Air Fryer Sweet Potato Pie Recipe

So, your sweet tooth is doing a little jig, but the thought of slaving over a hot stove just to satisfy it? Nah, not today, Satan. You want pie, but you also want to binge-watch that new show. Good news, buttercup: I’ve got you covered with this Air Fryer Sweet Potato Pie recipe that’s so easy, it practically makes itself.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Why is this recipe the G.O.A.T.? Because it’s practically magic. We’re talking minimal effort, maximum deliciousness, and all from that countertop wizard: the air fryer. Seriously, if *I* can make a perfect pie crust in this thing without setting off the smoke alarm, you can too. It’s quick, it’s compact, and your house won’t turn into a sauna while you bake. Plus, instant gratification, which, let’s be honest, is what we all live for, right?

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Sweet Potatoes: About 1.5 – 2 pounds (2-3 medium-sized). The orange kind, obvi. Not those pale imposter ones. We’re going for vibrant flavor here!
• Pie Crust: One single store-bought round pie crust. Don’t be a hero; save your energy for eating.
• Unsalted Butter: 1/4 cup (1/2 stick), softened. We control the salt levels, thank you very much.
• Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup. Sweetness!
• Brown Sugar: 1/4 cup, packed. For that extra cozy, molasses-y depth.
• Large Eggs: 2. Binder extraordinaire.
• Evaporated Milk: 1/2 cup. The secret to that creamy, dreamy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon. A splash of warmth. Don’t skimp.
• Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon.
• Ground Nutmeg: 1/2 teaspoon.
• Ground Cloves: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, if you’re feeling fancy). Basically, all the autumnal hug spices!
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon. Just a tiny pinch to make all those other flavors pop.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook those ‘taters: Pierce your sweet potatoes a few times with a fork. Air fry them at 380°F (195°C) for 25-35 minutes, or until they’re super soft. You want them squishy, like they’ve had a long day.
2. Scoop & Mash: Let them cool just enough to handle, then carefully scoop out that glorious orange flesh into a large bowl. Mash it until it’s super smooth. No lumpy pie allowed!
3. Mix the Magic: Add the softened butter, both sugars, eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla, spices, and salt to your mashed sweet potatoes. Mix until everything is perfectly combined and gloriously smooth. A hand mixer makes this a breeze, but a good old whisk works too.
4. Crust Prep: Unroll your store-bought pie crust. Gently press it into a small, air-fryer-safe pie dish (usually around 6-7 inches). Trim any excess, but leave a little overhang to crimp for that rustic vibe. Pro Tip: Don’t forget to prick the bottom of the crust generously with a fork a few times. This prevents any sad “puff-up.”
5. Fill ‘er Up: Pour your sweet potato filling into the prepared crust. Smooth out the top with a spatula.
6. Air Fry Time! Carefully place your pie dish into the air fryer basket. Air fry at 320°F (160°C) for 25-35 minutes. Keep an eye on it! The pie is done when the edges are set, the center has a slight jiggle (like jello, not liquid), and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
7. Cool Down: This is the hardest part, IMO. Let it cool on a wire rack for *at least* an hour, preferably more, before slicing. Trust me, it needs to set up properly for that perfect slice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not pre-cooking the sweet potatoes enough: If they’re still firm, your pie will be gritty, not creamy. Mash, mash, mash!
• Overfilling the pie crust: It might bubble over and make a sticky mess in your air fryer. Nobody wants that.
• Skipping the cooling time: I know, I know. Patience is a virtue. But if you cut into it too soon, it’ll be a glorious, delicious, liquidy disaster.
• Forgetting to prick the crust: You’ll end up with a giant bubble under your pie, making it look like it’s trying to escape. Not the look we’re going for.
• Blasting the heat: Air fryers cook fast! Don’t crank it up too high, or you’ll have burnt edges and a raw center. Lower and slower is the way to go here.

Alternatives & Substitutions

• No evaporated milk? Heavy cream or even half-and-half can work in a pinch, though the texture might be slightly different – still delicious, just a bit richer.
• Spices: Feeling bold? Add a pinch of ginger or allspice. Want it simpler? Just cinnamon and nutmeg are perfectly fine. Make it your own!
• Crust: If you’re feeling super ambitious (and brave enough to try a homemade crust in the air fryer), go for it! But seriously, store-bought is life. You can also try a gluten-free crust if that’s your jam.
• Sweetener: You could experiment with maple syrup instead of some of the sugar for a different flavor profile, but I’m a traditionalist when it comes to sweet potato pie.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

• “Can I use pumpkin instead of sweet potato?” Honey, you’re making pumpkin pie then, aren’t you? But yes, the method is generally the same. Just sub out the star veggie!
• “My air fryer is tiny, what gives?” Get a smaller pie dish! They make adorable 5-inch ones that fit perfectly. Or make two smaller pies – more to share (or hoard, no judgment).
• “Do I need to blind bake the crust?” For this recipe, no! The air fryer is efficient enough to cook the crust and filling simultaneously without a soggy bottom, as long as you prick it. See? Less work!
• “Can I freeze leftover pie?” Absolutely! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw in the fridge overnight. It might lose a *tiny* bit of its fresh charm, but it’ll still be epic.
• “What if my pie cracks on top?” It happens! It means it got a little too hot, a little too fast, or maybe cooled unevenly. Totally fine, just cover it with whipped cream. Problem solved, right?
• “Can I use regular milk?” You *can*, but it won’t be as rich or creamy. Evaporated milk is thicker and less watery, giving that classic pie texture. Trust the process on this one.

Final Thoughts

There you have it, superstar! You’ve just whipped up a glorious Air Fryer Sweet Potato Pie without breaking a sweat (or a full afternoon). Now go impress your friends, your family, or just your couch with your incredible culinary prowess. You deserve a slice – or three. Seriously, pat yourself on the back. You earned it!