Air-Fried Chicken Pot Pie: Is It Possible?

Chicken pot pie is a classic comfort food, and it turns out that an air fryer is an excellent way to cook it. Using an air fryer can be faster than a conventional oven, and it also produces a crispier crust. The key to getting it right is finding the right temperature to cook the filling without burning the crust.

How to cook chicken pot pie in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook chicken pot pie in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 350-360 degrees Fahrenheit. While the air fryer is heating up, remove the frozen chicken pot pie from its plastic packaging. If your pot pie comes in an aluminium tray, you can place it directly into the air fryer. If not, you will need to put it on a baking pan that fits inside your air fryer.

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the pot pie inside and cook for 20 minutes. If you want a crispier crust, you can cook it for an additional 5 minutes. The air fryer will give your pot pie a golden-brown and crispy crust, without leaving it soggy like a microwave might.

After the cooking time is up, carefully remove the pot pie from the air fryer and let it cool down for 5 to 15 minutes. This will allow the filling to set, so it's not too messy when you cut into it. It will also ensure that you don't burn your mouth when you take your first bite!

Now your chicken pot pie is ready to be enjoyed! This is a delicious and comforting meal that can be easily cooked in your air fryer with minimal prep time and effort.

How to cook frozen chicken pot pie in an air fryer

Ingredients:

1 frozen chicken pot pie, approximately 7-10 ounces

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-5 minutes.
• While you wait, cut small slits into the top of the crust of the pot pie. These will help with steam release.
• Place the frozen chicken pot pie in the air fryer basket, ensuring it fits in a single layer.
• Air fry for 19-25 minutes, or until the filling is hot and the crust is golden brown.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to verify the internal temperature has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If not, cook for a few more minutes.
• Remove the pot pie from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. Remember, the filling will be very hot, so be careful not to burn your mouth!

Tips:

• You can cook 2 mini pot pies at the same time in a 6-quart air fryer.
• If the crust is browning too quickly, cover the pot pie with aluminium foil.
• Pot pies are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, cover them with foil and reheat in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warm.

How to get a crispy crust on chicken pot pie

The air fryer is an excellent way to cook frozen chicken pot pies. It gives you a crispy crust and a perfectly cooked, creamy filling in a fraction of the time it would take in the oven. Here are some tips to get a crispy crust on your chicken pot pie:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350-360 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the ideal temperature to cook your pot pie and get a crispy crust.
• Use a baking pan that fits inside your air fryer. If you don't have one, you can make a makeshift pan by folding several layers of foil. This will ensure even cooking and make it easier to handle the pie.
• Place the frozen chicken pot pie on the baking pan and put it in the centre of the air fryer basket. Make sure the pie is still frozen and has not been thawed.
• Cover the pot pie with aluminium foil. This will help to prevent the crust from burning. You can also try covering just the edges of the crust, which are more prone to burning, and leaving the centre exposed for a crispier top.
• Cook the pot pie for 20-25 minutes. Then, increase the temperature to 380-400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for an additional 2-6 minutes to brown the top of the crust.
• Let the pot pie sit for 5 minutes once the cooking time is up. This allows the filling to cool down and set, making it less messy when you cut into it.
• For an even crispier crust, you can cook the pot pie for an additional 5 minutes after removing the foil.
• If you're short on time, you can also use the microwave method. Cook the frozen pot pie in the microwave for 5 minutes and then pop it into the preheated air fryer for 2-3 minutes to crisp up the crust.
• Always use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pot pie. It should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure the chicken is cooked through.

How to cook chicken pot pie in an air fryer vs. an oven

Chicken Pot Pie in an Air Fryer vs. an Oven

Chicken pot pie is a classic comfort food and a staple at dinner tables. It is an all-in-one meal, with protein and veggies. You can make chicken pot pie from scratch or use a store-bought frozen one. Here is a detailed guide on how to cook chicken pot pie in an air fryer and an oven.

Air Fryer

• Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (177°C) for 3-5 minutes.
• Prepare the pot pies: Place 1-2 frozen pot pies in the air fryer basket, ensuring they fit in a single layer. For best results, use pot pies that are around 10 oz. in size.
• Cook the pot pies: Air fry the pot pies for 25-26 minutes at 350°F (177°C) or until they are heated through and golden brown. You may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the size of your pot pies.
• Check for doneness: Use an instant-read thermometer to check if the pot pies have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If not, continue cooking in small increments until they reach the desired temperature.
• Rest: Remove the pot pies from the air fryer and let them rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. The filling will be very hot, so be careful not to burn your mouth.
• Store and reheat: Pot pies are best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, cover them with foil and reheat in the air fryer or oven at 350°F (177°C) until warm. Avoid refreezing cooked pot pies.

Oven

• Prepare the filling: Cook the chicken, carrots, peas, and celery in a pot of boiling water for about 15 minutes, then drain and set aside.
• Make the sauce: In a separate pan, cook the onions in butter until soft and translucent. Stir in the flour, salt, pepper, and celery seed. Slowly add the chicken broth and milk, and simmer until the sauce thickens.
• Assemble the pie: Place the chicken-vegetable mixture in an unbaked pie crust. Pour the hot broth mixture over it and cover with the top crust. Seal the edges and cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
• Bake: Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Place the assembled pie in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the pie crust is browning too quickly, cover it with a piece of aluminum foil.
• Rest and serve: Remove the chicken pot pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving.
• Make-ahead and freezing instructions: You can make the chicken filling and pie crust a day in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. You can also assemble the whole pie a day ahead and refrigerate until baking. To freeze, cover the chicken pot pie well and keep it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it completely in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

How to reheat chicken pot pie in an air fryer

Reheating chicken pot pie in an air fryer is a convenient way to enjoy this classic comfort food without heating up your entire kitchen. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to reheat chicken pot pie in an air fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a suitable temperature for reheating most types of food in an air fryer.
• Prepare the chicken pot pie: While the air fryer is preheating, take your leftover chicken pot pie out of the refrigerator. It is best to use a store-bought frozen pie for this purpose rather than a homemade one, as the former is designed to withstand the freezing and reheating process without compromising taste and texture. Remove any plastic packaging from the pie and place it on a baking pan that fits inside your air fryer. If you don't have a baking pan, you can create a makeshift one by folding several layers of aluminium foil.
• Cover the pie with foil: To prevent the crust from burning, cover the chicken pot pie with aluminium foil. You can also wrap just the edges of the crust if you prefer a crispier top. Poke a few holes in the foil with a fork or scissors to allow steam to escape.
• Place the pie in the air fryer: Put the baking pan with the pot pie into the air fryer basket. Make sure there is enough space for proper air circulation.
• Reheat the pie: For a single 10-ounce pot pie, reheat for about 20 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are reheating a larger pie, you may need to increase the time to 30 minutes or more. Check on the pie occasionally to ensure it doesn't overcook or burn.
• Remove and serve: Once the pie is heated through, carefully remove it from the air fryer using oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves. Let it cool down for at least 5 minutes before serving to avoid burning your mouth.

By following these steps, you can enjoy a delicious and crispy chicken pot pie without the hassle of using a traditional oven.

Frequently asked questions