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You can cook a pumpkin pie in an air fryer, and it turns out beautifully with a creamy custard filling and a perfectly set crust.
The air fryer circulates hot air around the pie, which bakes the filling evenly and gives the crust a lovely golden finish.
If you’ve been wondering how to cook a pumpkin pie in an air fryer without heating up your whole kitchen, you’re in the right place.
It’s faster than a traditional oven and works wonderfully for small pies that fit right in the basket.
In this post, we’ll walk through how to cook a pumpkin pie in an air fryer step by step, plus tips to get that classic silky texture every time.
Let’s dive in.
Why You Should Cook a Pumpkin Pie in an Air Fryer
Cooking a pumpkin pie in an air fryer is a game changer for small-batch baking, and here’s why:
1. It’s Faster Than a Traditional Oven
An air fryer preheats in just a couple of minutes, while a full-size oven can take fifteen to twenty.
Because the air fryer is smaller, the heat stays concentrated around the pie, so your pumpkin pie cooks faster too.
Most mini pumpkin pies are done in about 25 to 35 minutes, which means you can go from craving to dessert much quicker.
2. It Won’t Heat Up Your Kitchen
Running a big oven for one small pie feels wasteful, especially on a warm day.
When you cook a pumpkin pie in an air fryer, all that heat stays contained inside the appliance.
Your kitchen stays cool, your energy bill stays low, and you still get a delicious homemade pie.
3. Perfect for Small Servings
Air fryer baskets are made for smaller portions, which is ideal if you’re baking for one or two people.
You can make individual pumpkin pies or a six-inch pie without any leftovers going to waste.
It’s also a fun way to let everyone customize their own little pie with different toppings.
How to Cook a Pumpkin Pie in an Air Fryer Step by Step
Now let’s get into the actual process of how to cook a pumpkin pie in an air fryer.
Follow these steps and you’ll have a gorgeous pie in no time.
1. Gather Your Ingredients
You’ll need one cup of pumpkin puree, one egg, half a cup of evaporated milk, a third of a cup of sugar, and a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice.
A pinch of salt and a splash of vanilla extract round things out nicely.
For the crust, you can use a store-bought refrigerated pie dough or make your own favorite recipe.
2. Prepare the Crust
Press your pie dough into a small pie pan that fits inside your air fryer basket.
Trim the edges and crimp them however you like.
Prick the bottom a few times with a fork so steam can escape and the crust doesn’t puff up.
If you want an extra crisp bottom, blind bake the crust for about five minutes first.
3. Mix the Filling
Whisk together the pumpkin puree, egg, evaporated milk, sugar, spice, salt, and vanilla until smooth.
Don’t overmix, or you’ll whip too much air into the filling and it may crack while baking.
Pour the filling into your prepared crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
4. Bake in the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 325°F for a few minutes.
Place the pie pan carefully into the basket, making sure it sits flat.
Cook the pumpkin pie for 25 to 35 minutes, checking at the 25-minute mark.
The pie is done when the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.
5. Cool and Serve
Once your pumpkin pie is cooked, let it cool in the air fryer basket for about ten minutes.
Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
This resting time lets the custard set fully, so your slices come out clean and neat.
Serve with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon if you’re feeling fancy.
Tips for the Perfect Air Fryer Pumpkin Pie
Getting your pumpkin pie just right in the air fryer takes a little know-how, so keep these tips in mind.
1. Don’t Overfill the Pan
Leave a little room at the top of the crust because the filling puffs slightly as it bakes.
An overfilled pie can spill over and make a mess in your air fryer basket.
2. Cover the Edges if Needed
Air fryers circulate hot air fast, which can brown the crust edges too quickly.
If you notice the edges getting dark, cover them loosely with a strip of foil.
3. Check for Doneness Early
Every air fryer runs a little differently, so start checking your pie a few minutes before the recipe time.
A slight wobble in the center is perfect, but if the whole surface is liquid, give it more time.
4. Let It Rest Before Slicing
It’s tempting to dig in right away, but patience pays off here.
The filling continues to set as it cools, giving you that classic creamy pumpkin pie texture.
So, How Do You Cook a Pumpkin Pie in an Air Fryer?
You cook a pumpkin pie in an air fryer by preparing a small crust, mixing a simple pumpkin custard, and baking it at 325°F for about 25 to 35 minutes.
It’s a quick, easy way to enjoy a homemade pumpkin pie without firing up your big oven.
Just remember to cool it fully before slicing so the filling sets properly.
Now that you know how to cook a pumpkin pie in an air fryer, you can whip one up anytime the craving strikes.
Happy baking.