How To Air Fry Frozen Pot Pies?

You can air fry frozen pot pies by setting your air fryer to 350-375°F (175-190°C) and cooking for 30-45 minutes, depending on size, flipping halfway for even crisping.

Always remove plastic wrapping and place the pot pie directly into the air fryer basket to achieve a perfectly golden, flaky crust and a hot, bubbling filling.

TL;DR: Ready to enjoy a crispy, delicious pot pie without the long oven wait? Here’s a quick summary:

• Air fry frozen pot pies at 350-375°F for 30-45 minutes.
• Always unwrap completely before cooking to avoid melting plastic.
• Flip your pot pie midway for a perfectly crispy crust all around.
• Use a food thermometer to check for a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Different pot pie sizes may need slightly adjusted cooking times, so keep an eye on them.

How To Air Fry Frozen Pot Pies?

To air fry frozen pot pies, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C), place the unwrapped pie in the basket, and cook for 35-45 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

Picture this: you’re craving that warm, savory comfort of a pot pie, but you’re short on time. Does this sound familiar? The air fryer is your secret weapon here. It transforms a frozen pot pie into a meal with a wonderfully crispy crust and a piping hot filling, much faster than a conventional oven. It’s truly a game-changer for weeknight dinners.

Why Choose the Air Fryer for Pot Pies?

Using an air fryer for frozen pot pies offers some clear advantages. You get a much crispier crust compared to a microwave, and it cooks much faster than a standard oven. Plus, you avoid heating up your entire kitchen, which is a big win on warmer days. We found that the air fryer creates an almost ideal environment for heating these savory treats.

Speed and Efficiency

The air fryer circulates hot air rapidly, cooking your food evenly and quickly. This means less waiting and more enjoying your delicious pot pie. Who doesn’t appreciate a faster meal prep?

Crispier Crust Every Time

One of the best parts of a pot pie is that flaky, golden crust. An air fryer excels at this, giving you a beautiful texture that many experts say is hard to achieve otherwise. It’s like having a mini convection oven right on your countertop.

Getting Ready: What You’ll Need

Before you dive into cooking, let’s gather your essentials. You don’t need much, which is part of the appeal. It’s all about simplicity and getting to that delicious meal quickly. Thinking ahead always helps.

Your Air Fryer

Any model of air fryer will generally work, whether it’s basket-style or oven-style. Just make sure it’s clean and ready to go. A quick wipe-down can prevent old food bits from interfering with your meal.

Frozen Pot Pies

This is the star of the show! Make sure they are fully frozen when you start. Thawing them first can lead to a soggy crust. We found that cooking from frozen yields the best results.

Meat Thermometer

This is a non-negotiable for food safety. You need to ensure the filling reaches 165°F (74°C). Don’t guess; a food thermometer ensures peace of mind (Food Safety Guidelines).

Optional: Aluminum Foil

Sometimes the crust can brown too quickly. A little aluminum foil can be a lifesaver. You can use it to loosely cover the edges if they start to look too dark.

Step-by-Step Guide to Air Frying Pot Pies

Ready to cook? Let’s walk through each step to ensure your pot pie comes out perfectly. It’s simpler than you might think, and we’ll guide you through it. Think of it like following a reliable recipe.

Preheat Your Air Fryer

Always preheat your air fryer. Set it to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating helps your pot pie cook evenly and achieve that desired crispness from the start. Just like baking cookies, a hot start is key.

Prepare the Pot Pie

Crucially, remove all packaging from your frozen pot pie. This includes any plastic film or cardboard. Some pot pies come in aluminum trays; these are usually air fryer safe, but double-check the manufacturer’s instructions. If not, transfer the pot pie to an air fryer-safe dish or directly into the basket.

Place in the Air Fryer

Gently place the unwrapped pot pie directly into the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd the basket. If you’re cooking more than one, make sure there’s enough space for air to circulate around each pie. We found that proper spacing improves cooking consistency.

Initial Cooking Time

Cook the pot pie for about 20-25 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Keep an eye on it during this initial phase. You’ll start to see the crust turning golden. This is where the magic begins to happen.

The Flip and Finish

After the initial cooking, carefully flip the pot pie over. This helps the bottom crust get just as crispy as the top. Cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Many experts suggest this flipping step for optimal results.

Checking for Doneness

Once the pot pie looks done, insert a meat thermometer into the center of the filling. It should read 165°F (74°C) (USDA guidelines). If it’s not quite there, cook for a few more minutes and recheck. Safety first!

Rest Before Serving

Just like any good cooked meal, let your pot pie rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the air fryer. This allows the filling to settle and prevents you from burning your mouth. It also helps the crust firm up even more.

Tips for the Perfect Air Fried Pot Pie

Want to take your air-fried pot pies from good to absolutely fantastic? Here are a few insider tips and tricks we’ve gathered from research and experience. A little extra knowledge can make a big difference.

Don’t Thaw Your Pot Pie

Resist the temptation to thaw it beforehand. A frozen pot pie handles the air fryer’s heat much better and results in a crisper crust. Think of it like a crunchy shell guarding a warm, gooey center.

Consider Pot Pie Size

Larger pot pies will naturally need more cooking time. A small personal pot pie might be done in 30 minutes, while a larger one could take up to 45-50 minutes. Adjust accordingly! We often find that a small adjustment in time is needed.

Small Pot Pies (6-7 oz)

These typically take less time. Start with 30 minutes total. Check them early.

Medium Pot Pies (8-10 oz)

Most common size. Aim for 35-45 minutes total. This is your sweet spot.

Larger Pot Pies (15 oz+)

These might need 45-50 minutes or slightly more. Patience is key here.

Here’s a quick guide based on common pot pie sizes:

Pot Pie Size (Oz)	Temperature	Initial Cook Time	Flip & Finish Time	Total Estimated Time
6-7 oz (Small)	375°F (190°C)	15 min	15-20 min	30-35 min
8-10 oz (Medium)	375°F (190°C)	20 min	15-20 min	35-40 min
15 oz (Large)	375°F (190°C)	25 min	20-25 min	45-50 min

Preventing Over-Browning

If your crust starts looking too dark before the filling is hot enough, simply tent a small piece of aluminum foil over the top. This protects the crust while the inside continues to cook. It’s a handy trick we’ve used many times.

The Importance of Temperature Checking

Really, don’t skip the meat thermometer. Even if the crust looks perfect, the inside might still be cold. Food safety guidelines are there for a good reason. It’s a small step for a big benefit.

Troubleshooting Common Air Frying Issues

Sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned. Don’t worry, it happens to everyone! Here are a few common hiccups you might encounter and how to fix them. You’re not alone in this kitchen adventure.

Soggy Bottom Crust

Did you forget to flip it? Or perhaps your pot pie wasn’t fully frozen? Ensure you flip the pie halfway through cooking. Also, make sure there’s enough space in the basket for air to circulate under it. A little space makes a big difference.

Crust Burning Too Quickly

This often means your air fryer is running a bit hot or the pot pie is too close to the heating element. Try lowering the temperature by 25°F or using that aluminum foil trick we talked about earlier. Every air fryer can be a little different, we’ve found.

Filling Not Hot Enough

This is a safety concern. It just needs more time. Continue cooking in 5-minute increments until that thermometer reads 165°F (74°C). Don’t rush this part. Your health matters most here.

Air Frying Pot Pie Checklist

Before you dive in, a quick check ensures success. This list is a helpful reminder of the most important steps. It’s like your personal pre-flight checklist for a delicious meal.

• Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
• Remove all plastic and cardboard packaging.
• Place pot pie in a single layer in the basket.
• Cook for 20-25 minutes, then flip carefully.
• Continue cooking for another 15-20 minutes.
• Check internal temperature for 165°F (74°C).
• Rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Conclusion

Air frying frozen pot pies is a fantastic way to enjoy a classic comfort food with a perfectly crispy crust and a hot, savory filling, all without the long wait. It’s quick, efficient, and incredibly satisfying. With these simple steps and tips, you’re well on your way to mastering this delightful meal. So, next time that craving hits, reach for your air fryer; you’ll be glad you did!

Can I cook two frozen pot pies in the air fryer at once?

You can usually cook two small-to-medium frozen pot pies at once, as long as they fit in a single layer without touching. Good air circulation is key, so make sure not to overcrowd your basket.

Do I need to spray the pot pie with oil before air frying?

No, you generally do not need to spray frozen pot pies with oil. The crust usually contains enough fat to crisp up beautifully on its own. Adding oil could make it greasy, so it’s best to skip this step.

What if my pot pie doesn’t come in an aluminum tray?

If your pot pie comes in a cardboard or plastic container, you must remove it. You can place the pot pie directly into the air fryer basket or use a small, air fryer-safe dish made of glass or ceramic. Just make sure the dish fits properly.

How do I know if the pot pie filling is cooked through?

The only reliable way to know if the filling is cooked through and safe to eat is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the filling, avoiding the crust, and ensure it reads 165°F (74°C).

Can I air fry a thawed pot pie?

It’s generally not recommended to air fry a thawed pot pie. Cooking from frozen helps maintain the crust’s structure and prevents it from becoming soggy. If it’s thawed, the crust may cook too quickly or become mushy before the filling is fully heated.