Air Fryer Frozen Pot Pie: Quick, Easy, Delicious

Frozen pot pies are a convenient meal option, and cooking them in an air fryer is a quick and easy alternative to using an oven. It's important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the size of the pot pie and the model of the air fryer. Most sources recommend preheating the air fryer to 350°F, although some suggest 360°F or 380°F. The cooking time ranges from 15 to 25 minutes, depending on the size of the pie. It's also recommended to make small slits in the crust before cooking to allow steam to escape.

Preheat the air fryer to 350-380°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures that your food starts cooking at the right temperature as soon as it hits the air fryer basket. For cooking a frozen pot pie, you should preheat your air fryer to between 350-380°F.

Different air fryer models have different preheating requirements. Some models require preheating, while others do not. It is important to refer to your specific air fryer's instructions to determine whether preheating is necessary and how to do it properly.

When preheating your air fryer to 350-380°F, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure your air fryer is properly plugged in and turned on. Set the temperature to the desired level within the range, and allow it to heat up for a few minutes. Most recipes recommend preheating for about 5 minutes, but this may vary depending on your air fryer model.

While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your frozen pot pie. Take the pot pie out of its box and, if desired, cover it with aluminium foil. This will help prevent the crust from burning while the pie cooks. You can also cut small slits into the top of the crust to allow for steam release during cooking.

Once the air fryer has preheated to the desired temperature, you can carefully place the frozen pot pie into the air fryer basket and proceed with the cooking process according to your chosen recipe.

Cut slits in the crust for steam release

When preparing a frozen pot pie to be cooked in an air fryer, it is important to cut small slits into the top of the crust. This is a crucial step as it helps with steam release during the cooking process. By creating small openings, the steam that builds up inside the pot pie as it cooks can escape, preventing the crust from becoming soggy or mushy. This technique ensures that the crust remains flaky, crisp, and golden brown.

The size of the slits can vary, but they should be small enough so that the filling of the pot pie does not leak out. It is also important to use a sharp knife or a sharp object to create clean cuts. Piercing the crust with a fork or a toothpick can also create the necessary openings for steam release.

The number of slits to be cut can depend on the size of the pot pie and the thickness of its crust. For a standard-sized pot pie, three to four evenly spaced slits across the top crust should be sufficient. However, for larger pot pies or those with a thicker crust, consider adding a few more slits to ensure adequate steam release.

The placement of the slits is also important. Try to space them evenly across the top of the crust to allow for even steam distribution and release. Avoid cutting the slits too close to the edges of the crust, as this may cause the filling to leak or spill out.

Additionally, it is recommended to cut the slits just before placing the pot pie in the air fryer. This ensures that the crust remains frozen and firm, making it easier to handle and cut without tearing or crumbling. Cutting the slits ahead of time may cause the crust to soften and become more delicate, making it challenging to transfer to the air fryer without breaking.

Cook for 15-25 minutes

Now that your air fryer is preheated and your frozen pot pie is inside, it's time to let it cook. Depending on the size of your pot pie, you'll want to air fry for 15-25 minutes.

For a 10-ounce pot pie, one source recommends air frying for 15 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, then increasing the temperature to 380 degrees Fahrenheit for the final six minutes. Another source recommends air frying for 21 minutes at 360 degrees Fahrenheit, then increasing the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for the final two minutes.

If you're cooking two 10-ounce pot pies at once, you'll need to increase the cooking time. One source recommends air frying for 15 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, then increasing the temperature to 380 degrees Fahrenheit for six minutes.

For a 7-ounce pot pie, one source recommends cooking for 19-23 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Another source suggests that if you're cooking two 7-ounce pot pies, you should decrease the initial cooking time to 15 minutes.

For a 15-ounce pot pie, one source recommends checking the temperature after 20 minutes of air frying at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer and the brand of pot pie you're using. It's important to use a thermometer to verify that the internal temperature of your pot pie has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Once the pot pie is done cooking, remove it from the air fryer tray and let it cool for at least five minutes before serving. Pot pies are best enjoyed fresh and warm, as leftovers can make the crust mushy.

Don't defrost the pie first

You can cook a frozen pot pie in an air fryer without defrosting it first. In fact, it is recommended that you do not defrost the pie before cooking, as this can alter the texture of the crust, making it mushy.

To cook a frozen pot pie in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F. While you wait, cut small slits into the top of the crust to allow steam to escape. Then, place the frozen pot pie into the air fryer and cook for 15 to 25 minutes, or until the filling is hot and the crust is golden brown. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your pie and the power of your air fryer, so it is recommended to use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the pie has reached 165°F.

Once the pie is done, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool for at least 5 minutes before serving. This will allow the filling to cool slightly so you don't burn your mouth, and it will also give the crust a chance to crisp up.

Cooking a frozen pot pie in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy a comforting meal without having to turn on your oven. The air fryer will give you a crispy, golden-brown crust and a hot, bubbly filling in just a few minutes.

Let the pie sit for 5 minutes after cooking

Leaving your pot pie to sit for five minutes after cooking is an essential step for a few reasons. Firstly, it allows the filling to cool down slightly so that you don't burn your mouth when you dig in. Secondly, it gives the filling time to set, so it won't be as messy when you cut into it. Finally, it lets the middle continue to warm up, ensuring that your pot pie is the perfect temperature throughout.

It's also important to note that pot pies are best enjoyed fresh and warm. While you can keep leftovers covered and stored in the fridge, the inner broth or filling might make the crust mushy over time.

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