Air Fryer Pie: Is It Possible?

Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. They are a convenient, efficient, and healthy way to cook a wide variety of foods, including pies! Whether you're craving a savoury meat pie or a sweet dessert pie, an air fryer can deliver a crispy and delicious pie in no time. In this article, we will explore the steps to cooking the perfect pie in your air fryer and highlight the benefits of using an air fryer over a traditional oven. So, can you put a pie in an air fryer? The short answer is yes!

Can I put pie in an air fryer?

Preheat your air fryer to 160 ° C or 320 ° F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures even cooking and helps you achieve that coveted golden, crispy crust on your pie. So, when preparing to cook a pie, it is recommended to preheat your air fryer to around 160 °C or 320 °F. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:

First, turn on your air fryer and ensure it is clean and ready for use. Check that it is plugged in and all the necessary preparations are done. Consult your air fryer's manual if you have any doubts or if something seems amiss.

Next, locate the preheat button on your air fryer. Many modern air fryers come equipped with a preheat button, making the process more convenient. Simply press the button, set the temperature to 160 °C or 320 °F, and then input the desired cooking time. Your air fryer will let you know when it has reached the set temperature. Remember that different models may have varying instructions, so always refer to your air fryer's manual for specific guidelines.

If your air fryer does not have a preheat button, don't worry. You can manually preheat it by setting the temperature to 160 °C or 320 °F and letting it heat up for 3 to 5 minutes. This duration will get the hot air circulating before you place your pie in the basket. Alternatively, you can manually preheat for 3 to 5 minutes at the cooking temperature specified in your pie recipe. The choice between preheating at 160 °C/320 °F or the recipe's cooking temperature is up to your preference and the requirements of your particular pie.

Preheating your air fryer to 160 °C or 320 °F offers several benefits. It can speed up the overall cooking time, which is ideal when you're hungry and want to reduce the time it takes to enjoy your delicious pie. Additionally, preheating helps ensure that your pie has a desirable crispy texture. The hot air circulating inside the air fryer will make your pie's crust beautifully golden and evenly cooked.

Keep in mind that the decision to preheat your air fryer ultimately depends on your preferences, the type of food you're cooking, and the instructions provided by the air fryer's manufacturer. Always refer to your air fryer's manual for specific guidelines and safety precautions. Happy cooking!

Grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil

Yes, you can put pie in an air fryer! Air fryers are a fantastic, efficient, and healthy way to cook your meals. They are also versatile, allowing you to cook a wide variety of foods, from chips to pies.

Now, onto the all-important preparation of your air fryer basket. This is a crucial step to ensure your pie cooks evenly and your air fryer remains in good condition.

Greasing the air fryer basket is an essential step in the cooking process. By using cooking spray or oil, you can create a barrier between the pie and the basket, preventing sticking and ensuring an easy release. This step is especially important if you are cooking a fruit pie or any pie with a sticky or sugary filling, as these fillings tend to caramelize and stick to the basket.

When greasing your air fryer basket, it is best to use a cooking spray or oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, peanut oil, or canola oil. These oils can withstand the high temperatures of the air fryer without burning or smoking. Simply spray or brush a thin layer of oil onto the basket, ensuring all surfaces are coated. This will create a non-stick surface, making it easier to remove your pie once it's cooked and helping with the cleaning process.

If you prefer not to use oil, another option is to use parchment paper or a silicone liner. These create a natural barrier between the pie and the basket, preventing sticking. However, make sure the parchment paper or liner does not cover the holes in the basket, as proper air circulation is essential for even cooking.

So, whether you're cooking a savory meat pie or a sweet fruit pie, don't be afraid to give your air fryer a try! Just remember to grease that basket for the best results.

Place the pie in the centre of the basket

Once you've preheated your air fryer, it's time to place your pie in the centre of the basket. This is a crucial step to ensure even cooking and that beautiful golden, crispy crust we all know and love.

When placing your pie in the basket, make sure it's centred and not touching the sides. This is important because you want the hot air to circulate evenly around the pie, ensuring a consistent cook and that sought-after crispiness.

If you're cooking a frozen pie, it's especially important to ensure that it doesn't touch the sides of the basket. This is because frozen pies can take longer to cook, and you don't want the parts of the pie touching the basket to cook faster than the rest.

Additionally, if your pie is on the larger side, you'll want to make sure it doesn't touch the top of the basket, as this can impact the cooking process.

For the best results, it's recommended to keep the pie in its foil tin. This helps maintain the shape of the pie and also prevents any filling from leaking out and making a mess in your air fryer.

Now that your pie is centred and secure in the basket, you're almost ready to start cooking! But first, let's talk about the type of pie you're cooking and how that might impact the placement of your pie in the basket.

If you're cooking a meat pie, it's essential to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature reaches the safe zone of 160°F (71°C). This is an important food safety measure to prevent any bacteria growth.

So, with your pie centred, not touching the sides or top, and kept in its foil tin, you're ready to move on to the next step of air-frying your delicious treat!

Adjust the cooking time depending on the pie's size and type

When cooking pies in an air fryer, it's important to adjust the cooking time depending on the size and type of pie. A larger pie will take longer to cook than a smaller pie, and the type of pie will also affect the cooking time. For example, a fruit pie may take longer to cook than a meat pie, as the filling needs to be heated through without drying out the pastry.

As a general rule, most pies will take between 12 and 20 minutes to cook in an air fryer. However, this can vary depending on the size and type of pie, as well as the temperature you set your air fryer to. For example, if you're cooking a large fruit pie, you may need to set your air fryer to a lower temperature and cook the pie for a longer period of time to ensure the filling is heated through without burning the pastry. On the other hand, if you're cooking a small meat pie, you may be able to cook it at a higher temperature for a shorter period of time.

It's important to keep an eye on your pie as it cooks in the air fryer, and adjust the cooking time as needed. If the pie is browning too quickly, you may need to lower the temperature or cook it for a shorter period of time. Conversely, if the pie doesn't seem to be cooking evenly, you may need to increase the cooking time or adjust the temperature.

Additionally, the type of pie dish or tin you use can also affect the cooking time. If you're using a foil dish, the pie may cook more quickly than if you're using a ceramic or glass dish. This is because foil dishes conduct heat more efficiently, so the pie cooks faster.

Finally, it's worth noting that every air fryer is different, so you may need to experiment a little to find the perfect cooking time for your particular pie and air fryer. Some air fryers have separate compartments, allowing you to cook your pie and sides at the same time, which can affect the overall cooking time. Others may have different temperature settings or fan speeds, which can also impact the cooking time.

Monitor the progress to ensure even cooking

When cooking a pie in an air fryer, it is important to monitor the progress to ensure even cooking. This is because air fryers can vary in temperature and performance, and you want to avoid overcooking or burning your pie. Here are some tips to help you monitor the cooking progress:

Firstly, it is crucial to keep a close eye on the cooking time. Set a timer according to the recommended cooking time for your specific pie and air fryer model. The cooking time can range from 12 to 35 minutes, depending on the type of pie and the air fryer settings. For example, a chilled steak and kidney pie cooked at 180 degrees Celsius took 20 minutes in an air fryer, while a frozen pie at 190 degrees Celsius might take around 35 minutes.

Secondly, as you approach the end of the cooking time, check the pie frequently to ensure it is not overcooking on the outside. You can do this by inserting a knife, skewer, or toothpick into the centre of the pie. For a meat pie, ensure that the internal contents are piping hot. For other types of pies, look for a clean toothpick or knife, indicating that the filling is cooked through.

Additionally, some air fryers have temperature probes that can be used to ensure that the food is cooked thoroughly. This is especially useful for meat pies, as you can check that the internal temperature reaches the safe zone for consuming meat. For example, a savoury pie is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

If you notice that your pie is browning too quickly or is at risk of burning, you can adjust the temperature or cooking time accordingly. You may need to reduce the temperature or slightly alter the cooking time, especially if your air fryer tends to run hot. Remember that all air fryers are different, so it is essential to consult your air fryer's instruction manual for specific guidelines.

By following these tips and closely monitoring the progress of your pie in the air fryer, you can ensure even cooking and achieve a delicious, perfectly cooked pie every time.

Frequently asked questions