Air Fryer Frozen Pie: Perfect Timing For A Quick Bite

Air fryers are a convenient way to cook frozen pies, offering a quick and crispy result without the need to heat up your entire oven. The exact cooking time will depend on the size and type of pie, as well as the specific model of your air fryer. As a general guideline, most frozen pies will take around 20 to 30 minutes to cook in an air fryer.

Preheat the air fryer to 350-360°F

Preheating your air fryer is crucial for even cooking and achieving a golden, crispy crust on your frozen pie. By setting the temperature to between 350-360°F, you can ensure your pie cooks evenly and efficiently. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

• Set the Temperature: Adjust your air fryer's temperature dial or digital controls to 350-360°F. This temperature range is ideal for cooking frozen pies, ensuring a balance between heating the filling and crisping the crust.
• Allow for Preheating: Give your air fryer a few minutes to reach the desired temperature. This preheating time ensures that your air fryer is ready to cook your pie evenly. The preheating time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model.
• Prepare the Air Fryer Basket (Optional): While your air fryer is preheating, you can prepare the air fryer basket to prevent sticking. Lightly grease the basket with cooking spray or oil, or use a piece of baking paper cut to fit the basket. This step is especially helpful if you're concerned about the pie sticking to the basket.
• Monitor the Preheating Process: Keep an eye on your air fryer during the preheating process. Some air fryers have indicator lights or alerts to let you know when they've reached the desired temperature. If your model doesn't have these indicators, you can use a kitchen timer to time the preheating process.
• Consistency is Key: Maintaining a consistent temperature is essential for even cooking. By preheating your air fryer to 350-360°F, you create a stable cooking environment, ensuring that your frozen pie cooks through evenly and that the crust crisps up nicely.
• Size and Type Matter: Remember that the size and type of pie you're cooking may impact the preheating process. Larger pies or those with denser fillings may require a slightly longer preheating time to ensure the air fryer reaches the desired temperature throughout.

By following these steps and preheating your air fryer to 350-360°F, you'll be well on your way to enjoying a delicious, crispy frozen pie cooked to perfection!

Grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil

To grease your air fryer basket, you can use cooking spray or oil. This will help to prevent food from sticking to the basket and make it easier to clean.

If you are using cooking spray, simply hold the can about 6 inches away from the basket and spray in a sweeping motion until the basket is evenly coated. Be sure to use a light coating and not overspray, as too much spray can cause smoke and leave a residue on your food.

If you are using oil, choose an oil with a high smoke point such as avocado oil, peanut oil, or canola oil. Dip a pastry brush into the oil and brush a thin layer onto the basket, ensuring that all surfaces are coated. Alternatively, you can pour a small amount of oil into the basket and use your fingers or a paper towel to spread it evenly across all surfaces. Again, be sure to use just a thin layer of oil to avoid smoking and affecting the taste of your food.

Greasing your air fryer basket is a simple step that can make a big difference in the cooking process and the cleanup afterward. It is worth noting that some air fryer models have non-stick coatings, so be sure to check your specific model's instructions before adding any grease.

Cook for 19-30 minutes

Cooking a frozen pie in an air fryer is a convenient and quick way to enjoy a delicious, crispy pie. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect pie:

Preheat Your Air Fryer:

Start by preheating your air fryer to ensure even cooking and a golden, crispy crust. Set the temperature to 320°F (160°C) and let it preheat for a few minutes. This step is crucial for achieving the desired texture and colour on your pie crust.

Prepare the Air Fryer Basket:

Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil to prevent your frozen pie from sticking. Alternatively, you can use a piece of baking paper cut to fit the basket, ensuring the bottom of the pie doesn't stick. This step ensures that your pie will release easily and won't leave any tasty crust behind!

Cook Your Frozen Pie:

Now, gently place your frozen pie into the preheated air fryer basket, making sure it is centred and not touching the sides. This is important to allow for even cooking and to avoid any unwanted sticking.

Adjust the cooking time depending on the size and type of pie. As a general guideline, cook your frozen pie for 19-30 minutes at the preheated temperature of 320°F (160°C). Keep in mind that larger pies or pies with denser fillings may take longer to cook through.

During the cooking process, monitor the progress to ensure even browning and cooking. You may need to rotate the pie halfway through the cooking time to ensure all sides are cooked evenly. This is especially important if your pie has a thick crust or a dense filling.

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 ensures that your pie is safe to eat and that the filling is cooked through.

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 slice and serve. It also ensures that the hot filling doesn't burn your mouth! Then, serve your crispy, golden pie and enjoy the fruits of your labour.

Tips for Optimal Results:

• Choose a pie that fits comfortably in your air fryer basket without touching the sides or top. This ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
• If you're cooking a meat pie, ensure that the filling is properly cooked before freezing. This will ensure that your pie is not undercooked or overcooked when reheating.
• For an extra crispy crust, consider brushing the top of your pie with a bit of oil or butter before cooking. This will enhance the golden colour and flakiness of the crust.
• Always let your pie rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the filling to settle and cool slightly, making for a more enjoyable dining experience.

Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer

To check the internal temperature of your frozen pie, you'll need a meat thermometer. This is an essential step to ensure your pie is cooked thoroughly and safely.

Insert the thermometer into the centre of the pie, making sure it doesn't touch the crust or the air fryer basket. For chicken pot pies, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). For other types of savoury pies, aim for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

It's important to note that the cooking time and temperature settings may vary depending on the type of air fryer you have and the size of your pie. Always refer to the specific instructions for your air fryer model and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Additionally, different types of pies may have specific temperature requirements. For example, a chicken pot pie needs to reach 165°F, while other savoury pies should reach 160°F. Always check the guidelines for the particular pie you're cooking to ensure it's cooked thoroughly.

By using a meat thermometer and following the recommended temperature guidelines, you can ensure that your frozen pie is cooked safely and thoroughly. This step is crucial to avoid undercooking or overcooking your pie, ensuring a delicious and safe meal every time.

Leave to rest for a few minutes

So, you've cooked your frozen pie in the air fryer, and now it's time to let it rest. But why is this step so important?

Leaving your pie to rest for a few minutes after air frying is crucial for a few reasons. Firstly, it allows the filling to settle, making it easier to eat. The pie's internal temperature will also continue to rise, ensuring that the centre is piping hot. This is especially important if you're cooking a meat pie, as it needs to reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F or 71°C. You don't want to bite into a hot pie only to find that the centre is still cold!

Secondly, letting the pie rest gives the crust a chance to crisp up further. This resting period allows the steam to escape, ensuring that the crust stays nice and flaky. It also gives the pie time to cool down slightly, so you don't burn your mouth when you take that first bite.

Finally, resting the pie gives the flavours a chance to develop and come together. This is especially important if your pie has a complex filling with multiple ingredients. Those few minutes of resting time can make a big difference in the overall taste and texture of your pie.

Remember, it's important to be patient during this resting period. Don't be tempted to cut into the pie or lift the lid of the air fryer. Just let it sit undisturbed for those few minutes. Then, you can serve and enjoy your delicious, crispy, golden-brown pie!

Frequently asked questions