Air-Frying Chicken Pot Pie: How Long Does It Take?

Chicken pot pies are a staple comfort food for many, but cooking them in the oven can be time-consuming. Using an air fryer to cook chicken pot pies is a quick and easy alternative that delivers the same delicious results in a fraction of the time. The air fryer's small size means a fresh, tasty chicken pot pie can be on the table in minutes, without the need to heat up the whole kitchen.

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F for 3 minutes

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. By preheating your air fryer to 350°F for 3 minutes, you can ensure that your chicken pot pie will cook evenly and efficiently. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect chicken pot pie:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 350°F and allow it to preheat for 3 minutes. This is the ideal temperature to cook your chicken pot pie, ensuring that the filling is cooked thoroughly and the crust is golden and flaky.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Pot Pie

While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your chicken pot pie. If you are making it from scratch, this would involve preparing the filling and assembling the pie. However, if you are using a frozen pot pie, simply remove it from the packaging and set it aside.

Step 3: Place the Pie in the Air Fryer

Once the air fryer has preheated, carefully place the chicken pot pie into the air fryer basket. Make sure it is placed in the centre of the basket to ensure even cooking. If you are cooking multiple pies, ensure they are spaced out evenly and not overlapping.

Step 4: Set the Timer

After placing the pie in the air fryer, set the timer for the recommended cooking time. For a single pie, the cooking time can range from 15 to 25 minutes, depending on the size of the pie. For larger pies, you may need to increase the cooking time accordingly.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

When the timer goes off, use an instant-read thermometer to check if the pie has reached an internal temperature of 165°F. If not, return the pie to the air fryer and cook in additional 3-minute increments until the desired temperature is reached. Cover the pie with foil if the crust is browning too quickly.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once the chicken pot pie is cooked through, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 5 minutes. This allows the filling to cool down slightly and makes it safer to eat. Remember that the pot pie will be very hot, so exercise caution when handling it. Serve the chicken pot pie while it's still warm, and enjoy the delicious comfort food!

Cook the pot pie for 25 minutes

Cooking chicken pot pie in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a hearty, comforting meal. It's a convenient alternative to using a traditional oven, as it's faster, uses less energy, and doesn't heat up your kitchen.

Preparation:

Before you begin, ensure your air fryer is preheated to the appropriate temperature. For cooking chicken pot pie, a temperature of 350°F is typically recommended.

Cooking Time and Temperature:

Set your air fryer to cook for 25 minutes at 350°F. This timing is based on cooking one or two 10 oz pot pies. If you're cooking a different number of pies or the pies are a different size, you may need to adjust the timing accordingly.

Checking for Doneness:

After 25 minutes, use an instant-read thermometer to check if your pot pie has reached an internal temperature of 165°F. This is the safe temperature for consuming poultry products, according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). If the pot pie hasn't reached this temperature, continue cooking in small increments until it does.

Adjusting for Browning:

Keep an eye on your pot pie during cooking. If the crust is browning too quickly, cover it with foil to prevent over-browning. You can also use foil to line the bottom of your air fryer to catch any spills or drips from the pot pie.

Resting and Serving:

Once your pot pie has reached the desired internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to cool down slightly so you don't burn your mouth. Remember, the pot pie will be very hot, so exercise caution when handling it.

Reheating:

If you have leftovers or want to reheat a previously cooked pot pie, avoid using the microwave, as it can make the crust soggy. Instead, reheat in your air fryer or a preheated oven at 350°F for 7-10 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and heated through.

Customization:

You can customize your chicken pot pie by using different types of meat, vegetables, and seasonings. For example, you could use shredded chicken or turkey, frozen mixed vegetables, and herbs like parsley and thyme. You can also make your pot pie from scratch or use a store-bought frozen pie.

Check the internal temperature

Checking the internal temperature of your chicken pot pie is crucial to ensure it is cooked thoroughly and safely. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do this when cooking chicken pot pie in an air fryer:

An instant-read thermometer is a handy tool to verify that your chicken pot pie has reached the optimal internal temperature of 165°F. This step ensures that the filling is not just hot but also safe to consume. It is recommended to check the temperature after the initial cooking time, and if the desired temperature hasn't been reached, continue cooking in small increments until done.

When cooking frozen pot pies, it is essential to cook them from a frozen state without thawing. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the pie. For a 10-ounce frozen chicken pot pie, preheat your air fryer to 350°F for 3-5 minutes. Then, place the frozen pie(s) in the air fryer basket, ensuring they fit in a single layer, and air fry for 15-25 minutes.

After the initial cooking time, check the internal temperature. If the pie is browning too quickly, cover it with foil to prevent overcooking the crust while ensuring the filling reaches the desired temperature. Once the filling is hot and the crust is golden brown, remove the pie from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the filling to cool down slightly so you don't burn your mouth and gives the middle a chance to continue warming up.

It is worth noting that cooking times may vary depending on the brand and size of the pot pie. For example, Banquet pot pies are typically smaller and thinner, so they may require a slightly shorter cooking time. Always refer to the specific instructions on the packaging and adjust the cooking time accordingly. Additionally, consider using a cooking thermometer to ensure the pot pie is cooked through, especially if you're cooking a larger pie.

Cover the pot pie with foil if the crust is browning too quickly

If you're making a chicken pot pie in an air fryer, it's important to keep an eye on the crust to make sure it doesn't burn. If the crust is browning too quickly, you can cover the pot pie with foil. This will help to prevent the crust from burning while still allowing the inside to cook through.

When cooking a frozen chicken pot pie in an air fryer, it's best to cook it at 350-360 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. If you want a crispier crust, you can cook it for an additional 5 minutes. However, if the crust starts to brown too much during cooking, you can cover it with foil to prevent it from burning.

If you're making a homemade chicken pot pie in an air fryer, the cooking time will be shorter, around 10-15 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Again, if the crust starts to brown too much, you can cover it with foil to prevent burning.

Covering the pot pie with foil can help to regulate the temperature and ensure that the crust doesn't burn while the filling is cooking through. This is especially useful if you're using a larger baking dish, as it can take longer for the filling to heat up, which increases the risk of the crust burning.

By covering the pot pie with foil, you can ensure that it cooks evenly and doesn't dry out. This will result in a golden brown and crispy crust with a hot and creamy filling.

Let the pot pie cool for 5 minutes before serving

Allowing your chicken pot pie to cool for five minutes before serving is an important step for two reasons. Firstly, it ensures that the filling has time to cool down so that you don't burn your mouth when you take that first bite. Secondly, it gives the middle of the pie a chance to continue warming up, ensuring that your pie is the perfect temperature throughout.

While it may be tempting to dive straight in, those five minutes are well worth the wait. Not only will it give you a chance to build up your appetite, but it will also ensure that your chicken pot pie is the perfect temperature and consistency.

During those five minutes, you can prepare any sides or salads to accompany your meal. A simple green salad or a fresh fruit salad can provide a great contrast to the rich, creamy filling of the pot pie. Alternatively, a simple vegetable side dish, such as asparagus or green beans, can add a healthy element to your meal.

If you're cooking for a family or a group of friends, those five minutes are also a great opportunity to get everyone together and ready to eat. You can use the time to set the scene, light some candles, and pour some drinks. That way, when you bring the chicken pot pie to the table, everyone will be ready to dig in and enjoy the delicious, flaky crust and creamy filling.

So, while it may seem like a small detail, letting your chicken pot pie cool for five minutes before serving is an important step in creating the perfect dining experience. It ensures that the pie is the ideal temperature and gives you time to prepare sides and gather your loved ones, creating a memorable meal that everyone will enjoy.

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