Air-Fried Banquet: Apple Pie Perfection

Banquet pot pies are a type of frozen convenience food made of a crust filled with meat, vegetables, and gravy. They can be cooked in an air fryer for a quick and easy meal. The cooking time for Banquet apple pie in an air fryer varies depending on the size of the pie and the desired level of doneness. On average, it takes between 15 to 25 minutes to cook a Banquet pot pie in an air fryer at a temperature of around 360 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. It is recommended to preheat the air fryer and cook the pie until it is golden brown, ensuring that the internal temperature reaches 195 degrees Fahrenheit.

Preheat the air fryer to 360°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. By preheating the air fryer to 360°F, you can ensure that your apple pie will cook evenly and efficiently. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect apple pie using your air fryer.

First, set the temperature of your air fryer to 360°F. This temperature is crucial as it falls within the ideal range for cooking apple pies. Preheat your air fryer for approximately 5 minutes to ensure it reaches the desired temperature. This step is essential, as it creates a consistent cooking environment for your apple pie.

While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your apple pie filling and crust. Select fresh apples and slice them into desired sizes. You can also add spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg to enhance the flavour of your filling. Remember to roll out your pie dough and cut it into circles to form the crust.

Once the air fryer reaches 360°F, you can carefully place your apple pie inside. Make sure to leave enough space around the pie to allow for proper air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer and the number of pies you are cooking, you may need to cook them in batches.

The cooking time for your apple pie at 360°F will vary depending on the size of your pie and the specific model of your air fryer. On average, it should take around 20 to 25 minutes for the pie to cook thoroughly at this temperature. However, it is important to monitor the pie's progress and make adjustments as needed.

During the cooking process, keep an eye on your apple pie to ensure it doesn't burn. You can also mix or stir the contents occasionally to prevent uneven heating and ensure the pie cooks evenly throughout. If you notice that the top of the pie is browning too quickly, you can cover it with foil to protect it while the filling continues to bake.

Cook for 15-25 minutes

Cooking a Banquet apple pie in an air fryer for 15-25 minutes is a great way to get a delicious, evenly cooked, and crispy crust. The cooking time will depend on the size of your Banquet apple pie and the model of your air fryer, so it's important to keep an eye on your pie as it cooks.

Firstly, preheat your air fryer. Most sources recommend preheating to 360 degrees Fahrenheit, but some suggest 400 degrees Fahrenheit for a crispier finish. It's important to note that cooking times may vary from conventional ovens, so be sure to check that your pie is cooked through before serving.

When your air fryer has preheated, place your Banquet apple pie inside and cook for 15-25 minutes. It's a good idea to check on your pie frequently to ensure it doesn't burn and to mix the contents occasionally for even heating. The pie is done when it is golden brown on top and there is no pink meat in the middle.

If you want to brown the top of your pie, you can increase the air fryer temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for the final 2-3 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, you can use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of your pie has reached 195 degrees Fahrenheit.

Once your Banquet apple pie is cooked, let it sit in the closed air fryer for about 5 minutes. This will allow the middle of the pie to warm through completely.

Check the internal temperature

When cooking a Banquet apple pie in an air fryer, it is important to monitor the internal temperature of the pie to ensure it is cooked thoroughly. While the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the pie and the specific model of your air fryer, the average cooking time for a Banquet Pot Pie is between 15 and 25 minutes at 360 degrees Fahrenheit.

To check the internal temperature of your Banquet apple pie, you can use a probe thermometer. Insert the probe into the centre of the pie to get an accurate reading. The pie is cooked when the internal temperature reaches 195 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to note that the cooking time may vary, so it is recommended to check the doneness of the pie before serving.

During the cooking process, it is a good idea to check on your pie frequently. This will help you monitor the browning of the crust and ensure even heating throughout the pie. If you notice that the top of the pie is browning too quickly, you can cover it with foil for the first half of the baking time. This will help protect the crust while giving the filling enough time to cook through.

Additionally, it is important to stir or mix the contents of your pot pie occasionally during cooking. This will prevent burning and ensure even heating throughout the pie. By following these instructions and monitoring the internal temperature of your Banquet apple pie, you can ensure that it is cooked thoroughly and safely.

Let it sit in the air fryer for 5 minutes

Leaving your apple pie to sit in the air fryer for 5 minutes after cooking is a crucial step in the cooking process. This allows the middle of the pie to warm through completely, ensuring that your pie is cooked evenly. It is important to let the pie rest in the air fryer, as opening the air fryer too soon can cause heat to escape and interrupt the cooking process.

During this time, the residual heat in the air fryer will continue to cook the pie, ensuring that it is cooked through and that the filling is piping hot. This is especially important if your pie is particularly large or dense, as it may take longer for the heat to reach the centre of the pie.

Additionally, allowing the pie to sit in the air fryer for a few minutes can help to improve the texture and appearance of the crust. The crust will continue to cook and brown, becoming crispier and more golden. This is especially true if you have brushed the crust with butter or oil, as this can make the crust take longer to cook through.

Finally, leaving the pie in the air fryer for a few extra minutes can help to improve the overall safety of your meal. The extra cooking time ensures that the pie reaches a safe internal temperature, reducing the risk of foodborne illness. This is especially important if your pie contains ingredients that are more susceptible to bacterial growth, such as meat or dairy.

In summary, letting your apple pie sit in the air fryer for 5 minutes after cooking is essential for achieving an evenly cooked, safe, and delicious final product. This extra time allows the middle of the pie to warm through, improves the texture and appearance of the crust, and ensures that your pie reaches a safe internal temperature. So, be patient and let your pie rest before serving!

Spray with cooking oil or brush with melted butter

When cooking a Banquet apple pie in an air fryer, you may want to spray the pot pie with cooking oil or brush it with melted butter to achieve a crispier crust. The crust is the only component of the Banquet pot pie that is not pre-cooked, so it is important to ensure that it is cooked through. The average time to cook a Banquet Pot Pie in the air fryer is between 20 to 25 minutes at 360 degrees Fahrenheit, using an air fryer setting. However, cooking times may vary, so it is crucial to keep an eye on your pie to prevent burning and ensure even heating.

To achieve the perfect crust, consider spraying cooking oil or brushing melted butter on the top of your Banquet apple pie before placing it in the air fryer. This will help to create a crispy and golden brown crust. You can use a variety of cooking oils, such as avocado oil, or butter to get the desired result. By applying a thin layer of oil or butter, you are helping to accelerate and enhance the browning process, resulting in a more visually appealing and tasty crust.

The type of oil or butter you choose can also impact the flavour of your crust. For example, avocado oil has a subtle flavour that won't overpower your pie, while butter can add a rich, creamy taste. You may also experiment with other oils, such as olive oil or canola oil, to find the one that best suits your taste preferences. Just be mindful that some oils have lower smoke points than others, so choose one with a higher smoke point to avoid any unpleasant flavours that may develop at high temperatures.

Additionally, the amount of oil or butter you use is important. You only need a thin layer to achieve the desired effect. Applying too much oil or butter can make your crust greasy and unappealing. Use a pastry brush to evenly distribute a small amount of melted butter, or a cooking oil spray to lightly coat the surface of your pie. This will ensure that your crust browns evenly and develops a beautiful golden colour.

Finally, remember to follow the cooking instructions on the packaging of your Banquet apple pie to ensure it is properly cooked and safe to eat. By combining the manufacturer's recommended cooking time and temperature with the technique of spraying cooking oil or brushing melted butter, you can achieve a delicious and crispy crust that complements the flavours of your apple pie filling.

Frequently asked questions