Can You Cook a Pot Pie in an Air Fryer

Can You Cook a Pot Pie in an Air Fryer? A Step-by-Step Guide to Perfectly Flaky Results

Pot pies are the ultimate comfort food, with their golden, flaky crust and warm, creamy filling. But let’s be honest—heating up the oven for a single pie feels like overkill, especially on a busy weeknight. Enter the air fryer, a game-changer for cooking frozen or homemade pot pies quickly and efficiently. If you’ve ever wondered, “Can you cook a pot pie in an air fryer?” the answer is a resounding yes. In this article, I’ll walk you through how to do it, share tips for getting that perfect crust, and explain why the air fryer might just become your go-to method for this classic dish.

Why Use an Air Fryer for Pot Pies?

Air fryers are essentially compact convection ovens that circulate hot air to cook food evenly and quickly. This makes them ideal for achieving the crispy, golden crust that’s the hallmark of a great pot pie, without the long preheat times or energy use of a traditional oven. Compared to microwaving, which can leave the crust soggy, or oven-baking, which takes longer, the air fryer strikes a perfect balance of speed and quality. Plus, it’s a lifesaver during hot weather when you don’t want to heat up the entire kitchen.

Whether you’re working with a store-bought frozen pot pie, like Marie Callender’s or Banquet, or a homemade version, the air fryer can deliver a deliciously crispy exterior and a piping-hot interior in about 20-35 minutes, depending on the size. The key is knowing how to adjust the cooking process to avoid common pitfalls, like a burnt crust or an undercooked filling.

How to Cook a Frozen Pot Pie in an Air Fryer

Let’s start with the most common scenario: cooking a frozen pot pie, like those from Marie Callender’s or Banquet, which are typically 7-10 ounces and designed for individual servings. Here’s a foolproof method to get it right every time.

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Always preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking. Set it to 350°F (175°C) for 4-5 minutes. Preheating helps the crust crisp up from the start, avoiding uneven cooking. If your air fryer model claims it doesn’t need preheating, I still recommend doing it for the best results.

Step 2: Prepare the Pot Pie

Remove the pot pie from its plastic packaging but keep it in the foil tray it comes in. To prevent spills, place a small piece of aluminum foil under the tray, ensuring it’s not so large that it blocks air circulation. Make a slit or two in the top crust to allow steam to escape—this prevents the filling from bursting out and ensures the interior cooks properly.

Step 3: Protect the Crust

To avoid burning the edges of the crust, loosely cover the pot pie with aluminum foil or create a foil shield to wrap around the edges. This is especially important for air fryers with heating elements close to the basket, which can brown the top too quickly. You’ll remove this foil later to crisp the crust.

Step 4: Cook the Pot Pie

Place the pot pie in the center of the air fryer basket. For a 10-ounce pot pie, cook at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. Halfway through, around the 15-minute mark, carefully remove the foil shield to let the crust brown. For smaller 7-ounce pies, reduce the total cooking time to about 20-22 minutes. Check the internal temperature with a thermometer to ensure the filling reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once cooking is complete, let the pot pie rest in the air fryer (with the heat off) for 5 minutes. This allows the filling to set, making it less likely to spill when you cut into it. Carefully remove the pie, discard any foil, and serve with your favorite sides, like a fresh salad or roasted vegetables.

Pro Tip: If you’re cooking multiple pot pies, ensure they fit in a single layer without crowding. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking, so you may need to cook in batches.

Cooking a Homemade Pot Pie in an Air Fryer

If you’re feeling ambitious and want to make a pot pie from scratch, the air fryer is still a fantastic tool. Homemade pot pies allow you to customize the filling—think rotisserie chicken, fresh veggies, or even a vegetarian version with extra mushrooms and peas. Here’s how to adapt the process.

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Cook your filling on the stovetop first, as the air fryer’s short cooking time won’t fully cook raw ingredients. Sauté vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions until tender, then add cooked chicken and a creamy base (like a béchamel sauce or cream of chicken soup). Simmer until thickened. For inspiration, check out this homemade air fryer pot pie recipe that uses rotisserie chicken for convenience.

Step 2: Assemble in Air Fryer-Safe Dishes

Use oven-safe ramekins, small cast iron skillets, or foil containers that fit your air fryer basket. Divide the filling among the dishes, leaving room for the crust. Top with store-bought puff pastry or pie dough, rolled thin to ensure it cooks through quickly. Cut vents in the top and brush with an egg wash for a golden finish.

Step 3: Air Fry

Cook at 320°F (160°C) for 15 minutes, loosely covered with foil to prevent over-browning. Remove the foil and increase the temperature to 400°F (205°C) for an additional 5-7 minutes until the crust is golden and crisp. Check that the filling is bubbling and hot before serving.

Tips for the Perfect Air Fryer Pot Pie

Getting that restaurant-quality pot pie in an air fryer takes a little finesse. Here are some tried-and-true tips to elevate your results:

• Don’t Thaw Frozen Pies: Cook frozen pot pies straight from the freezer. Thawing can make the crust soggy and alter the texture.
• Use a Thermometer: Always check that the filling reaches 165°F to ensure it’s fully cooked. Air fryer models vary, so cooking times are just a guide.
• Brush with Butter: For an extra flaky crust, lightly brush the top with melted butter or olive oil halfway through cooking, after removing the foil.
• Flip for Bottom Crust: If your pot pie has a bottom crust, remove it from the foil tray and cook upside-down for 2-3 minutes at the end to crisp it up.
• Microwave Hack: To speed up cooking, microwave the frozen pot pie for 3-5 minutes before air frying. This ensures the filling heats through faster, but you’ll still get a crispy crust. Everyday Family Cooking suggests this trick for smaller pies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a simple dish like pot pie, things can go wrong if you’re not careful. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Burning the Crust: Without foil, the crust can brown too quickly. Always use a foil shield for at least part of the cooking time.
• Undercooked Filling: If the filling isn’t hot enough, extend the cooking time in 3-minute increments, keeping the foil on to prevent over-browning.
• Overcrowding the Basket: Air fryers rely on hot air circulation, so don’t cram too many pies in at once.

Best Brands for Frozen Pot Pies

Not all frozen pot pies are created equal. Based on flavor and air fryer compatibility, here are a few favorites:

• Marie Callender’s: Known for its flaky crust and creamy filling, this brand is a top choice for air frying. The 10-ounce size cooks well in about 30 minutes.
• Banquet: Budget-friendly and widely available, these 7-ounce pies are perfect for quick meals and take about 20-22 minutes.
• Amy’s: A great vegetarian option with a lighter, veggie-focused filling. Check after 20 minutes, as these are slightly smaller.

Serving Suggestions

A pot pie is a complete meal on its own, but a few sides can make it even better. Pair it with a light green salad to balance the richness, or try air fryer roasted vegetables for a cohesive meal. If you’re feeling indulgent, some crusty bread or air fryer baked potatoes make a hearty addition.

Final Thoughts

Cooking a pot pie in an air fryer is not only possible but also a fantastic way to enjoy this comfort food classic with less time and effort. Whether you’re popping a frozen Marie Callender’s pie in the basket or assembling a homemade version with fresh ingredients, the air fryer delivers a crispy crust and warm filling that rivals any oven-baked pie. Just remember to preheat, use foil to protect the crust, and let the pie rest before digging in. Next time you’re craving pot pie, skip the oven and give your air fryer a chance to shine—you won’t be disappointed.