Air Fryer Pot Pie Perfection: Timing Is Everything

Cooking a frozen pot pie in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and delicious way to prepare a meal. The air fryer helps keep the pie crust nice and crisp, unlike the microwave, which usually leaves it soggy. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the pot pie and the desired crispiness of the crust. For a 7-ounce pot pie, cook for 19-23 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. For a 10-ounce pot pie, cook for 20-25 minutes at 350-380 degrees Fahrenheit. For a larger, family-sized pot pie, cooking time may be up to 40 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. It is recommended to preheat the air fryer before adding the pot pie and to let the pot pie sit for a few minutes after cooking to allow the filling to cool down.

Preheat the air fryer to 350-400°F

Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in ensuring your pot pie turns out irresistibly flaky and golden. While some air fryers have a preheat setting, others have to be preheated manually. Here's a step-by-step guide to preheating your air fryer to 350-400°F:

Step 1: Check Your Air Fryer's Manual

Before you begin, it's essential to consult your air fryer's manual to see if preheating is recommended for your specific model. Some air fryers may not be equipped for preheating, so it's important to refer to the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Step 2: Prepare the Air Fryer

Ensure that all removable parts of your air fryer, such as the basket, are clean and dry. Leave the basket in the air fryer, as many models will not operate without it. If your air fryer has a preheat setting, select this option now. Otherwise, proceed to the next step.

Step 3: Set the Temperature

If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat button, you'll need to manually set the temperature. For preheating, it's generally recommended to set the temperature between 350°F and 400°F. This temperature range is suitable for cooking a variety of foods, including pot pies.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Turn on your empty air fryer and let it heat up. The preheating time will depend on the size of your air fryer. For smaller air fryers, 2-3 minutes is usually sufficient. Larger models may require up to 5 minutes to reach the desired temperature. You can refer to the chart below for more precise preheating times based on temperature:

• 300 degrees and below: 2 to 3 minutes
• 300-350 degrees: 3 to 4 minutes
• 350-400 degrees: 5 to 6 minutes

Once your air fryer reaches the desired temperature, it's ready for cooking! You can now add your pot pie and follow the cooking instructions.

Remember, preheating your air fryer can not only speed up the cooking process but also enhance the crispiness of your food. So, if you're aiming for that perfect, flaky pot pie crust, don't skip the preheating step!

Cover the pot pie with foil

Covering your pot pie with foil is an important step in the cooking process. By covering the pie with foil, you prevent the crust from burning. Depending on the size of your pot pie, you may only need to wrap the edges of the crust in foil, rather than the whole pie. For a 10-ounce pot pie, wrapping just the outer edges of the crust is recommended.

When cooking a pot pie in an air fryer, it's also crucial to make small slits in the top of the crust to allow for steam release. This can be done before placing the foil over the pie.

For a standard-sized pot pie, cover the entire pie with foil and cook it in the air fryer for 20 minutes. Then, carefully remove the pie from the air fryer and take off the foil. Using scissors, cut a hole in the middle of the foil, ensuring that the edges of the pie remain covered to prevent burning.

Place the pot pie back into the air fryer and cook for an additional 40 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, let the pot pie sit in the air fryer for 5 minutes before removing it and taking off the foil.

For a smaller, 10-ounce pot pie, you can follow a similar process but with some adjustments. Preheat your air fryer to 350-360 degrees Fahrenheit. Cover the edges of the crust with foil and cook the pie for 15-20 minutes. Then, increase the temperature to 380-400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for an additional 2-6 minutes to brown the top. Finally, leave the pot pie in the closed air fryer basket for 5 minutes to allow the middle to continue warming.

Covering your pot pie with foil helps ensure that your crust is cooked to a golden, flaky texture without burning. By adjusting the foil coverage and cooking time based on the size of your pot pie, you can achieve the perfect balance between a crispy crust and a thoroughly warmed filling.

Cook for 15-25 minutes

Cooking a pot pie in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a delicious, golden-brown, and crispy crust. The cooking time will depend on the size of the pie and the desired crispiness of the crust. For a 10-ounce pot pie, most sources recommend cooking the pie for around 20 minutes at 350°F or 360°F. However, one source suggests cooking it for 15 minutes at 400°F. If you want a crispier crust, you can cook the pie for an additional 5 minutes.

For a 7-ounce pot pie, one source recommends cooking it for 19 to 23 minutes at 350°F, while another suggests 15 minutes at 360°F followed by 2 minutes at 400°F.

It's important to note that cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer and the brand of pot pie you are using. Some sources also recommend preheating the air fryer before adding the pot pie.

To ensure the pot pie is cooked through, you can use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F. It's also recommended to let the pot pie sit for 5 minutes after cooking to allow the filling to cool down before serving.

Remove foil and cook for an additional 5-40 minutes

So, you've covered your pot pie in foil and cooked it for 20 minutes. Now it's time to remove the foil and cook it for an additional 5-40 minutes. But why the huge time difference? Well, it depends on the size of your pot pie, the brand, and the type of air fryer you're using.

For example, a 10 oz Marie Callender's pot pie will take around 40 minutes to cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit after the foil has been removed. However, a 7 oz Banquet pot pie will take less time, so you should check it after 15 minutes. If you're cooking a 7 oz Swanson's chicken pot pie, you might want to increase the temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and cover the pies with foil to prevent burning.

If you're using a microwave in combination with your air fryer, you'll only need to cook the pot pie for an additional 2-3 minutes after removing the foil. And if you're cooking a tiny pot pie, 5 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit should be enough to brown the top.

It's important to remember that the cooking time will vary, so keep an eye on your pot pie to make sure it doesn't burn. And don't forget to let it rest for at least 5 minutes before serving!

Let the pot pie cool for 5 minutes

So, you've cooked your pot pie in the air fryer, and now it's time to let it cool. This step is crucial, as it will help ensure that your pot pie is the perfect temperature and consistency when you dig in. Here's what you need to know about letting your pot pie cool for five minutes:

First of all, safety first! The air fryer does a great job of cooking your pot pie to a delicious, crispy, golden brown finish. But all that heat means your pot pie will be extremely hot when it comes out. By letting it cool for five minutes, you give it some time to reach a safer, more enjoyable temperature. This brief wait will make it easier to handle the pot pie, serve it, and, most importantly, eat it without burning your mouth!

Secondly, letting the pot pie cool for a few minutes is essential to letting the filling settle. The filling inside a pot pie can be deliciously saucy and juicy, and giving it a little time to cool will help it thicken up slightly. This makes it less likely to spill out everywhere when you cut into it, making for a neater and more enjoyable dining experience.

Additionally, this cooling period gives you a chance to admire your handiwork! You've taken the time to prepare and cook a delicious meal, so why not take a moment to appreciate how good it looks? The crust will be golden and flaky, and the filling will be bubbling away inside. Take a moment to savour the delicious aromas wafting up from your creation. It's all part of the culinary experience!

Finally, the cooling period is a good opportunity to prepare any sides or finishing touches for your meal. Pot pies are often served with a side dish, such as a crisp green salad or some cooked vegetables. While your pot pie cools, you can quickly whip up a side to accompany it. You might also want to add a final flourish to your pot pie, such as a sprinkling of herbs or a drizzle of sauce.

Remember, this cooling period is just a brief interlude before you get to enjoy your delicious, freshly cooked pot pie. It's an important step that will ensure your meal is safe, tasty, and enjoyable. So, when your timer goes off, be patient, and let your pot pie do its thing for those last five minutes. Then, you can dig in and enjoy the fruits of your labour!

Frequently asked questions