Air Fryer Frozen Pies: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a convenient way to enjoy frozen pies, whether you crave a savoury meat pie or a sweet dessert pie. The air fryer's rapid cooking and crisping capabilities ensure that your frozen pies turn out perfectly every time. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve crispy and delicious frozen pies using your air fryer.

Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C)

Preheating your air fryer is an essential step in the process of cooking frozen pies. By setting the temperature to 320°F (160°C), you create the ideal conditions for even cooking and achieving that coveted golden, crispy crust on your pies. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you master the art of preheating your air fryer to this specific temperature:

Step 1: Understand the Importance of Preheating

Preheating your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures that your frozen pie cooks evenly throughout. Starting with a preheated cooking environment helps to distribute heat consistently, preventing hotspots and undercooked areas. This temperature setting is also key to achieving the perfect crust. By preheating, you create the optimal conditions for your pie to develop that desirable golden-brown exterior while remaining moist and delicious on the inside.

Step 2: Set the Temperature

To preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C), start by familiarising yourself with the controls of your particular model. Locate the temperature settings, which may be in the form of a dial, buttons, or a digital interface. Adjust the temperature to the desired 320°F (160°C) setting. This temperature strikes a balance between thorough cooking and maintaining the integrity of your pie's texture and flavour.

Step 3: Allow Sufficient Preheating Time

Once you've set the temperature, give your air fryer a few minutes to reach and stabilise at 320°F (160°C). The preheating time can vary depending on the model and brand of your air fryer, so it's important to refer to your device's user manual for specific instructions. As a general guideline, aim for at least 3 minutes of preheating time to ensure your air fryer reaches the desired temperature.

Step 4: Monitor the Temperature

Keep an eye on the temperature indicator on your air fryer to ensure it reaches and maintains the desired temperature. Some air fryers may have an audible or visual alert to let you know when the preheating is complete. If your model doesn't have this feature, keep a close watch to avoid overheating or underheating your cooking chamber. You can also invest in an independent kitchen thermometer to double-check the temperature accuracy of your air fryer.

Step 5: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

While your air fryer is preheating, it's a good idea to prepare the air fryer basket. Lightly grease the 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 your pie doesn't stick during the cooking process. This step ensures that your pie releases easily and maintains its shape.

In summary, preheating your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) is a critical step in achieving delicious frozen pies with crispy, golden crusts. By following the steps outlined above, you'll be well on your way to enjoying perfectly cooked pies with that ideal combination of a flaky exterior and a mouthwatering filling.

Grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil

To prevent your frozen pie from sticking to the basket, lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil. You can also use baking paper cut to fit the basket, ensuring the bottom of the pie doesn't stick.

If you are using cooking spray or oil, ensure you grease the basket thoroughly and evenly. This will create a barrier between the basket and your frozen pie, allowing it to cook without sticking. A light coating should be sufficient, as you don't want to affect the taste or texture of your pie.

By greasing the basket, you can also make the cleaning process easier. Any residue or excess grease left behind by your pie will be easier to wipe away, making the task of cleaning your air fryer a quicker one.

If you prefer not to use cooking spray or oil, you can simply place a piece of baking paper in the basket before adding your pie. This will provide a non-stick surface for your pie to cook on, ensuring it doesn't stick to the basket.

Place the frozen pie in the basket

When placing the frozen pie in the basket, it's important to ensure that it fits comfortably without touching the sides or top of the air fryer. This is crucial to ensure even cooking and achieve that desirable golden, crispy crust.

Before placing the pie in the basket, you can lightly grease the basket with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can use baking paper cut to fit the basket, ensuring the bottom of the pie doesn't stick.

Now, it's time to place the frozen pie into the basket. Centre it and make sure it's not touching the sides. If your pie has a bottom crust, consider placing it bottom-side up in the basket to ensure even crisping on the base.

Once the pie is in the basket, you can proceed to set the temperature and cooking time. The cooking time will depend on the size and type of pie, but a general guideline is around 15 to 20 minutes at a temperature of 360°F to 380°F (180°C to 190°C).

During the cooking process, monitor the pie's progress to ensure even cooking. You may need to rotate the pie halfway through the cooking time for consistent results.

Cook for 15-20 minutes at 380°F/190°C

Once you've placed your frozen pies in the air fryer basket, it's time to set the temperature and cooking time. For this step, you'll want to cook your pies at 380°F/190°C for 15-20 minutes. This temperature and time combination will ensure your pies are cooked through and the pastry is crisp and golden.

During the cooking process, it's important to keep an eye on your pies to ensure even cooking. You may need to rotate the pies or flip them over if they have a bottom crust to get an even browning. If you're cooking multiple pies, make sure they're not crowded in the basket and are not touching each other or the sides of the basket.

While the recommended cooking time is 15-20 minutes, the exact time may vary depending on the size and type of pie you're cooking. For example, a larger pie or a pie with a thicker crust may take a bit longer to cook through. Always use your best judgement and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

If you're unsure whether your pies are fully cooked, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For savoury pies, the internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C). You can also insert a knife or skewer into the centre of the pie to make sure the filling is piping hot.

Once the pies are cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting time will allow the filling to settle and cool slightly, making it easier and safer to eat. Then, simply serve and enjoy your crispy, golden air-fried pies!

Let the pie cool for a few minutes before serving

Once your pie is cooked, it's important to let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This step is crucial for a few reasons. Firstly, it allows the filling to settle, making it easier to eat and ensuring the flavours are well distributed. Secondly, it gives the pastry a chance to crisp up further, resulting in that perfect golden, crispy crust.

The resting time also ensures that the pie is not too hot when served, preventing burns and providing a more enjoyable eating experience. During this time, you can prepare any sides or garnishes to accompany your pie. For example, a savoury pot pie tastes great with a side of vegetables like peas, green beans, or carrots, or even some French fries or cheesy mashed potatoes.

Additionally, the resting time allows you to confirm that your pie is cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches the recommended level for your specific pie. For savoury pies, this is typically around 160°F (71°C). You can also insert a knife or skewer into the centre of the pie to ensure that the filling is piping hot.

Finally, letting the pie cool slightly before serving gives you a chance to plate it neatly and perhaps add some garnishes, like a sprig of herbs or a dusting of sugar for a sweet pie. This will enhance the presentation and make your delicious, crispy, golden pie even more inviting. So, while it might be tempting to dig into your freshly cooked pie straight away, those few minutes of resting time truly elevate the overall experience.

Frequently asked questions