Air Fryer Magic: Frozen Pot Pie Perfection

Cooking a frozen pot pie in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and delicious way to prepare a meal. It only takes 15-20 minutes to cook a frozen pot pie in an air fryer, resulting in a golden-brown crust and creamy filling. The air fryer method is faster than using a traditional oven, and it also uses less energy and doesn't heat up your house.

How long to cook a frozen pot pie in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook a frozen pot pie in an air fryer! It's a great way to cook frozen pot pies, giving you a crispy crust and a perfectly cooked, creamy filling in a fraction of the time it would take in the oven.

• Preheat your air fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to 350-400°F for 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures that your pot pie cooks evenly.
• Prepare the pot pie: While the air fryer is preheating, take your frozen pot pie out of the packaging and place it in the air fryer basket. If your pot pie is in a cardboard or paper container, consider transferring it to a heat-safe dish before placing it in the air fryer. Make sure the pot pie fits in a single layer and leave some space around it for even cooking.
• Cook the pot pie: Air fry the frozen pot pie at 350°F for 15-25 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your pot pie and the brand of your air fryer. For larger pot pies, you may need up to 20-25 minutes.
• Check for doneness: Use an instant-read thermometer to check if your pot pie is cooked. Insert the thermometer into the centre of the pot pie and ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. If it hasn't reached the desired temperature, continue cooking in small increments until it's done.
• Cover with foil if browning too quickly: If you notice that the crust is browning too quickly, you can cover the pot pie with aluminium foil to prevent it from burning.
• Rest and serve: Once your pot pie is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to cool down slightly so you don't burn your mouth. Remember, the pot pie will be very hot, so be careful when handling it.

Tips for Cooking Frozen Pot Pie in an Air Fryer:

• No need to defrost: There is no need to defrost or thaw a frozen pot pie before cooking it in the air fryer. Cook it directly from frozen for the best results.
• Steam release: To help release steam and prevent sogginess, you can cut small slits into the top of the pot pie crust before placing it in the air fryer.
• Size matters: When cooking frozen pot pies in an air fryer, size matters. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the pot pie. Smaller pot pies will take around 15-20 minutes, while larger, family-sized pot pies may take up to 25 minutes or more.
• Brand recommendations: Popular brands of frozen pot pies that are perfect for air frying include Marie Callender's, Banquet, Blake's, and Amy's.

How to store and reheat a pot pie

Pot pies are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but if you have leftovers, there are a few ways to reheat them without compromising taste and texture.

Firstly, it's important to note that pot pies should be stored in the refrigerator, covered in foil or plastic wrap. They will last for three to five days in the fridge. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them, and they will last for two to six months.

Now, for reheating! The best way to reheat a pot pie and retain its flaky crust is to use a conventional oven. Preheat your oven to 325-350°F, and place the covered pie on an oven-safe baking tray. Leave it to bake for about 20-30 minutes, then remove the foil and return the pie to the oven for a few minutes until completely warmed through.

If you're short on time, you can also use a microwave. However, the crust may not stay as crispy. Place the pie on a microwave-safe plate and use the lowest power setting. Cut the pie into slices and heat one piece at a time for around two minutes. Check if the filling is hot, and heat for another minute if needed.

Another option is to reheat the pie on the stovetop. This method is best for smaller portions and pies with the filling encased in the crust, not just a pastry topping. Lightly coat a skillet with non-stick cooking spray and place it over medium heat. Put the pie in the pan, cover with a lid, and heat for about five minutes or until warmed through.

Remember, it's not recommended to reheat a pot pie more than once for food safety reasons. Enjoy your leftovers!

How to stop the crust from burning

It can be tricky to find the right temperature to cook a frozen pot pie in an air fryer without burning the crust. Here are some tips to prevent burning:

Choosing the Right Pie

Choose a pie that is not too large. Larger, family-sized pies are more likely to burn than smaller, individual pies. A pie of around 7-10 ounces is ideal.

Preparing the Pie

Before cooking, remove the pie from any packaging, but leave it in its aluminium tray. Cut small slits into the top of the crust to allow steam to escape.

Cooking the Pie

Preheat the air fryer to 350-360°F. Place the pie in the air fryer basket, ensuring it fits in a single layer. Cook for 15-25 minutes, checking regularly. If the crust starts to brown too much, cover it with foil. The pie is done when the filling is hot and the crust is golden brown. An instant-read thermometer can be used to check if the pie has reached 165°F internally.

After Cooking

Let the pie cool for at least 5 minutes before serving. The filling will be very hot, so be careful not to burn your mouth!

What to serve with a pot pie

Pot pies are a hearty meal, but there are times when you might want to serve something alongside them. Here are some ideas for what to serve with a pot pie:

Vegetables

Roasted vegetables are a great option to serve with pot pie. You could try broccoli, Brussel sprouts, bell peppers, carrots, green beans, asparagus, or a mixture of root vegetables such as sweet potatoes, parsnips, and carrots. If you're short on time, you can cook these in an air fryer.

Salads

A simple green salad or a fruit salad can add some freshness to your meal. You could also try a spinach salad with a balsamic vinaigrette, or a charred broccolini salad with cannellini beans, cherry tomatoes, and burrata.

Potatoes

Baked potatoes, mashed potatoes, or roasted sweet potatoes are all good options to serve with pot pie. For a more indulgent option, you could try duchess potatoes or goat cheese mashed potatoes.

Bread

Dinner rolls or garlic bread are a good choice to serve alongside pot pie. You could also try buttermilk cornbread.

Other Sides

Some other ideas for sides to serve with pot pie include mac and cheese, green bean casserole, hash browns, or a traditional or German potato salad.

What size pot pie to use

When it comes to cooking frozen pot pies in an air fryer, size matters. The cooking time and temperature will vary depending on the size of the pot pie.

Marie Callender's Pot Pie (10 ounces) is a popular choice for air frying. It is described as the perfect size for this cooking method. You can fit two of these pot pies in a 6-quart basket. The recommended cooking time is 25 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Banquet Pot Pie (7 ounces) is a smaller option with a thinner crust. Due to its size, it will cook more quickly. The suggested cooking time is 20 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Blake's Pot Pie (8 ounces) should be cooked for 25 minutes before checking for doneness.

Amy's Pot Pie (7.5 ounces) is a vegetable pot pie option. It is recommended to check the temperature after 20 minutes of air frying.

Large, family-sized pot pies (15-16 ounces) are not recommended for air frying. It is challenging to get the middle thoroughly cooked without overbrowning the crust.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary, and it is always a good idea to use a thermometer to verify that the internal temperature of the pot pie reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Frequently asked questions