Air-Frying Pot Pies: Is It Possible?

Pot pies are a staple comfort food, and cooking them in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a delicious, golden-brown, and crispy crust. You can cook frozen pot pies in an air fryer, and it is much faster than using an oven. The cooking time will depend on the size of the pot pie, but it should take no longer than 20 minutes. You can cook chicken, turkey, beef, or vegetable pot pies in an air fryer.

Can you cook frozen pot pies in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen pot pies in an air fryer. It is a quick and convenient way to cook a comforting pot pie for dinner. The air fryer will give you a crispy crust and perfectly cooked, creamy filling in a fraction of the time it would take in the oven.

To cook frozen pot pies in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 350–400°F. Place your frozen pot pie into the air fryer basket, ensuring it fits in a single layer. Air fry for 15–25 minutes or until the filling is bubbling and the crust is golden brown. If your pot pie has a bottom crust, you may want to remove it from its foil container and place it upside down in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp up the bottom.

You can cook frozen chicken pot pies, frozen turkey pot pies, or frozen vegetable pot pies in the air fryer. It is best to cook mini pot pies in the air fryer, as larger family-sized pies may not cook evenly.

It is not recommended to defrost a frozen pot pie before air frying. Cook the pie from frozen to ensure the crust stays flaky and crunchy.

How long to cook pot pie in the air fryer?

Cooking a pot pie in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a comforting meal. The cooking time will depend on the size of the pot pie and the desired crispness of the crust.

For a 10-ounce frozen pot pie, preheat your air fryer to 350-360 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-5 minutes. Then, place the frozen pot pie in the air fryer basket and cook for 15-20 minutes. If you want a crispier crust, increase the temperature to 380-400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for an additional 2-6 minutes.

For a 7-8 ounce frozen pot pie, reduce the cooking time by 5 minutes. It is not recommended to cook large, family-sized pot pies (15-16 ounces) in the air fryer as it is difficult to get the middle thoroughly cooked without over-browning the crust.

Once the pot pie is done, leave it in the closed air fryer basket for 5 minutes to allow the middle to continue warming. Then, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool down for at least 5 minutes before serving.

Remember that the pot pie will be very hot, so be careful not to burn your mouth. Enjoy your delicious and comforting pot pie!

How to store and reheat pot pies?

Storing and reheating pot pies is a tricky business, but it can be done. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you do it right.

Storing Pot Pies

Pot pies can be stored in the fridge or freezer. If you're storing a whole pie, cover it with foil or plastic wrap and it will last three to five days in the fridge, or two to six months in the freezer. If you're storing individual slices, wrap each slice in foil or plastic wrap and then store them all together in a ziplock bag or plastic container in the freezer.

Reheating Pot Pies

There are several ways to reheat a pot pie, but the best method depends on the type of pie and your desired outcome. Here are some of the most common methods:

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the pie in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminium foil. Put it in the oven for 20-30 minutes, then remove the foil and return the pie to the oven for a few minutes until completely warmed.
• Microwave: Place the pie on a microwave-safe plate and heat on low power for 1-2 minutes. Check the temperature and reheat for an additional 30 seconds if needed.
• Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350-400°F. Place the pie in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-25 minutes, or until the filling is hot and the crust is golden brown.
• Toaster Oven: Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F. Place the pie on a baking sheet or pizza pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is hot.
• Stovetop: Place a skillet over medium-high heat. Put the 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 it cook for 5-10 minutes, or until the pie is heated through.

Remember, the key to reheating pot pies is to balance the internal temperature with the crispness of the crust. The oven method tends to provide the best results, but it may take longer than other methods. The microwave is quick and convenient, but it may not retain the flaky crust. The air fryer is a great option for a golden brown crust, but it can dry out the pie a little. The toaster oven and stovetop methods are also effective, especially for smaller portions.

What are good side dishes to serve with pot pies?

Pot pies are a hearty meal, but a side dish can add some extra flavour and texture to the meal. Here are some ideas for side dishes that will complement your pot pie:

Salads

A fresh, light salad can be a great contrast to the dense and creamy pot pie. A simple spinach salad with some crumbled feta cheese is a wholesome option. Or, for something more substantial, try a German potato salad or a vegan potato salad with tender potatoes, tomatoes, and herbs. A classic Caesar salad is always a good option, or you could switch it up with little gem lettuce leaves instead of romaine. An Italian chopped salad with red wine vinaigrette is another tasty option.

Vegetables

Roasted vegetables are a great, simple side dish. You could also try roasted broccoli and carrots, or roasted Brussels sprouts. Green beans are another good option—try them with butter and garlic, or the French-style dish, green beans almondine. For something a little different, how about butternut squash fries or maple-glazed carrots?

Starchy Sides

Starchy sides are a great way to turn your pot pie into a complete meal. You could go for classic mashed potatoes, or try something different like loaded baked potatoes or sweet potato fries. Or, if you're short on time, a simple side of dinner rolls could be a good option.

Sweet Sides

If you're looking for something sweet to round off the meal, why not try apple crumble muffins or banana bread pudding? Or, for something more traditional, a simple homemade apple pie.

What are some tips for making air fryer frozen chicken pot pie?

• You don't need to defrost the pot pie before air frying it. In fact, it is recommended that you cook it from frozen to get the best texture for the crust.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350-360°F (some sources recommend 400°F) and cook the pie for around 20 minutes. However, cooking times may vary depending on the size of the pie and the model of your air fryer, so keep an eye on it.
• If you're using a larger pie, it might be a good idea to cook it at a lower temperature first and then increase the heat for a few minutes at the end to ensure the filling is hot and the crust is crispy.
• If you want to avoid a soggy bottom, try removing the pie from its tin and poking holes in the foil before placing it back in the tin and cooking it in the air fryer.
• Let the pot pie rest for at least 5 minutes after cooking to allow the filling to cool down before serving.
• If the crust is browning too quickly, cover it with foil.
• You can serve the pot pie with a side of cooked vegetables, a salad, or even some fruit to balance out the richness of the pie.

Frequently asked questions