Air Fryer Apple Pie: The Easiest Dessert Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Air Fryer Apple Pie: Imagine biting into a warm, perfectly spiced apple pie, the flaky crust shattering in your mouth, all without the fuss of traditional baking. Sounds too good to be true? Not anymore! This recipe brings the classic comfort of apple pie to your table in a fraction of the time, thanks to the magic of the air fryer.

Apple pie, a symbol of American comfort food, has a rich history rooted in European traditions. While apples aren’t native to North America, the pie itself evolved into a beloved dessert, representing home, warmth, and family gatherings. It’s a dish that evokes memories of cozy kitchens and holiday celebrations.

What makes apple pie so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart, the tender apples mingling with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, all encased in a buttery, golden crust. But let’s be honest, making a traditional apple pie can be time-consuming. That’s where this air fryer apple pie recipe shines! It delivers all the deliciousness of a classic apple pie with significantly less effort and in record time. The air fryer creates a beautifully crisp crust and perfectly cooked filling, making it the ideal dessert for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. Get ready to experience apple pie bliss, the easy way!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Apple Filling:
• 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and diced
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• For the Crust:
• 2 boxes (14.1 ounces each) refrigerated pie crusts, thawed
• 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
• Optional Toppings:
• Vanilla ice cream
• Caramel sauce
• Whipped cream

Preparing the Apple Filling:

1. In a large bowl, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Make sure everything is evenly distributed so each apple piece gets a nice coating of spice.
2. Add the lemon juice to the apple mixture. The lemon juice not only adds a touch of brightness but also helps prevent the apples from browning too quickly. Toss everything together until the apples are well coated.
3. Dot the apple mixture with the small pieces of butter. This will add richness and a lovely buttery flavor to the filling as it cooks.
4. Give the mixture one final toss to ensure the butter is distributed throughout. Set aside while you prepare the crust. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Assembling the Air Fryer Apple Pie:

1. Lightly grease your air fryer basket or line it with parchment paper. This will prevent the pie from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. If your air fryer is prone to sticking, I highly recommend using parchment paper.
2. On a lightly floured surface, unfold one of the pie crusts. Using a rolling pin, gently roll it out to slightly enlarge it, about 12 inches in diameter. This will give you enough crust to cover the bottom and sides of your air fryer-safe pie dish.
3. Carefully transfer the rolled-out pie crust to your air fryer-safe pie dish (approximately 6-7 inches in diameter). Gently press the crust into the bottom and up the sides of the dish. Trim any excess crust hanging over the edge.
4. Pour the prepared apple filling into the pie crust-lined dish, spreading it evenly. Make sure the apples are nicely distributed for even cooking.
5. Unfold the second pie crust on a lightly floured surface. You have a few options for the top crust:
   • Option 1: Solid Top Crust: Roll out the crust slightly larger than the pie dish. Place it over the apple filling. Trim the edges and crimp them to seal the top and bottom crusts together. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
   • Option 2: Lattice Top Crust: Cut the crust into strips. Weave the strips over the apple filling in a lattice pattern. Trim the edges and crimp them to seal the lattice to the bottom crust.
   • Option 3: Crumb Topping (if you prefer): Instead of a top crust, you can make a crumb topping with flour, butter, and sugar. Sprinkle it evenly over the apple filling.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and a tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush the egg wash evenly over the top crust (or lattice strips). This will give the pie a beautiful golden-brown color.
7. Sprinkle the top crust with granulated sugar. This adds a touch of sweetness and a lovely sparkle.

Cooking the Apple Pie in the Air Fryer:

1. Carefully place the pie dish into the preheated air fryer basket.
2. Air fry at 320°F (160°C) for 35-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. The exact cooking time will depend on your air fryer model, so keep a close eye on it.
3. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the pie with foil during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking. This will prevent it from burning.
4. Once the pie is done, carefully remove it from the air fryer. Let it cool in the pie dish for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set slightly and prevents it from being too runny.

Serving and Storage:

1. Serve the air fryer apple pie warm or at room temperature.
2. For an extra special treat, top each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a dollop of whipped cream.
3. Store leftover apple pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
4. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Tips for the Perfect Air Fryer Apple Pie:

• Choose the right apples: A mix of tart and sweet apples, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, works best for a balanced flavor.
• Don’t overfill the pie: Overfilling can cause the filling to bubble over and make a mess in your air fryer.
• Adjust cooking time as needed: Air fryers vary, so keep an eye on the pie and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Let it cool completely: Cooling allows the filling to set and prevents the pie from being too runny.
• Get creative with the crust: Experiment with different crust designs, like a lattice top or decorative cutouts.
• Add a touch of spice: A pinch of ground ginger or cardamom can add a unique flavor to the apple filling.
• Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the pie will taste.
• Preheat your air fryer: Preheating ensures even cooking and a crispy crust.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Make sure there’s enough space around the pie for air to circulate properly.
• Enjoy! The most important tip is to have fun and enjoy the process of making this delicious air fryer apple pie.

Troubleshooting:

• Crust is browning too quickly: Cover the pie loosely with foil during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.
• Filling is too runny: Make sure to let the pie cool completely before slicing. You can also add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the apple filling to help thicken it.
• Crust is soggy: Make sure to preheat your air fryer and don’t overfill the pie. You can also brush the bottom crust with egg wash before adding the filling.
• Pie is not cooking evenly: Rotate the pie halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

Variations:

• Caramel Apple Pie: Add a layer of caramel sauce to the bottom of the pie crust before adding the apple filling.
• Apple Cranberry Pie: Add 1 cup of fresh or frozen cranberries to the apple filling.
• Apple Walnut Pie: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts to the apple filling.
• Dutch Apple Pie: Use a crumb topping instead of a top crust.
• Mini Apple Pies: Use muffin tins to make individual apple pies. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Conclusion:

This Air Fryer Apple Pie recipe isn’t just another dessert; it’s a shortcut to pure, unadulterated comfort. The flaky crust, the warm, spiced apple filling – it’s everything you love about apple pie, but made incredibly easy and surprisingly quick. Seriously, if you’re looking for a dessert that delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort, this is it. I’ve made this countless times, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser, whether it’s a weeknight treat or a last-minute addition to a holiday gathering.

But why is this recipe a must-try? Beyond the ease of using the air fryer, it’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The air fryer creates a beautifully golden and crispy crust that’s far superior to what you might achieve in a conventional oven in the same amount of time. The apples become tender and juicy, infused with the warm spices that scream autumn. And the best part? You can enjoy a slice of homemade apple pie without spending hours in the kitchen.

Now, let’s talk serving suggestions and variations! My personal favorite is to serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream melting over the warm pie is a match made in dessert heaven. But don’t stop there! A dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce also works wonders. For a little extra crunch, sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can easily customize the filling. Add a handful of cranberries for a tart twist, or a splash of bourbon for a boozy kick. You could even experiment with different types of apples. Granny Smith apples provide a nice tartness, while Honeycrisp apples offer a sweeter flavor. A combination of different apples will give you a more complex and interesting flavor profile.

Another fun variation is to make individual mini apple pies using ramekins. This is perfect for portion control or for serving at parties. Simply divide the filling and crust among the ramekins and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own! That’s the beauty of cooking – it’s all about experimenting and finding what you love.

I truly believe that everyone should have this Air Fryer Apple Pie recipe in their repertoire. It’s a simple, satisfying, and delicious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. So, what are you waiting for? Preheat your air fryer, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake up a slice of happiness.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you do, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. Let me know what variations you tried, what you served it with, and how much you loved it. I can’t wait to hear all about your air fryer apple pie adventures! Happy baking!