Air Fryer Cherry Pie (Easy 4-Ingredient Recipe)

Air Fryer Cherry Pie is the easiest way I know to get a golden, flaky, bubbling cherry pie on the table without turning on the oven. You need just four ingredients: store-bought pie crust, canned cherry pie filling, an egg yolk, and a splash of milk. From thawing the crust to slicing, it takes about 40 minutes.

This recipe has been on Fork To Spoon since 2018, and I’ve updated it with clearer timing and more tips.

When I was testing this recipe, my trusty Cosori air fryer turned out mini cherry pies with the most amazingly flaky, golden-brown crusts that rivals any traditional oven bake. It has quickly become my go-to sweet treat when the kids want something warm and homemade without waiting for a full pie to bake.

The circulating heat browns the top crust beautifully, and the kitchen stays cool, which makes this a go-to for summer cookouts and small holiday gatherings.

If you love cherry desserts, this pie is the starting point. Once you’ve made it, try my Air Fryer Cherry Pie Bombs for a bite-sized version, or Air Fryer Cherry Pie Donuts for a weekend breakfast treat. Prefer blueberries? My Easy Air Fryer Blueberry Pie uses the exact same method.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Cherry Pie

• Only 4 ingredients. Store-bought crust and canned filling do the heavy lifting, so this is a great first pie for beginners.
• No oven needed. It’s ideal for small kitchens, hot days, or when the oven is busy with a holiday main dish.
• A golden, flaky top crust. The air fryer’s circulating heat browns the egg-washed crust evenly.
• Easy to scale up or down. Use the same method for a mini pie, or switch the filling for apple or blueberry.
• Simple cleanup. You only need one pie pan and the air fryer basket.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The full ingredient amounts and instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

• Pie crusts: Use frozen or refrigerated store-bought crusts, one for the bottom and one for the top. If you’d rather make your own, my air fryer pie crust works perfectly here.
• Cherry pie filling: Canned filling gives you that classic sweet-tart flavor with no prep. For a fresh-cherry version, see the FAQs.
• Egg yolk: Whisked into an egg wash for a glossy, deep-golden top.
• Milk: Thins the egg wash so it brushes on evenly.

Equipment

• Air fryer. A basket model of at least or an air fryer oven.
• Pie pan that fits your basket. I use a metal pie pan. Measure the inside of your basket before you start, and leave about half an inch around the pan so air can circulate.

How to Make Cherry Pie in the Air Fryer

Step 1: Thaw the crust. Let frozen pie crusts sit on the counter for about 10 minutes, until the dough bends without cracking.

Step 2: Line the pan. Press one crust into the bottom and up the sides of a pie pan that fits inside your air fryer.

Step 3: Add the filling. Spoon in the cherry pie filling and spread it into an even layer.

Step 4: Top the pie. Lay the second crust over the filling, press the edges to seal, and cut 3–4 small slits to vent steam. For a bakery-style look, cut the top crust into strips and weave a lattice.

Step 5: Brush with egg wash. Whisk the egg yolk with the milk and brush it over the top crust and edges.

Step 6: Air fry. Set the pie in the basket (remove the basket insert first if it’s a tight fit). Air fry at 310°F (155°C) for 10 minutes. Check it, then cook in 2–3 minute intervals, usually about 5 minutes more. It’s done when the top is golden, the filling bubbles through the vents, and the bottom crust looks dry and lightly browned at the edge.

Step 7: Cool, then slice. Let the pie rest for at least 10 minutes so the filling thickens. Serve warm with a scoop of Ninja Creami vanilla bean ice cream or whipped cream.

New to air fryer pies? My guide to how to reheat pie in the air fryer also covers baking a store-bought frozen fruit pie from scratch.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Cherry Pie

• Measure first. Check that your pie pan fits with room around it before you assemble anything.
• Use a metal pan. Metal conducts heat faster than glass or ceramic, which helps the bottom crust cook through in a short cook time.
• Keep the dough cold. Thawed but still cool dough holds its shape and bakes up flakier.
• Don’t skip the egg wash. It’s the difference between a pale crust and a glossy, golden one.
• Shield the edges. If the edges brown before the filling bubbles, tent the top loosely with foil and keep cooking.
• Rotate halfway. Most air fryers have a hot spot, so turn the pan once for even color.

Variations to Try

• Fresh cherries. Toss about 4 cups pitted cherries with ¾ cup sugar, 3 tablespoons cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice.
• Crumb topping. Skip the top crust and finish with a buttery streusel.
• Mini pies. Bake individual Air Fryer Mini Cherry Pies for parties and portion control.
• Hand pies. Use the cutting and folding method from my Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies, with cherry filling instead.
• Add crunch. Scatter chopped air fryer honey roasted almonds over each slice.

How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat

• Room temperature: Cover loosely and keep for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freeze unbaked: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Air fry from frozen, adding extra time and checking often.
• Freeze baked: Cool completely, wrap well, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm slices in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 5–10 minutes to re-crisp the crust.

Air Fryer Cherry Pie FAQs

How long does it take to cook a pie in the air fryer? A double-crust pie with canned filling takes about 15 minutes at 310°F (155°C). Start checking at 10 minutes, since air fryer models vary.

Can I use a frozen pie crust? Yes. Let it thaw for about 10 minutes, until the dough is pliable, then follow the recipe as written.

What size pie pan fits in an air fryer? Most 5- to 6-quart basket air fryers fit a 7- or 8-inch pie pan. Measure your basket before buying a pan.

How do I know when the pie is done? The top crust should be golden, the filling should bubble through the vents, and the bottom edge should look dry and lightly browned.

Can I bake a store-bought frozen pie in the air fryer? Yes. See my Air Fryer Frozen Apple Pie for timing; the same approach works for frozen cherry pies.

Can I make this pie ahead? Yes. Assemble it and refrigerate for up to a day before air frying, or freeze it unbaked.

What to Serve With Cherry Pie

Warm cherry pie and something cold and creamy is a classic pairing. A scoop of homemade Ninja Creami vanilla bean ice cream melting into the filling is hard to beat. Whipped cream, a spoonful of Greek yogurt, or a few fresh berries keep it lighter.

Planning a dessert table? Put this pie next to my Air Fryer Chocolate Cream Pie so there’s a fruity option and a chocolate one.

More Air Fryer Pie Recipes

If this one’s a hit, these use the same easy approach:

• Easy Air Fryer Blueberry Pie: the same crust, the same timing, with blueberry filling.
• Easy Air Fryer Apple Pie From Scratch: a cinnamon-spiced filling made from fresh apples.
• Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies: flaky, handheld, and ready in under 30 minutes.
• Air Fryer Mini S’mores Pies: mini graham crusts with chocolate and marshmallow.

More Cherry Desserts

• Air Fryer Cherry Pie Bubble Up
• Air Fryer Cherry Dessert Pizza
• Air Fryer Cherry Oatmeal Pies
• Air Fryer Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes

For even more explore all of my air fryer recipes