Air Fryer Marie Callender Pot Pie: Can You?

Marie Callender's Chicken Pot Pie is a frozen food dish that can be microwaved or oven-baked. It consists of a flaky pastry shell filled with chunks of white meat chicken, vegetables, and a creamy sauce. The pot pie is then topped with another layer of pastry. It is a classic comfort food that can be cooked in under 20 minutes in an air fryer.

There are a few things to keep in mind when cooking frozen chicken pot pies in the air fryer. First, it is important to preheat the air fryer before adding the pot pies. Second, cook the pot pies at a lower temperature than you would if you were using an oven to prevent them from burning. Lastly, check on the pot pies periodically to ensure they are cooking properly.

1. Preheat the air fryer to 350-360 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Remove the pie from the exterior cardboard package, leaving it in the paper tray.

3. Wrap foil around the pie crust edge to prevent the thinner pastry crust from burning.

4. Place the frozen pot pie in the air fryer and cook for 40-60 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

5. During the last 5-10 minutes, remove the foil from the exterior pastry if you prefer a crispier finish.

6. Let the pot pie cool for a few minutes before serving.

The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the pie and the specific model of your air fryer, so it is important to keep an eye on the pot pie while it is cooking. Additionally, it is recommended to use a thermometer to verify that the internal temperature of the pot pie reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Marie Callender's pot pies: cooking instructions for the air fryer

Preparation

Firstly, remove the pot pie from its exterior cardboard packaging, leaving it in its paper tray. Then, wrap foil around the pie crust edge to prevent burning.

Cooking Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Then, place the frozen pot pie in the air fryer and cook for 20-40 minutes, checking periodically to ensure it is cooking properly. For the last 5-10 minutes of cooking, you can remove the foil for a crispier finish. The pot pie is done when the filling is hot and the crust is golden brown.

Tips

• It is recommended to preheat your air fryer before adding the pot pie to ensure even cooking.
• To avoid a soggy crust, cook the pot pie on a wire rack or in a basket to allow hot air to circulate.
• Experiment with seasonings such as paprika or cayenne pepper to add a kick to your pot pie.
• Don't overcook the pot pie. The internal temperature should be about 165°F when it's done.
• For best results, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pot pie.
• Let the pot pie cool for at least 5 minutes before serving to avoid burning your mouth.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat a cooked pot pie in the air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350°F and place the pot pie inside. Cook for 7-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is hot.

Notes

The cooking time will depend on the size of your pot pie. The instructions above are for the 10-ounce Marie Callender's Chicken Pot Pie. For the 15-ounce pie, it is recommended to cook for 60 minutes at 350°F.

Some people have reported success with a combination of microwave and air fryer cooking. For example, microwaving the pot pie for 5-7 minutes and then air frying for 10 minutes at 350°F. This method can help speed up the cooking process and ensure even cooking throughout.

Always be cautious when handling hot food and use heat-resistant gloves if necessary.

Air fryer temperature and cooking time

The cooking temperature and time for Marie Callender's pot pie in an air fryer vary depending on the size of the pie and the type of air fryer being used. Here are some general guidelines and tips for achieving the best results:

Air Fryer Temperature:

It is recommended to cook the pot pie at a lower temperature than you would in a conventional oven to prevent burning. The suggested temperatures range from 350°F to 400°F, with 350°F being the most commonly suggested temperature. However, some users have reported success with temperatures as low as 345°F and as high as 400°F. It is important to note that the ideal temperature may vary depending on your specific air fryer model and the size of the pot pie.

Air Fryer Cooking Time:

The cooking time will depend on the size of the pot pie and the temperature you are cooking at. For a 10-ounce Marie Callender's pot pie, the suggested cooking time at 350°F is around 25 minutes. However, some users have reported that their pies were still frozen in the middle after this amount of time. In such cases, it may be necessary to increase the cooking time by a few minutes or finish the pie in the microwave to ensure it is thoroughly cooked. For a 15-ounce pot pie, the cooking time can range from 40 minutes to 60 minutes at 350°F. Again, it is important to keep an eye on the pie and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Tips for Optimal Results:

• Preheat your air fryer before adding the pot pie to ensure even cooking.
• To prevent the crust from burning, cover the edges of the pie with foil before placing it in the air fryer.
• Check on the pot pie periodically to ensure it is cooking properly and adjust the temperature or cooking time as needed.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to verify that the pot pie has reached an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Let the pot pie cool for at least 5 minutes before serving to avoid burning your mouth.

Pre-cooking the pot pie in the microwave

Step 1: Prepare the Pot Pie for Microwaving

Take the Marie Callender's pot pie out of the freezer and remove it from the outer carton. Keep the pot pie in its paper tray and ensure the silver liner is over the top of the pot pie.

Step 2: Microwave on High for 6 Minutes

Place the pot pie, in its open carton, in the microwave. Microwave it on high (100% power) for 6 minutes. If your microwave is below 1100 watts, it is not recommended to cook the pot pie, as it may not cook thoroughly.

Step 3: Rotate and Microwave on Medium for 7-8 Minutes

After the initial 6 minutes, rotate the carton a quarter turn. Then, microwave the pot pie on medium (50% power) for an additional 7 to 8 minutes.

Step 4: Check the Internal Temperature

Carefully remove the pot pie from the microwave, as it will be hot. Check that the pot pie is cooked thoroughly. The internal temperature should reach 165°F as measured by a food thermometer in several spots. The crust should be golden brown, and steam should rise from the filling.

Step 5: Let it Stand

Let the pot pie stand for 5 minutes to complete the cooking process. This will ensure the filling is cooked through and will prevent you from burning your mouth when you dig in!

Notes:

• It is important to only cook one pot pie at a time in the microwave.
• Always refer to the cooking instructions on the packaging, as these may vary depending on the type and size of the pot pie.
• If you are cooking multiple pot pies, consider pre-cooking them in the microwave and then finishing them off in an air fryer or conventional oven to ensure even cooking.
• Some people like to pre-cook their pot pies in the microwave and then finish them in an air fryer to get that crispy, golden crust.

Reheating a Marie Callender's pot pie in the air fryer

Reheating a Marie Callender's pot pie in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious hot meal. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

First, preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help ensure that your pot pie cooks evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Pot Pie

Remove the pot pie from its exterior cardboard packaging, leaving it in the paper tray. Wrap foil around the pie crust edge to prevent the thinner pastry from burning.

Step 3: Cook the Pot Pie

Place the prepared pot pie in the air fryer and cook for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't burn. The crust should be golden brown, and the filling should be hot.

Step 4: Let it Cool

Once the pot pie is done, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Remember, the filling will be very hot, so be careful not to burn your mouth!

Tips:

• It is recommended to cook frozen pot pies at a lower temperature than you would in a conventional oven to prevent burning.
• Check on the pot pie periodically to ensure it is cooking properly.
• If you want a crispier crust, you can remove the foil from the crust edge during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking.
• Be careful when handling the hot pot pie, and consider investing in heat-resistant cooking gloves.
• For best results, use a kitchen thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pot pie. It should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit when it's done.

Air fryer alternatives

Air fryers are popular for their ability to cook food faster than a regular oven and in a healthier way than frying in fat. However, some people are now opting for cheaper alternatives such as halogen ovens, which use a halogen lightbulb to cook food in a small glass bowl.

If you're looking for alternatives to air fryers, here are some options to consider:

Halogen Ovens

Halogen ovens are countertop kitchen gadgets that use a halogen lightbulb to cook food. They typically consist of a basket on the outside to prevent burns and a glass bowl with the halogen bulb on top. The bulb switches on to raise the temperature, and it may flash on and off to maintain the desired temperature. Halogen ovens can reach temperatures ranging from 60°C to 240°C (140°F to 464°F), making them a versatile and cost-effective alternative to air fryers.

Microwave and Air Fryer Combination

If you're looking for a way to cook frozen foods like pot pies, a combination of microwaving and air frying can be a great solution. Microwaving first and then finishing the cooking process in an air fryer can result in a crispy, flaky crust that is hard to achieve with microwaving alone. This combination can also be useful for frozen vegetables, preventing them from becoming "wet" during microwaving.

Traditional Oven

While it may not be the fastest option, using a traditional oven is always an alternative to an air fryer. Ovens are particularly useful when cooking large family-sized meals, as air fryers may not have sufficient capacity for such quantities.

Toaster Oven with Air Fryer Function

A toaster oven with an air fryer function is a dual-purpose appliance that can save both space and time in your kitchen. These appliances can cook food using concentrated heat, making them ideal for toasting or reheating leftovers. The air fryer function adds versatility, allowing you to cook a variety of foods without using oil.

Other Alternatives

• Ninja Combi Multicooker: This appliance offers multiple functions, including air frying, and features a ceramic-coated basket for a non-toxic cooking experience.
• Paris Rhône Air Fryer: This ceramic-coated air fryer is easy to use and features a viewing window to monitor your food.
• KitchenAid Digital Countertop Oven with Air Fry: This large countertop oven has a non-toxic stainless steel rack and can perform various functions like air frying, dehydrating, proofing, and more.

These alternatives to air fryers offer different features and benefits, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.

Frequently asked questions