Air-Fried Pies: A Quick, Easy, And Delicious Treat

Making a pie in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth. You can make a variety of pies in an air fryer, including apple, cherry, blueberry, caramel apple, chicken pot pie, and Oreo cheesecake. The cooking time for pies in an air fryer is generally around 15-30 minutes, depending on the size and type of pie. You can use pre-made pie crusts and fillings to make the process even easier. So, if you're looking for a delicious and convenient dessert, why not give air-fried pie a try?

Choosing the right air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook fried food without the mess and health concerns of traditional frying methods. They work by circulating hot air around the food, crisping it up without submerging it in oil.

There are a few things to consider when choosing the right air fryer for you:

• Price: Air fryers can range in price from $30 to $400, but most tend to be around $100.
• Capacity: Most air fryers are designed to fit neatly on your counter and are not meant to cook for a crowd. However, there are some larger models available that can accommodate more substantial batches of food.
• Advanced features: Some air fryers have additional settings such as dehydration, baking, and rotisserie cooking. Others have preset buttons for specific foods. Consider what functions you are likely to use.
• Warranty: Air fryer warranties can range from 60 days to three years, so be sure to check the warranty before purchasing.
• Style: There are two main types of air fryers: basket-style and oven-style. Basket-style air fryers are more basic and affordable, but they take up more counter space. Oven-style air fryers, also known as multi-ovens, are similar to toaster ovens and tend to be more high-tech and expensive.

Some recommended brands of air fryers include:

• Philips: The Philips Premium Digital Airfryer is a top-performing basket-style air fryer that is easy to use and cooks food evenly.
• Instant Pot: The Instant Vortex Plus is a large basket-style air fryer that is more affordable and has a square shape that is perfect for arranging food neatly.
• Cosori: The Cosori Lite 2.1-Quart Air Fryer is a small, inexpensive air fryer that cooks food evenly and quietly.
• Breville: The Breville Joule Oven Air Fryer Pro is a high-end oven-style air fryer with a variety of cooking functions and an app that makes cooking a breeze.
• Ninja: The Ninja Foodi 10-in-1 XL Pro Air Fry Oven is a budget-friendly toaster oven and air fryer combo that has a slightly smaller capacity but still offers a range of customizing options.

Preparing the filling

The filling is the heart of your pie, and preparing it well will ensure a tasty treat. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Choose Your Fruit:

Decide on the type of fruit you want in your pie. Apples and cherries are popular choices, but you can also experiment with other fruits like peaches or blueberries.

Step 2: Gather Ingredients:

Make sure you have all the necessary ingredients for your chosen filling. For an apple pie, you'll need apples (Granny Smith apples are a great choice), lemon juice, cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla extract. For a cherry pie, you'll need cherry pie filling. You can also add a tablespoon of raw sugar for a delightful crunch.

Step 3: Prepare the Fruit:

If using fresh fruit, chop, slice, or dice it into small pieces. For apples, remove the core and cut the apples into thin slices or cubes. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning. If using canned pie filling, simply open the can and get ready to assemble your pie.

Step 4: Mix and Season:

In a bowl, combine your prepared fruit with the spices and sweeteners of your choice. For apple pie, mix the apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla extract. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for extra flavour. For cherry pie, you may want to add a teaspoon of lemon juice to enhance the flavour.

Step 5: Thicken the Filling:

To ensure your filling isn't too runny, it's essential to thicken it. Create a slurry by mixing cornstarch and water, and add it to your fruit mixture. Continue cooking until the mixture starts to thicken. You can also use other thickeners like flour or tapioca starch.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust:

Before moving on, take a moment to taste your filling. Adjust the sweetness, spice, or tartness to your preference. Add more sugar for sweetness, a squeeze of lemon for tartness, or a pinch of cinnamon for spice.

Step 7: Cool the Filling:

Allow your filling to cool slightly before assembling your pie. This will make it easier to handle and prevent the pastry from becoming soggy.

By following these steps, you'll have a delicious and flavourful filling that will make your air-fried pie a true delight!

Making the pastry

To make the pastry, start by mixing the flour and butter together until it resembles breadcrumbs. You can do this by hand or using a food processor. Next, gradually add the water and mix until it forms a dough. You may not need all of the water, so add it slowly. Once the dough has come together, wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to rest for at least 30 minutes.

After the pastry has rested, it's time to roll it out. Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking. Roll the dough into a circle, starting from the centre and working outwards. You want the pastry to be quite thin, around 3-4mm thick. Carefully lift the pastry and place it into your pie dish, pressing it down into the dish and trimming any excess from the edges. If you are making a double-crust pie, repeat this process for the top crust.

If you are using a pre-made pastry, simply unroll it and place it into your pie dish. You may need to cut it to size or patch any tears with excess pastry.

Once your pie dish is lined with pastry, you can fill it with your chosen filling and add the top crust if using. Cut a few slits in the top of the pie to allow steam to escape. Brush the top of the pie with a little milk or beaten egg to help it turn golden, and sprinkle with sugar if desired. Finally, place the pie in your air fryer and cook according to your recipe's instructions.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for making a pie in an air fryer depend on the type of pie you are making.

For apple pie, the temperature should be set to 320 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the pie. For example, a 7-inch pie will take a little longer to cook than a smaller pie. A good estimate for cooking time is 18-23 minutes, but keep an eye on the pie as it may take less or more time depending on your air fryer.

If you are making hand pies, which are smaller, individual-sized pies, the temperature should be set to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and the cooking time is around 8-10 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.

For cherry pie, the temperature is set to 320 degrees Fahrenheit, and the cooking time is around 30 minutes, or until the pie is golden brown and flaky.

For a frozen pot pie, preheat your air fryer to 350-360 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes. Then, cook the pie for around 15 minutes, and increase the temperature to 380-400 degrees Fahrenheit for the last 2-6 minutes of cooking to brown the top of the pie. Leave the pie in the closed air fryer basket for an additional 5 minutes after cooking to ensure the middle is warmed through.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer, so it is always a good idea to keep an eye on your pie while it is cooking to ensure it doesn't burn or undercook.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer pies are a quick and easy dessert option, perfect for any occasion. Whether you're serving up a classic apple pie or getting creative with different flavours, there are endless possibilities to explore. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of your air-fried pies:

• Temperature: Air fryer pies can be served either chilled or warm. If you're serving them warm, make sure to let them cool down slightly before digging in.
• Toppings: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipping cream can take your pie to the next level. For an extra indulgent touch, consider drizzling some caramel or chocolate sauce over the top.
• Beverage Pairings: Offer a cup of coffee or tea with your pie to round out the dessert experience. This is especially nice if your pie is on the sweeter side, as the bitterness of coffee or tea can balance out the flavours.
• Garnishes: A light dusting of powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or even some fresh fruit can elevate the presentation of your pie. A sprig of mint adds a pop of colour and a refreshing aroma.
• Side Dishes: If you're serving your pie as part of a larger meal, consider offering some complementary side dishes. For a savoury pie, a fresh salad or roasted vegetables can provide a nice contrast. For a sweeter pie, perhaps some fresh fruit or a small cheese plate.
• Portion Size: Air fryer pies can vary in size, from individual hand pies to larger pies meant for sharing. Consider the size of your pie and the appetites of your guests when determining portion sizes. For larger pies, you may want to cut smaller slices, especially if you're serving multiple courses.
• Presentation: Don't forget to plate your pie beautifully! Use a pie server to cut neat slices, and place each slice on a plate or in a bowl, depending on the pie's consistency. Garnish with your chosen toppings and enjoy!

Frequently asked questions