Air-Fried Apple Pie: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to traditional ovens, and they can be used to make apple pies from scratch or using store-bought ingredients. Air-fried apple pies are quicker to make than oven-baked ones, and the air fryer's better heat circulation ensures a crispier, golden pie crust. You can make small individual apple pies or a full-size pie, and use homemade or store-bought pie crusts. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are recommended for a tart flavour, while Gala or Golden Delicious apples will make the pie sweeter.

Air fryer apple pie recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 medium Granny Smith apples, diced
• 6 tablespoons brown sugar
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons cold water
• 1/2 (14-ounce) package pastry for a 9-inch double crust pie
• 1/2 tablespoon grapeseed oil
• 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1 teaspoon milk, or more as needed
• 1 box Pre-Made Pie Crusts (2 crusts)
• 1 21-ounce can of Apple Pie Filling
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cinnamon sugar, or to taste
• 1 serving cooking spray

Method:

First, combine apples, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon in a nonstick skillet. Cook over medium heat until apples have softened, which should take around 5 minutes.

Next, dissolve the cornstarch in cold water. Stir this into the apple mixture and cook until the sauce thickens, which should take about 1 minute. Remove the apple pie filling from the heat and set it aside to cool while you prepare the crust.

Now, unroll the pie crust on a lightly floured surface and roll it out slightly to smooth the surface of the dough. Cut the dough into rectangles small enough so that two can fit in your air fryer at one time. Repeat this process with the remaining crust until you have 8 equal rectangles, re-rolling some of the scraps of dough if needed.

Wet the outer edges of 4 rectangles with water and place some apple filling in the centre, about 1/2 inch from the edges. Roll out the remaining 4 rectangles so that they are slightly larger than the filled ones. Place these rectangles on top of the filling and crimp the edges with a fork to seal. Cut 4 small slits in the tops of the pies.

Preheat your air fryer to 385 degrees F (or 195 degrees C) according to the manufacturer's instructions. Spray the basket of your air fryer with cooking spray. Brush the tops of 2 pies with oil and transfer them to the air fryer basket using a spatula.

Insert the basket and bake in the preheated air fryer until golden brown, which should take around 8 minutes. Remove the pies from the basket and repeat with the remaining 2 pies.

Finally, mix together the confectioners' sugar and milk in a small bowl. Brush the glaze onto the warm pies and allow it to dry. Serve the pies warm or at room temperature.

Tips:

• You can use store-bought refrigerated pie crust for convenience, or make your own homemade pie crust.
• You can use canned apple pie filling, or make your own homemade filling.
• You can use an egg wash instead of butter to help the pie turn golden while it's cooking.
• You can sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top of the pie before serving, for a bakery-style finish.
• You can make this pie a few days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to a week before it starts to become soggy.

Air fryer apple pie cooking time and temperature

Air fryer apple pies are a quick and easy dessert to make. They can be made in under 30 minutes, with some recipes suggesting a cooking time of 18 to 23 minutes. The temperature for cooking apple pie in an air fryer should be set between 320 to 385 degrees Fahrenheit (160 to 195 degrees Celsius).

The cooking time and temperature may vary slightly depending on the size of the apple pie and the type of air fryer being used. For example, if you are making mini apple pies or apple hand pies, they will likely cook faster than a full-sized apple pie. Additionally, if you are using an air fryer oven, you may need to adjust the temperature and cooking time accordingly.

It is important to note that different recipes may have slightly different instructions, so it is always a good idea to refer to the specific recipe you are using for the most accurate cooking time and temperature recommendations.

When cooking apple pie in an air fryer, it is recommended to use a pie pan or ramekins that fit comfortably in the air fryer basket or oven. This will ensure even cooking and help to prevent the pie from burning or sticking to the air fryer.

Additionally, some recipes suggest using an egg wash or brushing the pie with oil or melted butter before cooking to help achieve a golden brown crust.

Air fryer apple pie ingredients

The great thing about making an apple pie in an air fryer is that you can make it from scratch or use pre-made ingredients. Here are some options for the ingredients you can use:

Pastry

For the pastry, you can either make your own or use a shop-bought pie crust. If you want to make your own, you'll need:

• Plain flour
• Salt
• Sugar
• Butter
• Water

If you're making your own pastry, you'll need to mix the flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl, then cut in the butter until the mixture resembles a coarse meal with pea-sized flakes of butter. Gradually add water until the texture starts to clump together. You can also make the pastry by hand or with a food processor.

If you're using a pre-made pie crust, let it come to room temperature before using it.

Filling

For the filling, you can either make your own or use canned apple pie filling. If you want to make your own, you'll need apples, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. You can also add butter to the filling. Granny Smith apples are a good choice for a tart pie, while Gala apples will make a sweeter pie.

Peel and slice the apples into equal-sized chunks. Then, mix the apples, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice in a bowl and let the mixture sit until the apples start to release some juice.

Egg Wash

An egg wash will help your pie turn a golden brown while it's cooking. To make an egg wash, simply beat an egg and brush it on top of the pie crust before cooking.

Other Toppings

You can sprinkle the top of your pie with sugar, cinnamon, or a mixture of both before cooking. This will give your pie a bakery-style finish. You can also sprinkle the pie with sugar after it's cooked.

Other Ingredients

Other ingredients you may need include cooking spray or oil to grease the air fryer basket, and milk to make a glaze for the pie.

Air fryer apple pie preparation

Ingredients

• Apples ( Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Gala, or Golden Delicious)
• Pie Crust (homemade or store-bought)
• Sugar (brown, white, powdered, or turbinado)
• Cinnamon
• Lemon juice
• Butter
• Egg
• Cornstarch
• Milk
• Cooking spray
• Grapeseed oil (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Combine diced apples, sugar, butter, and cinnamon in a nonstick skillet. Cook over medium heat until the apples have softened, about 5 minutes. If using lemon juice, add it to the apple mixture. You can also add cornstarch to thicken the filling.

Step 2: Assemble the Pies

Roll out the pie crust on a lightly floured surface. Cut the crust into circles or rectangles, depending on the desired pie shape. For mini pies, place a small amount of filling on one half of the crust and fold over, crimping the edges with a fork to seal. For a full-size pie, place one crust in the pie plate, add the filling, and top with the second crust. Cut slits in the top of the pie to release steam while cooking.

Step 3: Brush and Sprinkle

Brush the top of the pie crust with melted butter or an egg wash (a beaten egg with a splash of water). You can also sprinkle cinnamon sugar or coarse sugar on top for extra sweetness and texture.

Step 4: Air Fry the Pies

Preheat the air fryer to between 320-385 degrees Fahrenheit (depending on your air fryer model). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the pies in the basket, leaving space between them for air circulation.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

Bake the pies in the preheated air fryer for 5-7 minutes for mini pies or 18-25 minutes for a full-size pie, until the crust is golden brown. Remove from the air fryer and let cool. Serve warm or at room temperature, with a sprinkle of sugar or a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. You can also serve the pies with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or custard.

Air fryer apple pie serving suggestions

Air fryer apple pie is a delicious dessert that can be served in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience:

Temperature

You can serve the apple pie either warm or at room temperature. Warm apple pie is a classic comfort food, especially during the fall season. The warmth accentuates the flavours and creates a cosy dining experience. However, room-temperature apple pie is also a great option, allowing the flavours and textures to shine through without the warmth.

Presentation

Apple pie can be served in whole pie form or as individual hand pies. For a classic presentation, serve a slice of apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. You can also get creative by serving the pie à la mode, which means topping the pie with a scoop of ice cream. This adds a creamy contrast to the crispy, flaky crust. If you prefer a lighter option, a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a pouring of custard can also accompany the pie. For an extra indulgent touch, consider drizzling some homemade caramel sauce over the pie or serving it on the side as a dipping sauce.

Customisation

Feel free to experiment with different types of apples to find your preferred level of sweetness or tartness. Granny Smith apples are a popular choice for their tart flavour, while Gala apples offer a sweeter alternative. You can also customise the pie crust by adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to the dough or using a pre-made crust for convenience. Additionally, consider adding a glaze to your pie by mixing together confectioners' sugar and milk in a small bowl and brushing it on the warm pie. This simple step adds a shiny, sweet finish to your dessert.

Accompaniments

Apple pie pairs well with a variety of beverages. For adults, a cup of coffee complements the pie's sweetness, while children might enjoy a glass of cold milk. For a more festive option, serve apple cider or warm spiced wine to enhance the autumnal flavours of the dessert.

Storage

If you have any leftovers or want to prepare the dessert in advance, proper storage is essential. Air fryer apple pie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Alternatively, you can freeze it for up to two months. When ready to serve, thaw the pie in the refrigerator, then bring it to room temperature or reheat it in the air fryer to restore its crispy texture.

With these suggestions in mind, you can create a delightful dessert experience with your air fryer apple pie, customising it to your taste and presenting it in a way that tempts everyone at the table.

Frequently asked questions