Nothing beats the warm, comforting feeling of biting into a freshly baked pie. Whether it’s a classic apple pie, a decadent chocolate tart, or a savory shepherd’s pie, pies are a staple in many households around the world. However, baking pies can be a tricky affair, especially when it comes to achieving that perfect, crispy crust.

If you’re a fan of air fryers, you might be wondering whether you can put your trusty pie tin in your air fryer for an easy and delicious pie-making experience. In this post, we’ll explore whether it’s a good idea to put a pie tin in an air fryer, and offer some tips for achieving golden, crispy pies every time.

What Is An Air Fryer And How Does It Work?

An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that uses hot air and rapid circulation to cook food, giving it a crispy, fried texture without the need for oil. Air fryers work by using a heating element to produce hot air, which is then circulated around the food using a fan. As the hot air circulates, it cooks the food, creating a crispy exterior and tender interior. Most air fryers come with a basket or tray for holding food, which is placed inside the cooking chamber. 

The temperature and cooking time can be adjusted according to the type of food being cooked, and some air fryers come with additional features like pre-set cooking programs and temperature control. Overall, air fryers offer a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods and can be used to cook a wide variety of foods.

Can You Put a Pie Tin in an Air Fryer?

The short answer is yes, you can put a pie tin in an air fryer. However, it’s important to note that not all pie tins are created equal, and not all of them are suitable for air frying. Some pie tins are made of materials that can’t withstand the high temperatures and rapid air circulation of an air fryer, and may warp, melt, or even release toxic fumes. Others may be too deep or too shallow, making it difficult to achieve a uniform and crispy crust.

So, what kind of pie tins can you use in an air fryer? The best pie tins for air frying are those made of metal, such as aluminum or stainless steel. These materials can withstand high temperatures and won’t warp or deform under the heat and pressure of the air fryer. Additionally, metal pie tins conduct heat more efficiently than other materials, which can help ensure that your pies bake evenly and thoroughly.

When choosing a pie tin for your air fryer, it’s also important to consider the size and shape. Most air fryers have a limited capacity, so you’ll need to make sure that your pie tin fits comfortably inside the basket without touching the sides or the heating element. Additionally, a shallower pie tin may be better suited for air frying, as it allows the hot air to circulate more evenly around the pie and promote a crispy crust.

6 Tips for Air Frying Pies

Now that you know that you can put a pie tin in an air fryer, let’s explore some tips for achieving the perfect pie every time.

1. Preheat Your Air Fryer 

Just like with an oven, preheating your air fryer is essential for achieving a crispy crust. Most air fryers take only a few minutes to preheat, so be sure to factor this into your cooking time.

2. Use A Pie Shield

To prevent the edges of your pie from burning or becoming too brown, consider using a pie shield. You can purchase a silicone pie shield or make one using aluminum foil.

3. Experiment With Different Crusts 

One of the benefits of air frying is that it can produce a variety of textures, from crispy and crunchy to soft and chewy. Experiment with different crusts, such as a graham cracker crust, a shortbread crust, or a traditional pastry crust, to find the perfect texture for your pie.

4. Don’t Overcrowd The Basket 

To ensure that your pie cooks evenly and thoroughly, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. If you’re making multiple pies, consider cooking them in batches.

5. Check The Temperature 

While most pie recipes specify a baking temperature, it’s important to remember that air frying can be more efficient than traditional baking, and the high heat and rapid air circulation can cause your pie to cook faster than expected. Be sure to check the internal temperature of your pie using a thermometer to ensure that it’s fully cooked before removing it from the air fryer.

6. Let It Rest 

Once your pie is cooked, resist the urge to dig in right away. Letting your pie rest for at least 15 minutes before cutting into it can help the filling set and prevent it from spilling out.

While air frying your pies can be a great way to achieve crispy, golden crusts, it’s important to remember that air frying is a different cooking method than baking. Air fryers rely on high heat and rapid air circulation to cook food, which can produce different results than a traditional oven. As such, you may need to experiment with different cooking times and temperatures to achieve the perfect pie.

FAQs

1. Can You Put Aluminum Foil in an Air Fryer?

Yes, you can put aluminum foil in an air fryer, but there are some precautions you should take to ensure safe and effective cooking. Make sure that the aluminum foil is not covering the entire basket or tray, as this can interfere with the air circulation and cooking process. It’s also important to avoid using sharp or pointed objects on the foil, as this can damage the non-stick coating of the air fryer.

2. How To Cook Meat Pie In An Air Fryer?

To cook a meat pie in an air fryer, start by preheating the air fryer to 375°F. Place the meat pie in the air fryer basket or tray and cook for 10–15 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and the filling is hot. If the pie is frozen, it may take longer to cook, so adjust the cooking time accordingly. Be sure to check the internal temperature of the pie using a thermometer to ensure that it’s fully cooked.

3. Can You Bake A Pie In An Air Fryer?

Yes, you can bake a pie in an air fryer, but it’s important to choose the right type of pie tin and follow some tips for achieving a crispy, delicious pie. Make sure to preheat the air fryer before placing the pie inside, and be sure to check the internal temperature of the pie using a thermometer to ensure that it’s fully cooked. Also, let the pie rest for at least 15 minutes before cutting into it to allow the filling to set.

4. What Are The Benefits Of Using An Air Fryer?

There are many benefits to using an air fryer. One of the biggest benefits is that it allows you to achieve crispy, delicious foods without the need for oil, making it a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. Air fryers are also very versatile and can be used to cook a wide variety of foods, from chicken wings to vegetables to baked goods. Additionally, air fryers are often faster than traditional cooking methods, which can save time in the kitchen.

5. What Can You Not Put In An Air Fryer?

While air fryers are versatile, there are some foods that should not be cooked in them. Foods that are heavily battered or coated in flour may not cook properly in an air fryer, as the coating can become soggy. Additionally, foods that contain a lot of liquid, such as soups and stews, should not be cooked in an air fryer. Finally, it’s important to avoid using non-stick cooking sprays in an air fryer, as these can damage the non-stick coating of the appliance over time.

Conclusion

So, can you put a pie tin in an air fryer? The answer is yes, as long as you choose the right type of pie tin and follow some tips for achieving a crispy, delicious pie. With the right pie tin, the right recipe, and some practice, you can achieve perfect pies every time using your air fryer.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a newbie in the kitchen, air-frying your pies can be a fun and delicious way to experiment with new flavors and textures. Just be sure to choose the right pie tin, preheat your air fryer, and experiment with different crusts and fillings to achieve the perfect pie. With a little practice, you’ll be baking up crispy, golden pies in your air fryer in no time!