Air Fryer Apple Pie
If you love classic apple pie but don’t want to heat up the oven, this air fryer version is a game changer. It delivers a golden crust, tender cinnamon apples, and that buttery aroma in a fraction of the time. The texture lands somewhere between a traditional pie and a soft apple cake, making it perfect for tea time, dessert, or even a cozy weekend breakfast.
This recipe keeps things simple with pantry staples, yet the result tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 45–50 minutes
Servings: 6–8 slices
Ingredients
Core Ingredients
3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
2–3 large eggs, room temperature
50 g (1.8 oz) sugar for the batter
2 tablespoons sugar (extra, for coating apples)
100 g (3.5 oz) butter, room temperature
250 g (8.8 oz) all-purpose flour
Pinch of salt
Flavor Enhancers
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or vanilla sugar)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
Prepare the apples.
Peel, core, and slice the apples evenly. Toss them with lemon juice, cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons sugar. Set aside.
Cream butter and sugar.
In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and 50 g sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Add vanilla.
Stir in the vanilla extract for extra aroma.
Combine dry ingredients.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
Make the batter.
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
Prepare the pan.
Grease a small cake pan or baking dish that fits inside your air fryer basket. Line with parchment if needed.
Layer apples and batter.
Spread half the batter into the pan. Add a layer of apples. Top with remaining batter and finish with remaining apples arranged decoratively.
Air fry.
Preheat air fryer to 160°C (320°F). Cook for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and serve.
Let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Tips
Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Fuji for structure.
Slice apples evenly for uniform cooking.
Don’t overload the batter with apples or it may become soggy.
Check at the 20-minute mark to prevent over-browning.
If browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
Always preheat the air fryer for best texture.
Room temperature butter blends more smoothly.
Use parchment with overhang for easy lifting.
Let the pie cool slightly before cutting to avoid crumbling.
Serve warm for the best flavor experience.
Variations
Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
Mix brown sugar instead of white for caramel notes.
Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for warmth.
Stir raisins into the apple mixture.
Drizzle caramel sauce before serving.
Swap half the flour for whole wheat flour.
Add a crumb topping made with butter, sugar, and flour.
Include thin pear slices along with apples.
Use vanilla sugar instead of extract for a subtle aroma.
Add a spoonful of yogurt or sour cream to the batter for extra moisture.
Q&A
Can I use any apple variety?
Yes, but firm apples hold their shape better.
Do I need baking powder?
This recipe relies on eggs for lift, but you may add 1 teaspoon baking powder for extra fluffiness.
What size pan works best?
A 6–7 inch round pan fits most standard air fryers.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes, store covered at room temperature for up to 1 day or refrigerate for 3 days.
How do I reheat it?
Warm slices in the air fryer for 3–4 minutes at 150°C.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months.
Why is my center undercooked?
It may need a few extra minutes or thinner apple slices.
Can I reduce sugar?
Yes, especially if using sweet apples.
Is it supposed to be cake-like?
Yes, this version has a soft, tender crumb.
Can I double the recipe?
Only if your air fryer fits a larger pan; otherwise bake in batches.
Nutrition
(Approx. per slice, based on 8 servings)
Calories: 280–320 kcal
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Protein: 5 g
Fat: 13 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Fiber: 2–3 g
Sugar: 18 g
Values may vary depending on apple type and portion size.
Conclusion
This Air Fryer Apple Pie proves you don’t need a traditional oven to create a comforting homemade dessert. It’s simple, reliable, and adaptable to your taste. The balance of buttery batter and cinnamon apples gives you that nostalgic flavor with less effort and quicker cooking time.
Whether you serve it plain, with whipped cream, or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it’s the kind of dessert that feels special without being complicated. Once you try it in the air fryer, it might just become your new go-to apple treat.