Air Fryer Frozen Pot Pie: Safe To Fry?

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to ovens for cooking frozen pot pies. They are faster, use less energy, and don't heat up the entire house. While cooking times vary depending on the size of the pot pie and the air fryer model, the general process is to preheat the air fryer to 350-380°F, cook the pie for around 15-25 minutes, and then let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. It's recommended to make small slits in the crust before cooking to release steam and ensure a crispy texture.

How to cook a frozen pot pie in an air fryer

Ingredients:

1 frozen pot pie, approximately 7-10 ounces

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• While you wait, cut small slits into the top of the crust of the pot pie. These will help with steam release.
• When the air fryer is hot, add the frozen pot pie.
• Cook the pot pie for 19-25 minutes, until fully heated through and slightly crispy on the crust. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit if it is a chicken pot pie.
• Once the pot pie is done cooking, remove it from the air fryer tray and let it sit for 5 minutes. Then enjoy! But be careful, it will be hot.

Tips:

The exact cooking time can vary depending on your air fryer and the size of the pot pie. Larger pies will take longer.

Alternative method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes.
• Put the frozen pot pie(s) into the basket and allow to cook for 21 minutes.
• Then increase the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 minutes to brown the top.
• Leave the pot pie in the closed air fryer basket for 5 minutes once it is done to continue warming the middle.

Notes:

• You can cook two pot pies at a time in a 6-quart basket.
• You don't need to defrost the pot pie before cooking.
• Pot pies are best when freshly cooked, but any leftovers should be covered and refrigerated.

The benefits of cooking a frozen pot pie in an air fryer

Cooking a frozen pot pie in an air fryer has several benefits. Here are some of the advantages:

Speed and Efficiency: Air fryers are much faster than traditional ovens and can cook frozen pot pies in about 25 minutes. They also use less energy and don't heat up the entire kitchen like an oven does. This makes them a more efficient and convenient option, especially during hot summer months.

Crispy Crust: Air fryers are known for creating a crispy, golden-brown crust on pot pies, which is one of the best parts of the dish. The hot air circulates around the pie, giving it a flaky and crunchy texture that is hard to achieve with other cooking methods.

Convenience: Frozen pot pies are easy to cook in an air fryer, requiring minimal preparation and no defrosting. You can simply place the frozen pie in the air fryer, set the temperature and timer, and let it cook. This makes them a convenient option for busy weeknights or when you're short on time.

Tasty Filling: Air fryers cook pot pies evenly, resulting in a creamy and perfectly cooked filling. The filling stays hot and hearty, combining meat, vegetables, and a delicious broth. The air fryer ensures that the filling is cooked thoroughly without drying it out.

Portion Control: Frozen pot pies come in individual serving sizes, making it easy to control portions. This is especially useful for those watching their calorie intake or looking for a quick, single-serving meal option.

Variety of Options: You can find a variety of frozen pot pies with different fillings, such as chicken, beef, or vegetable. This allows you to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. You can also find different brand options, like Marie Callender's and Banquet, to suit your preferences.

Overall, cooking frozen pot pies in an air fryer offers a quick, convenient, and tasty option for a comforting meal. It combines the convenience of frozen food with the crispy, delicious results of air frying.

How long to cook a frozen pot pie in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook a frozen pot pie in an air fryer. The cooking time will depend on the size of the pie and the type of air fryer you have.

For a 7-ounce pot pie, cook for 19-23 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are cooking two 10-ounce pies, cook for 25 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. For a 7-8 ounce pie, reduce the cooking time by 5 minutes.

If you are cooking a larger pot pie, it is recommended that you cook it in the oven or microwave as it is difficult to get the middle cooked through without the crust getting too brown.

To cook a frozen pot pie in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While you wait, cut small slits into the top of the crust to allow steam to escape. When the air fryer is preheated, add the frozen pot pie and cook until the crust is golden brown and the filling is hot.

Let the pot pie rest for at least 5 minutes before serving, as it will be very hot.

How to get a crispy crust on a frozen pot pie

A frozen pot pie can be cooked in an air fryer and does not need to be defrosted first. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the pie and the air fryer being used, but generally, it should take around 20-25 minutes at 350°F.

Step-by-Step Guide

• Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
• While waiting for the air fryer to heat up, cut small slits into the top of the pot pie crust. This will help the steam to escape.
• Place the frozen pot pie into the air fryer and cook for 19-25 minutes. The pie is ready when the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F for chicken pot pies.
• Remove the pot pie from the air fryer and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips for a Crispy Crust

• It is important to cook the pot pie from frozen as defrosting it first can make the crust mushy.
• The size of the pot pie matters. Larger pies will take longer to cook and may result in an over-browned crust. It is recommended to cook mini pot pies in the air fryer, as larger family-sized pies may not cook evenly.
• For an extra crispy crust, increase the temperature to 380-400°F for the last 2-6 minutes of cooking.
• If the crust is browning too quickly, cover the pot pie with foil.
• Let the pot pie rest in the closed air fryer basket for 5 minutes after cooking to allow the middle to continue warming.
• For an even crispier crust, cook the pot pie on a baking pan in the air fryer. If you don't have a baking pan that fits, you can make a makeshift one by folding several layers of foil.

What to Serve with Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken pot pie is a hearty and creamy dish that can be served on its own, but it also goes well with a light side like cooked vegetables, a green salad, or a fruit salad.

How to reheat a frozen pot pie in an air fryer

Reheating a frozen pot pie in an air fryer is a great way to get a crispy crust and a perfectly cooked, creamy filling in a fraction of the time it would take in an oven. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 350°F or 360°F. This is usually done for about 3 to 5 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Frozen Pot Pie

Take your frozen pot pie, which should be around 7 to 10 ounces in size. If it is in a pan, you can leave it in there, or you can transfer it to a different container, like a small baking dish.

Step 3: Cook the Pot Pie

Place the frozen pot pie into the air fryer basket, preferably in a single layer if cooking more than one. Cook for about 20 to 25 minutes.

Step 4: Check for Doneness

Use an instant-read thermometer to verify that the pot pie has reached an internal temperature of 165°F. If not, continue cooking in small increments until it reaches the desired temperature.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Remove the pot pie from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This is an important step as it allows the filling to cool down so you don't burn yourself, and it also gives the filling a chance to settle so it's not too messy when you cut into it.

Tips:

• If the crust is browning too quickly, cover it with aluminium foil.
• To speed up the reheating process, you can defrost your frozen pot pie in the microwave before placing it in the air fryer.
• For best results, don't thaw the pot pie before cooking. Cook it from frozen to ensure the crust doesn't become mushy.
• If you want to reheat a whole pie, rather than slices, it will take longer—around 30 to 40 minutes.

Frequently asked questions