Air Fryer Frozen Pie: How Long To Cook?

Cooking frozen pies in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to enjoy a comforting meal. Whether you're craving a savoury meat pie or a sweet dessert pie, the air fryer's rapid cooking and crisping capabilities ensure a perfect pie every time. But how long should you cook a frozen pie in an air fryer?

Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C)

Preheating your air fryer is essential for even cooking and achieving a golden, crispy crust on your frozen pie. To do this, set the temperature to 320°F (160°C) and let the air fryer preheat for a few minutes.

First, ensure your air fryer is plugged in and ready to use. Consult your air fryer's manual to check if there is a preheat setting or if it needs to be preheated manually. Some air fryers have a preheat button, while others require you to manually set the temperature and time.

If your air fryer has a preheat setting, simply select this option and set the temperature to 320°F (160°C). The air fryer will alert you once it reaches the desired temperature.

If your air fryer does not have a preheat setting, you can manually preheat it. Turn on your air fryer and set the temperature to 320°F (160°C). Let it run for 3 to 5 minutes to ensure the air fryer is fully preheated.

During the preheating process, you can prepare the air fryer basket by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or oil. This will prevent your frozen pie from sticking to the basket. Alternatively, you can use a piece of baking paper cut to fit the basket, ensuring the bottom of the pie doesn't stick.

Once your air fryer reaches 320°F (160°C) and you've prepared the basket, you're ready to cook your frozen pie! Place the frozen pie into the preheated air fryer basket, ensuring it's centered and not touching the sides. Adjust the cooking time depending on the size and type of pie. As a general guideline, cook the pie for 30 minutes at 320°F (160°C).

Remember, preheating your air fryer ensures even cooking and that desirable crispy texture for your frozen pie. So, take the time to preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) and enjoy your perfectly cooked pie!

Grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil

Greasing the air fryer basket is an important step in the process of cooking frozen pies in an air fryer. By lightly greasing the basket with cooking spray or oil, you can prevent your frozen pie from sticking to the surface. This step ensures that your pie doesn't adhere to the basket, allowing you to remove it easily once it's cooked and helping to create a crispy, golden crust.

When greasing the air fryer basket, it's best to use a light coating of cooking spray or oil. You can use a standard cooking spray, or choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil or refined coconut oil. Avoid using olive oil or other oils with a low smoke point, as they may burn at the high temperatures used in air frying.

To grease the basket effectively, start by spraying or brushing a thin layer of oil onto the surface. Ensure that you coat the entire basket evenly, paying extra attention to the areas where the pie will touch the basket. You don't want any areas to be dry, as this can cause sticking. However, be careful not to overuse the oil, as too much can lead to smoking and an unpleasant smell.

If you prefer not to use oil, another option is to cut a piece of baking paper to fit the basket. This will create a barrier between the pie and the basket, preventing sticking without the use of oil. This method is especially useful if you are looking for a lower-fat alternative or want to avoid any potential mess from oil spatter.

Remember, greasing the air fryer basket is just one step in the process of cooking frozen pies. Be sure to preheat your air fryer, choose a pie that fits comfortably in the basket, and adjust the cooking time as needed. By following these steps and paying attention to the details, you'll be able to enjoy delicious, crispy pies straight from your air fryer.

Place the frozen pie in the basket

Now that you've preheated your air fryer, it's time to place your frozen pie in the basket. This step is crucial to achieving that coveted crispy, golden crust. But before you do, ensure your pie fits comfortably in the basket without touching the sides or top. This is important for even cooking and achieving the desired texture.

When placing the pie in the basket, be gentle, and make sure it is centred and not touching any sides. If your pie has a bottom crust, consider removing it from its foil container and placing it bottom-side up. This will ensure even browning and crispness on the base. You can also lightly grease the basket with cooking spray or oil, or use baking paper, to prevent sticking.

Once your pie is in the basket, adjust the cooking time and temperature according to the size and type of pie. As a general guideline, aim for a cooking time of around 20 minutes at a temperature of 180°C/360°F. However, larger pies may take longer, and you may need to rotate the pie halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.

Keep a close eye on your pie as it cooks, especially towards the end of the cooking time, to prevent overcooking. You can use a meat thermometer to check if your pie is fully cooked. For savoury pies, the internal temperature should reach 71°C.

Cook for 30 minutes at 320°F (160°C)

Cooking a frozen pie in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to enjoy a delicious, crispy pie without having to turn on your oven. Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect pie:

Preheat Your Air Fryer

Preheating your air fryer is crucial for even cooking and achieving that golden, crispy crust. Set the temperature to 320°F (160°C) and let it preheat for a few minutes. This ensures your pie cooks evenly and efficiently.

Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

To prevent your frozen pie from sticking to the basket, it's important to prepare it properly. Lightly grease the basket with cooking spray or oil. Alternatively, you can use a piece of baking paper cut to fit the basket, ensuring the bottom of your pie doesn't stick. This step ensures your pie releases easily and maintains its shape.

Cook Your Frozen Pie

Now, it's time to air fry your frozen pie. Place the pie gently into the preheated air fryer basket, ensuring it's centered and not touching the sides. This positioning allows for even cooking and browning. Set the timer for 30 minutes, maintaining the preheated temperature of 320°F (160°C).

Monitor and Adjust

Keep an eye on your pie during the cooking process. You may need to rotate it halfway through to ensure even browning and cooking. Adjustments like this ensure your pie cooks uniformly and helps achieve that perfect golden crust.

Check for Doneness

To confirm that your pie is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For savoury pies, the internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C). This step guarantees that your pie is not only crispy on the outside but also thoroughly cooked on the inside.

Rest and Serve

Once your pie is done, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This resting period allows the filling to settle, making it easier to serve and eat. After a brief rest, your pie is ready to be enjoyed! Serve it whole or sliced, and don't forget to enjoy the crispy, golden perfection of your air-fried creation.

Tips for Success

• Choose the right pie: Select a pie that fits comfortably in your air fryer basket without touching the sides or top. This ensures even cooking and prevents any accidental burning.
• Defrosting: While it's not necessary to defrost your pie before air frying, some people choose to defrost it partially to reduce cooking time. However, this step is optional, as air frying directly from frozen works well.
• Customization: Feel free to experiment with different types of pies, whether they are store-bought or homemade. You can also brush the top of your pie with an egg wash before cooking to give it a golden glow.

By following these steps and maintaining a temperature of 320°F (160°C) for 30 minutes, you'll achieve a perfectly cooked frozen pie with a crispy, golden crust and a delicious, warm filling. Enjoy!

Check the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C)

Checking the internal temperature of your frozen pie is a crucial step in ensuring it's thoroughly cooked and safe to eat. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do this:

Using a Meat Thermometer:

To ensure your savoury pie is fully cooked, it's recommended to use a meat thermometer to check its internal temperature. Insert the thermometer into the centre of the pie and make sure it reaches 160°F (71°C). This temperature indicates that the pie's filling has reached a safe temperature, killing any harmful bacteria. This step is especially important if your pie contains meat, as meat needs to be cooked thoroughly to prevent foodborne illnesses.

Allowing the Pie to Rest:

Once your pie reaches the desired internal temperature, it's a good idea to remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This resting period allows the filling to settle and makes it easier to serve and eat. It also helps distribute the heat evenly throughout the pie, ensuring that it's not just the exterior that is cooked but also the interior. This step is crucial for both savoury and sweet pies to achieve the perfect texture and consistency.

Adjusting Cooking Time:

It's important to note that the cooking time for your frozen pie may vary depending on the size and type of pie. A larger pie or one with a thicker filling will take longer to reach the desired internal temperature. Always refer to the guidelines on the pie packaging and adjust the cooking time accordingly. Monitor the progress of your pie throughout the cooking process to ensure even cooking, and consider rotating the pie halfway through to cook it evenly on all sides.

Combining with Other Cooking Methods:

If you're concerned about the pie drying out or not cooking evenly, you can combine the air fryer method with other cooking techniques. Some people recommend microwaving the pie for a few minutes before placing it in the air fryer. This helps heat the pie from the inside out, reducing the overall cooking time in the air fryer. Others suggest using the oven or a combination of the oven and air fryer to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior. Experiment with different methods to find what works best for your particular pie.

Safety Considerations:

Always exercise caution when handling hot pies. Use oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves when removing the pie from the air fryer, and allow it to cool down slightly before serving. Additionally, be mindful of the hot aluminium pie tins when serving, especially if serving to children. It's important to ensure that the pie is not only cooked to the right internal temperature but also safe to handle and consume.

Frequently asked questions