Air Fryer Pecan Pie
Cassic pecan pie without the oven? This Air Fryer Pecan Pie has a crispy crust and rich, gooey filling, all made quickly in the air fryer or Ninja Foodi. Perfect for a small-batch holiday dessert or a quick Southern-inspired treat, it uses simple ingredients and a store-bought crust for an easy, delicious pie.
When you’re the designated family chef, gadgets like the air fryer become your best friend in the kitchen! After culinary school, I quickly realized that family gatherings come with high expectations (and lots of hungry mouths), so I’m always looking for ways to make delicious dishes without spending hours in the kitchen.
🥧Why Make Pecan Pie in an Air Fryer?
Making pecan pie in an air fryer is totally worth it. Not only does it cut down the cooking time, but it also uses less energy than heating up the whole oven. Plus, the air fryer gives the pie a perfectly crisp crust and that beautifully set filling without the usual issues when baking. It’s especially handy when I want to whip up a dessert for a smaller crowd or if I’m pressed for time but still want a fancy dessert.
👉 If this pecan pie recipe sold you on making desserts in the air fryer, then be sure to check out, air fryer pumpkin pie, air fryer sweet potato pie, air fryer s’mores, blueberry cobbler, apple crumble, and peach cobbler while you’re here!
🥧 Ingredients Needed
- Pecans – Pecans add that perfect crunch and distinct, nutty flavor that defines pecan pie. For an extra touch, try lightly toasting them before adding them to the filling to bring out even more depth.
- Dark Brown Sugar – While you could use light brown sugar, I love using dark brown sugar because it adds a richer, caramel-like flavor to the filling. The molasses content in dark brown sugar really deepens the overall taste, making each bite indulgent.
- Dark Corn Syrup – This classic ingredient helps give the pie its signature gooey filling, binding everything together with the right touch of sweetness. It’s essential for getting that perfectly smooth, sliceable texture.
- Eggs – Eggs are crucial here because they provide structure, helping the pie set properly without becoming too firm. They create that lovely custard-like consistency that balances the crunch of the pecans.
- Butter – Just a little bit of melted butter goes a long way in adding richness to the filling. It’s what gives the pie that creamy, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- Vanilla Extract – A hint of vanilla rounds out the flavors and brings everything together. It’s a small addition that makes a big difference, adding a warm, comforting aroma.
- Salt – A pinch of salt might seem minor, but it enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors perfectly. It’s like the finishing touch that brings out all the best notes in each ingredient.
- Premade Pie Crust – Using a premade pie crust makes this recipe even easier, saving time. It provides a buttery, flaky base that’s perfect for holding the rich pecan filling. Plus, it’s sized just right to fit in most air fryer baskets, so you can skip the hassle of making and rolling out dough.
🥣 Make Air Fryer Pecan Pie Step-By-Step
1️⃣ Prepare the Crust: Take your premade pie crust and gently press it into an air fryer-safe pie dish. If the crust overlaps the edge, trim it slightly to fit neatly in the dish. To prevent it from over-browning, you can cover the edges with strips of aluminum foil.
2️⃣ Mix the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine dark brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until everything is smooth and well-combined. This mixture will create that classic, gooey filling.
3️⃣ Add the Pecans: Stir in the pecans, making sure they’re evenly distributed in the filling. For a decorative touch, save a few pecan halves to arrange on top before baking.
4️⃣ Pour and Arrange: Pour the filling into the prepared crust, spreading it out so it’s even. If you reserved some pecans, place them on top for a nice presentation.
5️⃣ Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 300°F (150°C) and let it preheat for a couple of minutes. Preheating helps ensure that your pie cooks evenly.
6️⃣ Air Fry the Pie: Place the pie carefully in the air fryer basket. Cook for 25–30 minutes, checking every 10 minutes to make sure the crust edges aren’t getting too dark. If they are, carefully add a foil shield around the edges.
7️⃣ Check for Doneness: To check if the pie is done, give it a gentle shake. The center should have a slight jiggle but not be liquidy. If it’s still too wobbly, cook for an additional 5–10 minutes.
8️⃣ Cool and Serve: Once done, let the pie cool in the air fryer basket for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack. Let it cool completely for the best texture. Serve with whipped cream or ice cream, and enjoy!
👩🏻🍳 Expert Tips
- Control the Temperature: Air fryers can vary in heat intensity, so it’s essential to keep an eye on your pie as it cooks. A consistent temperature of 300°F is ideal for baking without over-browning. If your air fryer tends to run hot, consider lowering it to 280°F and adding a few extra minutes of cooking time.
- Prevent a Soggy Crust: To keep your crust from becoming soggy, avoid overfilling the pie dish. If you’re using a premade crust, be sure to press it firmly into the dish and consider pre-baking it for 3–5 minutes. This creates a sturdy base that holds up well with the filling.
- Foil for Even Browning: The crust edges can brown faster than the filling cooks, so use aluminum foil strips around the edges to protect them. Check every 10 minutes, and if the edges are already golden, cover them to prevent burning.
- Toast the Pecans First: For an even richer flavor, try toasting the pecans before mixing them into the filling. Just a quick 5-minute toast in a skillet or oven brings out their natural oils and intensifies their nutty taste.
- Let It Cool Completely: Once baked, the filling needs time to set. Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature before slicing, as this ensures the filling stays in place and gives you that perfect slice.
🍽️Serving and Storing
Serving: For the best flavor and texture, let your air fryer pecan pie cool completely before serving. This allows the filling to set perfectly, so each slice holds its shape when you cut into it. Serve the pie at room temperature, or if you prefer a warm slice, pop it back in the air fryer for a minute or two to gently warm it up. Pair each slice with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement the rich, nutty flavors.
Storing: If you have leftovers, store the pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3–4 days. This storage method preserves the freshness of both the crust and filling.
Freezing: To enjoy the pie later, you can freeze it! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. The pie can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw slices in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: To bring back the crispness of the crust and enjoy a warm slice, reheat individual pieces in the air fryer at 300°F for about 3–5 minutes. This quick reheat helps restore the flaky crust while keeping the filling gooey without over-baking. Enjoy each bite as if it were freshly baked!
❔ FAQ
Yes, a store-bought crust works perfectly and saves time. Just make sure it fits in your air fryer-safe dish.
Yes, you can substitute with maple syrup or honey, though the texture may be slightly different. Corn syrup provides the classic gooey consistency.
Absolutely! Reheat individual slices at 300°F for 3–5 minutes to restore the crust’s flakiness without over-baking the filling.
A 6- to 7-inch pie dish typically fits most air fryers and works well for this recipe. Make sure your pie dish is air fryer-safe and not too deep for even cooking.
Yes, feel free to add chocolate chips, bourbon, or even shredded coconut for a unique twist. Just be mindful that extra ingredients may slightly change the texture or cooking time.
🦃More Holiday Recipes
- Spiced Apple Cider Muffins
- Thanksgiving Cocktails
- Air Fryer Turkey Wings
- Air Fryer Turkey Legs
- Air Fryer Turkey Breast
- Air Fryer Mashed Potatoes
- Air Fryer Maple Cinnamon Butternut Squash
- Gluten-free Stuffing
- Riced Cauliflower Stuffing
- Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce
- Keto Cranberry Sauce
- Gluten-free Peanut Butter Pie
Air Fryer Pecan Pie
Equipment
- air fryer or Ninja Foodi
- 6-inch pie dish (or compatible with air fryer)
- mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust premade
- 1.5 cup chopped pecans
- ¾ cup dark corn syrup
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 eggs
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Take your premade pie crust and gently press it into an air fryer-safe pie dish. If the crust overlaps the edge, trim it slightly to fit neatly in the dish. To prevent it from over-browning, you can cover the edges with strips of aluminum foil.
- Mix the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine dark brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until everything is smooth and well-combined. This mixture will create that classic, gooey filling.
- Add the Pecans: Stir in the pecans, making sure they’re evenly distributed in the filling. For a decorative touch, save a few pecan halves to arrange on top before baking.
- Pour and Arrange: Pour the filling into the prepared crust, spreading it out so it’s even. If you reserved some pecans, place them on top for a nice presentation.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 300°F (150°C) and let it preheat for a couple of minutes. Preheating helps ensure that your pie cooks evenly.
- Air Fry the Pie: Place the pie carefully in the air fryer basket. Cook for 25–30 minutes, checking every 10 minutes to make sure the crust edges aren’t getting too dark. If they are, carefully add a foil shield around the edges.
- Check for Doneness: To check if the pie is done, give it a gentle shake. The center should have a slight jiggle but not be liquidy. If it’s still too wobbly, cook for an additional 5–10 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Once done, let the pie cool in the air fryer basket for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack. Let it cool completely for the best texture. Serve with whipped cream or ice cream, and enjoy!
