Small pie tins fit most air fryer baskets, but the metal type and size determine whether they bake evenly. So, can you put a pie tin in an air fryer? Yes, you can, and it works great for small pies, tarts, and quiches as long as you pick the right tin and leave room for air to move.
This guide covers which tins fit, which ones to avoid, and how to bake a pie in your air fryer without a soggy crust or a messy cleanup.
Can You Put A Pie Tin In An Air Fryer
The short answer is yes. Air fryers are basically small convection ovens, so a pie tin works the same way it does in a regular oven. The hot air circulates around the tin and bakes the crust from all sides.
But there is a catch. Not every pie tin fits, and not every metal is safe. The size of your air fryer basket and the material of the tin matter more than most people think.
Why It Works
Air fryers move hot air fast. That moving air hits the top and sides of the pie, which helps brown the crust. A metal tin conducts heat well, so the bottom of the crust cooks too.
Glass and ceramic pans heat slower. They still work, but the crust may stay pale. Metal is the better pick for a crisp result.
What Size Pie Tin Fits
Most air fryer baskets are between 5 and 8 inches wide. A standard 9 inch pie tin will not fit in a small unit. Here is a quick guide:
- 3 quart air fryer: use a 4 to 5 inch mini tin
- 5 to 6 quart air fryer: use a 6 to 7 inch tin
- 8 quart or larger: a 8 inch tin may fit, check first
Always measure your basket before you buy a tin. Leave at least half an inch of space around the tin so air can flow.
Which Pie Tins Are Safe To Use
Not all metals handle high heat the same way. Some are fine, and some can warp or release fumes.
Aluminum Tins
Aluminum is the most common pie tin material. It heats fast and bakes evenly. Disposable foil tins work too, but they are flimsy. Set them on a small rack or they may fold when you lift them out.
Steel And Carbon Steel Tins
These are sturdy and hold heat well. They take a few extra minutes to preheat, but the crust comes out golden. Just watch for sharp edges on cheap tins.
Tins To Avoid
- Tins with plastic handles or coated rims that can melt
- Tins larger then your basket, they block airflow
- Rusty or dented tins that may flake into food
- Thin foil pans without support, they bend and spill
Can You Use Glass Or Ceramic
Yes, if the label says oven safe. But glass heats slow, so add 5 to 10 minutes to the bake time. Also, never put a cold glass dish into a hot air fryer. It can crack.
How To Bake A Pie In An Air Fryer
Follow these steps for a even bake and a clean basket.
- Measure your basket and pick a tin that leaves half an inch of space on all sides.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F for 3 minutes. This helps the bottom crust set.
- Place the pie tin in the basket. Do not stack two tins.
- Set the temperature to 350°F for most fruit pies. Use 375°F for meat pies.
- Bake for 20 to 30 minutes. Check at 20 minutes.
- Rotate the tin halfway through if your air fryer heats uneven.
- Cover the crust with foil if it browns to fast.
- Let the pie rest for 10 minutes before you slice it.
Time And Temperature Tips
Air fryers run hotter then regular ovens. Drop the temp by 25°F from your normal recipe. So if a recipe says 375°F, set your air fryer to 350°F.
Small pies cook faster. A mini 4 inch pie may be done in 15 minutes. A 7 inch pie needs closer to 25 or 30 minutes.
How To Avoid A Soggy Bottom
- Preheat the air fryer and the tin
- Use a metal tin, not glass
- Prick the bottom crust with a fork before you add filling
- Do not overfill, extra liquid makes the crust wet
- Let the pie sit 10 minutes after baking so steam escapes
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Even with the right tin, small errors can ruin the bake. Here are the ones I see most.
Blocking The Airflow
If the tin touches the sides of the basket, air cannot move. The crust stays pale on one side and burns on the other. Always leave a gap.
Using A Tin That Is To Tall
Deep dish tins can hit the heating element on top. That burns the crust and can start a mess. Stick with shallow tins, about 1 to 1.5 inches deep.
Not Cleaning The Basket After
Pie filling bubbles over. It happens. Line the basket with foil or parchment for easy cleanup. But never let the liner block the air vents.
Opening The Basket To Often
Each time you open it, heat escapes. The pie takes longer and the crust may not brown. Check once at the halfway mark, then leave it alone.
Cleaning And Care
Let the tin cool before you wash it. Hot metal can warp in cold water. Most aluminum and steel tins are hand wash only. A soft sponge and warm soapy water works fine.
If you used a disposable foil tin, just toss it. No cleanup needed.
Wipe the air fryer basket with a damp cloth after each use. Stuck on filling hardens fast and becomes hard to remove later.
Final Thoughts
You can put a pie tin in an air fryer, and the results are often better then a big oven for small pies. The key is size and material. Pick a metal tin that fits with room to spare, preheat the unit, and drop the temp by 25°F.
Once you try it, you may never heat up the full oven for a single pie again. Just measure first, keep the tin shallow, and let the pie rest before you cut it.