Air Fryer Pie: How Long To Fry?

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance that can cook a variety of dishes, including pies. They work by blowing hot air around the food in a basket, resulting in crispy food without the need for deep frying in oil. This makes it a healthier option that cooks food faster than a conventional oven. When it comes to cooking pies in an air fryer, the cooking time can vary depending on the type of pie and the model of the air fryer. For example, an apple pie in an air fryer may take around 18 to 23 minutes at 320 degrees Fahrenheit, while a frozen pot pie may take around 21 minutes at 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. It's important to note that the size of the pie and the specific air fryer model can impact the cooking time, so adjustments may be necessary.

Preheat your air fryer to 350-360°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures your food cooks evenly and efficiently. Here's a detailed guide on preheating your air fryer to 350-360°F:

When preheating your air fryer, it's essential to refer to the instruction manual provided by the manufacturer. Different models may have specific instructions or recommendations for optimal preheating. The preheating time can vary depending on the model and size of your air fryer, so consulting the manual is a good starting point.

In general, to preheat your air fryer to 350-360°F, you'll want to follow these steps:

• Set the Temperature: Adjust the temperature dial or settings to reach 350-360°F. Some air fryers may have precise temperature controls, while others might have incremental adjustments. Refer to your manual to understand the temperature settings of your particular model.
• Allow for Preheating: After setting the desired temperature, give your air fryer a few minutes to reach that temperature. The preheating time can vary, but on average, it takes around 3-5 minutes for an air fryer to preheat fully. You may hear a beep or see a light indicator when it's ready.
• Check the Temperature: If you're unsure whether your air fryer has reached the set temperature, you can use an oven thermometer to verify. Place the thermometer inside the air fryer basket and wait for the temperature to stabilize. This will ensure that your air fryer has reached the desired temperature before you start cooking.
• Prepare Your Food: While your air fryer is preheating, you can use this time efficiently by preparing your food. For example, if you're cooking a pie, you can assemble the pie crust and filling, so it's ready to be placed in the air fryer once preheating is complete.

It's important to note that preheating times can vary depending on the model and brand of your air fryer. Some air fryers may take a little longer to reach the desired temperature, especially if they have a larger capacity. Always refer to your specific model's instructions for the most accurate preheating guidelines.

Additionally, when cooking pies in your air fryer, it's recommended to use a pie plate or tin that fits comfortably inside the basket. You may need to adjust the size of your pie accordingly. Using a rolling pin to flatten the pie crust and cutting slits in the top to release steam during cooking can also help ensure even cooking.

By following these steps and allowing your air fryer to preheat to 350-360°F, you'll create the ideal cooking environment for your pies, ensuring they turn out crispy and delicious!

Cook time: 15-25 mins

Air fryers are a fantastic, efficient way to cook a pie, with the benefit of requiring much less energy than a conventional oven. They're also a healthier option, as they require little to no oil.

When cooking a pie in an air fryer, it's important to note that the timing will depend on the type of pie, the size of your air fryer, and your desired level of crispness. For example, a frozen pot pie will take longer to cook than a chilled steak and kidney pie.

Frozen Pot Pie:

For a delicious, flaky crust on your frozen pot pie, preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes. Then, place your frozen pot pie into the basket and cook for 15 minutes. Increase the temperature to 380 degrees Fahrenheit for the final 6 minutes to ensure a golden brown crust. It is recommended to leave the pie in the closed air fryer basket for an additional 5 minutes after cooking to allow the filling to continue warming.

Chilled Meat Pie:

For a steak and kidney pie or a similar chilled meat pie, set your air fryer to 180 degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit. Place the pie in the air fryer basket and cook for around 20 minutes. This timing will result in a crispy crust and a tender, moist filling.

Apple Pie:

If you're craving a sweet treat, air fryer apple pie is a great option. Preheat your air fryer to 320 degrees Fahrenheit. Place your apple pie in the basket and cook for 18 to 23 minutes, until the crust is golden brown. You can also sprinkle some cinnamon sugar on top before cooking for an extra touch.

Remember, these timings are approximate and may vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of your pie. Always refer to the instruction manual for your specific air fryer and adjust the timing as needed to avoid overcooking.

Temperature: 180°C or 360°F

When cooking a pie in an air fryer, the temperature and timing can vary depending on the type of pie and the size of your air fryer. It's important to consult your air fryer's instruction manual for specific guidelines.

For a meat pie, preheat your air fryer to 180°C or 360°F, depending on your location. This should take around 3 minutes. Remove any aluminium foil from the frozen pie and place it into the air fryer basket. Cook for around 17 to 25 minutes, checking regularly to ensure the pie is not overcooking on the outside. The pie is ready when the pastry is golden and crispy, and the filling is hot and tender. You can check this by inserting a knife or skewer into the centre of the pie. Depending on your air fryer, you may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature slightly.

For a steak and kidney pie, set your air fryer to 180°C or 360°F. Place the chilled pie in the air fryer and cook for about 20 minutes. Again, cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model, so it's important to refer to the instructions. To ensure the pie is cooked throughout, use a temperature probe.

If you're cooking a frozen pie, preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C). Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking, or use baking paper. Place the frozen pie into the basket, ensuring it doesn't touch the sides. Cook for around 30 minutes at the preheated temperature, monitoring the progress to ensure even cooking. You may need to rotate the pie halfway through. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for savoury pies.

Don't defrost the pie first

There are several benefits to cooking a frozen pie in an air fryer. It's a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious, crispy pie without having to turn on your oven and heat up your entire kitchen. Plus, you can skip the step of defrosting the pie first, which means less preparation time and no compromise on the texture of your pie.

When cooking a frozen pie in an air fryer, the first step is to preheat your appliance. Set the temperature to around 320°F (160°C) and let it preheat for a few minutes. Greasing the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil, or lining it with baking paper, is also recommended to prevent sticking.

Once your air fryer is ready, it's time to cook your pie. Place the frozen pie into the basket, ensuring it doesn't touch the sides. The cooking time will depend on the size and type of pie, but a good guideline is to cook it for around 30 minutes at the preheated temperature. Keep an eye on it, and you may need to rotate the pie halfway through.

For an extra crispy crust, you can increase the temperature to 380°F or 400°F for the final few minutes of cooking. This technique works well for chicken pot pies, creating a golden-brown, flaky crust with a warm and tender filling. It's important to note that the exact cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer and the size of your pie.

After removing your pie from the air fryer, let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the filling to settle, making it easier to serve and enjoy. Then, indulge in your perfectly cooked, crispy pie!

Use a temperature probe to ensure the pie is cooked throughout

Using a temperature probe is a great way to ensure your pie is cooked to perfection. An instant-read thermometer can help you avoid the fate of an overbaked or undercooked pie. It is a useful tool to ensure your pie is cooked throughout, and you can avoid serving a pie that is soggy or dry.

When it comes to pies, temperature control is crucial. Pies with wet fillings are notorious for having crusts with soggy bottoms, and an undercooked pie can result in a loose filling that won't give you clean-cut slices. Overcooked pies can become tough and hard, with the filling sticking to your teeth.

A temperature probe can help you achieve the perfect temperature for your pie. The ideal temperature for a pie is around 62-65°C, and a pie heated above 70°C will gradually lose moisture, resulting in a dry pie. For custard pies, the target pull temperature is 175°F (79°C) for pumpkin pie and 200°F (93°C) for pecan pie.

When using an air fryer, it is important to note that all air fryers vary, so you should consult your individual instruction manual. However, as a guide, a pie typically takes around 13-16 minutes in an air fryer set to 180 degrees. For a cheese-topped pie, a shorter cook time of around 12 minutes is recommended to prevent the cheese from burning.

By using a temperature probe, you can ensure that your pie is cooked to the optimal temperature, resulting in a delicious, perfectly cooked pie every time.

Frequently asked questions