Three real lemons and their zest carry the whole filling, so buy fruit heavy for its size. The trick is spreading the meringue onto the curd while it is still hot, so the two bond and the meringue does not weep or slide off.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep35 min
Cook25 min
Makes1 nine-inch pie
CuisineAmerican
Cost$$
Vegetarian
Contains dairy · eggs · gluten
Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy, and a flax or aquafaba egg for the egg.
Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for1nine-inch pie
Flour
Builds the pie crust; a bit of protein gives structure without toughening.
A reasonable little indulgence. · plan ahead — needs marinating, soaking, or resting time
EffortA project
Cook it with
Air fryerSheet pan
The Method
Blind-bake the crustLine the rolled crust with parchment and pie weights, bake at 375F for 20 min, then pull the weights and bake 8 min more until the base is dry and pale gold.
Cook the curdWhisk sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice and 1 1/2 cups water over medium heat until it thickens and bubbles, then temper in the yolks and cook one more minute.
Fill hotStir in zest and 2 tbsp butter, then pour the hot curd into the baked shell.
Whip the meringueBeat the whites with cream of tartar to soft peaks, add sugar a spoon at a time, and whip to stiff glossy peaks that hold their shape.
Seal and brownSpread meringue over the hot curd so it touches the crust all around, swirl peaks, and bake at 350F for 12-15 min until the tips are golden.
ChillCool at room temp then refrigerate 3 hours so the curd sets before slicing.
Can you make Lemon Meringue Pie in an air fryer? — Yes
Yes — bake it in a small pan or dish that fits the basket, at about 25°F below the recipe temperature. Air fryers run hot and fast, so check it early; no flipping needed.
Can you freeze Lemon Meringue Pie? — Not ideal
Not really — the cream, custard, or emulsion turns grainy or splits once thawed. This one is best kept fresh in the fridge.
Can you make Lemon Meringue Pie ahead of time? — Yes
Yes — bake it a day or two ahead; it keeps well-wrapped at room temperature and freezes cleanly. Add any frosting or glaze close to serving.
Is Lemon Meringue Pie gluten-free? — Not as written
Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).
Is Lemon Meringue Pie vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan
It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy and egg. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy, and a flax or aquafaba egg for the egg.
Community Notes
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