How to Reheat Pies in Air Fryer? Easy Golden Method

Introduction

If you’re sick of soggy, rubbery leftover pie slices from the microwave or chewy, overbaked pieces from the oven, you’re in luck: learning How to Reheat Pies in Air Fryer? is the easiest way to get perfectly crispy, golden crust and warm, gooey filling every single time. Whether you’re dealing with leftover Thanksgiving apple pie, a store-bought chicken pot pie, or a slice of banana cream pie from your favorite bakery, the air fryer delivers restaurant-quality results in a fraction of the time. This guide covers every step, tip, and trick you need to master reheating all types of pies in your air fryer, no fancy skills required.

Table of Contents

• Why Reheating Pies in an Air Fryer Beats Every Other Method
• What Types of Pies Work Best for Air Fryer Reheating
• Prep Work: Steps to Take Before Reheating Your Pie
• The Golden Step-by-Step Method to Reheat Pies in Air Fryer
  • Reheating Fruit Pies
  • Reheating Savory Meat Pies
  • Reheating Cream and Custard Pies
• Temperature and Time Guide for Every Pie Variety
• Common Mistakes to Avoid When Reheating Pies in Air Fryer
• Pro Tips for Extra Crispy, Golden Crust Every Time
• How to Reheat Frozen Pies Directly in the Air Fryer
• Storing Leftover Pies for Perfect Reheating Later
• Frequently Asked Questions About Reheating Pies in Air Fryer
• Conclusion

Why Reheating Pies in an Air Fryer Beats Every Other Method

When you master How to Reheat Pies in Air Fryer?, you’ll never go back to other reheating methods again. Let’s break down why the air fryer is the clear winner for leftover pie:

• Oven reheating requires 15-20 minutes of preheating, then another 10-15 minutes of cook time, uses far more energy, and often leaves the crust chewy or overbaked if you don’t monitor it constantly.
• Microwave reheating is fast, but it steams the crust, turning it soggy, rubbery, and unappetizing, while also creating hot spots in the filling that burn your mouth.
• Stovetop reheating risks burning the bottom of the crust before the filling is fully warm, and it never crisps the top of the pie.

The air fryer uses rapid, circulating hot air to cook all sides of the pie evenly, crisping the crust to golden perfection while heating the filling through in 3 to 18 minutes, depending on size and type. It preheats in just 3 minutes, uses less energy than a full oven, and delivers consistent results every time, no monitoring required.

What Types of Pies Work Best for Air Fryer Reheating

Virtually every type of pie reheats beautifully in an air fryer, from sweet dessert pies to hearty savory options. The best candidates for air fryer reheating include:

• Fruit pies: Apple, cherry, blueberry, rhubarb, pecan, and berry pies all crisp up perfectly, with the filling staying warm and bubbly.
• Savory pies: Chicken pot pie, steak and kidney pie, shepherd’s pie, quiche, and hand pies reheat with a crispy crust and warm, savory filling.
• Cream and custard pies: Pumpkin, sweet potato, banana cream, key lime, and coconut cream pies stay creamy and rich, with a crisp, golden crust.
• Frozen pre-made pies: Store-bought frozen pies reheat just as well as homemade, with no sogginess.

The only pies that may need extra care are meringue-topped pies (the meringue will toast nicely, but can burn if left too long) and pies with extremely runny fillings (add a extra 1-2 minutes of cook time, and check frequently to avoid spills).

Prep Work: Steps to Take Before Reheating Your Pie

A little bit of prep before you pop your pie in the air fryer will ensure the best results, no sogginess or burnt crust. Follow these simple steps first:

1. Take the chill off: If your pie is refrigerated, leave it out on the counter for 10-15 minutes before reheating. This prevents a cold center and helps it heat evenly.
2. Remove all packaging: Take off any plastic wrap, foil, or paper packaging. Never reheat plastic in the air fryer, as it will melt and release harmful chemicals, and ruin your pie.
3. Prep the crust (optional): If your crust is already a little stale or you want extra crispiness, brush a tiny bit of melted butter, olive oil, or egg wash over the top and sides of the crust. For extra soggy crusts, sprinkle a light dusting of cornstarch on the bottom to absorb excess moisture.
4. Separate slices if needed: If you’re reheating multiple slices, make sure they’re not stuck together, and arrange them in a single layer with space between each slice for air circulation.
5. Prick the crust (for thick crusts): If your pie has a thick, uncrimped crust, prick the bottom a few times with a fork to let steam escape, preventing sogginess.

The Golden Step-by-Step Method to Reheat Pies in Air Fryer

This no-fail method works for every type of pie, and delivers crispy, golden crust and evenly heated filling every time. Follow these general steps first, then check the specific instructions for your pie type below.

Reheating Fruit Pies

Fruit pies like apple, cherry, and pecan reheat incredibly well in the air fryer, with a crisp crust and warm, bubbly filling:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes.
2. Place the pie slice or whole small pie directly in the air fryer basket, crust-side up. For whole 9-inch pies, you may need to use a larger air fryer, or reheat in batches if it doesn’t fit.
3. Reheat for 3-5 minutes for slices, 8-10 minutes for 6-inch whole pies, or 12-15 minutes for 9-inch whole pies.
4. Flip slices halfway through cooking if the bottom is not crisping up evenly. If the top is browning too fast, cover loosely with a small piece of aluminum foil.
5. The pie is done when the crust is deep golden and crispy to the touch, and the filling is bubbly and steaming. Let it rest for 1-2 minutes before serving to let the filling set.

Reheating Savory Meat Pies

Savory pies like chicken pot pie, steak and kidney pie, and quiche get an extra crispy crust and warm, savory filling in the air fryer:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes.
2. Place the pie slice or whole pie in the basket, crust-side up. If your pie has a very thick top crust, you can cover it loosely with foil for the first half of cooking to prevent burning.
3. Reheat for 4-6 minutes for slices, 10-12 minutes for 6-inch whole pies, or 15-18 minutes for 9-inch whole pies.
4. Check the internal temperature of the filling with a food thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety. Flip slices halfway through if needed.
5. Let rest for 1 minute before serving to avoid burning your mouth on the hot filling.

Reheating Cream and Custard Pies

Delicate cream, custard, and pumpkin pies need a lower temperature to avoid curdling the filling or burning the crust:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 325°F (160°C) for 3 minutes.
2. Place the pie slice or whole pie in the basket, crust-side up. Do not cover with foil, as this will trap moisture and make the crust soggy.
3. Reheat for 3-4 minutes for slices, 8-10 minutes for 6-inch whole pies, or 12-14 minutes for 9-inch whole pies.
4. Check after 2 minutes for slices to avoid overcooking. The pie is done when the crust is golden and the filling is warm to the touch (not hot). If your pie has a meringue topping, it will toast lightly, which adds a nice texture.
5. Let rest for 1-2 minutes before serving to let the filling set fully.

Temperature and Time Guide for Every Pie Variety

Use this quick reference guide to get perfect results for any pie type. These times are for standard air fryers; adjust by 1-2 minutes if your model runs hotter or colder than average.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Reheating Pies in Air Fryer

Avoid these common errors to ensure your reheated pie turns out perfect every time:

1. Overcrowding the air fryer basket: Blocking air circulation leads to soggy, unevenly heated crusts. Only reheat 1-2 slices at a time for small air fryers, 3-4 for larger models, and arrange them in a single layer with space between each piece.
2. Using too high a temperature: High heat burns the crust before the filling is fully warm, especially for delicate cream and nut pies. Stick to the recommended 325-350°F range for most pies.
3. Skipping preheating: Preheating ensures even cooking and prevents cold spots in the filling. Always preheat your air fryer for 3 minutes before adding the pie.
4. Reheating pies still in plastic or foil packaging: Plastic melts in the high heat of the air fryer, releasing chemicals and ruining your pie. Always remove all packaging before cooking.
5. Overcooking cream pies: High heat or long cook times cause custard fillings to curdle and become grainy. Check cream pies early and remove them as soon as the filling is warm.
6. Leaving the pie in the air fryer after it’s done: The residual heat will continue cooking the pie, leading to burnt crust or dried-out filling. Remove it as soon as it’s done and let it rest on a heat-safe surface.

Pro Tips for Extra Crispy, Golden Crust Every Time

Take your reheated pie to the next level with these simple pro tips:

• Brush the crust with fat: Before reheating, brush the top and sides of the crust with a tiny bit of melted butter, olive oil, or egg wash (1 egg yolk mixed with 1 teaspoon of water). This enhances browning and adds extra crispiness.
• Use a crisper plate or liner: If your air fryer came with a crisper plate, use it to elevate the pie, allowing hot air to circulate under the crust for even crispiness. You can also use a perforated air fryer liner to prevent sticking without blocking air flow.
• Add a crunchy topping: For fruit pies, sprinkle a light layer of coarse sugar or crushed nuts on the crust halfway through reheating for an extra crunchy, flavorful topping.
• Cover edges for nut pies: For pecan or nut pies, cover the edges of the crust with small strips of aluminum foil halfway through cooking to prevent burning, while letting the top crisp up.
• Reheat in batches for large groups: If you’re reheating multiple slices for a party, do them in small batches to avoid overcrowding, and keep finished slices warm in a 200°F oven until you’re ready to serve.

How to Reheat Frozen Pies Directly in the Air Fryer

If you forgot to thaw your pie ahead of time, you can still reheat it directly from frozen in the air fryer for great results:

1. If you have 1-2 hours of lead time, thaw the pie in the refrigerator first for the best texture. If you need to reheat it fully frozen, skip the thaw step.
2. Preheat your air fryer to 325°F (160°C) for 3 minutes. For frozen fruit or savory pies, you can use 350°F if you prefer a crispier crust.
3. Place the frozen pie directly in the air fryer basket, no need to remove any plastic wrap (as long as it’s labeled air fryer safe) – just make sure it’s not touching the heating element.
4. Add 2-3 minutes to the standard reheating time for your pie type. For example, a frozen 6-inch chicken pot pie will take 13-15 minutes, a frozen 9-inch apple pie will take 17-20 minutes.
5. Flip or rotate the pie halfway through cooking if your air fryer has hot spots. Check that savory fillings reach 165°F (74°C) before serving.
6. Let rest for 2 minutes before serving, as frozen pies may have a slightly softer crust than thawed ones, but will still be far crispier than microwave-reheated versions.

Storing Leftover Pies for Perfect Reheating Later

How you store your leftover pie will make a huge difference in how well it reheats. Follow these storage tips for best results:

• Cool completely first: Let the pie cool to room temperature (no more than 2 hours) before storing. Putting a warm pie in the fridge creates condensation, which makes the crust soggy.
• Store airtight: Wrap the pie tightly with plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. For sliced pies, separate slices with parchment paper so they don’t stick together.
• Storage times: Fruit pies can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. Savory and cream pies should be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. All pies can be frozen for up to 3 months if wrapped tightly.
• Thaw properly: If you’re reheating a frozen pie, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture. Never thaw pies at room temperature, as this will make the crust soggy.
• Special note for meringue pies: Store meringue-topped pies uncovered in the refrigerator for 1-2 days to keep the meringue fluffy. Reheat in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes to toast the meringue again before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Reheating Pies in Air Fryer

Can I reheat a pie with a pastry lid in the air fryer?

Absolutely! Pastry lids reheat beautifully in the air fryer, getting just as crispy as the rest of the crust. Just make sure the lid is not covered in any foil or plastic, and place the pie lid-side up if it’s a separate lid, or whole pie up if it’s attached. If the top is browning too fast, cover loosely with a small piece of foil.

Will reheating a pie in the air fryer dry out the filling?

Not if you follow the recommended temperature and time guides! The hot air circulates evenly, heating the filling through without drying it out. For fruit pies with juicy fillings, you can add a tiny sprinkle of water on the filling before reheating if you’re worried about it being too thick, but most of the time, the natural moisture is enough. Cream pies stay creamy as long as you don’t overheat them.

Can I use aluminum foil in the air fryer when reheating pies?

Yes, but only if you’re using it to cover the top of the pie to prevent over-browning, not to line the entire basket (that blocks air circulation). Make sure the foil is secured so it doesn’t blow around and touch the heating element, which can be a fire hazard. Avoid using foil with acidic fillings like cherry or apple, as it can react and leave a metallic taste.

How do I know when my reheated pie is done?

For fruit and savory pies, the crust should be deep golden brown and crispy to the touch, and the filling should be bubbly and steaming. For cream pies, the crust should be golden, and the filling should be warm to the touch (not hot, to avoid curdling). For savory pies, use a food thermometer to check that the filling reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

Can I reheat multiple pie slices at once in the air fryer?

Yes, as long as you don’t overcrowd the basket. Arrange the slices in a single layer with a little space between each one so hot air can circulate around all sides. If your air fryer is small, you may need to reheat in batches. Overcrowding will lead to soggy, unevenly heated crusts.

Is it safe to reheat pies with raw egg in the filling in the air fryer?

Yes, as long as the filling reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), which the air fryer will do easily in the recommended time. This kills any harmful bacteria, making it safe to eat. Just use a food thermometer to check if you’re unsure, especially for custard or cream pies with egg.

Can I reheat a quiche in the air fryer?

Yes! Quiche reheats perfectly in the air fryer. Preheat to 325°F, reheat slices for 3-4 minutes, whole small quiche for 8-10 minutes. The crust stays crispy, and the egg filling stays fluffy and creamy, no rubbery texture like you get from the microwave.

Can I reheat a pie with ice cream on top in the air fryer?

No, never reheat a pie with ice cream (like à la mode) in the air fryer, the ice cream will melt immediately and make a mess. Instead, reheat the pie first, then add a scoop of ice cream on top right before serving.

Conclusion

Now that you know exactly How to Reheat Pies in Air Fryer?, you can enjoy perfect leftover pies any time, without the sogginess or long wait times of other methods. Whether you’re reviving a slice of holiday apple pie, a quick weeknight chicken pot pie, or a creamy slice of pumpkin pie, the air fryer delivers crispy, golden crust and evenly warmed filling in minutes. Follow the golden method, avoid common mistakes, and use the pro tips above, and you’ll never have to settle for subpar leftover pie again. Next time you have leftover pie, skip the microwave and oven – your air fryer will give you results that taste just as good as freshly baked.