Easy Air Fryer Pumpkin Pie: Your Ultimate Guide to a Creamy Holiday Dessert

Get ready to elevate your holiday dessert game with this incredible Air Fryer Pumpkin Pie! Forget about oven space struggles and long baking times; your air fryer is about to become your new best friend for creating a perfectly creamy, spiced, and absolutely irresistible pumpkin pie. This homemade recipe is not just easy to whip up, but it promises a delightful texture and rich flavor that will make it a cherished family favorite for every festive gathering. Prepare for compliments!

Every holiday season brings a feast of delicious dishes, and often, the biggest challenge is coordinating oven space. This is where the air fryer truly shines! By utilizing your air fryer for desserts like this creamy pumpkin pie, you free up your main oven for larger items like that perfectly roasted turkey or savory ham. Not only does it save precious oven real estate, but air frying can also result in faster cooking times and beautifully consistent results. This specific pumpkin pie recipe is designed for maximum ease and spectacular flavor, ensuring your holiday baking is stress-free and utterly delightful.

Why You’ll Adore This Air Fryer Pumpkin Pie

This isn’t just any pumpkin pie; it’s a homemade masterpiece made effortlessly in your air fryer. Here’s what makes it so special:

• Unbelievably Creamy Texture: The filling is rich, smooth, and melts in your mouth, thanks to the perfect balance of pumpkin and dairy.
• Perfectly Spiced: A harmonious blend of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg creates that quintessential warm, autumnal flavor everyone craves.
• Crisp Crust (Without the Fuss): Our method includes a quick blind bake to ensure your crust is wonderfully flaky and never soggy, even with the moist filling.
• Time-Saving & Convenient: Leveraging the air fryer means your pie bakes faster, and you avoid tying up your main oven, which is a lifesaver during busy holiday meal preparations.
• Simple Ingredients: You’ll use readily available ingredients, making this a go-to recipe you can prepare without a last-minute grocery dash.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to air frying, this recipe will guide you to a perfect pumpkin pie every time.

Explore More Air Fryer Desserts and Snacks

The air fryer is a versatile kitchen appliance, perfect for more than just savory dishes. If you’re looking to expand your air fryer repertoire beyond this delicious pumpkin pie, be sure to check out these other fantastic recipes. They’re just as easy and satisfying!

• Air Fryer Cookies
• Air Fryer Pizza Rolls (for a quick savory treat!)
• Air Fryer Cheesecake
• For a healthier option, try Air Fryer Apple Slices.

Essential Equipment and Ingredients for Air Fryer Pumpkin Pie

Before diving into the deliciousness, let’s gather everything you’ll need. The right tools and quality ingredients are key to a successful and flavorful pumpkin pie.

Equipment You’ll Need:

I personally use a Cosori air fryer oven with a square basket, which I highly recommend. However, the most crucial piece of equipment for this recipe, besides your air fryer, is a pie dish that comfortably fits inside your specific model. Air fryers come in various shapes and sizes (basket-style, oven-style), so it’s vital to measure your air fryer’s internal dimensions before selecting a pie pan. I use a small 7-inch pie pan, which is ideal for many basket-style air fryers.

• Air Fryer: Any model will work, just ensure your pie dish fits.
• Small Pie Dish (7-inch recommended): Measure your air fryer basket/cavity!
• Medium Mixing Bowl: For combining the pie filling ingredients.
• Whisk: To ensure a smooth, lump-free filling.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient proportions.
• Spatula or Spoon: For mixing and scraping the bowl.
• Wire Rack: For cooling the pie evenly after baking.

Ingredients for the Perfect Pumpkin Pie:

• One 15 oz can of pure pumpkin puree: Crucially, ensure this is pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, which already contains spices and sugar. Using pure pumpkin gives you control over the flavor profile.
• 1/2 cup of granulated sugar: Provides fundamental sweetness.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds a deeper, molasses-rich sweetness and contributes to the pie’s moist texture.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The warming backbone of pumpkin pie spice.
• Half teaspoon ground ginger: Offers a zesty, slightly peppery kick that complements the pumpkin beautifully.
• Half teaspoon ground nutmeg: Lends an aromatic, slightly woody sweetness.
• 2 large eggs: Act as a binder, giving the pie its structure and creamy consistency.
• 1/2 cup of heavy cream or milk: Adds richness and moisture to the filling. Heavy cream will result in a more decadent pie.
• 1/2 cup of evaporated milk (not condensed milk): Evaporated milk provides a concentrated milky flavor without the added sweetness of condensed milk, contributing to the pie’s silky texture.
• One single pie crust: For ultimate convenience, I often use Pillsbury pre-made pie dough. However, a homemade crust works wonderfully too if you have the time!

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Pumpkin Pie in the Air Fryer

Making pumpkin pie in the air fryer is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these detailed steps for a perfect, creamy result every time.

1. Prepare and Blind Bake the Pie Crust: Begin by carefully unrolling your pie crust and pressing it evenly into your chosen pie plate. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges for a decorative finish. To prevent a soggy bottom and ensure a crisp crust, we’ll blind bake it. Prick the bottom of the crust all over with a fork. Place the empty pie crust in its pan directly into your air fryer basket. Air fry at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C) for about 5 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden. This initial bake helps set the crust. Remove and set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
2. Combine the Dry Filling Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, add the 15 oz can of pure pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and ground nutmeg. Stir these ingredients together thoroughly with a spoon or whisk until they are well combined and the mixture forms a thick, fragrant paste.
3. Whisk in the Wet Ingredients: Next, crack the two large eggs into the pumpkin mixture and whisk vigorously until everything is smoothly incorporated. Slowly pour in the heavy cream (or milk) and the evaporated milk. Continue stirring or whisking until the entire filling is homogenous, smooth, and beautifully creamy. Ensure there are no lumps for that perfect pie texture.
4. Fill and Air Fry the Pie: Carefully pour the prepared pumpkin pie filling into your pre-baked pie crust. Gently shake the pie plate to ensure the filling settles evenly. Place the filled pie back into the air fryer basket. Air fry at 350 degrees F (175°C) for an initial 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, check the pie; the edges should be set, but the center will still have a slight jiggle. Continue air frying for an additional 5-10 minutes, checking every 2-3 minutes, until the center is mostly set and only has a very slight, custardy jiggle. If the crust edges start to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover them with strips of aluminum foil.
5. Cool and Serve: Once baked to perfection, carefully remove the pumpkin pie from the air fryer. Allow it to cool completely on a wire rack or on the counter for at least 2-3 hours. This cooling time is crucial for the filling to fully set and achieve its creamy texture. For best results and flavor, refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, before slicing and serving. Serve chilled with a generous dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of chopped pecans, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Cover any leftovers and keep them refrigerated.

Air Fryer Pumpkin Pie Baking Tips for Perfection

Achieving the perfect air fryer pumpkin pie is easy with these helpful tips:

• Adjust for Your Air Fryer Model: Air fryer cooking times can vary significantly between brands and models. I use a Cosori Air Fryer Oven, so if you’re using a different type (like a basket model), you might need to adjust the cooking time by a few minutes. Always keep a close eye on your pie, especially towards the end of the cooking cycle.
• Spice It Up Your Way: For convenience, you can substitute the individual cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg with 2 teaspoons of pre-mixed pumpkin pie spice. This will give you a similar classic flavor profile.
• Pure Pumpkin is Key: Double-check that you are using pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling often contains added sugar and spices, which will alter the flavor and sweetness of this recipe.
• Customize Your Sweetness: While I prefer a mixture of granulated and brown sugar for a balanced, deep flavor, you can certainly use all white sugar or all brown sugar if you prefer. Just be aware it might slightly affect the final taste and texture.
• Prevent Over-Browning of the Crust: If you notice your pie crust is browning too quickly during the main bake, you can create a loose foil shield to cover the edges. This will protect them from excessive heat while the filling finishes cooking.
• Don’t Overmix the Filling: Mix the filling ingredients until just combined and smooth. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, which might lead to cracks in the pie as it cools.
• Check for Doneness Properly: The pie is done when the edges are firm, and the center has only a slight jiggle. If you insert a thin knife or toothpick about 1 inch from the crust, it should come out clean. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should register 175°F (80°C).
• Cool Completely: Resist the urge to cut into the pie too early! Proper cooling (and chilling) is essential for the filling to set correctly and achieve its signature creamy texture. This also prevents cracking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Air Fryer Pumpkin Pie

What is blind baking?

Blind baking, also known as pre-baking, is the process of partially or fully baking a pie crust before adding the filling. For this air fryer pumpkin pie recipe, a short blind bake is particularly beneficial. Since the air fryer cooks quickly and with intense heat, pre-baking the crust for about 5 minutes helps to set the dough, preventing it from becoming soggy once the wet pumpkin filling is added. It also ensures a crispier, more fully cooked bottom crust, which is essential for a great pie.

Can I make my crust from scratch?

Absolutely! While I opt for a convenient pre-made pie dough to maximize family time during the busy holiday season, a homemade pie crust will certainly elevate this delicious air fryer dessert even further. The creamy pumpkin filling is delicious either way! If you’re keen to try your hand at a homemade crust, we share a fantastic air fryer pie crust recipe in our dedicated Air Fryer Pecan Pie post that you can adapt for this recipe.

Do pumpkin pies need to be refrigerated?

Yes, homemade pumpkin pies, due to their egg and dairy content, should always be kept refrigerated after cooling. This ensures food safety and helps maintain their freshness and texture. Properly stored in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, your pumpkin pie will remain delicious for about 2-4 days.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin?

You certainly can! If you have fresh pumpkins and prefer to make your own puree, just be sure to substitute the exact amount (15 ounces) used in this recipe. To make fresh pumpkin puree, you’ll typically roast or steam pumpkin chunks until very tender, then blend them until smooth. Allow the puree to cool completely and drain any excess moisture before using it in the pie filling to ensure the consistency remains perfect.

How should I store leftover Air Fryer Pumpkin Pie?

Once cooled, leftover pumpkin pie should be stored in the refrigerator. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place slices in an airtight container. This will protect it from drying out and absorbing other odors in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

Can I freeze Air Fryer Pumpkin Pie?

Yes, pumpkin pie freezes quite well! To freeze, ensure the pie is completely cooled. You can freeze the entire pie or individual slices. Wrap the pie tightly in several layers of plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil. For slices, wrap each piece individually before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Why did my pumpkin pie crack?

Cracks in pumpkin pie often occur for a couple of reasons. The most common is overbaking, which causes the custard filling to dry out and contract excessively. Rapid cooling can also contribute to cracking; if a hot pie is moved directly into a cold environment (like a refrigerator), the sudden temperature change can cause the filling to shrink unevenly. To prevent this, ensure you don’t overbake, and always allow the pie to cool slowly at room temperature before refrigerating.

More Delicious Air Fryer Recipes to Try!

If you loved this air fryer pumpkin pie, you’ll definitely want to explore these other fantastic recipes. Your air fryer is capable of so much!

• Air Fryer Pecan Pie
• Air Fryer Apple Pie
• Air Fryer Turkey Breast (for the main course!)
• Air Fryer Green Bean Casserole (a perfect side dish!)
• Air Fryer Red Velvet Cookies