Air-Fried Pot Pie Perfection: Quick, Easy, Delicious

Making a pot pie in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to cook a delicious, comforting meal. Using an air fryer to cook a pot pie is faster than using an oven, but it still achieves a flaky, golden crust. This method is also a great way to use up leftover chicken or turkey.

Preheat the air fryer to 350-360°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures that your pot pie cooks evenly and efficiently. Here's a detailed guide on preheating your air fryer to the ideal temperature range of 350-360°F for cooking a delicious pot pie:

Step 1: Understand the Importance of Preheating

Preheating your air fryer is crucial for achieving the desired temperature for cooking your pot pie. It ensures that the appliance reaches the set temperature before you place the pot pie inside. This initial heating step helps create a consistent cooking environment, promoting even cooking and browning of your pie.

Step 2: Set the Temperature

To preheat your air fryer effectively, start by setting the temperature to 350-360°F. This temperature range is ideal for cooking pot pies, as it allows the crust to become flaky and golden while ensuring the filling is cooked through. The specific temperature you choose within this range may depend on your air fryer model and personal preferences.

Step 3: Allow Sufficient Time for Preheating

After setting the desired temperature, give your air fryer enough time to reach that temperature. Depending on the model and its features, preheating can take a few minutes. Refer to your air fryer's user manual to understand the typical preheating time for your specific model. This information will help you plan your cooking process more efficiently.

Step 4: Use a Thermometer for Accuracy (Optional)

While most air fryers will have temperature settings and indicators, you can take it a step further by using a cooking thermometer to ensure your air fryer has reached the desired temperature. Place the thermometer inside the air fryer basket or cooking area and wait until it stabilizes at 350-360°F. This extra step can be helpful if you want to ensure the most accurate preheating temperature.

Step 5: Prepare Other Ingredients While Preheating

As your air fryer preheats, you can use this time efficiently by preparing other ingredients or components of your meal. Chop any vegetables, make a salad, or set the table—by the time you're done, your air fryer will likely be preheated and ready for your pot pie!

Remember, preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in the cooking process, and it ensures that your pot pie turns out perfectly. By following these steps, you'll be able to achieve the ideal cooking temperature for a flaky crust and a delicious, evenly cooked pot pie.

Cover the pot pie in foil

Covering your pot pie in foil is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures that the crust doesn't burn while the filling cooks through. Here's a step-by-step guide to covering your pot pie in foil for cooking in an air fryer:

• Remove the pot pie from its packaging. Take a sheet of aluminium foil and place it over the pot pie, gently pressing it down to mould to the shape of the pie.
• Fold the edges of the foil over the sides of the pie. This will ensure that the foil stays in place and covers the crust completely.
• Place the covered pot pie in the centre of the air fryer basket.
• Depending on the size of your pot pie, you may want to cover only the edges of the crust with foil, rather than the whole pie. This will allow the centre of the crust to crisp up while preventing the edges from burning.
• For larger pot pies, you can make small slits in the foil to prevent water vapour from getting trapped and making the crust soggy. This will allow you to leave the foil on for most of the cooking time, saving you the trouble of removing it halfway through.
• If you're using a basket air fryer that's not large enough to accommodate a casserole dish or pie tin, you can adjust this recipe by making smaller, individual pot pies in ramekins.
• For reheating leftovers, always cover the pot pie with foil to prevent the crust from burning.

Cook for 20-25 minutes

Now, it's time to cook your pot pie! Place your covered pot pie in the centre of your air fryer basket and cook for 20-25 minutes.

If you are using a Cosori air fryer, or any other brand, it is important to remember that cooking times may vary, so keep an eye on your pot pie. You want the crust to be golden and flaky, but not burnt.

For a 10 oz pot pie, you can wrap the outer edges of the crust in foil, rather than the whole pie, and cook for 40 minutes at 350 degrees F. This will ensure the crust doesn't burn and the filling is cooked through.

If you are short on time, you can also use the microwave method. Cook your pot pie in the microwave for 5 minutes, and then pop it into the air fryer, preheated to 400 degrees F, for 2-3 minutes to crisp up the crust.

Remove the foil and cook for another 3-6 minutes

Once you've removed the foil, place the pot pie back into the air fryer and cook for another 3-6 minutes. This will depend on the wattage and size of your air fryer, so you may need to adjust the cooking time. You're aiming for a golden brown crust.

This final stage is important as it gives the pot pie that extra crispiness that you don't get from cooking it in a microwave or an oven. It's also faster than using those other methods, so you can have your dinner on the table much quicker.

Reheat leftovers at 325-350°F

Reheating leftovers in an air fryer is simple and quick. To reheat your pot pie, set your air fryer to between 325°F and 350°F. Place your leftover pot pie in the air fryer and heat for 5-7 minutes. If you are reheating an individual serving, this can also be done in the microwave on high for 1-2 minutes.

Frequently asked questions