Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years as a fast and convenient way to cook food with less oil than traditional deep frying. Many people use air fryers to cook frozen foods like french fries, chicken nuggets, and fish fillets. But can you use an air fryer to cook a frozen pot pie?
What is a pot pie?
A pot pie is a type of baked pie with a filling that is completely encased in pastry dough. The filling typically contains meat, vegetables, and gravy. Some common varieties of pot pie include chicken pot pie, beef pot pie, and vegetable pot pie. The dough can either be rolled out into a round crust that completely covers the filling, or the dough may be layered on top. Pot pies are a comforting and savory dish that have long been a staple of home cooking.
Pot pies are most often found in the frozen food aisle, where they can be purchased ready-to-bake. Major brands like Banquet, Marie Callender’s, and Healthy Choice all offer a selection of single-serve and family-size frozen pot pies. The convenience of being able to keep a few frozen pot pies on hand makes this dish a popular weeknight dinner option for many families.
Can You Cook a Frozen Pot Pie in an Air Fryer?
Yes, you can cook a frozen pot pie in an air fryer! The hot air circulation and convection heating of an air fryer makes it possible to crispen up the flaky pie crust and heat the filling all the way through.
Cooking a pot pie in an air fryer results in a golden brown, crispy crust and tender, juicy filling. The crust comes out flaky on top and bottom. And since air fryers use little to no oil, the pot pie won’t be greasy like it can get when oven baking.
Benefits of Cooking Pot Pie in an Air Fryer
- Crispy, flaky crust
- Evenly cooked filling
- No oil needed
- Faster cooking time
An air fryer can cook a pot pie in about 15-25 minutes while a traditional oven takes 35-55 minutes. The quicker cook time makes air frying more convenient for nights when you need dinner on the table fast.
How to Cook a Frozen Pot Pie in an Air Fryer
Follow these simple steps for perfect air fried pot pie:
- Remove pot pie from packaging and peel back any plastic film or cardboard sleeve.
- Use a fork to poke several vent holes in the top crust. This allows steam to escape.
- Place pot pie on air fryer basket or cooking tray.
- Set air fryer to 380°F.
- Cook for 15-18 minutes, until crust is golden brown.
- Let cool 5 minutes before serving.
- Enjoy your crispy, juicy pot pie!
Cooking times can vary based on the size of the pot pie and your particular air fryer model. Smaller air fryers and single-serve pot pies will cook faster. Larger family-size pies may need up to 25 minutes. Check frequently and increase cook time if needed until the crust is crispy.
Tips for the Best Results
- Brush crust with egg wash or milk before cooking for an extra golden sheen.
- Spray air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.
- Let pot pie sit for 5 minutes before serving so filling can thicken.
- Cut slit in top crust halfway through cooking to allow steam to escape.
What Size Pot Pie Fits in an Air Fryer?
Most round air fryers can accommodate a standard 7-inch diameter frozen pot pie. Rectangular or oval air fryer models may be able to fit larger 8-inch pies. Very large family-size pot pies likely won’t fit. Here are some size guidelines for common air fryer models:
| Air Fryer Basket Size | Pot Pie Capacity |
|---|---|
| 3 quart round basket | 7-inch pot pie |
| 5 quart round basket | 7 to 8-inch pot pie |
| 5.5 quart oval basket | Up to 9-inch pot pie |
| 6 quart rectangular basket | Up to 9 x 11-inch pot pie |
Check your air fryer manual for exact dimensions if you are unsure. Smaller single-serve pot pies around 5 inches wide can also work well in round 3-4 quart air fryer models.
Troubleshooting Pot Pies in an Air Fryer
Cooking pot pies in an air fryer is easy, but there are a few common problems that can occur:
Soggy Bottom Crust
If the bottom crust comes out soggy, the air fryer did not circulate enough heat under the pot pie. Try cooking at a slightly higher temperature or increase cook time. Poking vent holes in the top crust can also help moisture escape.
Undercooked Filling
An undercooked filling is usually caused by insufficient cook time. Increase air fryer temperature by 25°F and cook a few minutes longer until filling reaches safe internal temperature of 165°F.
Overly Browned Crust
Too high cooking temperature can make the crust too dark. Lower air fryer temp by 25°F increments until crust browns evenly without burning.
Burst Crust
If crust splits open or filling bubbles out, the steam couldn’t escape. Be sure to poke vent holes in the top crust before cooking. Can also cut slit halfway through cooking to allow steam to release.
Best Practices
Here are some top tips for air frying pot pies to perfection:
- Poke holes in top crust
- Brush crust with egg wash
- Preheat air fryer fully
- Use recommended temperature of 380°F
- Flip or rotate pie halfway through
- Cook until crust is golden brown
- Check internal filling temperature
- Let rest before cutting and serving
Alternative Cooking Methods
While air frying is a great option, you can cook a frozen pot pie using these methods too:
Oven
Bake frozen pot pie on a sheet pan or pie dish at 400°F for 45-60 minutes until filling bubbles and crust browns.
Microwave
Microwave pot pie on high, covered with paper towel, for 5-7 minutes based on wattage. Let stand 2 minutes before serving.
Stovetop
For a crispy bottom crust, place pot pie in a lightly oiled skillet on medium high heat. Cover and cook 8-10 minutes per side until browned.
Can You Reheat a Pot Pie in an Air Fryer?
Yes, leftover pot pie can be reheated in an air fryer. It won’t get as crispy and flaky as a freshly cooked pie, but it will be tastier than microwaving. To reheat, place pot pie slices in air fryer at 300°F for 5-8 minutes until heated through.
Recipes for Air Fried Pot Pies
While frozen pot pies work great, you can also make fresh homemade pot pies tailored to your tastes for the air fryer. Here are some tasty flavor ideas:
Buffalo Chicken Pot Pie
Filled with chicken, buffalo sauce, celery, onion, and blue cheese, this spicy pie is a fun twist on a classic.
Philly Cheesesteak Pot Pie
Sauteed steak, onions, peppers, and cheese make this pie a delicious meal.
BBQ Pulled Pork Pot Pie
Shredded pork shoulder, bbq sauce, and coleslaw fill this savory southern-inspired pie.
Shepherd’s Pie
Ground lamb or beef with peas, carrots, and mashed potato topping for a hearty, comforting meal.
Ultimate Veggie Pot Pie
A meatless pie can be just as satisfying when loaded with vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, peas and more.
FAQs
What size pot pie fits a 3.7 quart air fryer?
A 3.7 quart air fryer can fit a 7-inch diameter frozen pot pie. Be sure to check the dimensions of your particular model before purchasing.
Do you have to preheat an air fryer for pot pie?
Yes, always preheat your air fryer before cooking anything, including pot pies. This allows the air inside to come fully up to temperature so food cooks evenly.
Should pot pie crust be up or down in air fryer?
For best results, place pot pie in the air fryer with the crust side up. This allows the top to brown and become crispy. The hot air circulates around the filling through vent holes poked in the top.
What temperature should an air fryer be for pot pie?
Cook pot pies at 380°F in an air fryer. This high temperature crisps the crust thoroughly without burning it.
Do you flip pot pie in air fryer?
It’s not mandatory, but flipping the pot pie over halfway through can help ensure both top and bottom crust get evenly browned. Use tongs to carefully flip.
Conclusion
Air frying makes cooking frozen pot pies a breeze. The hot circulating air crisps up the flaky crust in no time while heating the filling through. Just be sure to poke vent holes in the top crust before cooking. With a little trial and error, you can achieve pot pie perfection in your air fryer. So next time you get a craving, ditch the oven and enjoy this comforting classic the fast, convenient air fryer way.