Air Fryer Pie: How Long Until It's Done?

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance, offering a healthier and more efficient way to cook. They work by blowing hot air around the food in the basket, resulting in crispy grub without the need for lots of oil. You can cook almost anything in an air fryer, and it's much quicker than a conventional oven. So, how long does it take to cook a pie in an air fryer? Well, it depends on the type of pie and the model of the air fryer, but most meat pies take around 13-25 minutes at 180 degrees. Apple pies take a little less time, around 18-23 minutes at 320 degrees.

Preheat the air fryer to 180°C or 360°F

Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in ensuring your food cooks evenly and efficiently. While not all air fryers require preheating, it is generally recommended, especially if you want your food to be extra crispy. Here are some detailed instructions on how to preheat your air fryer to 180°C or 360°F:

• Check your air fryer's manual: Before you begin, it is essential to consult your air fryer's instruction manual. Different models may have specific instructions or requirements for preheating. Some air fryers come with a preheat button, which makes the process easier. Others may require you to manually set the temperature and time.
• Set the temperature: Turn on your air fryer and set the temperature to 180°C or 360°F. This is the temperature at which you plan to cook your food.
• Heat the air fryer: If your air fryer has a preheat button, simply press it, and the air fryer will alert you when it reaches the desired temperature. If there is no preheat button, heat the empty air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes. The preheating time may vary depending on the size of your air fryer and the desired temperature. For smaller air fryers, 2-3 minutes may be sufficient, while larger models may need up to 5 minutes.
• Place your food: Once the air fryer reaches the set temperature or completes the preheating cycle, it's time to place your food inside. Reset the timer to the desired cooking time for your dish.
• Monitor the cooking process: Keep an eye on your food as it cooks. Depending on what you are cooking, you may need to flip or shake the contents halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and browning.
• Adjust as needed: Preheating helps improve the cooking process, but you may still need to make adjustments based on your specific air fryer and the food you are cooking. Experiment with preheating and cooking times to find the perfect settings for your favourite dishes.

Remember that preheating your air fryer can enhance the cooking process, improve crispiness, and speed up cooking times. However, it is not always necessary, and some foods may cook better without preheating. Always refer to your air fryer's manual and follow recipe instructions for the best results.

Remove the foil tray

When preparing your pie for the air fryer, it's important to remove the foil tray that it comes in. This is a crucial step to ensure that your pie cooks evenly and doesn't end up with a soggy bottom. By removing the foil tray, you allow the hot air in the air fryer to circulate around the entire pie, ensuring that the pastry gets crispy all the way around.

If you're using a frozen pie, make sure you plan ahead and thaw it out before removing the foil tray. This will make the process much easier and less messy. Once removed, discard the foil tray appropriately, being careful of any sharp edges.

For best results, place the pie directly into the air fryer basket. This ensures maximum air circulation and even cooking. If you're cooking multiple pies, make sure they're not crowded in the basket and have enough space around them for the hot air to circulate.

It's worth noting that some pies, especially those with a lot of filling, may leak during the cooking process. To avoid a messy cleanup, consider placing a baking sheet or aluminium foil on the bottom rack of your air fryer to catch any drips or spills.

Additionally, always refer to the specific cooking instructions for your type of pie. Different pies, such as fruit pies or meat pies, may have varying cooking times and temperatures. Always check that your pie is cooked thoroughly before serving.

By removing the foil tray and following the appropriate cooking instructions, you'll be well on your way to enjoying a perfectly cooked pie straight from your air fryer!

Place the pie in the basket

Now that you've preheated your air fryer and prepared your pie, it's time to place the pie in the basket. This step is crucial, as it ensures the pie cooks evenly and efficiently. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you master this step:

First, carefully remove any aluminium foil trays or packaging from your pie, as these can interfere with the cooking process. If your pie is frozen, it's best to thaw it beforehand to reduce the cooking time and ensure even heating. However, if you're short on time, you can cook it straight from frozen, but be aware that it will take longer.

When placing the pie in the air fryer basket, ensure it sits securely and doesn't wobble or tilt. If your pie is small enough to fit in a ramekin, consider using one, as it can make removal easier and help contain any fillings that might spill over. If your pie is larger and you're placing it directly in the basket, consider using a pie dish that fits inside to make removal easier and prevent any mess.

If you're cooking multiple pies, ensure they have enough space between them for the hot air to circulate. Air fryers work by blowing hot air around the food, so adequate spacing is essential for even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may be able to cook multiple pies at once, but be mindful of overcrowding the basket.

Once your pie is securely placed in the basket, you can close the air fryer and set the timer according to your pie's cooking instructions. Remember that cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model and the type of pie you're cooking. Always refer to your air fryer's instruction manual for specific guidelines.

While your pie is cooking, resist the urge to open the air fryer frequently, as this will release the hot air and extend the cooking time. Instead, observe through the window (if your model has one) or wait until closer to the end of the cooking time to check on your pie's progress.

By following these instructions, you'll be well on your way to enjoying a perfectly cooked pie straight from your air fryer! Remember to exercise caution when handling the hot basket and always use oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands.

Cook for 13-25 mins

Cooking time depends on the type of pie and the model of the air fryer. For example, an apple pie cooked at 320 degrees Fahrenheit will take 18-23 minutes, whereas a meat pie cooked at 180 degrees Celsius or 360 degrees Fahrenheit will take 17 minutes.

When cooking a pie in an air fryer, it is important to note that the air fryer's basket circulates hot air around the food, resulting in a crispy texture without the need for deep frying in oil. This makes it a healthier option.

For best results, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer before placing the pie inside. Additionally, some sources suggest using an egg wash on the pie crust to achieve a golden brown colour.

It is also worth noting that cooking times may vary depending on the size and model of the air fryer, as well as the type of pie being cooked. Therefore, it is always a good idea to keep an eye on the pie during the cooking process to ensure it doesn't overcook or burn.

Some air fryers come with separate compartments or drawers, allowing you to cook your pie and side dishes simultaneously, making it even more convenient.

Lastly, remember that cooking times may vary depending on whether your pie is frozen or thawed. As a guide, a frozen pie typically takes longer to cook than a thawed pie.

Check the pie is cooked through

Checking that your pie is cooked through is an important step in the cooking process. Here are some ways to ensure your pie is cooked through when using an air fryer:

Firstly, it is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the type of pie you are cooking and the model of your air fryer. For example, a meat pie in a ramekin will take around 17 minutes to cook at 180°C/360°F, whereas a larger pie in a pie dish may take longer. An apple pie will take around 18-23 minutes at 320°F. It is always a good idea to consult your air fryer's instruction manual to get an idea of the appropriate cooking time and temperature for your specific model.

To check if your pie is cooked through, you can use a knife or skewer to pierce the centre of the pie. If the pie is cooked, the knife or skewer should come out hot and the centre of the pie should be piping hot. You can also use a temperature probe to ensure that the pie is cooked throughout. Additionally, you can check the colour of the pastry; the top of the pie should be golden brown when cooked.

If you are cooking a meat pie, it is important to ensure that the filling is properly cooked before placing the pie in the air fryer. This is to ensure that the meat is safe to consume.

When reheating a meat pie in the air fryer, it is recommended to cook it for 5 minutes at 160°C/320°F. It is important to note that you can only reheat a meat pie once, so only reheat as many pies as you plan to eat right away.

Frequently asked questions