Marianne Martinez
Cooking a frozen pot pie in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and delicious way to prepare a comforting meal. It is much faster than using an oven and delivers a golden-brown, flaky crust—one of the best parts of a pot pie—in just 15 to 20 minutes. While the cooking time will depend on the size of the pot pie, the method is the same for chicken, turkey, or vegetable pot pies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pros | Faster than an oven, uses less energy, doesn't heat up the house |
| Cons | Risk of overcooking the crust, mess if the filling spills out |
| Temperature | 350-400°F |
| Time | 15-60 minutes, depending on size |
| Size | 10 oz. or smaller is best |
| Number | 2 at a time in a 6-quart basket |
| Preparation | Remove pie from foil container if it has a bottom crust |
| Method | Preheat air fryer, place pies in basket, air fry, check for doneness, cover with foil if browning too fast |
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What You'll Learn
Preheat the air fryer
Preheating your air fryer is an important step in cooking a frozen pot pie. While some air fryers may claim that preheating is unnecessary, it is highly recommended for cooking frozen foods like pot pies. Preheating your air fryer ensures that your pot pie cooks evenly throughout. This is especially important for frozen pot pies, as you want to make sure that the filling is thoroughly heated while also achieving a golden brown crust.
To preheat your air fryer, start by setting the desired temperature. The ideal temperature for cooking frozen pot pies is around 350°F to 380°F (190°C). However, different air fryer models may have varying preheat functions, so refer to your air fryer's instructions for specific guidelines. Once you have set the temperature, allow your air fryer to heat up for a few minutes until it reaches the desired temperature. Most air fryers will have an indicator light or a beep to signal that it has reached the set temperature.
The preheat time can vary depending on the model of your air fryer and the temperature you have set. For example, if you are preheating your air fryer to 350°F, 5 minutes of preheat time is usually sufficient. However, if you are preheating to a higher temperature, such as 380°F, you may need to allow a little more time, around 6 to 8 minutes, for the air fryer to reach the desired temperature. It is important to give your air fryer enough time to preheat properly, as this will impact the cooking time and the overall quality of your pot pie.
While preheating your air fryer, you can also prepare your frozen pot pie for cooking. Remove the pot pie from the freezer and take it out of any outer packaging. If your pot pie has a bottom crust, consider removing it from its foil container, as you may want to cook it upside down for a few minutes to crisp the bottom crust evenly. By the time your air fryer finishes preheating, your frozen pot pie will be ready to be placed inside and cooked to perfection!
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Place the frozen pot pie in the basket
Cooking a frozen pot pie in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and delicious way to prepare this comfort food. It is also a great way to avoid heating up your entire kitchen with a conventional oven.
To cook a frozen pot pie in an air fryer, first, preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F. Place the frozen pot pie in the basket. If your pie has a bottom crust, remove it from its foil container and place it bottom-side up in the air fryer basket. This will ensure that the bottom of the pie gets crispy.
It is important to note that the cooking time will depend on the size of your pot pie. For a 10 oz pot pie, cook for 15-21 minutes at 350-360°F. If you are cooking a larger, family-sized pot pie, it may take up to 20 minutes or even 60 minutes for very large pies.
After cooking, leave the pot pie in the closed air fryer basket for an additional 5 minutes to allow the middle to continue warming up.
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Cook at 350-400°F for 15-20 minutes
Cooking a frozen pot pie in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a delicious, comforting meal. It's a great alternative to using an oven, as it's faster, uses less energy, and doesn't heat up your kitchen.
To cook your frozen pot pie to perfection, start by preheating your air fryer to 350-400°F. This will ensure your pot pie cooks evenly. If you're using a 10 oz pot pie, preheat for about 5 minutes. For larger pies, you may need a longer preheat time.
Once your air fryer is preheated, it's time to cook your pie. Place the frozen pot pie in the air fryer basket, ensuring it fits in a single layer. Set the timer for 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of your pie. Smaller pies will be done in around 15 minutes, while larger, family-sized pies may need the full 20 minutes.
During cooking, keep an eye on your pie. If the crust is browning too quickly, cover it with foil. You can also flip the pie over if it has a bottom crust to ensure even browning.
Your pot pie is done when the filling is hot and bubbling, and the crust is golden brown. For food safety, use an instant-read thermometer to verify that the pot pie has reached an internal temperature of 165°F.
Once cooked, let the pot pie rest in the closed air fryer basket for 5 minutes. This allows the middle to continue warming, ensuring a perfectly cooked pie every time.
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Check the pot pie is done
Checking if your pot pie is done is a crucial step in the cooking process. Here is a detailed guide to help you determine when your frozen pot pie is ready to be enjoyed:
First, it is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the size and brand of your pot pie. Most sources recommend cooking a frozen pot pie in an air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. However, one source suggests cooking at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for the last few minutes to brown the top. The cooking time can range from 20 minutes to 60 minutes, depending on the size of the pie. For a 10-ounce pot pie, cook for 25 minutes before checking for doneness. If you are cooking multiple pot pies, ensure they are placed in a single layer in the air fryer.
To check if your pot pie is done, use an instant-read thermometer to verify that the internal temperature has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This step is crucial to ensure that the filling, especially if it contains chicken, is cooked thoroughly. If the pot pie has not reached the desired temperature, continue cooking and check again in a few minutes.
Another indication that your pot pie is done is when the filling is hot and the crust is golden brown. If the crust is browning too quickly, you can cover it with foil. However, be careful not to wrap the entire pie in foil, as this can affect the crispness of the crust.
Once your pot pie has reached the desired internal temperature, let it rest in the air fryer for at least 5 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the filling to cool down slightly so you don't burn your mouth and also helps the filling to set, making it less messy when you cut into the pie. Remember that the pot pie will be hot, so always handle it with care.
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Let it rest in the basket for 5 minutes
Leaving your pot pie to rest in the basket for 5 minutes is an important step in the cooking process. This is because it allows the middle of the pie to continue warming up completely. This is especially important if your pie is on the larger side, as it can take longer for the heat to reach the centre.
It is also important to leave the basket closed during this time. This ensures that the heat remains trapped inside, allowing the pie to continue cooking evenly.
If you were to remove the pie from the basket immediately after cooking, you might find that the centre is not quite warm enough. By letting it rest, you are giving the pie a chance to reach the perfect temperature throughout.
Additionally, this resting time gives the filling a chance to settle, ensuring that it is nice and creamy when you take your first bite.
So, while it might be tempting to dig into your pot pie as soon as it comes out of the air fryer, it is worth the wait to let it rest for those few extra minutes.
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Frequently asked questions
Place the frozen pot pie in the air fryer basket. Cook at 380°F/190°C for 15-20 minutes until the pastry is crisp and golden brown.
The temperature depends on the type of air fryer you have. Some sources recommend cooking at 380°F/190°C, while others suggest 350°F or 360°F.
Cooking times may vary depending on the size and type of pot pie. A small pot pie will take around 15 minutes, while a larger, family-sized pie may take up to 20 minutes.
It is recommended to preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking, especially if your pie is frozen. Preheat your air fryer for 5 minutes at the same temperature you will use for cooking.
If your pie has a bottom crust, remove it from the foil container and cook it upside down for a few minutes to crisp the bottom.
