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Air Fryer Key Lime Pie

Name: Air Fryer Key Lime Pie
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 142 min
Ingredients: 1 cup graham cracker crumbs; 6 tablespoons butter (unsalted and melted); 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 28 ounces sweetened condensed milk; 1/2 cup sour cream; 3/4 cup key lime juice; 2 teaspoons lime zest; 2 cups whipped cream; 2 tablespoons grated lime zest

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Air Fryer Key Lime Pie is light, refreshing, and perfect for summer. Plus, it’s easy to make in your air fryer! Enjoy. 🙂

Cooks, have you ever used an air fryer? If not, you’re in for a treat. An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that uses hot air to cook food. The best part about using an air fryer is that it doesn’t produce a lot of grease as traditional frying methods do. This means that your food will be healthier and lower in calories. In honor of summer, I wanted to share my recipe for Air Fryer Key Lime Pie. It’s the perfect dessert to enjoy on a warm day! Trust me, and you won’t be disappointed. Enjoy!

Traditional Key Lime Pie

Whip up a refreshing and tangy Air Fryer Key Lime Pie that promises to become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire.

This innovative recipe leverages the convenience and efficiency of the air fryer to create a perfectly set, mouthwateringly tart pie with a buttery, crumbly crust. The filling, rich with the zesty flavor of key lime juice, nestled in a sweet graham cracker crust, achieves a delightful balance of flavors that’s both invigorating and satisfying.

Ideal for warm weather days, gatherings, or when you crave a slice of summer, this Key Lime Pie comes together with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Serve chilled with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of lime zest for an elegant and irresistible dessert that’s sure to impress.

This air fryer version of the classic Key Lime Pie not only saves time but also delivers the creamy, dreamy texture and vibrant taste we all love.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

Quick and Convenient: The air fryer significantly reduces the cooking time compared to traditional oven baking, making it perfect for a quick dessert option that doesn’t heat your kitchen.
Perfectly Textured Filling: The air fryer’s consistent and circulatory heat ensures the key lime filling is cooked to silky perfection, with just the right balance of tart and sweet.
Crispy Crust: Achieve a beautifully crisp, buttery graham cracker crust without the soggy bottom often encountered with oven baking.
Energy-Efficient: Using an air fryer is more energy-efficient than turning on the oven, especially for small to medium-sized baking projects like key lime pie.
Ideal for Small Gatherings: The air fryer’s compact size makes it perfect for creating smaller portions, ideal for intimate dinners or small family gatherings.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Key Lime Pie

Embark on a zesty culinary adventure with this Air Fryer Key Lime Pie, where every ingredient comes together to create a dessert that’s as refreshing as it is indulgent.

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

Graham Cracker Crumbs: Form the base of your crust, offering a sweet and crunchy foundation that beautifully contrasts with the creamy filling.
Butter: Melted butter binds the graham cracker crumbs, ensuring a firm, rich crust ready to hold the luscious lime filling.
Sugar: The crust’s touch of sugar complements the tartness of the key lime filling, perfectly balancing the flavors.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: This ingredient adds sweetness and creaminess, creating a smooth filling.
Sour Cream: Thickens the filling, giving it a smooth, custard-like texture that’s both rich and airy.
Key Lime Juice: The star of the show, key lime juice provides that unmistakable tangy flavor that makes this pie a standout dessert.
Lime Zest: Grated lime zest infuses the pie with a bright citrus aroma and enhances the tartness of the key lime juice.
Whipped Cream: Optional for serving.

How To Make Key Lime Pie In Air Fryer

Making Key Lime Pie in an air fryer is a surprisingly simple process that brings out the best in this classic dessert. Here’s how to do it:

Preheat your air fryer to 320 degrees F on the air fry setting. Combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and butter in a large bowl until well-mixed.

Press the graham cracker crumbs into the bottom and sides of an air fryer safe pie dish. Put the crust into the freezer while you prepare the key lime filling.

Whisk the condensed milk, sour cream, lime juice, and zest until well combined.

Pour the filling into the prepared crust and bake in the fryer for 5-7 minutes, depending on the size of your pan. Allow the pie to cool, then chill in the refrigerator for 2-4 hours or overnight. Serve chilled with whipped cream.

Pro Tips

Making a key lime pie that stands out requires a blend of technique and attention to detail. Here are some pro tips to elevate your key lime pie:

Use Fresh Key Limes: Opt for fresh key limes instead of bottled juice for the best flavor. The zest and juice of these tiny limes pack a punch of tartness and aroma that can’t be matched.
Finely Grate the Lime Zest: Use a microplane to zest your limes finely. This ensures the zest blends smoothly into your filling without chunky bits, offering a uniform flavor.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your egg yolks and condensed milk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps them blend more seamlessly, creating a smoother filling.
Press the Crust Firmly: Press the back of a spoon or a measuring cup to firmly press the graham cracker crust into your pie dish. A compact crust is less likely to crumble when slicing the pie.
Don’t Overcook: When you remove the pie filling from the air fryer, it should still wobble a bit in the center. It will continue to set as it cools, creating a creamy, not rubbery, texture.
Cool Before Chilling: Allow the pie to cool to room temperature before refrigerating. This prevents condensation from forming on the surface, which could make the crust soggy.
Chill Thoroughly: For the best texture and flavor, chill the pie for at least 2 hours or, ideally, overnight. This patience will be rewarded with perfectly set filling and enhanced flavors.
Whipped Cream Topping: Make your whipped cream topping fresh, and add it before serving. A hint of vanilla or a sprinkle of lime zest in the whipped cream can add an extra layer of flavor.
Serving: For clean slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it dry between cuts. This ensures beautifully presented slices.
Experiment with Garnishes: For a unique twist, consider garnishing with toasted coconut flakes, a light dusting of powdered sugar, and traditional whipped cream and lime slices.

By following these tips, you’ll craft a key lime pie that’s not only delicious but also visually appealing and full of the nuanced flavors that make this dessert a timeless favorite.

Faq’s

Can I use regular lime juice instead of key lime juice? Yes, you can use regular lime juice, but the flavor will be slightly different. Key lime juice is preferred for its unique tartness and aroma, but regular lime juice can make a good substitute in a pinch.

How do I know when the pie is done cooking in the air fryer? The pie is done when the edges are set but the center still wobbles slightly when you gently shake the pan. It will continue to set as it cools.

Can I make the pie crust from scratch? Absolutely! A homemade graham cracker crust can enhance the flavor. Just mix crushed graham crackers with melted butter and a bit of sugar, then press into your pie dish.

Why did my pie filling crack? Cracking can occur if the pie is overcooked or experiences a sudden change in temperature. Try to keep the cooking temperature steady and avoid opening the air fryer too often.

Can this pie be made ahead of time? Yes, key lime pie benefits from chilling, so it’s a great make-ahead dessert. You can prepare it a day in advance and keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.

How long will the key lime pie last in the refrigerator? The pie will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cover it loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from absorbing other flavors.

Can I freeze key lime pie? Yes, you can freeze key lime pie for up to 1 month. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

My pie filling is too runny; what went wrong? If the filling is runny, it may not have been cooked long enough, or the pie may need more time to set in the refrigerator. Make sure to chill it for at least 2 hours.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for the condensed milk? Yes, there are dairy-free condensed milk options available made from coconut milk that can be used as a substitute in this recipe.

Can I use a different crust instead of graham cracker? Certainly! While graham cracker crust is traditional, you can use a shortbread crust or even a cookie crumb crust for a different flavor profile.

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