Air Fryer Pies: A Quick, Easy, And Delicious Treat

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance that uses hot air to cook food, resulting in crispy and delicious dishes. They are known for their convenience, requiring less preheating time and energy consumption compared to traditional ovens. One question that often comes up is whether you can cook pies in an air fryer. The answer is yes! You can cook both frozen and freshly prepared pies in an air fryer, and they turn out perfectly every time. The key is to ensure that the pie fits comfortably in the air fryer basket without touching the sides or top. By following the right techniques and adjusting the cooking time and temperature, you can achieve a golden, crispy crust and a moist, tender filling for your pies.

Preheat the air fryer to 320-360°F (160-175°C)

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 pies. The ideal temperature range for preheating is 320-360°F (160-175°C), and it's recommended to let the air fryer preheat for a few minutes.

When preparing to cook pies, it's crucial to ensure your air fryer basket is properly greased. You can use cooking spray or oil, or opt for baking paper cut to fit the basket to prevent your pie from sticking. This step is essential for achieving a flawless release and that desirable crispy texture.

While the exact preheating time may vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer, it typically takes around 2 to 5 minutes for the appliance to reach the desired temperature. This initial warm-up period is well worth the wait, as it significantly improves the cooking process and the final texture of your pies.

Once your air fryer has preheated, it's time to gently place your pies into the basket, ensuring they are centred and not touching the sides. This spacing is crucial for even cooking and achieving the perfect golden crust. The cooking time will depend on the size and type of pie, but as a general guideline, aim for around 30 minutes at the preheated temperature.

Keep in mind that monitoring the cooking process is essential. You may need to rotate your pies halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning. Additionally, for savoury pies, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.

Grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil

Greasing the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil is an important step in preparing your air fryer for use. This step helps to prevent your food from sticking to the basket, ensuring that you can easily remove your delicious creations without any mess or hassle. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:

Firstly, it is important to ensure that your air fryer basket is clean before you begin. Any leftover residue or grease from previous cooking sessions can affect the taste and quality of your food. To clean your air fryer basket effectively, use a mild detergent or soap and warm water to wipe down the surface. Make sure to dry the basket thoroughly before proceeding to the next step.

Once your basket is clean and dry, it's time to apply the cooking spray or oil. Lightly coat the entire inner surface of the basket with a thin layer of cooking spray or oil. This will create a non-stick barrier between your food and the basket, making it easier to remove your food once it's cooked. Be careful not to overdo it, as too much grease can cause smoke and affect the taste of your dish.

If you're using cooking spray, hold the can about 6 to 8 inches away from the basket and spray in a sweeping motion to ensure even coverage. You can also use a paper towel or brush to apply oil if you prefer. Make sure to coat all the crevices and corners of the basket to prevent any food from sticking.

After greasing the basket, it's a good idea to place a piece of parchment paper or aluminium foil at the bottom of the basket. This adds an extra layer of protection and makes cleanup even easier. However, make sure that the parchment paper or foil doesn't cover the holes in the basket, as proper air circulation is crucial for even cooking.

By following these simple steps, you can effectively grease your air fryer basket and ensure that your pies or any other dishes you prepare come out perfectly cooked and easily removable. Remember, a well-prepared air fryer basket makes for a smoother and more enjoyable cooking experience.

Place the pie in the centre of the basket

Now that you've selected your pie, it's time to place it in the air fryer. This step is crucial for even cooking and achieving that coveted golden, crispy crust. Here's what you need to do:

First, ensure your air fryer basket is prepared. Lightly grease it with cooking spray or oil. This step is important as it prevents your pie from sticking to the basket, ensuring it releases easily once cooked. Alternatively, you can use baking paper cut to fit the basket, providing a barrier between the pie and the basket.

Now, it's time to place the pie in the centre of the basket. Ensure it is positioned in the middle, not touching the sides or the top of the air fryer. This spacing is essential for the hot air to circulate evenly around the pie, ensuring a consistent cook.

If you're cooking multiple pies, be sure to leave adequate space between them for the air to circulate. Depending on the size of your air fryer and the pies, you may need to cook them in batches to ensure proper airflow.

Once your pie is centred and clear of the sides, you're almost ready to start cooking. But first, use a temperature probe to ensure that your pie is thoroughly cooked throughout. This step is especially important for meat pies, where you want to make sure the internal temperature reaches the recommended safe level.

Now, with your pie in place, you can move on to the final steps of air frying your delicious treat.

Cook for 18-23 minutes

So, you want to cook a pie in your air fryer but aren't sure how long to leave it in there? Well, it depends on the type of pie you're cooking.

For a frozen pot pie, you'll want to preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes. Then, put your frozen pot pie into the basket and let it air fry for 15 minutes. After that, increase the temperature to 380 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for another 6 minutes. Once the pie is done, leave it in the closed air fryer basket for an additional 5 minutes to let the middle continue warming up.

If you're cooking a meat pie, preheat your air fryer to 180 degrees Celsius or 360 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the frozen meat pie from your freezer and take off the aluminum foil tray. Place the pie into the air fryer basket and cook for around 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it towards the end of the cooking time to ensure it doesn't overcook on the outside. Check that the inside is hot by inserting a knife or skewer into the centre.

For an apple pie, you'll want to set your air fryer to the air fry feature and cook at 320 degrees Fahrenheit for about 18-23 minutes. The pie crust should be golden brown on top and cooked on the bottom.

There you have it! Your pies will be cooked to perfection in your air fryer with these timings.

Serve with ice cream or whipping cream

There are many ways to enjoy a pie, and serving it with ice cream or whipped cream is a classic choice. This combination of a warm, crispy pie with a cold, creamy topping is hard to beat. Here are some tips to elevate your pie-making experience and impress your guests:

Choose the Right Pie: Select a pie that suits your taste and fits comfortably in your air fryer basket without touching the sides or top. Consider the type of pie you prefer, such as a savoury meat pie or a sweet dessert pie like apple pie.

Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheating your air fryer is crucial for even cooking and achieving that perfect golden, crispy crust. Set the temperature to around 320°F (160°C) and let it preheat for a few minutes. This step ensures your pie cooks evenly and has the right texture.

Prepare the Air Fryer Basket: Grease the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray or oil to prevent your pie from sticking. Alternatively, you can use baking paper cut to fit the basket, ensuring the bottom of your pie doesn't stick. This step ensures your pie releases easily from the basket and maintains its shape.

Cooking Your Pie: Place your pie in the preheated air fryer basket, ensuring it is centred and not touching the sides. The cooking time will depend on the size and type of pie. As a guideline, cook it for around 18 to 23 minutes for a fruit pie or 20 minutes for a meat pie at the preheated temperature of 320°F (160°C). Monitor the progress and rotate the pie halfway through for even cooking.

Serving with Ice Cream or Whipping Cream: Once your pie is cooked to perfection, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the filling to settle and makes it easier to serve. Then, top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream. The contrast between the warm, crispy pie and the cold, creamy topping is a delight for the senses.

Customise Your Toppings: Get creative and add some extra toppings to your pie à la mode. For apple pie, sprinkle some cinnamon and sugar on top before serving. For meat pies, maybe add some fresh herbs or a drizzle of gravy. Experiment with different toppings to find your favourite combination.

Frequently asked questions