Air Fryer Pie Pan: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance, known for their efficiency, convenience, and ability to produce crispy and golden results. Many people are curious about the versatility of air fryers and often ask if they can be used to cook pies. The answer is a resounding yes! You can cook a variety of pies in an air fryer, including frozen pies, meat pies, fruit pies, and even homemade pies. Air fryers circulate hot air rapidly, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the interior moist, making them perfect for achieving a flaky pie crust.

When cooking a pie in an air fryer, it's important to follow certain guidelines for the best results. Most pies cook well at temperatures between 320-380 degrees Fahrenheit, and the cooking time can range from 13 to 25 minutes, depending on the type of pie and your air fryer model. It's also recommended to keep the pie in its aluminum or foil tin to maintain its shape.

Air fryers offer a faster and more energy-efficient alternative to traditional ovens for cooking pies, and the results are delicious. So, if you're looking to try something new with your air fryer, don't hesitate to give pie a go!

What type of pie pan is best for an air fryer?

Yes, you can put a pie pan in an air fryer. In fact, air fryers are a great option for cooking pies, as they can achieve a deliciously crispy crust while maintaining a moist interior. Here are some tips for choosing the best type of pie pan for your air fryer:

Material:

• It is best to use an oven-safe material that can withstand high temperatures. Metal, ceramic, and glass pans are all suitable for air fryers. Silicone moulds are also a good option, as they are heat-resistant, pliable, and dishwasher-safe.
• Avoid using paper or plastic products in the air fryer, as they can catch on fire or melt.
• Be cautious with handles—choose pans with handles that are part of a composite body, as wooden or plastic grips can melt at high temperatures.

Size and Shape:

• Ensure the pan fits properly in your air fryer, allowing for adequate airflow. The pan should not be too tall, as it may block the heating element.
• Measure the interior of your air fryer to find the best size and shape of the pan. The pan should be small enough to allow for proper airflow but large enough to cook the desired quantity of food.

Type of Pie:

• Consider the type of pie you will be cooking. For wet foods or dishes with sauces, use a deeper pan, such as a loaf pan, to prevent drips.
• For pies with a flaky pastry crust, a standard pie pan is ideal. However, for individual-sized pies, you can also use a muffin tin.

Cooking Tips:

• Preheat your air fryer to ensure a crispy crust and even cooking.
• Brush the top of the pie with oil or melted butter before cooking for added crispiness.
• Place a baking sheet on the bottom rack of the air fryer to catch any drips.
• Rotate the pie halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer to allow for proper airflow and to prevent the crust from becoming soggy.

Can you put a frozen pie in an air fryer?

Yes, you can put a frozen pie in an air fryer. It is a convenient way to enjoy a quick, crispy, and delicious pie without having to heat up your entire kitchen. The air fryer's rapid cooking and crisping capabilities ensure that your frozen pies turn out perfectly every time.

• Choose the right size of pie: It is important to select a pie that fits comfortably in your air fryer basket without touching the sides or top. For best results, use mini pot pies or pies that are around 10 oz in size. Larger family-sized pies may not cook evenly in the air fryer.
• Preheat your air fryer: Set the temperature to around 320°F (160°C) and let it preheat for a few minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and a golden, crispy crust.
• Prepare the air fryer basket: Lightly grease the basket with cooking spray or oil to prevent the pie from sticking. Alternatively, you can use a piece of baking paper cut to fit the basket.
• Place the frozen pie in the air fryer: Gently place the frozen pie in the centre of the preheated air fryer basket, ensuring it doesn't touch the sides.
• Adjust the cooking time: The cooking time will depend on the size and type of pie. As a general guideline, cook a 10 oz pot pie at 350°F for 15 minutes, and then increase the temperature to 380°F for the last 6 minutes. For other pies, a good rule of thumb is to reduce the oven temperature on the package instructions by 25°F and the time by 25%.
• Monitor the cooking process: Keep an eye on your pie to ensure even cooking. You may need to rotate it halfway through the cooking time. If the crust is browning too quickly, cover it with foil.
• Check the doneness: Use an instant-read thermometer to check if your pie is done. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. The filling should be hot, and the crust should be golden brown.
• Let the pie rest: Once your pie is done, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 5 minutes. This allows the filling to settle and cool down, making it easier to eat.

Some additional tips to keep in mind:

• Do not thaw the frozen pie before cooking. It is meant to be cooked from a frozen state to ensure the crust has the right texture.
• If your pie has a bottom crust, consider removing it from its foil container and placing it upside down in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp the bottom.
• Cooking times may vary, so always use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of your pie.
• For sweet dessert pies, follow the same steps, aiming for a golden, crispy crust and a hot filling.

How long does it take to cook a pie in an air fryer?

Yes, you can put a pie pan in an air fryer. The cooking time will depend on the type of pie and the model of the air fryer.

For example, a frozen meat pie takes around 25 minutes to cook at 180°C or 360°F. It's important to keep an eye on the pie and adjust the temperature and cooking time as needed, as all air fryers are different. You can check if the pie is cooked by placing a knife or skewer in the centre to ensure it's hot throughout.

For chilled pies, Bob B from Denbigh cooked his steak and kidney pie at 180 degrees for 20 minutes. Chunk of Devon's pies, which arrive cooked and chilled, take 13-16 minutes at 180 degrees. The optimum cooking time will depend on the type of pie, with cheese-topped pies requiring a shorter cooking time to prevent the cheese from burning.

You can also cook frozen pies in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook the pie for 15-20 minutes. Again, cooking times may vary depending on the brand and size of the pie, so it's important to keep an eye on it and adjust the cooking time as needed.

When cooking pies in an air fryer, it's important to use a pie pan or tin that can withstand the high temperatures. Aluminium tins are a good option, as they are designed for high temperatures. Glass or ceramic dishes may crack under the intense heat.

Can you cook multiple pies at once in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook multiple pies at once in an air fryer, depending on the size of your air fryer's basket and the pies. It is important to ensure that the pies are not overlapping or touching the sides of the basket for even cooking.

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance due to their efficiency, requiring less energy than a conventional oven, and their ability to produce crispy and golden results. They work by circulating hot air rapidly around the food, creating a crispy exterior while maintaining a moist interior. This makes them perfect for cooking frozen pies and achieving a flaky crust.

When cooking multiple pies in an air fryer, it is crucial to preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking and a golden, crispy crust. Preheat the air fryer to around 320°F (160°C) for a few minutes. You can also lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil to prevent the pies from sticking.

The cooking time will depend on the size and type of pies you are cooking. A general guideline is to cook the pies for around 15-20 minutes at 350°F (175°C). However, it is important to monitor the progress and adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure even cooking.

Additionally, some air fryer models have two drawers, allowing you to cook your pies and vegetables simultaneously, making it a convenient option for a complete meal.

Can you use a pie crust from scratch in an air fryer?

Yes, you can use a pie crust from scratch in an air fryer. In fact, air fryers are great for achieving a crispy crust on freshly made pies. You can use either a homemade or store-bought pie crust. Simply shape the dough into a pie pan or tin, add your desired filling, and follow the cooking instructions accordingly.

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
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, mix the cold, diced butter with the flour, sugar, and salt until a dough forms.
• Slowly add teaspoons of ice water until you achieve the right consistency.
• 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 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 make it even with the top of the pan.
• Place the tart pan into the air fryer basket and cook at 300°F for 5 minutes to blind bake the crust. You can fill the pie with weights to help maintain its shape.
• Let the crust cool, and then add your desired filling.

It is recommended to use a thinner pan, such as a quiche or tart pan, for best results when cooking a pie crust in an air fryer. Additionally, you can chill your pie dough in the refrigerator for up to a day before using it, which will make it more manageable.

Frequently asked questions