Air Fryer Frozen Pie: Quick, Easy, Delicious?

Heating up a frozen pie is a common dilemma, and there are several methods to achieve the perfect, crispy pie. One popular method is to use an air fryer, a modern appliance that has become a staple in many kitchens. Air fryers are known for their ability to cook food quickly and efficiently, and they can be used to heat up frozen pies in a matter of minutes.

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (190°C)

Preheating your air fryer is an essential step in achieving the perfect temperature for cooking your food. It ensures that your air fryer is nice and hot before you start cooking, allowing for even heat distribution and optimal cooking results. Here are some detailed instructions on how to preheat your air fryer to 350°F (190°C):

First, check your air fryer's operating manual for specific preheating instructions. Some models come with a preheat setting button, while others may not have this feature. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat button, don't worry; you can easily preheat it manually.

Set the temperature: Adjust the temperature dial or buttons on your air fryer to 350°F (190°C). This is the desired cooking temperature for your food.

Leave the basket inside: Ensure that the air fryer basket is inside the unit during preheating. This allows the basket to get hot, which will help sear or toast your food and give it that desirable crispy texture.

Press start or preheat: Depending on your model, press the Start or Preheat button to initiate the preheating process. If your air fryer doesn't have a designated preheat button, you can simply set the timer for a few minutes to let it warm up.

Wait for it to warm up: Allow your air fryer to preheat for the recommended amount of time. For smaller air fryers, 2-3 minutes might be sufficient, while larger models may need up to 5 minutes. You can refer to the user manual or online resources for specific preheating times based on the model and desired temperature.

Now that your air fryer is preheated to 350°F (190°C), you're ready to start cooking! Remember that preheating helps improve the quality of your cooked food and saves time by reducing the overall cooking duration. So, whether you're cooking a frozen pie, chicken wings, or some delicious fries, preheating your air fryer is a crucial step for achieving the best results.

Prepare the pie

Preparing your pie for air fryer cooking is essential to achieving that ideal balance of a crispy crust and delectable filling. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you prepare your pie:

• Choose the right crust: Opt for a pre-made refrigerated dough or a homemade crust recipe designed for the air fryer. Frozen crusts are not ideal as they may not bake evenly.
• Bring the pie to room temperature: While the air fryer is preheating, let your pie sit at room temperature for optimal results. This ensures even cooking and prevents the crust from burning.
• Protect the crust: Cover the edges of the pie with aluminium foil or a pie crust shield to prevent the crust from burning. This allows the filling to heat evenly while keeping the crust golden and intact.
• Cut slits in the crust: Before placing the pie in the air fryer, use a sharp knife to cut small slits or vents in the top crust. These vents help release steam and prevent the filling from boiling over or becoming soggy.
• Seasonings and flavourings: Experiment with seasonings, spices, rubs, marinades, or herbs to enhance the flavour of your pie. This step is especially important if you're cooking a savoury pie, as it adds depth and aroma to the filling.
• Portion size and basket arrangement: Depending on the size of your air fryer, consider the portion size of your pie. Single-serve or smaller pies work best in most air fryers. Ensure proper airflow by arranging the pie in the centre of the air fryer basket, leaving enough space for even heat circulation.

Remember, preparing your pie properly is key to achieving the best results. By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to creating mouthwatering pies with a perfect balance of flavours and textures.

Protect the crust with foil

Protecting the crust of your pie with foil is a great way to prevent it from burning while cooking it in your air fryer. Here are some tips to help you achieve the perfect pie crust:

Use Foil for Crust Protection:

When cooking a pie in an air fryer, it's important to prevent the edges of the crust from burning. Covering the crust edges with aluminum foil or a specialized pie crust shield will allow the filling to heat evenly while keeping the crust golden and delicious. This technique ensures that your pie achieves the perfect balance of a crispy crust and a well-cooked filling.

Follow Safety Guidelines:

When using foil in an air fryer, it's crucial to follow certain safety guidelines. Always place the foil in the basket of the air fryer, never in the drawer or directly on the heating element. Avoid preheating the air fryer with foil inside, as this can pose a fire hazard. Additionally, ensure that the foil doesn't cover the holes in the basket, as this will hinder proper air circulation.

Avoid Acidic Foods:

Acidic foods, such as tomatoes, peppers, citrus fruits, and vinegar or lemon juice-based marinades, should be avoided when using foil in an air fryer. These foods react with aluminum and can cause it to break down, potentially leading to aluminum contamination in your food. Opt for parchment paper or a bare basket when cooking acidic dishes.

Lubricate the Foil:

To prevent your pie from sticking to the foil, it's a good idea to lubricate the foil with oil before placing the pie in the air fryer. This simple step will ensure that your pie doesn't stick to the foil, making it easier to remove and serving a beautifully intact slice.

Consider Alternative Options:

While foil is a great option for protecting your pie crust, you can also use parchment paper or silicone liners designed specifically for air fryers. Parchment paper is inherently non-stick and won't add any metallic flavor to your pie. Silicone liners are reusable, easy to clean, and less likely to cause a fire hazard. These alternatives can provide similar benefits to using foil while avoiding some of the potential drawbacks.

Place the pie in the air fryer basket and cook for 12-15 minutes

Now that you've preheated your air fryer, it's time to cook your pie! Place your pie in the air fryer basket, ensuring that it's protected with aluminium foil or a pie crust shield. This will help to prevent the edges of your pie crust from burning.

Once your pie is in the air fryer, set the timer for 12-15 minutes. During this time, the air fryer's rapid air technology will circulate hot air around your pie, ensuring even cooking and that coveted golden crunch. The hot air circulation will create a swirling cyclone of heat, enveloping your pie from all angles and preventing any cold spots.

While you wait, it's a good idea to prepare any sides or toppings you want to serve with your pie. Some popular options include a scoop of ice cream, mashed potatoes, or a side of vegetables like peas, green beans, or carrots.

Keep an eye on your pie as the time ticks down. Depending on your air fryer model and the size and type of pie, the cooking time may vary. You'll know your pie is ready when the filling is piping hot and the crust is delightfully crisp and golden brown.

Once the timer goes off, carefully remove your pie from the air fryer using oven mitts to protect your hands. Place it on a plate or wire rack and let it cool for a few minutes. This will ensure that the pie is the perfect temperature when you dig in!

Allow the pie to cool before serving

Allowing your pie to cool before serving is a critical step in the pie-making process. While it might be tempting to dig into your freshly baked pie, a little patience goes a long way in ensuring the perfect pie-eating experience. Here are a few reasons why you should let your pie cool down:

Preventing Burns and a Safe Eating Experience

The filling of a pie is likely to be extremely hot, even above the boiling point of water, due to the high sugar content and the hot oven temperature. Allowing the pie to cool is essential for a safe eating experience and to prevent burns. It takes time for the dense, well-insulated mass of a hot pie to cool down to a pleasant warm/hot temperature.

Setting of the Filling

Most pies have a filling that needs time to set and reach its truest potential. For fruit pies, the sugary syrup needs time to gel and thicken, transforming from a runny consistency to a jam-like texture. Custard pies, in particular, require adequate cooling time to fully set. If you cut into a hot pie, the filling may flood out, leaving you with a collapsed top crust and a runny mess.

Clean and Neat Slices

Letting the pie cool down helps the starches in the filling set into a gel-like consistency. This process ensures that your pie slices hold together neatly, resulting in clean and tidy slices. Impatience might lead to a messy and less appealing slice of pie.

Enhancing Flavors and Texture

Allowing the pie to cool down slightly before serving ensures that the flavors and textures are at their best. The slight cooling period allows the pie to reach a warm/hot temperature, which is ideal for enhancing the flavors and ensuring a pleasant eating experience.

In summary, allowing your pie to cool before serving is essential for both safety and improving the overall pie-eating experience. This waiting period ensures that the filling sets properly, resulting in neat slices, and it prevents burns by allowing the pie to reach a pleasant warm/hot temperature. So, while it might be challenging to wait, the end result is well worth it!

Frequently asked questions