Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Pie

Ingredients

For the Filling

• 1 cup cooked sweet potato puree (about 1 large sweet potato, or canned puree works fine)
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter for a richer flavor)
• ½ cup heavy cream (or evaporated milk for a more traditional texture)
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of ground cloves
• Pinch of salt

For the Crust

• Pre-made pie crust (store-bought refrigerated dough is perfect here)
• 6 to 12 small 3-inch pie plates (or one 6-inch pie dish that fits your air fryer basket)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potato Puree

1. If using a fresh sweet potato, peel and cube it, then boil until fork-tender (about 12–15 minutes). Drain well and mash or blend until completely smooth. Measure out 1 cup. For the smoothest filling, run the puree through a blender or food processor briefly. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

1. Set your air fryer to 300°F (149°C) and let it preheat for 3–5 minutes. This lower temperature is key—it allows the custard to set gently without the crust burning before the center cooks through.

Step 3: Prepare the Crusts

1. Press the pie dough firmly into the bottom and up the sides of your 3-inch pie plates. Trim any excess dough. If using a single larger dish, ensure it fits inside your air fryer basket with at least half an inch of clearance.

Step 4: Mix the Filling

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweet potato puree, brown sugar, oil (or melted butter), heavy cream, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and silky—no lumps should remain.

Step 5: Fill the Pies

1. Divide the filling evenly among the prepared pie crusts, filling each about three-quarters full. Do not overfill, as the filling will puff slightly during cooking.

Step 6: Air Fry

1. Carefully place the filled pies in the air fryer basket in a single layer (work in batches if necessary). Cook at 300°F (149°C) for 15 minutes for mini 3-inch pies, or 30–35 minutes for a single 6-inch pie. The pies are done when the filling is set and only slightly jiggles in the very center when gently shaken.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

1. Remove the pies from the air fryer and let them cool on a wire rack for at least 15–20 minutes. The filling will continue to firm up as it cools. Serve slightly warm or at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream.

Nutrition

Calories: ~102 kcal · Protein: ~1.5 g · Fat: ~6 g · Carbohydrates: ~10 g · Saturated Fat: ~1.5 g · Sugar: ~6 g · Sodium: ~65 mg