Air Fryer Marie Callender's: Can You Do It?

Marie Callender's Chicken Pot Pie is a popular frozen food item that can be cooked in an air fryer. It is a convenient and tasty comfort food that can be prepared in less than 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal. The air fryer method is faster than traditional baking and does not heat up the entire kitchen. Before cooking, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer and cover the pie with foil to prevent the crust from burning. The cooking time varies depending on the size of the pie and the air fryer model, but it typically ranges from 15 to 40 minutes. Some people also suggest microwaving the pie for a few minutes before air frying to speed up the process and ensure even cooking.

Cooking times for different-sized pies

For example, when cooking frozen chicken pot pies, it is advisable to preheat the air fryer before adding the pies. Cooking at a lower temperature than you would in a conventional oven can help prevent burning. Checking on the pies periodically is also important to ensure even cooking and doneness.

In general, smaller pies, such as mini pies, cook faster than their full-sized counterparts. For instance, mini pies might only need 10 to 15 minutes in the air fryer, while larger, traditional-sized pies could take up to 30 minutes or more, depending on the thickness and type of pie. Fruit pies, such as apple or blueberry, are typically cooked at around 320°F (160°C), while savory pies, like quiches or meat pies, are cooked at slightly higher temperatures of around 330°F (165°C).

Additionally, it is worth noting that cooking times for frozen pies may need to be adjusted. It is recommended to preheat the air fryer to the desired temperature and start checking on the pie's progress about halfway through the listed cooking time. Adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time can help ensure that the crust is crispy and the filling is cooked properly.

Oven vs air fryer

Air fryers are countertop appliances that can usually cook one dish at a time. In contrast, an oven is a full-sized appliance that can handle multiple dishes or larger portions. Air fryers are relatively easy to clean, but they need to be cleaned after every use. Ovens, on the other hand, do not require cleaning after each use, but the accessories used do.

Air fryers cook food by rapidly circulating heated air to cook and crisp up a range of foods. They are designed to cook food quickly with little to no oil. The heating elements are typically located on the top of the unit and are paired with a large fan. Air fryers also come with many perforated accessories, such as baskets, trays, and racks, that allow for quick and even cooking with minimal flipping or tossing.

Convection ovens, on the other hand, use a built-in heating mechanism to blow hot air around via a fan that is often located at the back or side of the oven. They have heating elements on the top and bottom of the cooking cavity, which leaves the air fairly static. This makes them better suited for baking delicate items and recipes that call for liquid batters.

While air fryers are great for cooking smaller portions and getting food crispy quickly, ovens offer more versatility in terms of the number of dishes and portion sizes they can handle. Ovens also provide a wider range of functions, such as broil, roast, and bake.

When deciding between using an oven or an air fryer, consider the amount and type of food you want to cook, as well as the functions and settings available in your specific oven and air fryer models.

Cooking Marie Callender's Chicken Pot Pie in an Air Fryer

Marie Callender's Chicken Pot Pie is a classic comfort food that can be cooked in an air fryer in under 20 minutes. To cook it in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the pot pie for about 20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and flaky. It is important to cook the pie at a lower temperature than you would in an oven to prevent burning. Additionally, wrapping the edges with foil can help prevent the thinner pastry crusts from burning.

Some people also recommend microwaving the pie for a few minutes before transferring it to the air fryer to speed up the cooking process. However, it is important to keep an eye on the pie while it's cooking, as different air fryer models may require adjustments to temperature and timing.

Using an air fryer with other kitchen appliances

Air fryers are a versatile kitchen appliance that can cook a variety of foods and be used alongside other kitchen appliances. They are essentially a powerful countertop convection oven that can mimic the results of deep frying with little to no oil, making them a healthier alternative.

When using an air fryer with other kitchen appliances, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, air fryers are great for cooking frozen foods, so you can use them to cook frozen ingredients like chicken, salmon, or vegetables. If you're using an oven or stove to cook a main course, the air fryer can be a convenient way to prepare a side dish without having to turn on your oven. For example, you can make air-fried tortilla chips, roasted vegetables, or even cookies.

Additionally, air fryers are excellent for reheating food and giving it a crispy texture. If you have leftovers in the fridge, you can use your air fryer to quickly reheat them and make them taste almost as good as new. This can be especially useful if you're using other appliances to prepare a fresh meal and want to save time by reheating side dishes or appetizers in the air fryer.

Another benefit of air fryers is their ability to cook foods that are typically fried. If you're preparing a meal that includes fried foods, you can use the air fryer to cook items like chicken wings, chicken nuggets, or mozzarella sticks without the need for a deep fryer. This can free up space on your stovetop or oven, allowing you to prepare other dishes simultaneously.

When deciding whether to use an air fryer with other kitchen appliances, consider your cooking needs and the amount of food you need to prepare. Air fryers are ideal for small to medium portions, but if you're cooking for a large crowd, you may need to cook in batches. Additionally, air fryers can take up valuable counter space, so consider the size of your kitchen and your other appliances.

Overall, air fryers can be a useful addition to your kitchen appliance collection, offering convenience, versatility, and healthier cooking options. They can work well alongside other appliances, depending on your specific needs and the dishes you are preparing.

The best type of foil to use

While it is generally acceptable to use foil in an air fryer, it is not the ideal material. Parchment paper, a silicone liner, or a bare basket are all better options. However, there are several reasons why you may want to use foil. Firstly, it makes cleaning up easier, especially when cooking sticky or saucy foods. It can also be used to secure items that may roll around or drip through the basket, such as eggs, or to lift out delicate foods like fish. Foil is also useful when cooking multiple batches, as it saves you from having to clean the basket between each batch.

If you do decide to use foil in your air fryer, there are a few safety protocols to follow. Firstly, always place food on the foil before turning on the air fryer, and never let the foil touch the heating element. Make sure the foil is weighted so it doesn't blow around the basket, and avoid contact with acidic ingredients, as they can cause the foil to leach into your food. Only put a layer of foil in the basket of the air fryer, not on the bottom, as this can interrupt the air flow and cause your food to cook unevenly.

How to get the best texture

Achieving the best texture for Marie Callender's pot pies in an air fryer requires some adjustments and monitoring. Here are some tips to get that perfect flaky and crispy texture:

Preparation:

Before cooking, it's important to prepare the pot pie. Remove the frozen pot pie from its packaging but keep it in the foil pan. Wrap the edges with foil to prevent the thinner pastry crust from burning. This step ensures that the crust doesn't burn before the filling is cooked.

Microwaving:

To speed up the cooking process and ensure even cooking, some people suggest partially cooking the pot pie in the microwave before air frying. Microwaving for 5-7 minutes can help defrost and heat the pie, making it easier to cook in the air fryer. However, this step is optional, and some prefer to cook the pot pie directly in the air fryer.

Air Frying:

When using an air fryer, it's crucial to preheat it to the desired temperature. The ideal temperature and cooking time will depend on the size and brand of your air fryer, as well as the size of the pot pie. For a large 15-ounce pie, air fry at 360°F/180°C for 30 minutes covered, then uncover and cook for another 5-10 minutes. For smaller pies (7-10 ounces), air fry at the same temperature for 15 minutes covered, then uncover and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes. Check the doneness of the pie and continue cooking if needed until the internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C.

Crisping the Crust:

To get a crispy crust, remove the foil covering during the last few minutes of cooking. This step allows the crust to brown and crisp up. If you prefer an even crispier finish, you can remove the foil earlier, about 5-10 minutes before the end of the cooking time.

Cooling and Serving:

Once the pot pie is cooked, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This step is important, as the filling will be extremely hot. Enjoy the flaky, crispy, and delicious Marie Callender's pot pie straight from your air fryer!

Frequently asked questions