Air-Fryer Pot Pie: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Cooking a pot pie in the air fryer is a fast and convenient way to make a classic, comforting meal. It's a great way to use up leftovers, and with minimal prep, you can have a delicious, hearty dinner on the table in no time. The air fryer is perfect for getting that sought-after golden, flaky crust without having to turn on your oven. This guide will take you through the simple steps to achieve pot pie perfection.

How to get a golden, flaky crust

To get a golden, flaky crust, there are a few steps to follow. First, you'll want to cover your pot pie with aluminium foil, folding it over the sides of the pie. Place the pot pie in the centre of the air fryer basket. Then, cook the pot pie for 20 minutes. After this, remove the pot pie from the air fryer and take off the foil. Using scissors, cut a hole in the middle of the foil, so that it still covers the edges of the pie to prevent them from burning. Put the pie back in the air fryer and cook for an additional 30 to 40 minutes. Finally, let the pot pie sit for 5 minutes. Your pot pie should now have a golden, flaky crust.

There are a few other tips to keep in mind to get the perfect crust. First, make sure you don't max out the temperature on your air fryer. While air fryers can go up to 400°F, you'll want to cook your pot pie at a lower temperature, around 350°F. This will ensure that the crust doesn't burn. Additionally, if you're making a small pot pie, you may want to wrap the outer edges of the crust in foil rather than the whole pie, so that the middle gets cooked through before the crust gets too brown. Finally, an egg wash can add a brilliant sheen and beautifully baked crust to your pot pie.

Cooking times for different air fryer models

The cooking time for pot pies in an air fryer varies depending on the model of the air fryer and the size of the pot pie. Here are some general guidelines for different air fryer models:

Basket-style Air Fryer:

For a standard-sized pot pie, it is recommended to cook it in the air fryer for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and cut a hole in the centre, leaving the foil over the edges to prevent burning. Put it back in the air fryer for an additional 40 minutes, for a total cooking time of about 60 minutes. This method is suitable for basket-style air fryers and ensures a flaky and golden crust.

Air Fryer Oven:

For an air fryer oven, the same temperature and time settings can be used as for a basket-style air fryer. However, the oven model may require a few extra minutes of cooking time.

6-quart Air Fryer:

If you are cooking mini pot pies, a 6-quart air fryer can fit about two pies. Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and cook the pies for 25 minutes.

INSTA POT AIR FRYER TOP:

For tiny pot pies, 15 minutes is sufficient, but larger, family-sized pies may need up to 20 minutes.

Other Factors Affecting Cooking Time:

The cooking time may also depend on the type of pot pie. For example, Amy's Pot Pie (7.5 ounces) should be checked after air frying for 20 minutes. Family-sized pot pies (15-16 ounces) may not cook evenly in the air fryer, so oven or microwave cooking is recommended for these larger pies.

Additionally, some people prefer to partially cook the pot pie in the microwave for 5 minutes before transferring it to the air fryer to speed up the cooking process and ensure a flaky crust.

How to make chicken pot pie

Chicken pot pie is a hearty and comforting meal that can be made in an air fryer with minimal prep work and clean-up. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make a delicious chicken pot pie in an air fryer:

Ingredients:

• Chicken (rotisserie, leftover, or cooked chicken breasts)
• Vegetables (celery, carrots, potatoes, peas, corn, or frozen mixed vegetables)
• Butter
• Onion
• Flour
• Chicken stock/broth
• Pie crust (store-bought, homemade, puff pastry, or biscuit dough)
• Seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, pepper, parsley, thyme)
• Egg (optional)
• Cream of chicken soup (optional)

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

In a large saucepan or small Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent. Then, add celery and carrots, cooking for 2-3 minutes. Stir in flour and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Pour in chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Add potatoes and cook until slightly tender, about 5 minutes. You can also include other vegetables like peas, corn, or use a frozen mixed vegetable blend. Season the filling with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 2: Assemble the Pie

Place the cooked chicken in the bottom of your pie dish. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken, cooked chicken breasts, or any other cooked chicken. If using cooked chicken breasts, cube them into bite-sized pieces. Add the prepared filling on top of the chicken. Cover with a pie crust. If using store-bought pie crust, follow the package instructions for any specific handling requirements. For a homemade pie crust, pre-bake the bottom crust until fully baked, about 5-7 minutes, and then place the second crust over the filling. For a shiny crust, brush an egg wash on top.

Step 3: Air Fry the Pie

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C) for 3-5 minutes. Place the assembled chicken pot pie in the air fryer basket, ensuring it fits in a single layer. Air fry at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. For a 10-ounce pot pie, you may need to increase the temperature to 380°F for the final 6 minutes of cooking. Use an instant-read thermometer to verify that the internal temperature of the pie reaches 165°F, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Remove the chicken pot pie from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to cool slightly and sets the filling, making it less messy when cutting into the pie. Remember that the pot pie will be very hot, so be cautious when serving and eating.

Tips and Variations:

• For a quicker filling, you can use a small can of cream of chicken soup instead of making a roux with butter and flour.
• If your pot pie is browning too quickly, cover it with foil during cooking.
• You can also cook a frozen pot pie in the air fryer. Follow the package instructions for any specific directions, but generally, cook the frozen pie at 350°F for 20-30 minutes, and then uncover and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until the crust is golden.
• Chicken pot pie can be served as a complete meal, but you can also pair it with a side dish like a green salad, fruit salad, or roasted vegetables.

Enjoy your homemade chicken pot pie, fresh from the air fryer!

How to make vegetable pot pie

Cooking a vegetable pot pie in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and delicious way to prepare this comforting dish. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make a vegetable pot pie in an air fryer:

Ingredients:

• Frozen mixed vegetables (e.g. corn, peas, carrots)
• Store-bought pie crust or homemade dough
• Herbs (e.g. parsley, thyme)
• Seasonings (e.g. garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper)
• Egg (for egg wash)
• Optional: cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer: It is recommended to preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking. The ideal temperature is between 350-400°F, depending on your air fryer's settings and your preference. Preheat for about 5 minutes.
• Prepare the pot pie: If making the dough from scratch, prepare the pie dough according to your recipe. You will need a bottom crust and a top crust. If using store-bought pie crust, simply thaw it if necessary. Fill the bottom crust with your desired filling (vegetables, chicken, and any additional ingredients). Place the top crust over the filling.
• Brush with egg wash: Whisk an egg and brush it over the top crust to give it a shiny, golden finish.
• Place in the air fryer: Carefully place the pot pie into the air fryer basket. Ensure that it fits in a single layer and that there is space for air to circulate.
• Air fry: Cook the pot pie at the desired temperature for 15-25 minutes. Smaller pot pies may take closer to 15 minutes, while larger family-sized pies may need up to 20 minutes. Check the pot pie occasionally to ensure it is not browning too quickly. If it is, cover it with foil.
• Check for doneness: Use an instant-read thermometer to verify that the internal temperature of the pot pie has reached 165°F. If not, continue cooking in small increments until it reaches the desired temperature.
• Rest and serve: Remove the pot pie from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. The filling will be hot, so be careful not to burn yourself. Enjoy your delicious, crispy, and creamy vegetable pot pie!

Note: Cooking times may vary based on the size and model of your air fryer, so adjust the timing as needed. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for your specific air fryer model.

Reheating leftover pot pie

If you are reheating a frozen pot pie, you will need to increase the cooking time to 25 minutes. It is recommended to check the temperature after 20 minutes to ensure the filling is not getting too hot. You can use a cooking thermometer to check if the pie is cooked through, and if not, continue to cook in 3-minute increments until it is ready.

For a regular-sized pot pie, you can cover the pie with aluminum foil to prevent the crust from burning. However, for a mini pot pie, it is better to wrap the outer edges of the crust rather than the whole pie. You can also place the pie in a small baking dish or make a "tray" from aluminum foil to go underneath and catch any spills.

Once the pie is heated through, remove the foil and cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy. Then, let the pie rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

If you are short on time, you can also reheat your pot pie in the microwave. This method is quicker, but you may not achieve the same level of crispness on the crust. Alternatively, you can use a frying pan on the stovetop, which is super quick and gives a crispy crust, but you will need to keep a close eye on the pie to avoid burning.

Frequently asked questions