Tillie Doyle
Air fryers are becoming an increasingly popular kitchen appliance, and for good reason. They cook food faster and more efficiently than traditional ovens, and they can also produce deliciously crispy results without the need for deep frying in oil. So, can you cook a pie in an air fryer? The short answer is yes. From frozen pot pies to pukka pies, and even homemade pies, air fryers can cook a variety of pies to perfection.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pies | Sweet dessert pies, savoury meat pies, frozen pies, pot pies, pukka pies |
| Air fryer temperature | 320°F (160°C) to 380°F (190°C) |
| Air fryer preheat temperature | 355°F (180°C) |
| Air fryer preheat time | 2-3 minutes |
| Cooking time | 13-20 minutes |
| Cooking time for frozen pies | 30 minutes |
| Benefits | Faster cooking, energy-efficient, healthier, convenient |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking times for frozen pies
Yes, you can cook frozen pies in an air fryer. It is a convenient way to enjoy crispy and delicious pies in no time. The air fryer's rapid cooking and crisping capabilities ensure that your frozen pies turn out perfectly every time.
Before cooking, choose a pie that suits your taste and ensure that it fits comfortably in the air fryer basket without touching the sides or top. Lightly grease the basket with cooking spray or oil to prevent the pie from sticking. Alternatively, you can use baking paper cut to fit the basket.
Preheating your air fryer is crucial for even cooking and achieving a golden, crispy crust. Set the temperature to around 320°F (160°C) and allow it to preheat for a few minutes.
The cooking time for frozen pies in an air fryer will depend on the size and type of pie. A general guideline is to cook a frozen pie at 320°F (160°C) for 30 minutes. Monitor the progress to ensure even cooking, and you may need to rotate the pie halfway through the cooking time.
For a frozen pot pie cooked at 380°F (190°C), the cooking time should be between 15 and 17 minutes. You want to ensure that the pastry is crisp and golden, and the filling is hot throughout. If your pie has a bottom crust, you may want to flip it over halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning.
For a cheese-topped pie, a shorter cook time of around 12 minutes is recommended to prevent the cheese from scorching.
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Pies with a bottom crust
Yes, you can cook pies with a bottom crust in an air fryer. In fact, pies are one of the most popular dishes to cook in an air fryer. Not only does it cook your pies in minutes, but there are also many different ways to use them.
If you are using a frozen pie, you should first lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil. Alternatively, you can use baking paper cut to fit the basket, ensuring the bottom of the pie doesn't stick. Then, place the frozen pie into the preheated air fryer basket, ensuring it is centred and not touching the sides. The general guideline for cooking time is 30 minutes at a preheated temperature of around 320°F (160°C). However, you may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the size and type of pie. It is recommended to monitor the progress to ensure even cooking and rotate the pie halfway through. To confirm that your pie is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for savoury pies. Once your pie is done, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the filling to settle.
If you are making your own pie, you can use a store-bought or homemade pie crust. First, add your pie dough to 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 and cut a circle about 1 inch outside the border of the pan. Press the crust into the pan, tucking the edges down along the sides and cutting off any excess dough. To blind bake the crust, place the pan into the air fryer basket and cook at 300°F for 5 minutes. You can fill the pie with pie weights to help keep the shape.
For apple hand pies, cut the pie crust into 5-inch circles using a cookie cutter. Add the fruit filling, then fold the dough over the filling to form half-moons. Pinch the edges of the crust together and crimp with a fork to seal. Brush with an egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F and place two hand pies in the basket. Air fry for 11 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
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Pies in a dual-compartment fryer
Air fryers are a convenient and healthier alternative to deep frying, as they use little to no oil. They are also faster than conventional ovens and more energy-efficient. You can cook a variety of foods in an air fryer, including pies.
If you have a dual-compartment fryer, such as the Ninja Dual 400, you can cook your pie and sides together. First, prep your sides, such as chips, and program both compartments, pressing the SYNC button so that your entire meal is ready at once. For a cheese-topped pie, it is recommended to reduce the cooking time to around 12 minutes to prevent the cheese from burning. For other pies, an air fryer temperature of 180 degrees Celsius for 13-16 minutes seems to be the optimum setting, resulting in a deliciously crisp pastry and a moist filling.
When cooking frozen pies in an air fryer, it is important to ensure that the pie fits comfortably in the basket without touching the sides or top. Preheat your air fryer to around 160 degrees Celsius for a few minutes to ensure even cooking and a golden, crispy crust. Lightly grease the basket with cooking spray or oil, or use baking paper, to prevent sticking. Adjust the cooking time depending on the size and type of pie; generally, frozen pies take around 30 minutes to cook at the preheated temperature. Monitor the progress and rotate the pie halfway through. To confirm that your pie is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 71 degrees Celsius for savoury pies.
Some popular air fryer brands that offer dual-compartment models include Tefal, Russell Hobbs, COSORI, Tower, PHILIPS, and Salter.
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Pies with sides
Yes, you can cook pies with sides in an air fryer! Air fryers are a great alternative to conventional ovens, as they cook things quicker and are more energy-efficient.
Cooking Pies in an Air Fryer
When cooking pies in an air fryer, it is recommended to set the temperature to 180 degrees Celsius and cook for 13-16 minutes. This will ensure a deliciously crisp pastry without drying out the filling.
Sides to Accompany Your Pie
- Roast potatoes: The perfect side to a pie, especially when paired with gravy or sauce. To prepare, add salt, olive oil, and fresh herbs.
- Rosemary potatoes: These pair well with creamy pies like Chicken, Leek, and Bacon. Add a squeeze of lemon or a dollop of mayonnaise for extra flavour.
- Potato wedges: The chunkier, the better! Cut your potatoes into wedges, then add oil and your preferred seasoning – paprika, garlic cloves, rosemary, or anything you like. These take a little longer to cook, so prepare them before you start cooking your pies.
- Tatties: Peel and grate your potatoes, then squeeze out the moisture, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, shape into rough balls, and pop them in the air fryer with some oil for 20-25 minutes. These go well with a Steak, Stilton, and Mushroom Pie.
- Roasted vegetables: Try a medley of aubergine, squash, courgettes, peppers, and onions. Add a healthy glug of oil and plenty of salt, and perhaps some fresh rosemary or thyme, or a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese.
Tips for Using an Air Fryer
- If you have a dual-compartment fryer, you can cook your pie and sides at the same time.
- Preheating your air fryer is crucial for even cooking and achieving a golden, crispy crust.
- If cooking frozen pies, lightly grease the basket with cooking spray or oil, or use baking paper to prevent sticking.
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How air fryers work
Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance, often touted as a healthier and more energy-efficient alternative to traditional ovens. They can cook a wide variety of foods, including pies, with the added benefit of faster cooking times.
So, how do air fryers work? Air fryers typically consist of a basket or compartment where food is placed. The heating element, located near the top of the unit, blows hot air around the food, resulting in crispy food without the need for excessive oil. This hot air circulation method is similar to convection ovens, but with a smaller cooking area, air fryers offer faster cooking and reduced preheating time.
The compact size of air fryers also contributes to their energy efficiency, as they consume less energy than conventional ovens. This makes them an economical choice for individuals and couples, although families might find the smaller capacity insufficient for their needs.
When it comes to cooking pies in an air fryer, the process is straightforward. Preheat the air fryer, prepare your pie as per your recipe, and place it in the air fryer basket or compartment. Set the temperature and cooking time according to your recipe and the specifications of your air fryer model. For example, an apple pie in an air fryer might cook at 320 degrees Fahrenheit for 18-23 minutes, resulting in a golden-brown crust.
Additionally, some air fryers offer dual compartments, allowing you to cook your pie and sides simultaneously. This feature further enhances the convenience and speed of preparing a complete meal in your air fryer.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can cook pies in an air fryer.
It depends on the type of pie and the size of your air fryer. A good guideline is to cook a frozen pie for around 30 minutes at 380°F/190°C. For a chilled pie, 13-16 minutes at 180°C should be enough.
Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) or 180°C for a few minutes. Place the pie in the fryer basket, preferably in its foil container, and cook until the pastry is golden brown. If your pie has a bottom crust, you may want to remove the foil and cook it upside down for a few minutes to crisp the bottom.
