Get Ready: Preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F (177°C). Lightly grease or line the bottom of a 9-inch round pie pan with parchment paper for easy release.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a roomy bowl, whisk together the almond flour, your chosen sweetener (if making a sweet crust), and sea salt until everything is perfectly combined.
Add Wet & Combine: Stir in the melted butter (with the vanilla extract if you're using it) and the egg. Keep mixing until all the ingredients are fully incorporated. It's totally normal for the "dough" to look a bit dry and crumbly at first – just keep pressing and stirring until it forms a uniform mixture without any loose flour. For a super quick mix, feel free to use a food processor!
Shape Your Crust: Transfer the crumbly dough into your prepared pie pan. Use your fingers to firmly press it evenly across the bottom and up the sides. If you’re feeling fancy, you can gently flute the edges. Don't forget to poke several holes all over the bottom with a fork – this simple step stops it from bubbling up while baking!
Bake to Perfection: Pop the crust into the preheated oven and bake for 6 to 12 minutes, until the edges are just slightly golden. The exact time can vary depending on your oven and pan. If your pie filling needs more baking, aim for the shorter end of the baking time (around 6-8 minutes) and cover the crust edges with foil or a pie shield later to prevent over-browning.
Cool Before Filling: Let your perfectly baked crust cool down for at least 10-15 minutes before adding your favorite sweet or savory filling. This helps it set beautifully and prevents any sogginess!