Easy Apple Pie Air Fryer - Ready in Minutes

Imagine biting into a perfectly flaky, golden apple pie that’s crispy on the outside and filled with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples on the inside. This apple pie air fryer recipe transforms the classic American dessert into a quick, foolproof treat that’s ready in just 20 minutes!

Unlike traditional oven-baked pies that take hours, this innovative method delivers all the nostalgic flavors you crave without the lengthy wait time.

Similar to our popular air fryer chocolate chip cookies, this recipe proves that your air fryer isn’t just for savory dishes – it’s a dessert game-changer that will have your family begging for seconds!

What is Apple Pie Air Fryer?

Ever wondered why we call it “apple pie air fryer” when it’s really just apple pie made easier? This delightful twist on America’s favorite dessert uses the magic of circulating hot air to create that perfect golden crust we all love. It’s like having a tiny bakery right on your countertop!

As they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this recipe is your express ticket there. Ready to become the dessert hero of your household?

Why You’ll Love This Apple Pie Air Fryer

Lightning-Fast Results That Don’t Compromise on Flavor

This apple pie air fryer recipe delivers bakery-quality results in a fraction of the time. The circulating hot air creates an incredibly flaky, golden crust while keeping the apple filling perfectly tender and aromatic.

Budget-Friendly Home Baking

Making apple pie at home costs significantly less than buying from bakeries or stores. You control the quality of ingredients while saving money – a single homemade pie costs about the same as one slice from a restaurant!

Irresistible Flavor Combinations

The warm spices – cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla – meld beautifully with tart apples and buttery pastry. Each bite delivers layers of flavor that remind you why apple pie is America’s sweetheart dessert.

Just like our beloved air fryer donuts, this recipe proves that air fryers excel at creating crispy exteriors with perfectly cooked interiors. Why not give your oven a break and let your air fryer work its magic tonight?

How to Make Apple Pie Air Fryer

Quick Overview

This apple pie air fryer recipe is surprisingly simple and delivers restaurant-quality results. The secret lies in the air fryer’s ability to create even browning while maintaining a tender, flaky texture. With minimal prep work and hands-on time, you’ll have a gorgeous golden pie that’s crispy outside and perfectly spiced inside.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Serves: 6-8 people

Key Ingredients for Apple Pie Air Fryer:

For the Filling:

4 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced thin
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Crust:

1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
1 tablespoon coarse sugar for sprinkling

Equipment Needed:

Air fryer basket or air fryer-safe pie dish
Mixing bowls
Sharp knife
Pastry brush

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prepare the Apple Filling

Start by peeling and thinly slicing your apples into uniform pieces, about 1/8-inch thick. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Add lemon juice and vanilla extract, then toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated. Let this mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Prepare Your Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C). If using an air fryer basket, line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. For air fryer-safe pie dishes, lightly grease the bottom and sides.

Assemble the Bottom Crust

Roll out one pie crust and carefully place it in your air fryer basket or pie dish. Press gently into the corners and up the sides, leaving about 1/2 inch overhang. If using a basket, create a small pie by folding the parchment paper to form walls.

Add the Apple Filling

Spoon the prepared apple mixture into the crust, distributing it evenly. Don’t overfill – the apples will cook down slightly. Dot the filling with small pieces of butter if desired for extra richness.

Create the Top Crust

Roll out the second pie crust and place it over the filling. Trim any excess dough, leaving about 1/2 inch overhang. Pinch the edges of both crusts together to seal, then crimp with a fork or your fingers for a decorative edge.

Apply Finishing Touches

Brush the top crust with beaten egg for that beautiful golden color. Sprinkle with coarse sugar for added sweetness and crunch. Cut 4-5 small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during cooking.

Air Fry to Perfection

Place the pie in your preheated air fryer and cook at 320°F (160°C) for 18-20 minutes. Check halfway through – if the crust is browning too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil. The pie is done when the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

Cool and Serve

Remove the pie carefully using the parchment paper overhang or oven mitts. Let it cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing to allow the filling to set properly.

What to Serve Apple Pie Air Fryer With

Classic Accompaniments

Vanilla ice cream – the cold creaminess perfectly balances the warm spiced apples
Fresh whipped cream with a dash of cinnamon
Caramel sauce drizzled over each slice

Beverage Pairings

Hot coffee or espresso
Spiced chai tea or apple cider
Cold milk for a nostalgic touch

Complementary Desserts

Serve alongside our air fryer cinnamon rolls for a complete dessert spread
Pair with fresh berries for added color and freshness

Top Tips for Perfecting Apple Pie Air Fryer

Choose the Right Apples Granny Smith apples are ideal because they hold their shape during cooking and provide the perfect tart balance to sweet spices. Honeycrisp and Braeburn also work well if you prefer slightly sweeter fruit.

Prevent Soggy Bottom Crust Pre-bake your bottom crust for 3-4 minutes before adding the filling. This creates a barrier that prevents the fruit juices from making the crust soggy.

Temperature Control is Key Don’t rush by increasing the temperature – 320°F is the sweet spot that cooks the filling thoroughly while achieving perfect crust browning.

Ingredient Substitutions

Replace all-purpose flour with cornstarch for a clearer filling
Substitute coconut sugar for granulated sugar for deeper flavor
Add a tablespoon of bourbon or rum extract for adult flavor complexity

Avoid Common Mistakes

Don’t skip the egg wash – it’s essential for that golden, bakery-style finish
Always cut steam vents to prevent the crust from puffing up unevenly
Let the pie cool adequately; cutting too early results in runny filling

Storing and Reheating Tips

Proper Storage Methods Store your apple pie air fryer creation covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Freezing Instructions This pie freezes beautifully! Wrap completely cooled pie in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze individual slices for quick single servings.

Reheating Guidelines

Air fryer: Reheat individual slices at 300°F for 3-4 minutes
Oven: Whole pie at 350°F for 10-15 minutes
Microwave: 30-45 seconds for single slices (crust won’t be crispy)

Pro Storage Tip Place a paper towel under the pie when storing to absorb any excess moisture and keep the bottom crust crisp.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Per Slice (1/8 of pie)
Calories	285
Total Fat	12g
Saturated Fat	5g
Cholesterol	25mg
Sodium	195mg
Total Carbohydrates	45g
Dietary Fiber	3g
Total Sugars	22g
Protein	3g
Vitamin C	8% DV
Calcium	2% DV

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen apples for this recipe? Yes, but thaw and drain them thoroughly first. Frozen apples release more moisture, so add an extra tablespoon of flour to the filling to prevent sogginess.

What size air fryer do I need? A 3.5-quart air fryer or larger works best. For smaller air fryers, make individual hand pies using the same filling and crust.

How do I know when the pie is fully cooked? The crust should be golden brown and the filling should be bubbling around the edges. Insert a knife into the center – the apples should be tender.

Can I make this pie ahead of time? Absolutely! Assemble the pie completely and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before air frying. Add 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time if starting from cold.

Why is my crust not browning evenly? Rotate your pie halfway through cooking for even browning. Some air fryer models have hot spots, so this ensures uniform coloring.

Can I use store-bought pie filling instead? While you can, homemade filling tastes significantly better and allows you to control sugar content and spice levels.

What’s the best way to slice air fryer apple pie? Use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts. Let the pie cool for at least 15 minutes for clean slices that hold their shape.

Can I double this recipe? Most air fryers accommodate one pie at a time. Instead, make multiple smaller pies or individual portions for faster cooking.

Pro Chef Secrets

The Science Behind Air Fryer Success Air fryers work by circulating superheated air rapidly around food, creating the Maillard reaction that gives us that golden, crispy exterior. This same principle that makes french fries crispy works magic on pie crusts too!

Advanced Flavor Techniques

Add a pinch of cardamom or allspice to your apple mixture for complexity
Brush the bottom crust with melted butter mixed with cinnamon before adding filling
Try a mix of apple varieties for more complex flavor profiles

Troubleshooting Common Issues If your pie crust is browning too quickly, create a foil tent over the pie for the last 5-8 minutes of cooking. This prevents burning while allowing the filling to finish cooking.

Seasonal Variations

Fall: Add crystallized ginger and a splash of maple syrup
Winter: Include dried cranberries and orange zest
Spring: Mix in fresh rhubarb for tartness
Summer: Add fresh berries for color and extra fruit flavor

This apple pie air fryer recipe revolutionizes traditional baking by delivering all the comfort and satisfaction of classic apple pie in a fraction of the time. Whether you’re entertaining guests or satisfying a sudden dessert craving, this method ensures consistent, delicious results every single time. The combination of tender, spiced apples and perfectly golden, flaky crust makes this a recipe you’ll return to again and again.

Ready to become the dessert hero in your household? Fire up that air fryer and get ready for the most delicious 20 minutes of your day!