Air Fryer Pot Pie Perfection: Timing And Techniques

Chicken pot pie is a staple comfort food for many, but what's the best way to cook it? The microwave is quick, but it doesn't cook the top crust as desired. The oven takes much longer. The air fryer, however, is the best of both worlds: it cooks the crust to a perfect golden, flaky finish without taking up too much time.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the pot pie-making process. It ensures that your pot pie cooks evenly throughout. Even if you have an air fryer that doesn't require pre-heating, it is still recommended that you do so. Preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 350°F and 400°F for around 3 to 5 minutes. The exact temperature and time will depend on the size of your pot pie and the specific model of your air fryer.

For example, if you are cooking a 10 oz pot pie in a 6-quart basket, preheat your air fryer to 350°F for 5 minutes. On the other hand, if you are cooking a smaller, 7-8 oz pot pie, you may want to preheat your air fryer to 360°F for a shorter duration of 3 minutes.

While you are waiting for your air fryer to preheat, there are a few things you can do to prepare your pot pie. Firstly, you can remove the pot pie from its plastic packaging and place it on a baking pan that fits inside your air fryer. If you don't have a baking pan, you can create a makeshift one by folding several layers of foil. Additionally, you can make small slits in the top of the pot pie crust to help release steam during cooking.

Once your air fryer is preheated, you can carefully place your pot pie inside and proceed with the cooking process.

Cook time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for a pot pie in an air fryer depend on the size of the pie and the type of air fryer being used.

For a 7-ounce pot pie, cook for 19 to 23 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are using a different-sized pie, the cooking time will vary. For example, a 10-ounce pot pie will take longer to cook, while a 7-ounce pie will take less time. It is recommended that you preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes if you are cooking one or two 10-ounce pies. Then, cook the pies for 15 minutes at the same temperature before increasing the heat to 380 degrees Fahrenheit for the final 6 minutes.

If you want a crispier crust, you can increase the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for the last 2 minutes of cooking. It is important to note that the cooking time may also vary depending on the brand of the pot pie and the type of filling. For example, Banquet and Marie Callender's pot pies are popular choices, but other brands and fillings such as beef or vegetable may be used.

Additionally, the cooking time will depend on whether you are cooking a mini or family-sized pot pie. Mini pot pies typically take around 25 minutes to cook, while it is not recommended to cook large, family-sized pot pies in an air fryer as it is difficult to get the middle thoroughly cooked without burning the crust.

It is also worth noting that you should always use a thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the pot pie has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit before serving.

Don't defrost the pie

You should not defrost your pot pie before air frying it. This is because the crust will have a different texture and become mushy, especially on the underside. Air frying a frozen pot pie is faster than using an oven, but the crust turns out much better than using a microwave.

To cook a frozen pot pie in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit. While you wait, cut small slits into the top of the crust of the pot pie to help with steam release. Then, place the frozen pot pie into the preheated air fryer and cook for 15-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Once the pot pie is done cooking, remove it from the air fryer tray and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Be careful, as it will be hot!

Resting time

Most sources recommend letting the pot pie rest for about 5 minutes after cooking. However, if you're serving the pot pie to children, it's a good idea to let it cool down for 10 to 15 minutes to prevent any accidents. During the resting time, the pot pie will still be in the air fryer, and the air fryer should be closed to retain the heat.

It's important to note that pot pies are best served fresh and warm. While you can store leftovers, the crust may become mushy due to the inner broth or filling. So, it's recommended to enjoy your air-fried pot pie while it's still hot and fresh!

Reheating a chicken pot pie

Preparing the Chicken Pot Pie for Reheating:

Before reheating, it is important to note that pot pies are best enjoyed when freshly cooked, as the crust tends to get soggy over time. However, if you have leftovers, follow these steps:

• Cover the leftover chicken pot pie with aluminium foil. This will help prevent the crust from burning or becoming too brown during the reheating process.
• Place the covered pot pie in the refrigerator until you are ready to reheat it.

Reheating the Chicken Pot Pie in the Air Fryer:

Now, let's get to the reheating process:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Most sources recommend this temperature for reheating to ensure even cooking.
• Place the covered pot pie in the centre of the air fryer basket. It is important to ensure that there is only one layer of food in the basket for even heating.
• Reheat the pot pie for about 30 minutes at 350°F. The exact time may vary depending on the size of your pot pie and the brand of your air fryer, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
• Once the time is up, carefully remove the pot pie from the air fryer. Remember that the aluminium foil and the pot pie itself will be very hot, so use oven mitts or tongs to handle them safely.
• Allow the pot pie to rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This resting time is crucial, as it allows the filling to cool down slightly so you don't burn your mouth and also helps the filling set, making it less messy when you cut into the pot pie.

Tips for the Best Results:

To ensure the best outcome when reheating your chicken pot pie:

• Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pot pie. It should reach 165°F to ensure that the chicken is properly reheated.
• If the crust starts browning too quickly during reheating, cover it with foil to prevent burning.
• If you want to reheat a larger, family-sized pot pie, consider cutting it into smaller portions before placing it in the air fryer. This will help ensure even reheating.
• While reheating in the air fryer is recommended for the best texture and taste, you can also reheat your chicken pot pie in the microwave or a conventional oven if necessary. However, these methods may not produce the same crispy crust as the air fryer.

Frequently asked questions