Effortlessly Delicious: The Ultimate Guide to Air Fryer Pumpkin Pie (Ninja Foodi & Gluten-Free Options)
Imagine the warm, inviting aroma of pumpkin pie wafting through your kitchen, signaling the arrival of fall. Now imagine achieving that classic flavor and perfect texture with minimal fuss, right in your air fryer! Yes, it’s entirely possible, and even incredibly easy, to bake a delightful pumpkin pie in your air fryer or Ninja Foodi. This Air Fryer Pumpkin Pie recipe is not only convenient but also offers simple modifications for a delicious gluten-free treat, making it an ideal choice for any occasion, especially as autumn approaches.
Choosing the Perfect Pie Pan for Your Air Fryer
One of the most crucial steps to success when making Air Fryer Pumpkin Pie is selecting the right pie pan. The size and material of your pan are key to ensuring it fits properly into your air fryer and bakes evenly. For this recipe, I successfully used two 7-inch glass pie pans, which proved to be the perfect dimensions for my air fryer model. However, air fryer sizes vary, so it’s essential to measure your particular appliance.
Typically, pie pans ranging from 6 to 8 inches in diameter are suitable for most air fryers. Before you begin, take a moment to measure the interior basket or cooking pot of your air fryer to confirm your pan will fit comfortably without touching the sides or the heating element. Beyond size, consider the material. Glass or ceramic pans are excellent choices because they are oven-safe and can withstand the high heat of an air fryer, distributing heat evenly for a perfectly baked crust and filling. Always double-check that your chosen pan is rated for oven use and high temperatures before placing it in your air fryer.
Essential Tips for Baking Air Fryer Pumpkin Pie
Baking pumpkin pie in an air fryer is incredibly rewarding, but a few simple tips can help ensure a perfect result every time. The most challenging aspect often lies in safely inserting and removing the pie from the hot air fryer.
Effortless Removal with a Sling
If you’re using a Ninja Foodi Multi-Cooker, the integrated wire trivet is your best friend. Position it at its lowest setting, place your pie pan on top, and use oven mitts to easily lift the trivet and the pie out once baking is complete. For traditional basket-style air fryers, an aluminum foil sling works wonders. Simply create a sturdy sling by folding a long piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil, placing it under your pie pan, and leaving the ends long enough to act as handles. This technique provides a secure way to maneuver your pie in and out without tilting or spilling. You can find detailed instructions on making an aluminum foil sling via this link.
Achieving the Perfect Bake Time
Air fryers vary in their heating mechanisms and power, which means cooking times can differ. For this pumpkin pie, I found that approximately 20-23 minutes at 350°F (175°C) was ideal for a fully cooked and set center. However, it’s always best to monitor your pie closely. I recommend checking for doneness after about 18-20 minutes. If the center still appears jiggly or unset, add an additional 3-5 minutes, checking periodically. The pie should have a slight wobble in the center but be mostly firm. A knife inserted near the center should come out clean.
The Importance of Cooling and Chilling
Once your Air Fryer Pumpkin Pie is perfectly baked, resist the urge to slice into it immediately! Carefully remove the pie from the air fryer using your chosen sling method and let it cool completely on a wire rack at room temperature. This crucial step allows the filling to firm up and the flavors to meld. After it has cooled to room temperature, transfer the pie to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or preferably longer, before serving. Chilling ensures the pie is perfectly set and easy to slice, offering the best possible texture and taste experience.
Crafting the Crust: Gluten-Free & Flavorful
For a delightful and easy crust, this recipe utilizes crushed graham crackers, which are then combined with melted butter to form a sturdy and flavorful base. This method is particularly convenient for those seeking a gluten-free option, as gluten-free graham crackers are readily available and work wonderfully. The full, detailed instructions for preparing this simple crust are provided in the recipe card below. This approach ensures a crisp, sweet foundation that perfectly complements the rich pumpkin filling.
The Magic of Pumpkin Pie Spice
The distinctive taste of pumpkin pie is heavily influenced by its aromatic spice blend. This recipe shines even brighter with the inclusion of Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice. Using a homemade blend allows for fresh, vibrant flavors that truly elevate the pie. If you don’t have a homemade blend on hand, a good quality store-bought pumpkin pie spice will also work perfectly.
Ninja Foodi Pumpkin Pie: Utilizing Your Multi-Cooker
If you own a Ninja Foodi Multi-Cooker, you’re in luck! This versatile appliance is perfectly suited for making this delicious pumpkin pie. The instructions for preparing the pie filling and crust remain the same, but you will simply utilize the “Air Crisp” function of your Ninja Foodi. This function acts as a powerful air fryer, circulating hot air to bake your pie to golden perfection. I have personally tested this recipe in both a standalone Ninja Air Fryer and the Ninja Foodi Multi-Cooker, achieving consistently excellent results across both appliances. The Ninja Foodi’s ability to seamlessly transition from pressure cooking to air crisping makes it an incredibly convenient tool for recipes like this, allowing you to create beautiful baked goods without heating up your traditional oven.
The Advantages of Air Frying Desserts
Beyond convenience, using an air fryer for desserts like pumpkin pie offers several distinct advantages. Air fryers preheat much faster than conventional ovens, saving you time and energy. Their compact size makes them ideal for baking smaller batches, perfect for an afternoon treat or a modest gathering. The fan-assisted cooking ensures remarkably even heat distribution, often resulting in a perfectly crispy crust and a uniformly set filling, without the worry of hot spots that can plague larger ovens. This method also keeps your kitchen cooler, a definite bonus during the warmer months or when your main oven is already in use for holiday cooking. An air fryer truly transforms dessert making into an effortless and efficient process.
Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie: Simple & Satisfying
One of the best features of this Air Fryer Pumpkin Pie recipe is how easily it adapts to a gluten-free diet. By simply opting for gluten-free graham crackers for the crust, you can create a delightful pie that caters to dietary needs without compromising on flavor or texture. Gluten-free baking doesn’t have to be complicated, and this recipe proves it. The rich, spiced pumpkin filling is naturally gluten-free, so the main adjustment is in the crust. This makes it a fantastic option for families where some members require gluten-free options, allowing everyone to enjoy a classic fall dessert.
Troubleshooting Common Air Fryer Pie Issues
While making pumpkin pie in an air fryer is generally straightforward, a few common issues can arise. If your crust seems to be browning too quickly, you can gently cover the edges with a thin strip of aluminum foil for the last few minutes of baking. To prevent a soggy bottom crust, ensure your graham cracker crust is pressed firmly into the pan and consider a quick pre-bake of just the crust for 5 minutes before adding the filling. Cracks in the filling typically occur if the pie cools too quickly or is overbaked. Allowing it to cool gradually on the counter before chilling helps prevent this. By being mindful of these small details, you can ensure a beautifully baked pie every time.
Enjoy this Air Fryer Pumpkin Pie – a perfect blend of convenience, flavor, and autumn tradition!
Air Fryer Pumpkin Pie (Ninja Foodi)
Air Fryer Fanatics
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Ingredients
- 2 7- inch Oven-Safe Pie Pans
- 2 Cups Crushed Graham Crackers or Gluten-Free Crushed Graham Crackers
- 5 Tbsp Butter Melted
- 1 Cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Gluten-Free or Regular All-Purpose Flour
- 1 1/2 Tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice
- 1/2 Tsp Salt
- 17 oz Can of Pumpkin Puree Canned Pumpkin
- 2 Eggs Beaten
- 12 oz Can of Evaporated Milk
Instructions
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The first step is to be sure you are using a pie pan that fits your air fryer, I used a Ninja Air Fryer and 2 7-inch pie pans, cooking them each individually.
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Begin by preparing the pie shell, mix the crushed graham crackers with the melted butter using a pastry cutter until it is easy to work with and softened.
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Place this into the pie pans to create the shell, packing it into the pie pan to create the crust.
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Once done, set the pie pans aside and make the filling.
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In a medium-sized bowl, add the sugar, flour, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
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Whisk in the pumpkin puree, eggs, and milk.
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Once well combined, pour half into each of the pie pans.
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If you are using a basket of an air fryer, you can use a sling (see post and notes) or you can make a foil sling (see post and notes) to make your pies easy to lift out. If you are using a Ninja Foodi Multi-Cooker, you can make this using your wire trivet that comes with the Ninja Foodi, set to the lowest position.
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Cook in the Air Fryer or Air Crisp for the Ninja Foodi at 350°F for 20-23 minutes. Check on it at 20 minutes and if the center is not fully set let it cook an additional 3 minutes.
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Once done, carefully remove and cool.
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Chill in the fridge until ready to serve.
Notes
If you only want to make 1 pie, cut this recipe in half.
Nutrition
