Pot pies are the ultimate comfort food—flaky, golden crust encasing a creamy, savory filling packed with veggies and meat. But when you’re craving that cozy meal without the hassle of heating up the oven, the air fryer steps in as a game-changer. Yes, you can absolutely cook a pot pie in an air fryer, and I’m here to walk you through exactly how to do it for that perfect balance of crispy crust and piping-hot filling. Whether you’re using a frozen store-bought pie or a homemade creation, this guide will ensure your pot pie comes out delicious every time.
Why Use an Air Fryer for Pot Pies?
Air fryers are a fantastic tool for cooking pot pies because they deliver the crispy, golden crust you love in a fraction of the time an oven requires. Unlike microwaving, which often leaves the crust soggy, an air fryer uses rapid hot air circulation to mimic the results of baking, but faster and with less energy. Plus, it’s perfect for small households or solo dinners since most air fryers can handle individual-sized pies like those from Marie Callender’s or Banquet. The result? A quick, fuss-free meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor or texture.
Choosing the Right Pot Pie
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s talk about the pot pie itself. You’ve got options: frozen or homemade, chicken, turkey, beef, or even veggie. Frozen pot pies, like those from Marie Callender’s or Banquet, are super convenient and designed to go straight from freezer to heat. Homemade pies, on the other hand, give you control over ingredients but require a bit more prep. For this guide, we’ll focus on frozen pot pies (around 7-10 ounces, the typical individual size) since they’re the most common choice for air fryer cooking. If you’re working with a larger family-sized pie or a homemade version, you’ll need to adjust cooking times slightly, which we’ll cover later.
Step-by-Step: Cooking a Frozen Pot Pie in an Air Fryer
Here’s how to get that perfect pot pie using your air fryer. I’ve tested this method with a standard 7-ounce chicken pot pie, and it’s foolproof for brands like Swanson or Marie Callender’s. Follow these steps for a golden crust and a hot, bubbly filling.
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Preheating ensures even cooking, so don’t skip this step, even if your air fryer claims it’s not necessary. It takes about 3-5 minutes for most models to heat up, giving you time to prep the pie.
Step 2: Prep the Pot Pie
Remove the frozen pot pie from its packaging, but keep it in its foil or metal tray. This tray helps catch any filling that might bubble over, keeping your air fryer clean. To prevent the crust’s edges from burning, cover them loosely with aluminum foil. You can also make a foil “shield” by wrapping a strip around the rim of the pie. If your pie has a bottom crust, consider poking a few small slits in the top to allow steam to escape, which helps avoid a soggy texture.
Step 3: Place in the Air Fryer
Place the pot pie in the center of the air fryer basket. If you’re cooking more than one (most air fryers can fit two 7-ounce pies), make sure they’re not touching to allow proper air circulation. For extra protection against spills, you can place a small piece of foil under the pie, but ensure it’s smaller than the basket to maintain airflow.
Step 4: Cook the Pot Pie
Cook the pot pie at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. After about 15 minutes, remove the foil shield to let the crust crisp up and turn golden brown. If you want an extra flaky crust, lightly brush the top with melted butter or olive oil before the final 5 minutes of cooking. Check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer to ensure the filling reaches 165°F (74°C), especially for chicken or turkey pies, to confirm it’s fully heated through.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once done, carefully remove the pot pie from the air fryer (it’ll be hot!) and let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the filling to set, so it won’t spill out when you cut into it. Serve it as is for a complete meal, or pair it with a light side like a green salad or steamed veggies to balance the richness.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Pot Pie
- Adjust for Size: Smaller pies (like 7-ounce Banquet pies) may need only 19-23 minutes, while larger 10-ounce pies might take 25-30 minutes. Always check the internal temperature.
- Prevent Burning: If the crust is browning too quickly, lower the temperature to 325°F for the last few minutes or cover the top with foil again.
- Microwave Hack: For a faster cook time, microwave the pie for 4-5 minutes to thaw it slightly, then air fry for 5-7 minutes at 350°F to crisp the crust. This method sacrifices a bit of texture but saves time.
- Bottom Crust Crisp: If your pie has a bottom crust, flip it upside down for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking (after removing it from the foil tray) to crisp it up, then flip it back before serving.
Homemade Pot Pies in the Air Fryer
If you’re feeling ambitious and want to make a pot pie from scratch, the air fryer is still your friend. Use a heat-safe dish or ramekin that fits in your air fryer basket. Fill it with your favorite filling (like shredded rotisserie chicken, frozen veggies, and a creamy sauce), and top with store-bought or homemade pie crust. Cook at 320°F for 15 minutes, then increase to 400°F for 5-7 minutes to get that golden crust. For inspiration, check out this homemade air fryer pot pie recipe that uses rotisserie chicken for a quick yet fresh take.
Common Questions About Air Frying Pot Pies
Can I cook a family-sized pot pie in the air fryer? It’s tricky. Large pies (15-16 ounces) often don’t cook evenly in an air fryer because the filling takes too long to heat through before the crust burns. Stick to individual-sized pies (7-10 ounces) for best results, or use an oven for bigger pies.
Do I need to thaw the pot pie first? No, cook it straight from frozen. Thawing can make the crust soggy and alter the cooking time, leading to uneven results.
What brands work best? Marie Callender’s and Banquet are popular choices, but any brand of frozen pot pie will work. For a veggie option, try Amy’s vegetable pot pies, which cook well in about 20 minutes at 350°F.
How do I reheat leftovers? Cover leftovers with foil and reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 7-10 minutes until the filling is bubbly. This keeps the crust from getting too soggy.
Why This Method Works
The air fryer’s high heat and rapid air circulation create that coveted flaky, golden crust while ensuring the filling is hot and creamy. It’s faster than an oven (which can take 45-60 minutes) and avoids the soggy pitfalls of a microwave. Plus, it’s a low-effort way to enjoy a comforting meal without heating up your whole kitchen—perfect for busy weeknights or chilly evenings when you just want something warm and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
Cooking a pot pie in an air fryer is a revelation for anyone who loves comfort food but hates the wait. With a few simple steps and some foil to protect the crust, you’ll have a perfectly cooked pie in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re grabbing a frozen Marie Callender’s pie from the freezer or whipping up a homemade version, the air fryer delivers that crispy, golden goodness every time. So, next time you’re craving pot pie, skip the oven, fire up your air fryer, and enjoy a cozy meal with minimal effort.
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