Imagine a golden-brown, flaky crust giving way to a rich, savory filling, all perfectly cooked in the comfort of your own home. Air frying pot pies is a game-changer, but it requires finesse. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the ins and outs of cooking pot pies in the air fryer, covering essential tips, troubleshooting common issues, and providing expert advice on achieving that perfect, crispy crust.
Is your air fryer ready to take on the challenge? Let’s dive in and explore the world of air-fried pot pies.
From cooking techniques to temperature control, we’ll cover everything you need to know to create mouthwatering pot pies that will impress family and friends alike. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!
In this guide, you’ll learn:
– How to cook a frozen pot pie in the air fryer like a pro
– The secrets to preventing burnt crusts and achieving a perfect, golden-brown finish
– The optimal temperature for air frying pot pies, and how to adjust it for different results
– How to reheat leftover pot pies in the air fryer without compromising the crust
– What to do when the crust is cooking too quickly, and how to slow it down
– Whether it’s possible to add extra cheese to your pot pie while air frying, and how to do it without overdoing it
– The importance of preheating the air fryer, and how it affects the cooking process
– How to determine if the pot pie filling is fully cooked, and what signs to look out for
– Can you cook multiple pot pies at the same time in the air fryer? We’ll explore the possibilities and limitations
– What to do if your pot pie isn’t heating evenly, and how to troubleshoot common issues
– Can you air fry a homemade pot pie with raw dough? We’ll discuss the feasibility and provide expert advice
– And finally, the best way to reheat a pot pie in the air fryer, and how to avoid common mistakes
By the end of this guide, you’ll be a certified air fryer expert, equipped with the knowledge and skills to create mouthwatering pot pies that will impress anyone. So, let’s get started and uncover the secrets of air-fried pot pies!
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Cooking a frozen pot pie in the air fryer requires a specific temperature and cooking time
- Preventing burnt crusts involves adjusting the temperature and cooking time, as well as using a gentle air circulation setting
- The optimal temperature for air frying pot pies depends on the type of filling and the desired level of browning
- Reheating leftover pot pies in the air fryer requires a lower temperature and a shorter cooking time to prevent overcooking
- Adding extra cheese to your pot pie while air frying can be done, but it’s essential to balance the amount with the cooking time
- Preheating the air fryer is crucial for achieving a crispy crust and evenly cooked filling
- Determining if the pot pie filling is fully cooked involves checking for signs of doneness, such as a golden-brown crust and a hot, bubbly filling
Cooking Frozen Pot Pies in the Air Fryer
Cooking a frozen pot pie in the air fryer is a straightforward process that requires a specific temperature and cooking time. Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the pot pie for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly. It’s essential to check the pot pie every 2-3 minutes to ensure the crust isn’t burning. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue cooking.
One of the benefits of air frying pot pies is that it preserves the delicate texture of the crust. Unlike baking, which can dry out the crust, air frying helps maintain its flaky, crispy texture. Additionally, air frying pot pies is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, as it uses less oil and produces fewer calories.
To air fry a frozen pot pie, follow these steps:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C)
2. Place the pot pie in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each pie
3. Cook the pot pie for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly
4. Check the pot pie every 2-3 minutes to ensure the crust isn’t burning
5. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue cooking
By following these steps, you’ll achieve a perfectly cooked pot pie with a crispy, golden-brown crust and a hot, bubbly filling.
Preventing Burnt Crusts and Achieving a Perfect Finish
Preventing burnt crusts is a common challenge when air frying pot pies. To achieve a perfect, golden-brown finish, it’s essential to adjust the temperature and cooking time. A gentle air circulation setting can also help prevent the crust from burning.
One of the reasons why pot pie crusts burn is due to the high heat and intense air circulation in the air fryer. This can cause the crust to cook too quickly, leading to a burnt or charred finish. To prevent this, reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and cook the pot pie for a longer period, around 15-18 minutes.
Another way to prevent burnt crusts is to use a parchment paper or a silicone mat in the air fryer basket. This will help distribute the heat evenly and prevent hot spots from forming. You can also brush the crust with a small amount of oil or butter to help it brown more evenly.
To achieve a perfect, golden-brown finish, follow these steps:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C)
2. Place the pot pie in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each pie
3. Cook the pot pie for 15-18 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly
4. Check the pot pie every 5 minutes to ensure the crust isn’t burning
5. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, reduce the temperature to 325°F (165°C) and continue cooking
By following these steps, you’ll achieve a perfectly cooked pot pie with a crispy, golden-brown crust and a hot, bubbly filling.
Optimal Temperature and Cooking Time
The optimal temperature for air frying pot pies depends on the type of filling and the desired level of browning. A higher temperature, around 400°F (200°C), will produce a crisper crust and a more golden-brown finish. However, this may also lead to a burnt or charred finish if the pot pie is cooked for too long.
A lower temperature, around 325°F (165°C), will produce a softer crust and a more evenly cooked filling. This is ideal for pot pies with a delicate filling, such as chicken or fish. However, this may also lead to a less crispy crust and a less golden-brown finish.
To determine the optimal temperature and cooking time for your pot pie, follow these steps:
1. Check the packaging of the pot pie for recommended cooking temperature and time
2. If the packaging doesn’t provide specific instructions, consult the manufacturer’s website or contact their customer service
3. Adjust the temperature and cooking time based on the type of filling and the desired level of browning
4. Check the pot pie every 5 minutes to ensure the crust isn’t burning
5. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, reduce the temperature to 325°F (165°C) and continue cooking
By following these steps, you’ll achieve a perfectly cooked pot pie with a crispy, golden-brown crust and a hot, bubbly filling.
Reheating Leftover Pot Pies in the Air Fryer
Reheating leftover pot pies in the air fryer is a convenient and easy way to enjoy a hot, freshly cooked meal. However, it’s essential to follow the correct temperature and cooking time to prevent overcooking.
A lower temperature, around 275°F (135°C), will help reheat the pot pie without overcooking the crust. Cooking the pot pie for a shorter period, around 5-7 minutes, will also help prevent overcooking.
To reheat a leftover pot pie in the air fryer, follow these steps:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 275°F (135°C)
2. Place the pot pie in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each pie
3. Cook the pot pie for 5-7 minutes, or until the crust is warm and the filling is hot
4. Check the pot pie every 2-3 minutes to ensure the crust isn’t overcooking
5. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, reduce the temperature to 250°F (120°C) and continue cooking
By following these steps, you’ll achieve a perfectly reheated pot pie with a crispy, golden-brown crust and a hot, bubbly filling.
What to Do When the Crust is Cooking Too Quickly
If the crust is cooking too quickly, reduce the temperature to 325°F (165°C) and continue cooking. You can also try using a parchment paper or a silicone mat in the air fryer basket to help distribute the heat evenly and prevent hot spots from forming.
Another way to prevent the crust from cooking too quickly is to rotate the pot pie halfway through cooking. This will help ensure even cooking and prevent hot spots from forming.
To rotate the pot pie, follow these steps:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C)
2. Place the pot pie in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each pie
3. Cook the pot pie for 5 minutes
4. Rotate the pot pie by 90 degrees
5. Continue cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly
By following these steps, you’ll achieve a perfectly cooked pot pie with a crispy, golden-brown crust and a hot, bubbly filling.
Adding Extra Cheese to Your Pot Pie
Adding extra cheese to your pot pie while air frying can be done, but it’s essential to balance the amount with the cooking time. A small amount of cheese, around 1-2 tablespoons, will melt nicely and add flavor to the pot pie.
However, adding too much cheese can lead to a greasy or soggy crust. To prevent this, sprinkle the cheese evenly over the top of the pot pie and cook for a shorter period, around 5-7 minutes.
To add extra cheese to your pot pie, follow these steps:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C)
2. Place the pot pie in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each pie
3. Sprinkle a small amount of cheese, around 1-2 tablespoons, evenly over the top of the pot pie
4. Cook the pot pie for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown
5. Check the pot pie every 2-3 minutes to ensure the crust isn’t overcooking
By following these steps, you’ll achieve a perfectly cooked pot pie with a crispy, golden-brown crust and a hot, bubbly filling.
Preheating the Air Fryer
Preheating the air fryer is crucial for achieving a crispy crust and evenly cooked filling. It’s essential to preheat the air fryer for at least 5 minutes before cooking the pot pie.
Preheating the air fryer helps to distribute the heat evenly and prevent hot spots from forming. This ensures that the crust cooks consistently and the filling cooks evenly.
To preheat the air fryer, follow these steps:
1. Set the air fryer to the desired temperature, around 350°F (175°C)
2. Press the start button and let the air fryer preheat for at least 5 minutes
3. Place the pot pie in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each pie
4. Cook the pot pie for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly
By following these steps, you’ll achieve a perfectly cooked pot pie with a crispy, golden-brown crust and a hot, bubbly filling.
Determining if the Filling is Fully Cooked
Determining if the filling is fully cooked involves checking for signs of doneness, such as a hot, bubbly texture and a savory aroma. You can also check the internal temperature of the filling to ensure it’s reached a safe minimum internal temperature, around 165°F (74°C).
To check the internal temperature of the filling, use a food thermometer and insert it into the thickest part of the filling. If the temperature reads 165°F (74°C) or higher, the filling is fully cooked.
To determine if the filling is fully cooked, follow these steps:
1. Check the internal temperature of the filling using a food thermometer
2. Check for signs of doneness, such as a hot, bubbly texture and a savory aroma
3. If the filling is not fully cooked, continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes and check again
4. If the filling is fully cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving
By following these steps, you’ll achieve a perfectly cooked pot pie with a crispy, golden-brown crust and a hot, bubbly filling.
Cooking Multiple Pot Pies at Once
Cooking multiple pot pies at once is possible in the air fryer, but it’s essential to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly. A general rule of thumb is to cook the pot pies for 2-3 minutes longer than usual, and to reduce the temperature by 25°F (15°C).
To cook multiple pot pies at once, follow these steps:
1. Preheat the air fryer to the desired temperature, around 350°F (175°C)
2. Place the pot pies in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each pie
3. Cook the pot pies for 2-3 minutes longer than usual, and reduce the temperature by 25°F (15°C)
4. Check the pot pies every 2-3 minutes to ensure they’re cooking evenly
5. If the pot pies are not cooking evenly, rotate them halfway through cooking and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes
By following these steps, you’ll achieve a perfectly cooked pot pie with a crispy, golden-brown crust and a hot, bubbly filling.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your pot pie isn’t heating evenly, it’s essential to troubleshoot common issues and adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly. A general rule of thumb is to cook the pot pie for 2-3 minutes longer than usual, and to reduce the temperature by 25°F (15°C).
Another common issue is a burnt or charred crust. To prevent this, reduce the temperature to 325°F (165°C) and cook the pot pie for a longer period, around 15-18 minutes.
To troubleshoot common issues, follow these steps:
1. Check the internal temperature of the filling using a food thermometer
2. Check for signs of doneness, such as a hot, bubbly texture and a savory aroma
3. If the filling is not fully cooked, continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes and check again
4. If the crust is burning, reduce the temperature to 325°F (165°C) and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes
5. If the pot pie is not cooking evenly, rotate it halfway through cooking and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes
By following these steps, you’ll achieve a perfectly cooked pot pie with a crispy, golden-brown crust and a hot, bubbly filling.
Air Frying Homemade Pot Pies with Raw Dough
Air frying homemade pot pies with raw dough is possible, but it’s essential to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly. A general rule of thumb is to cook the pot pie for 10-12 minutes longer than usual, and to reduce the temperature by 25°F (15°C).
To air fry a homemade pot pie with raw dough, follow these steps:
1. Preheat the air fryer to the desired temperature, around 350°F (175°C)
2. Place the pot pie in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each pie
3. Cook the pot pie for 10-12 minutes longer than usual, and reduce the temperature by 25°F (15°C)
4. Check the pot pie every 2-3 minutes to ensure it’s cooking evenly
5. If the pot pie is not cooking evenly, rotate it halfway through cooking and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes
By following these steps, you’ll achieve a perfectly cooked pot pie with a crispy, golden-brown crust and a hot, bubbly filling.
The Best Way to Reheat a Pot Pie in the Air Fryer
The best way to reheat a pot pie in the air fryer involves following the correct temperature and cooking time. A lower temperature, around 275°F (135°C), will help reheat the pot pie without overcooking the crust. Cooking the pot pie for a shorter period, around 5-7 minutes, will also help prevent overcooking.
To reheat a pot pie in the air fryer, follow these steps:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 275°F (135°C)
2. Place the pot pie in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each pie
3. Cook the pot pie for 5-7 minutes, or until the crust is warm and the filling is hot
4. Check the pot pie every 2-3 minutes to ensure the crust isn’t overcooking
5. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, reduce the temperature to 250°F (120°C) and continue cooking
By following these steps, you’ll achieve a perfectly reheated pot pie with a crispy, golden-brown crust and a hot, bubbly filling.
âť“ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook a pot pie in the air fryer if it’s not frozen?
Yes, you can cook a pot pie in the air fryer if it’s not frozen. However, it’s essential to follow the correct cooking time and temperature. A general rule of thumb is to cook the pot pie for 10-12 minutes longer than usual, and to reduce the temperature by 25°F (15°C).
Can I add vegetables to my pot pie while air frying?
Yes, you can add vegetables to your pot pie while air frying. However, it’s essential to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly. A general rule of thumb is to cook the vegetables for an additional 2-3 minutes, and to reduce the temperature by 25°F (15°C).
Can I cook multiple types of pot pies at once in the air fryer?
Yes, you can cook multiple types of pot pies at once in the air fryer. However, it’s essential to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly. A general rule of thumb is to cook the pot pies for 2-3 minutes longer than usual, and to reduce the temperature by 25°F (15°C).
Can I use a different type of oil for cooking my pot pie in the air fryer?
Yes, you can use a different type of oil for cooking your pot pie in the air fryer. However, it’s essential to choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil or grapeseed oil. This will help prevent the oil from burning and creating a greasy or soggy crust.
Can I cook a pot pie in the air fryer if it’s already cooked?
Yes, you can cook a pot pie in the air fryer if it’s already cooked. However, it’s essential to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly. A general rule of thumb is to cook the pot pie for 5-7 minutes, or until the crust is warm and the filling is hot.

