Deep-Frying A Pot Pie: Safe Or Not?

There are many ways to cook a pot pie, but can you cook it in a deep fryer? Deep-fried foods are typically battered and submerged in hot oil, but an air fryer circulates hot air around food to cook it. While you can't deep-fry a pot pie, you can cook it in an air fryer! Air-fried pot pies have a flaky, golden crust and a creamy filling, and they're faster and more energy-efficient to cook than in a conventional oven.

Air fryer pot pies: cooking times and temperatures

Cooking pot pies in an air fryer is a convenient way to prepare a comforting meal in less than 20 minutes. It is much faster than using an oven, and it also uses less energy without heating up the entire house.

To cook frozen pot pies in an air fryer, it is recommended to cook them from frozen rather than defrosting them first. This is because defrosting the pie first can make the crust mushy. It is also important to note that cooking times will vary based on the size of the pie, and it is easier to cook mini pot pies in an air fryer than large, family-sized ones.

When cooking frozen pot pies in an air fryer, it is important to find the right temperature that will cook the filling without burning the crust. A good method is to start at a lower temperature and then increase it for a few minutes at the end. For example, you can cook a frozen pot pie at 380°F/190°C for 17-20 minutes, or until the pastry is crisp and golden, and the filling is hot throughout. Alternatively, you can cook at 350°F for 25 minutes, or until the pie is heated through and golden brown. If the crust is browning too quickly, you can cover it with aluminum foil.

For Amy's Pot Pie (7.5 ounces), it is recommended to check the temperature after 20 minutes of air frying. If you are cooking a Marie Callender's pot pie, you can try cooking it in the microwave for a few minutes and then finishing it in the air fryer to get a flaky crust and cooked filling.

How to get a flaky crust

While cooking a pot pie in an air fryer or a deep fryer is possible, it can be a bit of a balancing act to find the right temperature that will cook the filling without making the crust too brown. The key to getting a flaky crust is to use cold butter and ice water to make the pie crust dough. Here are some detailed instructions on how to get a flaky crust:

Firstly, prepare your ingredients. You will need unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, and ice water. The amount of butter and flour you use will depend on the size of your pie, but a good rule of thumb is to use a 2:1 ratio of flour to butter, with a small amount of ice water to bring the dough together.

Next, you will want to combine the butter and flour. Cut the butter into small pieces and add them to your flour. You can do this by hand using a pastry cutter or a food processor. If using a food processor, pulse the mixture until the flour is well coated with the butter. The flour will actually change colour as it becomes coated.

Once the butter and flour are combined, slowly add the ice water a little at a time until the dough comes together. Be careful not to add too much water, as this can make the dough sticky and difficult to work with.

Now that your dough is ready, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before rolling it out. This will make it easier to handle and roll. Lightly dust your work surface and rolling pin with flour to prevent sticking.

Begin rolling the dough from the centre outwards, working towards a uniform thickness of about 1/8 inch. If the dough cracks, let it stand for a minute to warm slightly before rolling again. Use a bench scraper to lift the dough occasionally to ensure it isn't sticking to your work surface.

Finally, transfer the dough to your pie plate. Gently ease the crust into the corners of the pan, leaving about an inch of dough hanging over the edges. You can now fill and bake your pie according to your recipe instructions.

Oven vs. air fryer

Air fryers and ovens are both appliances used for cooking food. However, they differ in several ways, including size, functionality, cooking time, and the amount of food that can be cooked at once.

Size

Air fryers are typically smaller, countertop appliances that can cook one dish or a single batch of food at a time. On the other hand, ovens are full-sized appliances that can handle multiple dishes or larger portions.

Functionality

Air fryers rapidly circulate heated air to cook and crisp up food. They are designed to be powerful and often have a large fan located on top of the appliance, directly below the heating element. This top-down heating method cooks food faster. Additionally, air fryers usually have a perforated basket or tray that promotes air circulation, resulting in crispy food.

Ovens, particularly conventional non-convection ovens, use still air to cook food. They have heating elements on the top and bottom of the cooking cavity, resulting in static air. Convection ovens, on the other hand, use a built-in heating mechanism and a fan to circulate hot air, similar to air fryers. However, the fan in convection ovens is typically smaller and slower than that of air fryers.

It is important to note that not all ovens have air fry capabilities, while some air fryers may offer additional functions such as baking or toasting.

Cooking Time

Due to their size and powerful fans, air fryers cook food much faster than ovens. They also don't require as much preheating time as ovens. However, it can be tricky to find the right balance between cooking the filling and browning the crust when cooking certain dishes like pot pies.

Food Output

Air fryers are best suited for cooking smaller portions or single batches of food. Ovens, on the other hand, can accommodate multiple dishes or larger portions, making them more suitable for serving larger groups.

Reheating pot pies in an air fryer

Reheating a chicken pot pie in an air fryer is a great way to make the dish taste fresh and retain its signature flaky, buttery crust. The air fryer's small size means it heats up quickly and maintains the heat, making it faster than an oven. It is also a good way to ensure the filling is hot and creamy, while the crust is crispy.

To reheat a chicken pot pie in an air fryer, first, ensure the pie is in a foil or metal pie pan and place it in an oven-safe baking dish. Cover the pie with aluminium foil and preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F. Then, place the pie in the air fryer and heat for 25 to 30 minutes, or until heated through. To get an extra crispy crust, remove the foil and heat for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Allow the pie to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

If your chicken pot pie is frozen, it is best to cook it straight from frozen rather than defrosting it first. This will ensure the crust does not become mushy. It is also important to note that cooking times will vary depending on the size of the pie. For a mini pot pie, 20 minutes in the air fryer should be sufficient. For a 10 oz pot pie, preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F for 5 minutes and then cook for 25 minutes. For larger pies, increase the cooking time.

While the air fryer is a great option for reheating chicken pot pies, it is not the only method. The oven is another popular choice, producing a delicious, crispy crust and creamy filling. However, this method may take longer than the air fryer. The microwave is the quickest method but may not deliver the same crispy crust. Another option is to use a non-stick frying pan on medium to medium-high heat. This method is quick and will deliver a crispy crust, but the pie must be watched carefully to avoid burning.

Air fryer pot pie recipes

Air-fried pot pies are a convenient and quick way to enjoy a comforting meal. They are perfect for weeknight dinners, as they require minimal effort and can be cooked from frozen. Here are some tips and recipes to help you cook delicious pot pies in an air fryer.

Choosing a Pot Pie

You can use store-bought frozen pot pies or prepare them yourself and freeze them for a quick and easy dinner. Popular brands include Banquet and Marie Callender's. If you're making your own, it's recommended to freeze the pot pie in a foil container for easy cooking and cleanup.

Preheating the Air Fryer

It is best to preheat your air fryer before adding the pot pie. Preheat it to 350 degrees F for 5 minutes for a 10 oz pot pie. For larger pot pies, you may need to increase the preheating time.

Cooking Time and Temperature

The cooking time and temperature will depend on the size of your pot pie. For a 10 oz pot pie, cook at 350 degrees F for 25 minutes. For a 7.5-ounce pot pie, check the temperature after 20 minutes. If your pie has a bottom crust, cook it at 380°F/190°C for 15-17 minutes, then place it bottom-side up in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to crisp the bottom.

It is important to note that you should not defrost the pot pie before cooking it in the air fryer, as this can affect the texture of the crust. Always cook it from frozen to ensure a crispy and flaky crust.

Serving Suggestions

Pot pies can be served on their own, but they also go well with vegetables like peas, green beans, or carrots. For a heartier meal, serve them with French fries or cheesy mashed potatoes.

Tips for Best Results

• It is recommended to use a liner or a tray made from aluminum foil underneath the pot pie to catch any spills.
• Leave the pot pie in the air fryer for 5 minutes after cooking to allow the middle to continue warming up.
• If you want a crispier crust, increase the temperature for the last few minutes of cooking.

Frequently asked questions