used, as well as adjust the thickness and size of the crust to fit your pie dish perfectly. This level of customisation is often not possible with store-bought crusts, which tend to come in standard sizes and flavours.

Convenience

Pre-made pie crusts offer a convenient option for those who are short on time or simply want to streamline their baking process. They eliminate the need for measuring ingredients, mixing, and rolling out the dough, saving time and effort. This convenience is especially appealing for those who don't bake frequently or are looking for a quick and easy dessert solution.

Taste and Texture

Both pre-made and homemade pie crusts can deliver delicious results, but the taste and texture may vary. Pre-made crusts often prioritise convenience, which can sometimes compromise on flavour and texture. Homemade crusts, on the other hand, allow you to control the ingredients and baking process, potentially resulting in a more flavourful and flaky crust.

Skill Level

Baking a pie crust from scratch requires some level of skill and practice. It involves techniques such as mixing the dough, rolling it out evenly, and achieving the right consistency. Pre-made crusts remove the need for these skills, making them a more beginner-friendly option.

Cost

The cost of pre-made and homemade pie crusts can vary. Pre-made crusts typically come at a set price, while the cost of homemade crusts will depend on the ingredients used and the amount of pie crust required. In some cases, making a pie crust from scratch may be more economical, especially if you already have the necessary ingredients and equipment at home.

In conclusion, the choice between a pre-made and a homemade pie crust ultimately depends on your personal preferences, time constraints, and baking skills. Both options have their advantages, and the key is to find the one that best suits your needs and baking style.

Air Fryer Temperature and Timing

The temperature and timing for baking a pie in an air fryer depend on the type of pie, the size of the pie, and the model of the air fryer.

For a standard apple pie, the temperature should be set between 320-385°F (160-195°C). The cooking time can vary from 18 to 25 minutes. However, it's important to note that different air fryer models may require different temperatures and timings, so it's always a good idea to refer to the specific instructions for your air fryer model.

When baking a frozen apple pie, it is recommended to set the temperature lower than that of a conventional oven to prevent the exterior from burning while the interior remains cold. An air fryer calculator can be used to determine the appropriate temperature and time settings for a frozen pie.

For mini apple pies, a temperature of 360°F (175°C) is recommended, and the cooking time is shorter, ranging from 5 to 10 minutes.

When cooking a meat pie, such as a steak and kidney pie, a temperature of 180°F is suggested for 13-16 minutes. This results in a crispy pastry and moist filling, with tender meat and perfectly cooked vegetables.

It's important to note that some air fryers have separate compartments, allowing you to cook your pie and vegetables simultaneously. Additionally, using a temperature probe can help ensure that your food is cooked thoroughly.

Air Fryer vs. Conventional Oven

Air fryers have become increasingly popular over the last few years, with nearly 40% of U.S. homes owning one as of July 2020. But how do they compare to conventional ovens?

In essence, air fryers are a type of convection oven. They use rapid air technology to create heat, rather than a heating element, which allows them to heat up much faster than a conventional oven. Their smaller size also helps to circulate heat more evenly, resulting in crispier food without hot spots.

However, despite their name, air fryers don't actually fry food. Instead, they circulate hot air around the food, mimicking the results of deep frying with little to no oil. This makes them a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods.

One of the main advantages of air fryers is their size. As countertop appliances, they are smaller than conventional ovens, making them efficient for daily family meals. They are also much easier to clean, as any mess is contained within a removable pot.

Another benefit of air fryers is their ability to cook food more gently. The hot air is not directly blown onto the food but is pulled up by a fan, dispersing it around the chamber. This makes air fryers more suitable for baked goods, as the circulated air in a conventional oven can be too harsh for soft pastries, causing them to collapse.

Additionally, air fryers have smaller chambers and higher-speed air circulation, resulting in shorter cooking times. For example, a recipe that requires 10 minutes in a conventional oven may only need 6 minutes in an air fryer.

However, there are also some drawbacks to using air fryers. They can be quite loud, and despite their large exterior, they have a surprisingly small cooking capacity. They also require a significant amount of counter space and can be expensive, with high-end models costing $400 or more.

In conclusion, while air fryers offer some advantages over conventional ovens, such as faster cooking times, gentler cooking methods, and easier cleaning, they also have some limitations. Ultimately, the decision between using an air fryer or a conventional oven depends on your specific needs and cooking preferences.

Air Fryer Size and Space Requirements

Air fryers come in a variety of sizes, typically ranging from 2-quart to 10-quart capacities. The size you need will depend on the number of people you plan to cook for and the types of food you want to prepare.

If you're cooking for a large family or entertaining guests, a bigger air fryer is recommended. A 5-6 quart air fryer is perfect for preparing meals for six to eight people. If you're cooking for three or more, an air fryer with a larger basket will allow you to get dinner on the table in record time.

On the other hand, if you're just cooking for yourself or a small household, a smaller air fryer might be enough. A 2-3 quart air fryer is ideal for smaller portions or single-serving meals, and it won't take up too much space in your kitchen.

It's also important to evaluate your kitchen space when choosing an air fryer. Measure the space where you plan to store the appliance and consider the dimensions of the air fryer. A smaller air fryer may be more suitable for a smaller kitchen, but it may not accommodate your cooking needs.

For example, if you want to cook a whole chicken, you'll need an air fryer with a capacity of at least 5 to 6 quarts. The size of the air fryer should be proportional to the amount of food you cook and how often you use it.

Additionally, larger air fryers may take longer to preheat and consume more energy. So, it's important to choose an air fryer that matches your specific needs, cooking habits, and kitchen space.

• Single or couple: 2-3 quart air fryer
• Small family: 3-5 quart air fryer
• Large family or entertaining: 5-6 quart air fryer

Frequently asked questions