Air Fryer Pot Pie: A Quick, Easy, And Delicious Treat

Yes, you can cook a pot pie in an air fryer! It's a great way to get that golden, flaky crust and hot, creamy filling without having to turn on your oven or heat up the whole kitchen. The air fryer is faster than an oven and uses less energy, making it a convenient option for cooking frozen pot pies. You can also make homemade pot pies in an air fryer, and there are various recipes available online. The cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the brand and size of your air fryer, but generally, you'll want to preheat it to around 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the pot pie for about 15 to 40 minutes.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for pot pies in an air fryer vary depending on the brand of the air fryer, the size of the pie, and the type of filling. It is recommended to preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 5 minutes before placing the pot pie in the basket.

For a 10-ounce pot pie, cook for 25 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Check for doneness using an instant-read thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If the crust is browning too quickly, cover it with foil. The pot pie is done when the filling is hot and the crust is golden brown.

For smaller pot pies, such as Banquet's 7-ounce pie or Amy's 7.5-ounce vegetable pot pie, adjust the cooking time accordingly. Banquet's pie, with its thinner crust, will cook more quickly and should be checked after 20 minutes. Similarly, for Amy's pot pie, check the temperature after 20 minutes of air frying.

For larger, family-size pot pies of 15-16 ounces, it is not recommended to cook them in the air fryer as it is challenging to ensure the middle is thoroughly cooked without overbrowning the crust.

If you are making individual pot pies from scratch, the cooking time will be reduced by about 5-10 minutes since they are not frozen. It is best to cook these pies at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes, covered in foil, and then remove the foil for the final 3-5 minutes to achieve a golden brown crust.

Reheating a cooked pot pie can be done in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-5 minutes, or until the filling is warm.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the size and wattage of your air fryer, so adjustments may be necessary.

Reheating

While pot pies are best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer, you can reheat them in the appliance if you have leftovers. To reheat, cover the pie with foil or plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator. When ready to reheat, place the covered pie in the air fryer and set the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Reheat for three to five minutes, or until the filling is warm and bubbly.

Let the pot pie rest for five minutes after reheating, as it will be very hot. This step is important to prevent the hot filling from burning your mouth.

You can also use the air fryer to crisp up the crust of a pot pie that has been microwaved. Start by microwaving the frozen pot pie for about five minutes. Then, place the pie in the preheated air fryer and cook for two to five minutes, until the crust is golden brown. Depending on your air fryer, you may only need to wrap the edges of the crust in foil instead of covering the entire pie.

Choosing a brand

When it comes to choosing a brand of pot pie to cook in your air fryer, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the size of the pot pie is important, as larger family-sized pies may not cook evenly in the air fryer and could result in a burnt crust. Therefore, it is recommended to opt for smaller, individual-sized pot pies when cooking in an air fryer.

Secondly, the cooking time and temperature will vary depending on the brand of pot pie and the size of the pie. Most pot pies will require an air fryer temperature of around 350 degrees Fahrenheit, but cooking times can range from 15 to 40 minutes, depending on the size and brand. It is important to follow the specific instructions on the packaging to ensure the pot pie is cooked thoroughly.

Additionally, the brand of air fryer you use may also impact the cooking time and temperature. Different air fryer models may have varying basket sizes, which will determine how many pot pies you can cook at once and the overall cooking time. For example, a 6-quart basket should be able to fit two 10-ounce pot pies at a time.

Some popular brands of pot pies that are commonly cooked in air fryers include Blake's Pot Pie, Amy's Pot Pie, Banquet, and Marie Callender's. These brands offer a variety of flavors and sizes to choose from. When cooking these pot pies in an air fryer, it is generally recommended to cook them at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 25 minutes, depending on the brand and size.

It is worth noting that some sources suggest pre-heating the air fryer before cooking the pot pie, as this can help achieve a crispy crust. Additionally, covering the edges of the pot pie with aluminum foil can help prevent the crust from burning.

Preparing the filling

For a chicken pot pie, you can start by melting butter in a saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions and cook until they're translucent, then add celery and carrots. Stir in some flour and cook for a few minutes. Next, add chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Finally, add potatoes and cook until slightly tender. You can also add other vegetables of your choice, such as green beans or Brussels sprouts.

If you're making a turkey pot pie, you can use leftover Thanksgiving turkey and follow a similar process. You can also make a creamy sauce to add to the filling. Once your filling is ready, you can divide it into individual portions and freeze what you don't use for future pot pies.

Sides and serving suggestions

While pot pies are a full meal in themselves, you can serve them with a side of vegetables like peas, green beans, or carrots. They also go well with French fries or cheesy mashed potatoes. If you're looking for something lighter, a salad or some dinner rolls are good options.

If you're short on time, a frozen pot pie cooked in an air fryer is a great option for a quick and easy dinner. It's faster than cooking it in the oven, and you get a crispy crust without having to spend a lot of time on prep or cleaning up.

To cook a frozen pot pie in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the frozen pie in the centre of the air fryer basket and cover it with aluminium foil. Cook the pie for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and cook for another 5 to 10 minutes, until the crust is golden brown. If your pie has a bottom crust, you may want to cook it upside down for a few minutes to crisp the bottom.

If you're making a homemade pot pie, the process is a bit different. First, spray some ramekins with cooking spray. Cut dough sheets into 6" by 6" squares and place them into the ramekins. Press the dough into the bottom and sides of the ramekins. Then, air fry the dough at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes. In a separate bowl, combine shredded chicken, frozen vegetables, and spices. You can also add gravy to this mixture. Stir until everything is combined. Fill each ramekin with the chicken mixture, then top with another square of dough. Cut a small "X" into the top of the dough to prevent it from rising too much. Finally, air fry the pies at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the filling is cooked through. Allow the pies to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions