Can You Cook a Pot Pie in the Air Fryer Discover How

Yes, you can cook a pot pie in the air fryer—and it’s a game-changer for achieving a crispy, golden crust with perfectly tender filling in under 30 minutes. This quick, convenient method delivers oven-quality results with less mess and faster preheating, making weeknight comfort food easier than ever.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can cook pot pies in an air fryer—it’s fast and yields a crispy crust.
• Preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking and a golden, flaky crust.
• Use oven-safe dishes that fit your air fryer basket to prevent spills.
• Cook at 350°F for 15–20 minutes, checking halfway to avoid overcooking.
• Let pies cool slightly before serving to avoid burns from hot fillings.
• Ideal for leftovers—reheat in the air fryer to restore crispiness in minutes.

Can You Cook a Pot Pie in the Air Fryer? Let’s Find Out!

Remember that moment when you pulled a frozen pot pie from the freezer, stared at the oven, and thought, “Do I really want to wait 45 minutes for this?” I’ve been there. More than once. Life gets busy, and sometimes the oven just isn’t the most convenient option. That’s when I started wondering: Can you cook a pot pie in the air fryer? It felt like a kitchen hack waiting to happen—faster, crispier, and less fuss. But I had questions. Would the crust burn? Would the filling stay gooey? And most importantly, would it taste as good?

After a few experiments (and a slightly overcooked pie or two), I discovered that yes—you absolutely can cook a pot pie in the air fryer. And not just that, it can actually turn out better than the oven version if you do it right. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know: from choosing the right pot pie to nailing the timing, avoiding common mistakes, and even making your own from scratch. Whether you’re a frozen food fan or a homemade pie pro, this method might just become your new go-to.

Why the Air Fryer Is a Game-Changer for Pot Pies

The air fryer isn’t just for fries and chicken wings. Its rapid hot air circulation mimics deep frying, creating a golden, crispy crust with less oil and in less time. When it comes to pot pies, this technology is a total win—especially if you’re short on time or don’t want to heat up the whole kitchen.

Speed and Convenience

Let’s be honest: waiting for the oven to preheat and then bake a pot pie for 35–45 minutes is a commitment. With the air fryer, you can go from freezer to table in 15 to 25 minutes, depending on the model and pie size. No preheating required (though a quick 2–3 minute head start helps), and cleanup is a breeze since most air fryer baskets are nonstick.

I tested this with a classic chicken pot pie from the frozen section. Oven time? 40 minutes. Air fryer time? 18 minutes. And the crust? Crisp on the outside, tender inside—no soggy bottoms.

Even Browning and Crispy Crust

One of the biggest challenges with oven-baked pot pies is uneven cooking. The top crust gets dark, but the edges stay pale, or worse, the filling bubbles out and burns. The air fryer’s concentrated heat wraps around the pie, browning it evenly from all sides. Plus, because it’s smaller than an oven, the heat stays consistent.

Pro tip: If your pie has a thick crust, lightly brush it with egg wash or melted butter before air frying. This boosts crispiness and gives it that golden, bakery-style shine.

Energy Efficiency

Air fryers use up to 50% less energy than conventional ovens. That means lower electricity bills and less heat in your kitchen—perfect for hot summer days when turning on the oven feels like a crime. For a single serving or a small family, the air fryer is simply more efficient.

Choosing the Right Pot Pie for Air Frying

Not all pot pies are created equal, and some work better in the air fryer than others. The key is size, shape, and crust thickness. Here’s what to look for.

Frozen vs. Homemade: What Works Best?

Frozen pot pies are the easiest starting point. Brands like Marie Callender’s, Banquet, and Healthy Choice make individual-sized pies that fit perfectly in most air fryer baskets (typically 5.3 to 6.5 quarts). Just make sure the pie is fully frozen—never thawed—before cooking. Thawing can lead to uneven heating and a soggy crust.

Homemade pot pies are also excellent in the air fryer, but you’ll need to adjust your recipe slightly. Use a sturdy crust (like a butter-based pie dough) and avoid overfilling. A 7-inch pie pan or ramekin works well. I like to make mini pot pies in muffin tins—perfect for portion control and even cooking.

One caveat: deep-dish or oversized pies (like family-style 9-inch pies) won’t fit in most air fryers. You’ll need to cut them into smaller portions or use a larger air fryer (8+ quarts).

Crust Type Matters

The crust is the star of the show. Here’s how different types react in the air fryer:

• Traditional double crust (top and bottom): Cooks evenly and crisps beautifully. Just watch the top—it browns faster than the sides.
• Top crust only: Ideal for faster cooking. The bottom stays soft, and the top gets golden. Brush with milk or egg for extra shine.
• Crustless or casserole-style: Not ideal. Without a top layer, the filling can bubble over and burn. If you’re making a crustless version, cover the top with foil for the first 10 minutes.

I once tried a pot pie with a puff pastry top. It puffed up dramatically—too dramatically. The air fryer’s fan blew it sideways, and it stuck to the heating element (oops). Lesson learned: stick to pie crust or shortcrust pastry for best results.

Size and Shape: The Fit Test

Before you start, do a quick “fit test.” Place your pot pie (in its dish) inside the air fryer basket. There should be at least 1 inch of clearance around the sides for proper air circulation. If it’s touching the walls or heating element, it’s too big.

Most individual frozen pies (around 10 oz) fit perfectly. If you’re making your own, use a 7-inch pie dish or a 6-ounce ramekin. For muffin tin mini pies, they cook in just 12–15 minutes!

Step-by-Step: How to Cook a Frozen Pot Pie in the Air Fryer

Ready to try it? Here’s a simple, foolproof method for frozen pot pies. I’ve tested this with three different brands, and it works like a charm every time.

Step 1: Prep the Air Fryer

Remove the basket and wipe it clean. No oil needed—the pie’s crust has enough fat. If your pie comes in a foil dish, leave it in. If it’s in a paper sleeve, discard the sleeve and transfer to a heat-safe dish (like ceramic or oven-safe metal).

Optional: Line the basket with parchment paper (air fryer-safe kind) to catch drips. This makes cleanup easier, especially if the filling bubbles out.

Step 2: Preheat (Optional but Recommended)

Set your air fryer to 360°F (182°C) and let it run for 2–3 minutes. This ensures even cooking from the start. Not all models have a preheat setting, but a quick manual run works too.

Step 3: Place the Pie in the Basket

Set the frozen pot pie in the center of the basket. If you have a dual-basket air fryer, use the main basket. Make sure it’s not touching the sides or heating element.

If the pie has a plastic cover or film, remove it. Never air fry anything with plastic—it can melt or catch fire.

Step 4: Set Time and Temperature

Here’s the magic formula:

• 15–18 minutes at 360°F for most individual frozen pot pies (10 oz).
• 20–25 minutes at 350°F for thicker or larger pies (12+ oz).
• 12–15 minutes at 370°F for mini pies (muffin tin size).

Start checking at the 12-minute mark. The crust should be golden brown, and the filling should be bubbling. If the top browns too fast, cover it with a small piece of foil.

Step 5: Let It Rest

Once done, remove the pie with tongs or a spatula. Let it cool for 3–5 minutes. I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but the filling is lava-hot. Resting lets the heat distribute evenly and prevents burns.

Bonus tip: Use a meat thermometer to check the center. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Air Fryer Pot Pies

Even with the right method, small tweaks can make a big difference. Here are my favorite hacks from years of testing.

Prevent a Soggy Bottom

The bottom crust can sometimes stay soft, especially if the filling is wet. To fix this:

• Place the pie on a small trivet or oven-safe metal rack inside the basket. This lifts it slightly, allowing hot air to circulate underneath.
• For homemade pies, blind-bake the bottom crust for 5 minutes at 375°F before adding filling.
• Use a crumb coating: Sprinkle a thin layer of breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on the bottom before adding filling. It absorbs moisture and adds crunch.

I once tried the crumb coating trick with a chicken and mushroom pie. The bottom was crisp, and the flavor was richer—total win.

Customize Your Pie

Air frying is a great way to upgrade a basic pot pie. Try these easy upgrades:

• Sprinkle shredded cheese on top before air frying. Cheddar, Gruyère, or even blue cheese add amazing flavor.
• Add a few dashes of hot sauce or Worcestershire sauce to the filling for a kick.
• Top with crispy bacon bits or caramelized onions after cooking.
• Brush the crust with garlic butter for a savory twist.

Reheating Leftovers (Yes, You Can!)

Got leftovers? Don’t microwave them—that makes the crust soggy. Instead, air fry at 320°F for 5–8 minutes until heated through. The crust stays crisp, and the filling reheats evenly.

I reheated a leftover turkey pot pie this way, and my husband said it tasted better than the first time. True story.

Watch for Overcooking

Air fryers vary in power. If your crust burns before the filling is hot, lower the temperature by 10–20°F next time. Or, use the “pulse method”: cook for 8 minutes, pause, check, then continue in 2-minute intervals.

Data: Air Fryer vs. Oven Cooking Times and Results

To give you a clear picture, I ran a side-by-side test with the same frozen chicken pot pie. Here’s what I found:

Cooking Method	Preheat Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Crust Crispness (1–10)	Filling Temperature	Energy Use
Oven (conventional)	10 min	40 min	50 min	6	170°F	High
Air Fryer (360°F)	3 min (optional)	18 min	21 min	9	168°F	Low
Air Fryer (pulse method)	3 min	22 min (with checks)	25 min	8	172°F	Low

The air fryer won in crispness, speed, and efficiency. The only downside? Slightly less volume in the filling due to faster evaporation. But that’s easy to fix by adding a splash of broth to the filling before cooking.

Can You Cook a Pot Pie in the Air Fryer? The Final Verdict

So, can you cook a pot pie in the air fryer? Absolutely—and you should. It’s faster, crispier, and more energy-efficient than the oven. Whether you’re cooking a frozen convenience pie or a homemade masterpiece, the air fryer delivers consistent, delicious results with minimal effort.

That said, it’s not magic. You still need to pay attention: use the right size, don’t overcook, and let it rest. But once you get the hang of it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. I’ve even started making double batches of mini pot pies and freezing them—perfect for quick weeknight dinners.

The best part? This method works for other similar dishes too: shepherd’s pie, chicken and dumplings, even savory turnovers. Once you master the technique, the possibilities are endless.

So go ahead—grab that frozen pot pie, fire up your air fryer, and enjoy a hot, comforting meal in under 25 minutes. Your taste buds (and your schedule) will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you cook a pot pie in the air fryer?

Yes, you can absolutely cook a pot pie in the air fryer! It’s a quick and convenient way to achieve a crispy crust and evenly heated filling without using the oven.

How long does it take to cook a pot pie in an air fryer?

Cooking a frozen pot pie in the air fryer typically takes 18 to 22 minutes at 360°F (182°C), depending on your air fryer model and the pot pie size. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Do you need to preheat the air fryer for cooking pot pies?

Yes, preheating your air fryer for 3–5 minutes at 360°F (182°C) helps ensure even cooking and a crispier crust. This step is especially important when cooking a pot pie in the air fryer for the best texture.

Can you cook a frozen pot pie in the air fryer?

Absolutely! You can cook a frozen pot pie directly in the air fryer—no thawing needed. Just adjust the cooking time to 20–25 minutes, checking halfway through to avoid over-browning.

What’s the best way to prevent the crust from burning?

To prevent the crust from burning, lightly brush it with butter or oil and cover the edges with foil if they brown too quickly. Cooking your pot pie in the air fryer with proper timing and temperature control keeps the crust golden and flaky.

Can you reheat leftover pot pie in the air fryer?

Yes, the air fryer is perfect for reheating leftover pot pie. Heat at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore the crispiness of the crust while keeping the inside moist.