Air Fryer Lemon Meringue Pie is the perfect combination of tangy lemon curd, buttery crust, and fluffy meringue topping — all made quicker and easier thanks to the air fryer. It’s a delightful dessert that looks elegant but is surprisingly simple to make at home.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 pre-made pie crust (or homemade, rolled out to fit your pie dish)
For the Lemon Filling
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 large egg yolks (beaten)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
For the Meringue
- 3 large egg whites (room temperature)
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
How To Make Air Fryer Lemon Meringue Pie
- Prepare the Crust
- Place your pie crust into a pie dish that fits your air fryer basket.
- Lightly prick the bottom with a fork.
- Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) and blind bake the crust for 8–10 minutes until lightly golden. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Lemon Filling
- In a saucepan, whisk together water, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thickened.
- Slowly whisk some of the hot mixture into the beaten egg yolks, then return to the saucepan.
- Stir in butter, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Pie
- Pour the lemon filling into the baked crust and smooth the surface.
- Prepare the Meringue
- Beat egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, beating until glossy stiff peaks form.
- Top and Cook in the Air Fryer
- Spread meringue over the lemon filling, sealing edges to the crust.
- Air fry at 300°F (150°C) for 5–6 minutes until the meringue is golden brown.
- Cool & Serve
- Let the pie cool to room temperature before slicing. For best results, chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
You Must Know
- Always seal the meringue to the crust edges to prevent shrinking or separating.
- The lemon filling must be hot when adding the meringue to help cook the bottom of the topping and avoid weeping.
- If your air fryer has strong top heat, check after 3–4 minutes to avoid burning the meringue.
Topping Variations
- Coconut Twist: Sprinkle lightly toasted coconut on the meringue before serving.
- Berry Garnish: Top with fresh blueberries or raspberries for a colourful finish.
- Extra Zest: Add thin curls of lemon zest on top for a vibrant look.
Make It A Meal
Pair a slice of lemon meringue pie with:
- A light summer salad and grilled chicken for a refreshing dinner.
- Afternoon tea alongside scones and finger sandwiches.
- A post-BBQ dessert to cleanse the palate.
Pro Tips
- Use room temperature egg whites for fluffier meringue.
- Don’t overbake the crust in the air fryer before filling; it will cook again during the final step.
- For a stronger lemon punch, add an extra teaspoon of zest to the filling.
Recipe FAQs
Q: Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes — prepare it the day before, but store it uncovered in the fridge to prevent the meringue from getting soggy.
Q: Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is best for flavour, but bottled works in a pinch.
Q: How do I stop the meringue from weeping?
Ensure the filling is hot before adding meringue, and avoid overbaking.
Q: Can I make mini versions?
Absolutely — use mini tart shells and reduce the air fryer time by half.
