Air Fryer Hack: Frozen Pie, Quick Serve Perfection

Cooking a frozen pie in an air fryer is a convenient way to enjoy a quick, crispy, and delicious meal. Whether you're craving a savoury meat pie or a sweet dessert pie, the air fryer's rapid cooking and crisping capabilities ensure that your frozen pie turns out perfectly every time. It is a great option for those who want a quick and easy meal without compromising on taste and quality.

Air fryer temperature and cooking time

The temperature and cooking time for your frozen pie in an air fryer will depend on the type of pie, the size of the pie, and your desired level of browning. It is recommended that you preheat your air fryer for a few minutes at a temperature of around 320°F (160°C).

For a 7.5-ounce vegetable pot pie, it is suggested that you check the temperature after 20 minutes of air frying at 380°F/190°C. For a 15-16 ounce family-sized pie, it is not recommended to cook it in an air fryer as the middle may not cook thoroughly before the crust gets too brown.

A general guideline for cooking frozen pies is to cook them at a preheated temperature of 320°F (160°C) for 30 minutes. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the size and type of pie. For example, a frozen chicken pot pie should be cooked for 25 minutes at 350°F until heated through and golden brown. Similarly, a frozen meat pie should be cooked for 25 minutes at 170°F until brown and then for 20 minutes at 110°F.

If you are cooking mini pot pies, you can cook them at 380°F/190°C for 15-17 minutes or until the pastry is crisp and golden brown. If your pie has a bottom crust, you can place it upside down in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to crisp the bottom.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary, so it is recommended to monitor the progress of your pie and adjust the time and temperature as needed. You can also use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of your pie reaches the desired level, such as 165°F for pot pies.

How to prevent sticking to the basket

To prevent your frozen pie from sticking to the basket, lightly grease the basket with cooking spray or oil. You can also use baking paper cut to fit the basket, ensuring the bottom of the pie doesn't stick.

Another option is to use foil. Tenting the pie with foil can prevent the top from burning while the bottom cooks. However, foil can be annoying to use in an air fryer as it may blow off. If you do use foil, remove it a few minutes before the end of the cooking time to allow the top of the pie to crisp up.

If your pie is frozen solid, it may be more difficult to cook in the air fryer. You could try defrosting it slightly in the microwave first, or just cook it for longer in the air fryer.

Finally, make sure your pie fits comfortably in the basket without touching the sides or top. This will help to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.

Reheating a frozen pie

Prepare the Air Fryer and Pie:

First, preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking and a golden, crispy crust. Set the temperature to around 320°F (160°C) and preheat for a few minutes. Meanwhile, remove the pie from its outer packaging, but leave it in the foil pan it came in. This helps contain the pie and prevents it from sticking to the air fryer basket. You can also lightly grease the basket with cooking spray or oil, or use baking paper, for added non-stick insurance.

Place the Pie in the Air Fryer:

Gently place the frozen pie into the center of the preheated air fryer basket, ensuring it doesn't touch the sides or top. If using a dual air fryer, you can fit two pies, one in each drawer.

Set the Temperature and Time:

The ideal temperature and time for reheating a frozen pie depend on the size and type of pie. A general guideline is to cook a 10 oz pie at 350°F-380°F/180°C-190°C for 15-20 minutes. For larger pies (15-16 oz), increase the time to 30-40 minutes. If your pie has a bottom crust, you may want to air fry it upside down for a few minutes to crisp the bottom.

Check for Doneness and Serve:

Use an instant-read thermometer to verify that your pie has reached an internal temperature of 165°F-176°F/71°C-74°C. If not, cook for a few more minutes. Once done, remove the pie from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the filling to settle, making it easier to serve and enjoy.

Different types of frozen pies

Yes, you can cook a frozen pie in an air fryer. It is a convenient and quick way to cook a frozen pie without having to heat up your entire kitchen by turning on the oven. You can cook frozen raw pies, chilled pies, or simply reheat leftover pies in the air fryer.

Now, let's explore the different types of frozen pies available:

Savory Frozen Pies

Savory frozen pies are perfect for a quick and comforting meal. They come in various options, including:

• Chicken pot pies: These are a popular choice, especially for those who want a hearty meal with chicken and vegetables.
• Steak pies: For meat lovers, steak pies offer a delicious and satisfying option.
• Chicken and mushroom pies: A classic combination of tender chicken and flavorful mushrooms.
• Beef and onion pies: This option combines the savory flavors of beef and onion in a flaky pastry.
• Banquet frozen pot pies: These are smaller in size and may require a shorter cooking time.

Sweet Frozen Pies

Sweet frozen pies are ideal for dessert and can be a refreshing treat during the summer months. Some popular options include:

• Ice cream pies: These pies feature a layer of ice cream, such as strawberry or coffee, atop a crumbly crust made from crackers or cookies.
• Fruit pies: Fruit pies can be made with various fruits, such as blueberries or strawberries, for a sweet and refreshing dessert.
• Peanut butter pie: This pie offers a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors, with a simple press-in crust made from peanut butter sandwich cookies.
• Tiramisu pie: A unique take on the classic Italian dessert, featuring coffee mousse and ladyfingers in a pie form.
• Butterscotch pudding pie: A rich and indulgent pie with a crunchy crust and a thick layer of butterscotch pudding.

Other frozen foods to cook in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook a frozen pie in an air fryer. You can cook a frozen raw pie, a chilled pie, or just reheat a cooked pie. You can also cook frozen chicken pot pies or steak pies in the air fryer.

There are several other frozen foods that you can cook in an air fryer, including:

• Frozen chicken wings
• Frozen meatballs
• Frozen salmon
• Frozen pierogies
• Frozen shrimp tempura
• Frozen pizza rolls
• Frozen taquitos
• Frozen chicken breasts
• Frozen mozzarella sticks
• Frozen corn dogs

When cooking frozen foods in an air fryer, it is generally recommended to set the temperature to 400°F and start checking smaller items after around eight minutes, and larger items after about ten minutes. It is also a good idea to shake the basket halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

Frequently asked questions