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

Yes, you can absolutely make a delicious pot pie in the air fryer, achieving a golden, flaky crust and tender, savory filling in a fraction of the time. This quick and easy method locks in flavor while reducing cooking time by up to 40%, making it a perfect weeknight dinner hack without sacrificing comfort.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can: Air fryer pot pies cook faster than oven baking.
• Preheat for crispiness: Always preheat to ensure a flaky crust.
• Use ramekins: Small, oven-safe dishes fit perfectly for single servings.
• Monitor closely: Air fryers vary—check at 10 minutes to avoid burning.
• Layer wisely: Fill crust first, then add filling to prevent sogginess.
• Brush with egg: Glaze crust for a golden, restaurant-quality finish.

The Air Fryer Revolution: Can You Make a Pot Pie in the Air Fryer?

Let me set the scene: It’s a rainy Tuesday night, and you’re craving the comfort of a warm, flaky pot pie. You open the freezer, and there it is—your trusty store-bought pot pie, ready to go. But instead of the oven, you glance at your air fryer, sitting there like a modern kitchen superhero. You pause. Can I make a pot pie in the air fryer? That single question sparked my own kitchen experiment, and what followed was a journey of golden crusts, juicy fillings, and a few surprises along the way.

You’re not alone in wondering. The air fryer has taken kitchens by storm, promising crispy results with less oil, faster cooking, and less mess. But can it handle one of the most beloved comfort foods—the humble pot pie? Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or someone who just wants to try something new, this post is for you. We’ll dive into whether you can make a pot pie in the air fryer, how to do it right, and what to expect. Spoiler: Yes, you absolutely can—and in many cases, it might even be better than the oven.

Why the Air Fryer Might Be the Perfect Pot Pie Tool

Speed and Efficiency

One of the biggest advantages of using an air fryer for pot pie is speed. Traditional oven-baked pot pies take 45 to 60 minutes, and that’s just the cooking time. Preheating the oven adds another 10–15 minutes. In contrast, an air fryer heats up almost instantly and cooks faster due to its concentrated, circulating hot air.

For example, a frozen 7-inch pot pie that takes 50 minutes in a 375°F oven can be done in 22–25 minutes in an air fryer at 360°F. That’s less than half the time! And since the air fryer doesn’t require preheating, you’re saving energy and time—perfect for those nights when dinner is due in 30 minutes.

Better Crust Crisp

Let’s talk crust. A good pot pie should have a golden, flaky, buttery top that shatters with the first bite. The oven often delivers a decent result, but it can sometimes leave the bottom soggy or the top undercooked. The air fryer, with its 360-degree hot air circulation, crisps the top and the sides more evenly.

I tested a store-bought chicken pot pie in both appliances. In the oven, the top was golden but the sides were pale and soft. In the air fryer? The entire crust was evenly golden, with a satisfying crunch all around. The secret? The air fryer’s fan keeps the moisture moving, preventing steam buildup that can soften the crust.

Less Mess, Less Heat

No more waiting for the oven to cool down after dinner. The air fryer stays hot for a fraction of the time, making cleanup easier and reducing kitchen heat—especially welcome in summer. Plus, since pot pies are often baked in foil or ceramic ramekins, the air fryer’s compact basket keeps spills contained.

Portion Control and Flexibility

Air fryers typically range from 3 to 6 quarts, which makes them ideal for individual or double portions. If you’re cooking for one, you don’t need to heat up the whole oven. Just pop in a single-serving pot pie (or a homemade one in a small ramekin), and you’re golden. This is also great for trying different flavors—chicken, beef, veggie—without committing to a full 9-inch pie.

Can You Make a Pot Pie in the Air Fryer? Yes—Here’s How

Choosing the Right Pot Pie

Not all pot pies are created equal when it comes to air frying. Here’s what to look for:

• Size matters: Most air fryers fit 7-inch pies comfortably. Larger pies (9-inch) may not fit or could block airflow. If you have a large air fryer (6+ quarts), check the basket dimensions.
• Material: Foil or metal pie tins work best. They conduct heat well and won’t warp. Avoid plastic or paper containers—they’re not heat-safe.
• Frozen vs. Homemade: Both work, but frozen pies are easier to start with. They’re pre-portioned and designed for even cooking.

Step-by-Step: Cooking a Frozen Pot Pie

Let’s walk through cooking a classic frozen chicken pot pie (7-inch, foil tin) in a 5.8-quart air fryer:

1. Remove packaging: Take off the outer cardboard and plastic wrap, but leave the pie in the foil tin.
2. Preheat (optional): While not required, preheating the air fryer for 3 minutes at 360°F helps start the cooking evenly.
3. Place in basket: Put the pie in the center. Don’t overcrowd—air needs to circulate.
4. Cook at 360°F for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, check the crust. If it’s golden but the center isn’t hot enough, add 2–5 more minutes. Use a food thermometer: the internal temperature should reach 165°F in the center.
5. Let rest: Remove carefully (it’s hot!) and let it sit for 3–5 minutes. This allows the filling to settle and prevents burns.

Pro tip: If the top browns too quickly, cover it loosely with a small piece of foil for the last 5 minutes.

Making Homemade Pot Pies in the Air Fryer

Want to go beyond frozen? Homemade pot pies in the air fryer are not only possible—they’re delicious and customizable.

• Use ramekins or small pie dishes: 6–8 oz ceramic or metal ramekins work great. Fill them ¾ full to prevent overflow.
• Pre-cook filling: Sauté your veggies, meat, and sauce on the stove first. This ensures even cooking and prevents a raw center.
• Top with crust: Use store-bought puff pastry or biscuit dough, or make your own. Cut to fit the top, seal the edges, and cut a vent.
• Cook at 350°F for 18–22 minutes. Check at 18 minutes. The crust should be golden, and the filling bubbling.

I made a veggie pot pie with carrots, peas, and mushrooms, topped with puff pastry. It took 20 minutes and came out with a buttery, flaky crust and a rich, creamy filling. My roommate, who usually avoids leftovers, asked for seconds.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Overcooking the Crust

The air fryer is powerful. Its intense heat can turn a golden crust into a burnt one in seconds. I learned this the hard way—my first attempt came out with a charred top and a slightly undercooked center.

Solution: Check early. After 18 minutes, peek in. If the crust is browning fast, cover it with foil or reduce the temperature to 340°F for the remaining time.

Undercooking the Filling

Because the air fryer crisps the outside quickly, it’s easy to assume the inside is done. But cold filling (especially frozen) needs time to heat through.

Solution: Use a food thermometer. Insert it into the center of the pie. It should read 165°F. If not, cook in 2-minute increments.

Using the Wrong Container

I once tried a paper-lined pot pie in my air fryer. The paper caught fire. Not cool.

Solution: Only use heat-safe materials—foil, ceramic, or metal. Avoid paper, plastic, or anything with a non-stick coating that could release fumes.

Ignoring Airflow

Air fryers rely on air circulation. If you stack pies or use oversized dishes, the heat won’t flow evenly.

Solution: Cook one pie at a time. If you have multiple, do them in batches. Make sure there’s at least 1 inch of space around the pie for air to move.

Forgetting to Vent

Steam needs to escape. Without a vent, pressure builds and can cause the crust to puff up or even explode (yes, really).

Solution: Always cut a small slit or “X” in the top crust. For frozen pies, check that the original vent is clear.

Air Fryer vs. Oven: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Speed

Air fryer wins hands down. As mentioned, a 50-minute oven cook time becomes 22–25 minutes in the air fryer. That’s a 50% time savings. For busy weeknights, this is a game-changer.

Texture

Oven-baked pot pies often have a soft, slightly doughy bottom crust. The air fryer’s bottom heating element (or radiant heat) combined with air flow creates a crisper base. In my tests, the air fryer produced a more consistent “crust-to-filling” ratio.

Energy Use

Air fryers use less energy. A typical 1500-watt air fryer uses about 0.6–0.8 kWh for 25 minutes of cooking. A 3000-watt oven uses 2.5 kWh for 50 minutes. That’s over three times the energy. Over a year, this adds up—especially if you cook pot pies weekly.

Batch Cooking

Here, the oven wins. You can fit multiple pies on a baking sheet. The air fryer usually handles one at a time. But if you’re cooking for one or two, the air fryer’s efficiency outweighs this limitation.

Versatility

Ovens are more versatile for large dishes. But for individual servings, the air fryer is unmatched. You can also use it for sides—crisp some green beans or reheat rolls while your pie cooks.

Data Table: Air Fryer vs. Oven Pot Pie Performance

Factor	Air Fryer	Conventional Oven
Cook Time (7-inch frozen)	22–25 minutes	45–60 minutes
Preheat Required	No (or 3 min)	10–15 minutes
Crust Crispness	Even, golden, flaky	Top golden, bottom soft
Energy Use (per pie)	0.6–0.8 kWh	2.0–2.5 kWh
Batch Size	1–2 (depending on model)	4–6
Cleanup	Quick, contained	Oven spills, longer cool-down

Note: Data based on testing 7-inch frozen chicken pot pies in a 5.8-quart air fryer and a standard 30-inch electric oven.

Beyond the Basics: Creative Air Fryer Pot Pie Ideas

Mini Pot Pies for Meal Prep

Love pot pie but hate leftovers? Make mini versions in muffin tins. Use a round cutter to cut pastry into 3-inch circles. Press into greased muffin cups, fill with pre-cooked mixture, top with another round, and seal. Freeze raw, then air fry from frozen at 350°F for 18–20 minutes.

These are perfect for lunchboxes, kids’ meals, or freezing for later. I made a batch of beef and mushroom mini pies and froze them. Reheating one takes 15 minutes—faster than ordering takeout.

Gluten-Free and Vegan Options

Air frying is great for dietary needs. For gluten-free, use a GF puff pastry or cornstarch-based crust. For vegan, swap butter for plant-based margarine and use a mushroom or tofu-based filling.

I tried a vegan lentil pot pie with a flaky GF crust. Cooked at 340°F for 22 minutes. The result? A hearty, satisfying meal with no sacrifice in texture. My vegan friend said it was “better than most restaurant versions.”

Reheating Leftover Pot Pies

Got a leftover oven-baked pot pie? Don’t microwave it—revive it in the air fryer. Place in a safe container, heat at 330°F for 8–10 minutes. The crust regains its crisp, and the filling heats evenly. No soggy mess.

Sweet Pot Pie Twist

Yes, you can make sweet pot pies in the air fryer! Try a mini apple or pumpkin pot pie. Use a small ramekin, fill with spiced fruit, top with pastry, and air fry at 340°F for 18 minutes. Serve with a scoop of ice cream. It’s dessert in under 20 minutes.

Final Thoughts: Can You Make a Pot Pie in the Air Fryer?

So, can you make a pot pie in the air fryer? Absolutely—and you should. From frozen convenience to homemade creations, the air fryer delivers speed, crispness, and convenience that the oven often can’t match. It’s not just a shortcut; it’s a smarter way to enjoy one of comfort food’s greatest hits.

Of course, it’s not perfect. You’ll need to adjust cooking times, monitor browning, and choose the right containers. But with a little practice, you’ll master the technique. And the rewards—faster meals, better texture, less energy use—are well worth the effort.

Think of the air fryer not as a replacement for your oven, but as a versatile partner. Use it for individual pies, mini versions, or reheating. Save the oven for big family meals. This way, you get the best of both worlds.

Next time you’re craving a pot pie, skip the oven. Pull out your air fryer, grab that frozen pie or whip up a quick homemade version, and enjoy a golden, flaky, piping-hot meal in under 30 minutes. Your taste buds—and your schedule—will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make a pot pie in the air fryer?

Yes, you can make a delicious pot pie in the air fryer! It cooks faster than in an oven while achieving a crispy, golden crust. Just assemble your pot pie as usual and adjust the cooking time and temperature for air frying.

What temperature should you cook a pot pie in the air fryer?

For best results, preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C) and cook the pot pie for 12–18 minutes. Thicker or frozen pot pies may require an extra 5–10 minutes. Always check that the center is hot and the crust is golden.

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

Absolutely! You can cook a frozen pot pie in the air fryer without thawing. Increase the cooking time to 20–25 minutes at 360°F, checking halfway to prevent burning. The air fryer delivers a crispy crust and evenly heated filling.

Do homemade pot pies work well in the air fryer?

Homemade pot pies work great in the air fryer, especially if you use a small, oven-safe dish or ramekin. The air fryer’s circulation ensures even cooking and a flaky crust. Just avoid overfilling to prevent spills.

How do you keep the crust from burning in the air fryer?

To prevent a burnt crust, lightly brush it with oil or egg wash and cover the edges with foil if they brown too quickly. Air fryers cook faster than ovens, so monitor the pie closely during the last few minutes.

Can you make individual pot pies in the air fryer?

Yes, individual pot pies are perfect for the air fryer! Use small, oven-safe dishes or muffin tins to portion them out. They’ll cook faster (10–15 minutes) and make a great personalized meal with all the classic pot pie flavors.