Air Fryer Pot Pie: Is It Possible?

Yes, you can cook a pot pie in an air fryer! It's a quick, easy, and delicious way to cook a frozen pot pie, whether it's chicken, turkey, or veggie. The air fryer will give you a golden brown crust and evenly cooked fillings in less time than it takes in an oven.

The key to getting it right is to cover the pot pie with foil for the first part of the cooking process to prevent the crust from burning. You can then remove the foil for the last few minutes to get a nice golden crust.

Cooking time and temperature

Firstly, preheat your air fryer. Most sources recommend preheating to 350°F, although one source suggests 400°F for a more even cook. It is worth noting that some air fryer models may not require preheating, but it is generally recommended to ensure even cooking.

Next, cover your pot pie with aluminium foil. This step is important to prevent the crust from burning. Some recipes suggest wrapping only the edges of the crust, while others recommend covering the entire pie. If you are cooking a larger pot pie, covering the whole pie with foil can help prevent the crust from burning. You can also make slits in the foil to prevent moisture from building up and making the crust soggy.

Now, it's time to cook the pot pie. Place the covered pot pie in the air fryer basket and cook for 20-25 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on the size and type of pot pie, so keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn't burn.

After the initial cooking time, carefully remove the pot pie from the air fryer and remove the foil. If you covered only the edges of the crust with foil, use scissors to cut a hole in the middle of the foil, leaving it over the edges to prevent burning.

Return the pot pie to the air fryer and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Again, keep an eye on it to prevent overbrowning.

Once the pot pie is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the filling to cool slightly so you don't burn your mouth and gives the filling time to set, making it less messy to cut into.

Finally, enjoy your delicious, flaky, and golden pot pie!

Using an oven vs. an air fryer

Oven

Using an oven to cook pot pies is a traditional method that has been used for generations. It is a straightforward process that requires minimal effort. You can simply pop a store-bought frozen pot pie into the oven, and it will be ready in no time. This method is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a comforting and delicious meal without any fuss.

However, one of the main drawbacks of using an oven is the longer cooking time. It takes significantly longer to cook a pot pie in an oven compared to an air fryer. Additionally, ovens tend to heat up the entire kitchen, which can be uncomfortable, especially during the warmer months.

Air Fryer

On the other hand, an air fryer is a faster and more efficient way to cook pot pies. It gives you a crispy crust and perfectly cooked, creamy filling in a fraction of the time it takes in an oven. The air fryer's small size and powerful heating elements allow it to heat up quickly and maintain the heat, resulting in shorter cooking times.

Another advantage of using an air fryer is that it uses less energy than a conventional oven. This not only saves you money on your utility bills but also reduces your carbon footprint. Additionally, air fryers don't heat up the entire house, making them ideal for use all year round.

However, one challenge of cooking pot pies in an air fryer is finding the right temperature balance. You need to ensure that the filling is cooked thoroughly without burning the crust. It might take a bit of trial and error to find the perfect temperature and timing for your specific air fryer model.

In conclusion, both methods have their advantages and disadvantages. If you're short on time and want a crispy crust, an air fryer is the way to go. But if you're looking for a more traditional approach that requires minimal effort, the oven is a reliable choice. Ultimately, the decision depends on your personal preferences, time constraints, and equipment available.

Reheating pot pies in an air fryer

Step 1: Prepare the Pot Pie

Completely cover the pot pie with aluminium foil. This will prevent the crust from burning. If you're reheating multiple pot pies, make sure they are not touching and have enough space for air to circulate.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 350°F (180°C). Some models may not require preheating, but it is generally recommended to ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Reheat the Pot Pie

Place the covered pot pie in the air fryer basket and reheat for 10-15 minutes at 350°F (180°C). For larger pot pies, you may need a little more time, up to 20 minutes.

Step 4: Let it Rest

Remove the pot pie from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will ensure the filling is not too hot and set, so it's not as messy when you cut into it.

Tips:

• Use a meat/food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pot pie. You want it to be at least 165°F (74°C).
• If you're in a hurry, you can reheat the pot pie in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, but you won't get the same crispy crust as with the air fryer.
• If your pot pie is browning too quickly, cover it with foil while reheating.

The best frozen pot pie brands for air frying

Yes, you can cook frozen pot pies in an air fryer. In fact, it's a great way to cook them! You'll get a crispy crust and perfectly cooked, creamy filling in a fraction of the time it would take in the oven.

Now, when it comes to the best frozen pot pie brands for air frying, here are some popular and highly-rated options:

Marie Callender's Pot Pie

Marie Callender's Pot Pies are mentioned in several sources as a great option for air frying. They typically come in a 10-ounce size, which is perfect for individual servings. The brand is known for its delicious chicken pot pies, but they also offer a Gardein plant-based chick'n pot pie for a meat-free option.

Banquet Pot Pie

Banquet Pot Pies are another popular choice for air frying. They are slightly smaller, usually around 7 ounces, and have a thinner crust. Due to their size, they will cook more quickly in the air fryer.

Blake's Pot Pie

Blake's Pot Pies are also mentioned as a good option for air frying. They typically come in an 8-ounce size, and it is recommended to cook them for about 25 minutes before checking for doneness.

Amy's Pot Pie

Amy's Pot Pies are a great choice if you're looking for a vegetable pot pie. They usually come in a 7.5-ounce size, and while the exact cooking time isn't specified, it is recommended to check the temperature after air frying for about 20 minutes.

Other Brands

In addition to these popular brands, there are also several other options available in the frozen foods section of your local grocery store. These include beef pot pies, as well as other varieties of chicken and vegetable pot pies. When choosing a brand, just remember that the size of the pot pie is more important than the brand when it comes to air frying. Larger, family-sized pies may not cook evenly in the air fryer, so it's best to stick with the smaller, individual-sized pies.

How to store and reheat leftovers

When storing leftover pot pie, make sure to cover the dish or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It will last three to five days in the fridge and two to six months in the freezer.

To reheat a pot pie in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Then, place the pot pie in the air fryer basket or tray. Cook for 10 minutes, then check the pot pie to make sure it is heated through. If not, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Let the pot pie cool for a few minutes before serving.

You can also reheat a pot pie in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F and cover the top of the pie with aluminium foil in an oven-safe dish. Place the pot pie in the oven and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, check the pot pie. If the inside temperature is right, remove the aluminium foil and return to the oven for a few minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning the top of the crust. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Another option is to use a microwave, placing the pot pie on a microwave-safe dish and heating on high power for 2 minutes. Check the temperature and, if necessary, heat for an additional 30 seconds. Let the pot pie stand for 1 minute before serving.

Finally, you can reheat a pot pie on the stovetop. Place a skillet over medium-high heat and put the pot pie in the skillet, ensuring the bottom of the pie is in contact with the skillet. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the pot pie cook for 5-10 minutes or until it is heated through. Carefully remove the pot pie from the skillet and enjoy.

Frequently asked questions