Air Fryer Cooking: Frozen Chicken Pie Perfection

Chicken pot pie is a staple comfort food for many, but it can be time-consuming to make from scratch. Luckily, frozen chicken pot pies are just as delicious and can be cooked in an air fryer in a fraction of the time it would take in an oven. In this article, we will explore the best methods for cooking frozen chicken pie in an air fryer, so you can enjoy a hot, creamy, and comforting meal with a golden, crispy crust in no time!

Preheat settings

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. While some air fryers may claim that preheating is unnecessary, it is still recommended to ensure your chicken pot pie cooks evenly. The ideal temperature for preheating your air fryer is between 350°F and 360°F. The duration of the preheat setting can vary, but it typically ranges from 3 to 5 minutes.

For example, if you are cooking a 10 oz pot pie, preheat your air fryer to 350°F or 360°F for 5 minutes. This timing is specifically designed for 10 oz pies, and larger pies may require a longer preheating period. By preheating your air fryer, you create the optimal environment for your chicken pot pie to cook evenly and thoroughly.

It is worth noting that some recipes suggest preheating to 400°F, which is significantly higher than the standard temperature range. This higher temperature may be suitable for certain air fryers or specific recipes, but it is generally recommended to stay within the 350°F to 360°F range to avoid overcooking the exterior of the pie before the filling is ready.

Additionally, the size and type of pie can influence the preheating duration. Smaller pies, such as the Banquet frozen pot pie, may require a shorter preheating time of around 3 to 5 minutes. On the other hand, larger family-sized pies might need a longer preheating period of up to 5 minutes or more to ensure even cooking.

In summary, preheating your air fryer is crucial for achieving the best results when cooking frozen chicken pot pie. The standard preheat settings involve temperatures between 350°F and 360°F for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the size and specific characteristics of your pie. Adjustments can be made based on the recommendations of your air fryer's manufacturer or the requirements of your chosen recipe.

Cooking times and temperatures

Most sources recommend preheating the air fryer before cooking a frozen chicken pie. The preheating temperature and duration may vary, but it typically ranges from 350°F to 400°F for 3 to 5 minutes. It is worth checking the manufacturer's instructions for your specific air fryer model.

Once the air fryer is preheated, the cooking temperature for the frozen chicken pie can be set. Some sources suggest cooking at 350°F for 25 minutes, while others recommend a higher temperature of 380°F for 15 to 20 minutes. The cooking time may need to be adjusted depending on the size of the pie; larger pies may require a longer cooking time, while smaller pies may be ready in as little as 15 minutes.

It is important to ensure that the chicken pie reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F. An instant-read thermometer can be used to verify the internal temperature. If the pie has not reached the desired temperature, it should be cooked for a few more minutes until it reaches 165°F.

During the cooking process, it is important to keep an eye on the crust of the pie. If the crust is browning too quickly, it can be covered with foil to prevent overcooking. A golden brown crust is often desired for both taste and appearance.

After cooking, it is essential to let the frozen chicken pie rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the filling to cool down slightly, preventing burns when serving and eating. It also ensures that the pie is easier to handle and helps to retain moisture, resulting in a more enjoyable dining experience.

Resting and serving

Once the cooking time is up, remove the chicken pot pie from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 5 minutes. This is an essential step as it allows the pie to cool down slightly and ensures the filling is not piping hot, which could cause burns when serving and eating.

During this resting period, the pie will be sitting in the baking pan, and the hot filling will continue to cook the crust, so it is important to let it rest for a minimum of 5 minutes, but you can leave it for longer if you wish. The pie will still be hot, but it will be a more manageable temperature, and you will avoid burning your mouth.

If you are serving the pie to children, it is recommended that you allow the pie to cool for 10 to 15 minutes. This is because the filling can become extremely hot during cooking, and you want to ensure it is safe for children to eat.

After the resting period, you can serve the chicken pot pie. It is a complete meal in itself, but you can also serve it with a side dish. A light side like cooked vegetables is a great option for a healthier meal. Some suggestions include a simple vegetable like asparagus, green beans, peas, or carrots. A salad, either green or fruit, is also a nice, fresh option to accompany the rich pie.

If you are looking for a more indulgent side, you could go for French fries or cheesy mashed potatoes. The pie will be golden brown and crispy on the outside, with a hot and creamy filling, so it is best served hot and enjoyed immediately.

Choosing a pot pie brand

To cook a frozen chicken pie in an air fryer, you should first preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 5 minutes. Then, place the frozen chicken pot pie in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 20 to 25 minutes. The pie is cooked when the filling is hot and the crust is golden brown. It is important to let the pie cool down for at least 5 minutes before serving to avoid burning your mouth.

Now, onto choosing a pot pie brand. There are several brands of frozen chicken pot pies available in the market, each with its own unique features and offerings. Here are some popular brands to consider:

Banquet: Banquet offers a range of single-serving chicken, beef, and turkey pot pies. Their pies are known for their convenience, affordability, and quick solution to hunger pangs. However, some reviewers have found the pies to be on the smaller side with less filling than desired.

Marie Callender's: Marie Callender's is mentioned as one of the most popular pot pie brands, but there are limited details about their specific offerings.

Boomerang's: Boomerang's is a Texan company inspired by Australian meat pies. They offer a variety of chicken pot pies, including classic, chicken and mushroom, and plant-based options. Their pies are described as "a fast, high-protein, wholesome" meal option.

Mrs. Budd's: Mrs. Budd's offers a range of pot pie sizes, from smaller, single-serving options to larger ones. They also provide choices between dark or white meat and include different vegetable varieties, such as broccoli.

Blake's: Blake's frozen pot pies are known for their organic ingredients and are widely available in health-conscious stores and some big-name grocery chains. Their pies feature a flaky and crumbly crust, but some reviewers have noted an off-putting smell from the peas and a lack of substance in the filling.

Amy's: Amy's is a health-conscious brand that offers a broccoli pot pie, in addition to traditional chicken or vegetable options. Their pies have been described as having a crust that is the color of cardboard, and the overall flavor has been found to be lackluster, except for the burst of cheddar cheese gravy.

Healthy Choice: Healthy Choice offers a more health-conscious option by eliminating the crust, which is typically considered the best part of a pot pie. Their pies include a variety of vegetables and chicken in a broth-based sauce. While they offer a lower calorie count and higher protein content, some may find the lack of crust disappointing.

When choosing a pot pie brand, consider your specific preferences for ingredients, portion sizes, availability, and reviews. It may be helpful to read detailed reviews or conduct your own taste test to determine which brand best suits your tastes and needs.

Accompanying dishes

Chicken pot pie is a hearty and satisfying dish, but you might want to serve it with a side dish or two to round out the meal. A light side like a salad or cooked vegetables is a great option to pair with the rich and creamy chicken pie.

A simple green salad with a little mozzarella, tomatoes, and a homemade ranch dressing is a great option. You could also add fruit, nuts, and cheese to this salad. Alternatively, a classic Caesar salad with romaine lettuce or a heartier version with kale will keep for days in the fridge. If you're looking for something a little more indulgent, try a spinach salad with bacon and a sweet maple syrup dressing.

If you're serving the chicken pot pie with a salad, you could also add some carbs to make the meal more filling. Boil a pot of your family's favorite pasta or try baked macaroni and cheese. You could also serve the pie with rice or cauliflower rice to keep it light and wholesome.

When it comes to vegetables, roasted veggies are a great option. Try roasted potatoes with a crispy outside and a soft center, or roasted okra, which is a little lighter than the fried version but still delivers plenty of flavor. Green vegetables like asparagus, green beans, and Brussels sprouts are also great sides. You can serve them simply with some butter, or dress them up with bacon, chicken broth, onion, garlic cloves, and almonds. If you're using an air fryer, you can cook the veggies to perfection every time.

Frequently asked questions