Air Fryer Pie Crust: Is It Possible?

Yes, you can bake a pie crust in an air fryer. It is a great way to get a crispy and tasty crust without having to heat up your oven. Not only is it fast and easy, but it can also help you create a delicious dessert with minimal effort.

To make a pie crust in an air fryer, you will need a pie pan that fits inside the appliance, a pre-made pie crust, and your desired filling. Simply place the pre-made pie crust in the air fryer basket, set the temperature to 350°F, and cook for 8-10 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown.

You can also make your own pie crust dough by mixing cold butter, flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Then, slowly add teaspoons of water until you achieve the right consistency. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut it to fit your pie pan. Place the pan in the air fryer basket and cook at 300°F for about 5 minutes.

So, if you're looking for a quick and easy way to make a delicious pie crust, give your air fryer a try!

How to make a pie crust in an air fryer

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced
• 5 to 6 teaspoons ice water
• 1 pre-made pie crust (optional)

Utensils

• Large bowl
• Rolling pin
• Tart pan
• Air fryer
• Microwave-safe bowl (optional)
• Pastry brush (optional)

Method

• Mix the butter, flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Keep mixing until the dough is formed, adding teaspoons of water slowly until the desired consistency is reached.
• Place the dough on a floured surface and roll it out until it is large enough for your baking pan.
• Place your tart pan on top of the crust. Cut a circle about 1 inch outside the border of the pan.
• Press the crust into the pan, tucking the edges down the sides and cutting off any excess dough so that it is even with the top of the pan.
• Place the tart pan into the air fryer basket and cook at 300°F for 5 minutes. You can blind bake the crust by filling the pie with weights to help keep its shape.
• Allow the crust to cool, then add your chosen filling.

Tips

• For best results, use cold, diced butter and a thinner pan, such as a quiche or tart pan.
• You can chill your pie dough in the refrigerator for up to a day before using it.
• If using a pre-made pie crust, spray your pie pan with cooking spray before adding the dough so that it doesn't stick.

What type of pastry to use for pies

The type of pastry you use for your pie depends on the type of pie you want to make.

If you want a pastry-enclosed pie, you'll need a classic pie dough made from flour, salt, fat, and a liquid. This dough will be light, flaky, and crisp once baked.

For a decadent touch, you can try a sour cream pie dough, which will add richness to your pie. This dough is also easier to make than classic pie dough.

If you're making a pie with a rich filling, such as a meat pie or one with a lot of sugar in the crust, you can use a shortcrust pastry. Shortcrust pastry is made with plain flour, butter, and egg or water, and it's the most basic kind of pastry. The ratio is usually half the amount of fat to flour, creating a rich and tasty dough. This type of pastry works best for pies with a pastry top and bottom, as it can hold up against wet fillings.

For pies with a pastry top, especially those with a rich stew filling, puff pastry is a good option. You can make it yourself or buy a good-quality pre-made version. Rough puff pastry is a faster and easier alternative that still has the great taste and texture of traditional puff pastry.

Now that you know the types of pastry to use for pies, you can choose the one that best suits your pie-making needs!

The best apples for baking

When it comes to baking, the best apples to use are those that hold their shape while cooking, rather than turning to mush. This means you should opt for apples with a crisp, firm texture.

Some of the best apples for baking include:

• Granny Smith: This apple is perhaps the most popular for baking in the US. It is tart and crunchy with high acidity and a citrusy flavour.
• Braeburn: This apple has a classic, sharp apple flavour and holds its shape very well when cooked.
• Honeycrisp: These apples are extra juicy and very crisp with a honey-sweet flavour. They hold their shape well and are great for baked apples.
• Golden Delicious: These apples have a golden-green skin and their flavour can vary depending on the climate. When cooked, their sugars caramelize and they release some of their acidity, resulting in a rich sweetness and a more intense apple flavour.
• Jonagold: A cross between Jonathan and Golden Delicious apples, Jonagolds have a crisp, creamy yellow flesh and a sweet, honey-like flavour with a hint of tartness.
• Pink Lady: This apple has pinkish-red skin and bright, creamy white flesh that takes longer to oxidize, so it won't brown immediately after slicing. It has a balanced sweet-tart flavour profile.
• Mutsu (Crispin): These apples have green skin and a firm flesh that lends great structure to an apple pie. They are sweet in flavour and would work well mixed with a tart variety.
• Cortland: These apples are similar to McIntosh but hold their shape better. They are juicy, with a red and green blush, and have a crisp texture and a tart flavour.

For the most depth of flavour, it is best to use a combination of tart and sweet apples in your baking.

How to make your own apple pie filling

Yes, you can bake a pie crust in an air fryer. It's a great way to achieve a crispy and tasty crust without having to heat up your oven. Now, here's how to make your own apple pie filling:

Peel, core, and chop your apples. You can also slice them if you prefer. Granny Smith apples are a great choice as they have a tart flavour and can hold their shape during cooking. But you can also use Honeycrisp, Golden Delicious, Braeburn, or Pink Lady apples.

Melt some butter and cinnamon over medium heat. You can also add nutmeg and/or apple pie spice. Stir in the apples, along with some sugar and a bit of water. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are slightly softened.

To thicken the filling, make a slurry by mixing cornstarch and water. Add this to the pan and continue cooking until the apples are soft but not mushy. Let the mixture bubble for a minute, then remove from the heat and allow it to cool.

Your homemade apple pie filling is now ready to use! You can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze it for later use.

Air fryer temperature and time for baking a pie

The temperature and time for baking a pie in an air fryer will depend on the type of pie you are making. Most pies will require a temperature between 300°F and 390°F and a baking time of around 15-25 minutes.

For example, if you are making an apple pie in an air fryer, you will need to preheat your air fryer to 320°F and bake the pie for around 18-23 minutes. On the other hand, if you are making mini apple hand pies, you will need to set your air fryer to 385°F and bake for about 8 minutes.

It is important to note that the temperature and time may vary depending on the size and type of pie you are making, as well as the brand and model of your air fryer. Always refer to the recipe instructions and your air fryer manual for the most accurate information.

Additionally, when baking a pie in an air fryer, it is recommended to use a thinner pan, such as a quiche or tart pan, for the best results. You may also need to adjust the temperature and time settings to ensure the pie is cooked evenly and to your desired doneness.

Frequently asked questions