Can You Cook Pot Pies in Air Fryer Discover the Easy Way

Yes, you can cook pot pies in an air fryer—and it’s a game-changer for achieving a perfectly crispy crust and evenly heated filling in under 20 minutes. No more soggy bottoms or long oven waits; just preheat, place, and enjoy a delicious, hassle-free meal with minimal cleanup.

Key Takeaways

• Cook frozen pot pies in air fryer for crispy crusts without thawing.
• Preheat air fryer to 360°F (180°C) for even cooking and browning.
• Flip halfway through to ensure golden, flaky crust on both sides.
• Use parchment liners to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
• Check internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
• Adjust time for size—smaller pies cook faster, larger ones need more time.
• Avoid overcrowding—air fry one pie at a time for best results.

Can You Cook Pot Pies in Air Fryer? Discover the Easy Way

Let’s be honest—pot pies are one of those comfort foods that instantly warm the soul. Whether it’s a cold winter evening or you’re just craving something hearty and homemade, there’s nothing quite like biting into a flaky, golden crust filled with creamy chicken, vegetables, and savory gravy. But let’s face it: traditional oven-baked pot pies can take forever. Between preheating, waiting for the crust to brown, and making sure the filling doesn’t spill over, it’s a process. So, when I first heard someone say, “You can cook pot pies in an air fryer,” I was skeptical. Could a compact, countertop appliance really deliver the same golden, flaky results in half the time?

Turns out, yes—it absolutely can. After testing frozen pot pies, homemade mini versions, and even repurposed leftovers, I’ve learned that the air fryer isn’t just a gimmick. It’s a game-changer for quick, crispy, and evenly cooked pot pies. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who hates waiting for the oven to heat up, this method is fast, efficient, and surprisingly reliable. In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about cooking pot pies in an air fryer—from the best types to buy, how to avoid soggy crusts, and even how to make your own mini versions from scratch. So, can you cook pot pies in air fryer? Let’s find out.

Why the Air Fryer Is Perfect for Pot Pies

When I first started experimenting with air fryer cooking, I thought it was just for fries and chicken wings. But after a few failed attempts at baking (and a lot of crispy, uneven edges), I realized the air fryer’s real magic lies in its ability to circulate hot air rapidly. This creates that golden, crispy exterior we all love—without drying out the inside. And that’s exactly what makes it ideal for pot pies.

How Air Fryers Work Their Magic

The air fryer uses convection technology—essentially a high-powered fan that pushes hot air around the food. Unlike a conventional oven, which heats slowly and often leaves cold spots, the air fryer surrounds the pot pie with consistent heat. This means:

• Faster cooking times: Most pot pies cook in 12–18 minutes, compared to 30–40 in the oven.
• Even browning: The crust crisps up beautifully on all sides, not just the top.
• Less preheating: Many air fryers take just 2–3 minutes to heat up.

One night, I tested a frozen chicken pot pie in my air fryer while my partner was making the same pie in the oven. The air fryer version was ready in 15 minutes, with a crust so crisp I could hear it crackle. The oven version took 35 minutes and had a slightly pale, doughy bottom. Winner? Air fryer, hands down.

Benefits Beyond Speed

Beyond convenience, there are a few other reasons the air fryer shines for pot pies:

• Energy efficiency: Smaller space = less energy used. Great for the environment and your electricity bill.
• No soggy bottoms: The elevated basket allows air to circulate underneath, preventing steam buildup that leads to a wet crust.
• Perfect for singles or small portions: No need to bake a whole 9-inch pie when you’re cooking for one. Mini pies fit perfectly in the basket.

One of my favorite discoveries? You can even cook two mini pot pies at once if your air fryer basket is large enough (4.5 quarts or more). Just make sure they’re not touching so the air can circulate.

Best Pot Pies for Air Frying (Store-Bought & Homemade)

Not all pot pies are created equal—especially when it comes to air frying. Some brands and types work better than others. Here’s what I’ve learned after testing a variety of options.

Store-Bought Pot Pies: What Works Best

If you’re short on time, frozen pot pies are a lifesaver. But not all hold up well in the air fryer. Based on my trials, these are the top contenders:

• Marie Callender’s Chicken Pot Pie (Mini Size): These 4-ounce pies cook evenly in 12–14 minutes at 360°F. The crust stays flaky, and the filling stays hot without boiling over.
• Banquet Family Size Chicken Pot Pie: Larger, but works well if cut into halves or quarters. Cook at 350°F for 15–18 minutes, turning halfway.
• Healthy Choice Café Steamers (Chicken & Dumplings): Not a traditional pot pie, but the flaky dumplings crisp up nicely. Great for a lighter option.

One thing to watch for: avoid pot pies with very thick or dense crusts (like some store-bought deep-dish varieties). They can take too long to crisp without burning the edges.

Homemade Mini Pot Pies: A Game-Changer

If you’re up for a little DIY, making your own mini pot pies is surprisingly easy—and way tastier. Here’s a simple method:

1. Use a muffin tin to shape pie crusts (store-bought or homemade).
2. Fill with leftover chicken and veggies in a creamy sauce (think: gravy or a mix of milk, flour, and broth).
3. Top with a second layer of crust, seal the edges, and cut a small vent.
4. Place 1–2 in the air fryer basket and cook at 360°F for 12–15 minutes.

I once made a batch using Thanksgiving leftovers—turkey, carrots, peas, and gravy. The crust was buttery and crisp, and the filling was rich and flavorful. My family couldn’t believe it was air-fried.

Pro Tip: Thaw Before You Fry

While it’s tempting to toss a frozen pot pie straight into the air fryer, I’ve found that slightly thawing it first (10–15 minutes at room temperature) helps the filling heat evenly. This is especially important for larger pies. If you’re in a rush, you can skip this step, but add 2–3 extra minutes to the cook time and check for a hot center.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Pot Pies in Air Fryer

Ready to try it? Here’s my foolproof method for air frying pot pies—whether they’re store-bought, homemade, or repurposed leftovers.

Step 1: Prep Your Pot Pie

• If using a frozen pie, let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes. This helps the filling heat evenly.
• Remove any plastic wrap or foil. Most pot pies come with a foil tray—keep it! It helps contain the filling and prevents leaks.
• For homemade mini pies, brush the top crust with egg wash or milk for a golden finish.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer (If Needed)

While not always required, preheating for 2–3 minutes at 360°F ensures even cooking. I’ve skipped this step before, and the crust took longer to crisp.

Step 3: Place the Pie in the Basket

• Set the pot pie in the center of the basket. Make sure it’s not touching the sides.
• If cooking multiple mini pies, leave at least ½ inch between each for air circulation.
• For larger pies, you may need to cook one at a time unless your air fryer is 6 quarts or bigger.

Step 4: Set the Time and Temperature

Here’s my go-to chart based on pie size and type:

Pie Type	Size	Temperature	Cook Time	Notes
Frozen Mini Pie	4 oz	360°F	12–14 min	Check at 10 min to prevent over-browning
Frozen Family Pie (halved)	8 oz	350°F	15–18 min	Turn halfway for even crisp
Homemade Mini Pie	3 oz	360°F	12–15 min	Brush with egg wash for shine
Repurposed Leftover Pie	4 oz	375°F	10–12 min	Use a foil cup to prevent leaks

Step 5: Check for Doneness

• The crust should be golden brown and crisp.
• Insert a food thermometer into the center—filling should reach 165°F.
• If the crust is browning too fast, cover loosely with foil for the last few minutes.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the pot pie sit for 2–3 minutes after cooking. This allows the filling to settle and prevents burns. Trust me—I learned this the hard way when I took a bite too soon and scalded my tongue!

Common Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

Even with the best intentions, things can go wrong. Here are the most common air fryer pot pie pitfalls—and how to avoid them.

Soggy Bottoms

Ah, the dreaded soggy crust. This happens when steam gets trapped under the pie. The fix? Elevate the pie. If your air fryer basket has a grill or tray insert, use it. If not, you can place the pot pie on a small heat-safe trivet or even a crumpled piece of foil to lift it slightly. This allows air to circulate underneath.

Burnt Crust, Cold Center

This is a classic issue with high heat. If the crust is browning too fast but the filling isn’t hot, try:

• Lowering the temperature by 10–15°F.
• Cooking for a longer time (add 3–5 minutes).
• Covering the pie with foil halfway through.

I once burned a Marie Callender’s pie by setting it at 375°F for 12 minutes. Lesson learned: stick to 360°F for mini pies.

Filling Boils Over

If your pot pie bubbles out of the crust, it’s usually because the filling is too hot or the vent is too small. Solutions:

• Make sure the vent is at least 1 inch long.
• Start with a slightly cooler filling (if homemade).
• Use a foil tray to catch drips.

Uneven Cooking

If one side is crisp and the other is pale, it’s likely because the pie wasn’t centered or the air wasn’t circulating. Fix it by:

• Placing the pie in the middle of the basket.
• Rotating the basket halfway through cooking.
• Using a model with a rotating basket (some newer air fryers have this).

Beyond the Basics: Creative Air Fryer Pot Pie Ideas

Once you’ve mastered the basics, why stop at chicken? The air fryer is perfect for experimenting with new flavors and formats. Here are a few fun ideas I’ve tried.

Breakfast Pot Pies

Yes, you read that right. I made a batch with scrambled eggs, cheese, sausage, and hash browns. The crust was flaky, the filling was creamy, and they cooked in just 12 minutes. Perfect for a lazy Sunday morning.

Vegetarian & Vegan Pot Pies

Swap chicken for lentils, mushrooms, or tofu. Use a dairy-free cream sauce (coconut milk + flour works great). The air fryer crisps the crust beautifully without drying out the filling.

Sweet Pot Pies (Yes, Really!)

For dessert, try a mini apple or pumpkin pot pie. Use store-bought pie crust, fill with fruit filling, and air fry at 350°F for 10–12 minutes. Top with ice cream for a decadent treat.

Repurpose Leftovers

Got leftover roast beef? Shredded pork? Thanksgiving turkey? Mix with gravy and veggies, fill a crust, and air fry. It’s a great way to reduce food waste—and make a delicious meal in minutes.

Gluten-Free Options

If you need a gluten-free version, use a GF pie crust (like those from Wholly Gluten Free) and make sure your filling is GF. I’ve found they crisp up just as well as regular crusts—sometimes even better!

Final Thoughts: Is the Air Fryer the Future of Pot Pies?

So, can you cook pot pies in air fryer? The answer is a resounding yes—and not just for convenience. The air fryer delivers a level of crispiness and evenness that’s hard to match with a conventional oven. Whether you’re reheating a frozen favorite, making mini pies from scratch, or getting creative with leftovers, the results are consistently delicious.

Of course, it’s not perfect. You’ll need to adjust cooking times based on your model, and larger pies may require splitting or longer cook times. But the benefits—speed, energy efficiency, and that perfect golden crust—far outweigh the small learning curve. Plus, once you master the technique, you can apply it to other dishes: hand pies, empanadas, even mini quiches.

For me, the air fryer has become my go-to for pot pies. It’s fast, easy, and delivers restaurant-quality results at home. So if you’ve been hesitant to try it, grab your favorite pot pie, fire up your air fryer, and give it a go. You might just find it’s the easiest way to enjoy this classic comfort food—any day of the week. After all, why wait 40 minutes when you can have it in 15?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you cook pot pies in an air fryer?

Yes, you can absolutely cook pot pies in an air fryer! The air fryer’s rapid hot air circulation crisps the crust while keeping the filling moist and flavorful.

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

Cooking a pot pie in an air fryer typically takes 12–18 minutes at 350°F (175°C), depending on the size and filling. Always check for a golden crust and bubbling filling.

Do I need to adjust the temperature when cooking frozen pot pies in an air fryer?

Yes, for frozen pot pies in an air fryer, cook at 320°F (160°C) for 20–25 minutes to ensure the center heats through without burning the crust.

Can you cook pot pies in an air fryer without preheating?

While you can skip preheating, it’s recommended to preheat the air fryer for 2–3 minutes to achieve a crispier crust and even cooking.

What’s the best way to keep pot pie crust from drying out in an air fryer?

To prevent drying, lightly brush the crust with melted butter or oil before cooking. You can also cover the edges with foil if they brown too quickly.

Can you cook homemade pot pies in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Homemade pot pies cook perfectly in an air fryer. Assemble them in oven-safe ramekins and cook at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until golden and heated through.