Air Fryer Marie Callender Pot Pies: Can It Be Done?

Marie Callender's pot pies are a popular choice for home cooks and busy families due to their convenience and rich flavor. While the oven-baked version is a classic, some people are curious about whether these pot pies can be cooked in an air fryer. The answer is yes, Marie Callender's pot pies can be cooked in an air fryer, and it takes less time than baking them in an oven.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in cooking Marie Callender's pot pies. While some sources suggest preheating to 360 degrees Fahrenheit, others recommend temperatures ranging from 350 to 380 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature may depend on the brand and model of your air fryer. For example, one source mentions preheating their Ninja Foodi for four minutes before cooking.

To ensure optimal cooking results, it is recommended to wrap the edges of the pot pie with foil to prevent the thinner pastry crusts from burning. This step is especially important if you are aiming for a crispy or well-done finish. During the last 5 to 10 minutes of cooking, you can choose to remove the foil to achieve the desired level of crispness.

When preheating and cooking, it is crucial to consider the size of the pot pie. Marie Callender's pot pies typically come in 10-ounce or 15-ounce portions. While the smaller size is perfect for air frying, cooking the larger size in an air fryer can be challenging due to the difficulty in ensuring that the middle is thoroughly cooked without overbrowning the crust. Therefore, it is generally recommended to cook the larger pot pies in the oven or microwave, following the package instructions.

Additionally, it is worth noting that some people choose to partially cook the pot pie in the microwave before transferring it to the air fryer. This approach can help speed up the cooking process and ensure that the pot pie is heated through. However, it is essential to monitor the cooking process closely to avoid overcooking or burning.

Cook at a lower temperature than an oven

When cooking Marie Callender's pot pies in an air fryer, it is important to remember that they should be cooked at a lower temperature than in an oven. This is because air fryers can reach higher temperatures than conventional ovens, so cooking at a lower temperature will help prevent the pies from burning.

The ideal temperature and cooking time will depend on the size and brand of your air fryer, as well as the size and type of pie you are cooking. For example, the cooking time for a 10-ounce pie will differ from that of a 15-ounce pie, and the cooking instructions for a chicken pot pie may vary from those for a vegetable pot pie. It is recommended to refer to the specific instructions for your air fryer and the type of pie you are cooking.

To ensure even cooking and prevent burning, it is important to preheat your air fryer before adding the pot pies. Additionally, wrapping the edges of the pie with foil can help prevent the thinner pastry crusts from burning. However, during the last 5 to 10 minutes of cooking, you can remove the foil if you prefer a crispier or more well-done finish.

Some people also suggest using a combination of the microwave and air fryer for the best results. For example, you can microwave the pie for a few minutes to thaw or partially cook it, and then finish cooking it in the air fryer to achieve a crispy texture. This combination can help ensure that the filling is cooked through while preventing the crust from burning.

Check on the pot pie periodically

Cooking Marie Callender's pot pies in an air fryer is a convenient option, especially if you don't have access to a traditional oven. However, it's important to keep a close eye on your pie during the cooking process to ensure optimal results. Here are some detailed instructions to help you check on your pot pie periodically:

• Preparation: Before placing the pot pie in the air fryer, it's recommended to wrap the edges with foil, especially if your pie has a thinner pastry crust. This simple step can prevent the crust from burning, ensuring a flaky and crispy texture.
• Temperature and Timing: Air fryers can vary in terms of temperature and cooking time. As a general guideline, preheat your air fryer to around 350-380 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooking time will depend on the size of your pie and the brand of your air fryer. For a 10-ounce pie, consider cooking for about 20 minutes. For larger pies, you may need to increase the cooking time, but be cautious to avoid overcooking the crust.
• Checking Doneness: To check on the pot pie periodically, look for visual cues. You're aiming for a golden brown and flaky crust. If you have a meat thermometer, you can also check the internal temperature, which should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Adjusting Cooking Time: Depending on your air fryer and the pie's size, you may need to adjust the cooking time. If the crust is browning too quickly, you can reduce the temperature or cover the crust with foil. If the center is still frozen or undercooked, you may need to extend the cooking time or adjust the temperature.
• Cooling: Once you've achieved the desired doneness, remove the pot pie from the air fryer and let it cool for a few minutes. This step is crucial, as the filling will be extremely hot. Enjoy your pot pie once it has cooled down slightly.
• Safety: Always exercise caution when handling hot food. Use heat-resistant cooking gloves or oven mitts when removing the pot pie from the air fryer to protect your hands. Additionally, be mindful of any hot air or steam released from the air fryer during the cooking process.

Remember, the key to successfully cooking Marie Callender's pot pies in an air fryer is to monitor the cooking process closely. Each air fryer is unique, so you may need to experiment with temperature and timing to find the perfect combination for your specific model. By following these instructions and making adjustments as needed, you'll be able to enjoy a delicious, flaky, and crispy pot pie straight from your air fryer.

Remove foil for a crispy finish

If you're looking to cook Marie Callender's Chicken Pot Pie in an air fryer, you've come to the right place! Here's a detailed guide to achieving that perfect crispy finish:

First things first, it's important to preheat your air fryer. This is a crucial step to ensure even cooking. Set your air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit as a starting point, but be mindful that the temperature and timing can vary depending on the brand and model of your air fryer. Some sources suggest preheating to 375 or even 380 degrees Fahrenheit, so adjust accordingly.

Now, let's talk about the cooking process. Marie Callender's Pot Pies come in different sizes, so the cooking time will vary. For the 10-ounce pie, which is the perfect size for air frying, cook it at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and remove it when the crust is golden brown and flaky. The filling will be extremely hot, so be cautious when taking it out of the air fryer.

For larger pies, such as the 15-ounce option, cooking times and temperatures may need to be adjusted. Some sources suggest cooking at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 35-40 minutes, while others recommend 390 degrees Fahrenheit for 40 minutes. It's important to monitor the pie during cooking to ensure it doesn't burn.

To achieve that crispy finish, here's a trick: wrap the edges of the pie with foil before placing it in the air fryer. This will prevent the thinner pastry crust from burning. During the last 5-10 minutes of cooking, remove the foil from the exterior pastry. This will give your pie that desired crispy, well-done finish.

Finally, let your pot pie cool down a bit before serving. It's worth the wait to enjoy that first delicious bite!

Let the pot pie cool before serving

When cooking a Marie Callender's pot pie in an air fryer, it is important to preheat the air fryer before adding the pie. It is also important to cook the pie at a lower temperature than you would in an oven to prevent burning. During the last 5 to 10 minutes of cooking, you can remove the foil from the exterior pastry if you like a crispier finish.

Once your pot pie is cooked, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. The filling will be extremely hot, so be careful when removing it from the air fryer. Leaving it to cool for a few minutes will allow the pie to be at a more enjoyable temperature when eating, and prevent scalding.

One person recommends taking the pot pie out of the oven and covering it while they prepare the rest of their meal. By the time they sit down to eat, the pie is at the perfect temperature. Another person recommends leaving the pie on a windowsill for 30 minutes to cool.

If you are making a homemade pot pie, it is recommended to let the pie rest for 10 minutes before cutting into it.

Frequently asked questions