Can You Put Marie Callenders in an Air Fryer Try These Easy Steps

Yes, you can cook Marie Callender’s meals in an air fryer for a crispier, faster, and more evenly heated result than microwaving. Simply preheat the air fryer, place the meal (without the cardboard sleeve) on a heat-safe dish, and cook at 350°F for 8–12 minutes, adjusting for portion size—ideal for flaky crusts and hot, savory fillings. This method transforms frozen convenience into a delicious, oven-quality meal in minutes.

Key Takeaways

• Preheat your air fryer for even cooking and optimal crispiness every time.
• Use oven-safe dishes to safely air fry Marie Callender’s frozen meals.
• Adjust time and temperature—typically 350°F for 12–15 minutes, depending on portion size.
• Stir halfway through to ensure consistent texture and prevent cold spots.
• Check internal temperature to confirm food reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
• Skip the microwave—air frying delivers better flavor and a satisfying crunch.

Can You Put Marie Callenders in an Air Fryer? The Ultimate Guide

Let’s be honest—life gets busy, and sometimes the thought of waiting 30–40 minutes for a frozen meal to bake in the oven feels like too much. That’s when the air fryer swoops in like a kitchen superhero. Crispy results, faster cooking times, and less mess? Yes, please. But if you’re like me, you’ve probably stood in front of your freezer staring at a box of Marie Callender’s and wondered: *Can I put Marie Callender’s in an air fryer?* Spoiler: Yes, you absolutely can. And I’m here to walk you through how to do it right—without ending up with a soggy pie or a burnt casserole.

I’ve experimented with everything from Marie Callender’s pot pies to chicken pot pie bites and even their frozen lasagnas. Some worked better than others, and I learned a few tricks along the way. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student surviving on frozen meals, or just someone who loves convenience without sacrificing taste, this guide is for you. We’ll cover which Marie Callender’s dishes work best, how to prep them, cooking times, and tips to make them taste like they just came out of a restaurant oven—all using your trusty air fryer. So let’s dive in and turn that frozen favorite into a crispy, golden masterpiece.

Why Air Fryers Are a Game-Changer for Frozen Meals

How Air Fryers Work (And Why They’re Perfect for Frozen Food)

Air fryers use rapid hot air circulation to cook food from all sides, creating that beloved crispy exterior—think deep-fried texture, but with up to 80% less oil. This makes them ideal for frozen meals like Marie Callender’s, which are designed to be reheated but often come out unevenly cooked in a microwave or too dry in a conventional oven.

When you place a frozen pot pie or casserole in an air fryer, the intense heat quickly crisps the outer crust or edges while gently warming the filling from the inside. Unlike microwaves, which heat food from the inside out (leading to soggy crusts), air fryers work from the outside in, giving you that perfect balance of crunch and warmth.

Benefits of Air Frying Over Other Cooking Methods

• Faster cooking: Most Marie Callender’s meals take 25–35 minutes in a conventional oven. In an air fryer, you can often cut that time to 15–20 minutes.
• Less preheating: Air fryers heat up in 2–3 minutes, so you’re not waiting around.
• Even browning: No more rotating trays halfway through. The air circulation ensures even crispiness.
• Less mess: No oven to clean, and no greasy splatters.
• Better texture: Especially for crusts and breaded items—no more rubbery or mushy results.

One thing I noticed right away: my kids actually prefer the air-fried version of Marie Callender’s chicken pot pie over the oven-baked one. The crust is flakier, the filling stays juicy, and there’s no “wet bottom” issue (you know, when the crust gets soggy from steam).

Which Marie Callender’s Dishes Work Best in an Air Fryer?

Top 5 Marie Callender’s Meals to Air Fry (With Real-Life Results)

Not all frozen meals are created equal when it comes to air frying. Some are designed for baking, while others have delicate fillings that can dry out. Based on my testing (and a few kitchen mishaps), here are the Marie Callender’s dishes that shine in the air fryer:

• Chicken Pot Pie (Individual or Family Size): The flaky crust crisps up beautifully, and the filling stays creamy. Just watch the edges—they brown fast!
• Beef Pot Pie: Similar to chicken, but with a heartier filling. The air fryer helps render the beef fat just enough without drying it out.
• Chicken Pot Pie Bites: These mini pies are perfect for air frying. They cook evenly and get that golden-brown crust in under 12 minutes.
• Frozen Lasagna (Single Serve or Family Size): The cheese gets bubbly and slightly crispy on top, while the layers stay tender. Just add a few minutes if it’s still cold in the center.
• Shepherd’s Pie: The mashed potato topping browns nicely, and the meat layer stays moist. Pro tip: cover loosely with foil if the top browns too fast.

Which Dishes to Avoid (Or Modify First)

Some Marie Callender’s meals aren’t ideal for air frying straight from frozen. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Delicate casseroles (e.g., mac and cheese): The high heat can dry out the sauce or burn the top. If you try it, use a lower temperature (325°F) and check every 3–4 minutes.
• Meals with high-moisture fillings (e.g., some veggie dishes): Steam builds up quickly. Poke a few holes in the foil or plastic wrap before cooking to let steam escape.
• Dishes with plastic film lids: Never air fry with plastic wrap on. It can melt and ruin your meal (and your air fryer). Always remove or replace with aluminum foil.
• Large family-sized trays: Most air fryer baskets can’t fit a full 9×13 tray. Stick to individual or small family-sized portions (or cut the tray to fit).

I once tried air frying a full-size Marie Callender’s chicken pot pie—the one that comes in a big aluminum tray. It didn’t fit, so I had to cut it in half. One half cooked perfectly. The other? Burnt edges, undercooked middle. Lesson learned: size matters. Always check if your dish fits before starting.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Air Fry Marie Callender’s Meals

Prepping Your Marie Callender’s Meal for Air Frying

Before you hit “start,” prep is key. Here’s how to set yourself up for success:

1. Remove plastic wrap or film: This is non-negotiable. Plastic melts at high temps and can release harmful fumes. Replace with a small piece of aluminum foil if needed to prevent splatter.
2. Check the size: Measure your air fryer basket. If the tray is too big, cut it down (use scissors on aluminum trays) or transfer to an air fryer-safe dish.
3. Let it sit for 2–3 minutes (optional): If you’re in a rush, you can air fry straight from frozen. But letting it sit for a few minutes can help the center warm more evenly.
4. Lightly spray or brush with oil (optional): For extra crispiness, spray the crust or top with a tiny bit of oil (avocado or olive oil work well). This is especially helpful for pot pies and casseroles.

Air Fryer Settings and Cooking Times (With Real Examples)

Here’s the fun part—cooking! But don’t just set it and forget it. Air fryers vary by model, so always check your food halfway through. Here’s a general guide based on my tests with a 5.8-quart Ninja Air Fryer:

Marie Callender’s Dish	Prep	Temp (°F)	Time (mins)	Notes
Chicken Pot Pie (Individual)	Remove plastic, foil over top	375	16–18	Check at 12 mins; crust should be golden
Beef Pot Pie	Same as above	375	17–19	Rotate tray halfway if not crispy on one side
Chicken Pot Pie Bites	Place in single layer	360	10–12	Shake basket gently at 6 mins
Single-Serve Lasagna	Foil over top	350	18–20	Let rest 2 mins; cheese will continue to melt
Shepherd’s Pie	Foil over top	360	15–17	Use lower temp if potatoes brown too fast

Pro tip: If your air fryer has a “rotisserie” or “dehydrate” setting, avoid it. Stick to “Air Fry” or “Bake” for frozen meals. And remember: these times are for frozen meals. If you thaw first, reduce time by 3–5 minutes.

Checking for Doneness (And Avoiding Kitchen Disasters)

How do you know when it’s ready? Here’s what to look for:

• Pot pies: Crust should be golden brown and flaky. Insert a knife into the center—filling should be steaming hot (165°F+).
• Casseroles: Top should be bubbly and slightly crispy. Center should feel hot to the touch (not cold or lukewarm).
• Pot pie bites: Edges should be crisp, and filling should be piping hot when bitten into.

If the top is browning too fast but the center is still cold? Cover loosely with foil and reduce heat by 25°F. I learned this the hard way when I burned a batch of pot pie bites. Now, I always set a timer and check at the halfway mark.

Tips to Make Your Air-Fried Meal Taste Restaurant-Quality

Enhancing Flavor and Texture (Simple Upgrades)

Want to take your air-fried Marie Callender’s from “pretty good” to “wow”? Try these easy upgrades:

• Brush with butter: After cooking, lightly brush the crust with melted butter. It adds shine and richness.
• Sprinkle with herbs: A pinch of dried thyme, rosemary, or parsley makes the dish feel homemade.
• Add a dash of hot sauce: For pot pies, a few drops of sriracha or buffalo sauce kick up the flavor.
• Top with fresh cheese: Add a little shredded cheddar or Parmesan after cooking. The residual heat melts it perfectly.
• Serve with a side: A simple green salad or steamed veggies balances the meal and makes it feel more complete.

One of my favorite tricks? After air frying a chicken pot pie, I sprinkle a few crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz) on top. It adds extra crunch and reminds me of my grandma’s version.

Dealing with Common Issues (And How to Fix Them)

Even with the best prep, things can go sideways. Here’s how to troubleshoot:

• Burnt crust? Your air fryer may run hot. Reduce temp by 25°F next time, or cover the edges with foil strips during the last 5 minutes.
• Soggy bottom? This happens if steam builds up. Next time, poke a few holes in the foil or use a vented lid.
• Undercooked center? Add 2–3 minutes, but lower the temp to 325°F to avoid burning the outside.
• Uneven cooking? Rotate the tray halfway through, or shake the basket (for pot pie bites).

I once had a lasagna that was perfect on top but still cold in the middle. I let it rest for 3 minutes after cooking—and it continued to heat through. Now I always let casseroles rest for 2–3 minutes before serving.

Air Fryer Safety and Best Practices for Frozen Meals

What NOT to Do When Air Frying Marie Callender’s

Air fryers are safe, but a few mistakes can ruin your meal—or worse, damage your appliance. Avoid these:

• Never use plastic wrap, parchment paper (unless labeled air fryer-safe), or paper towels inside the basket. They can catch fire.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket. Food needs space for air to circulate. Cook in batches if needed.
• Avoid metal utensils. They can scratch the nonstick coating. Use silicone or wooden tools.
• Don’t use aerosol cooking sprays directly on the basket. They can damage the coating. Instead, use an oil mister or brush.
• Never run an empty air fryer. It can overheat and shorten the appliance’s lifespan.

One time, I forgot to remove the plastic wrap from a pot pie. The air fryer started smoking—luckily, I caught it in time. That was my wake-up call to always double-check before starting.

Cleaning and Maintenance After Cooking

Air fryers are easy to clean, but frozen meals can leave behind residue. Here’s how to keep yours in top shape:

• Let it cool first. Never clean a hot basket—it can warp or crack.
• Wash the basket and tray with warm, soapy water. Use a soft sponge to avoid scratching.
• For stuck-on food, soak in warm water for 10–15 minutes. A baking soda paste also works.
• Wipe the heating element with a damp cloth (unplugged!). Avoid submerging the main unit.

I keep a small brush (like a toothbrush) for cleaning the basket’s corners. It makes a big difference in removing grease and crumbs.

Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can (And Should) Air Fry Marie Callender’s

So, can you put Marie Callender’s in an air fryer? Absolutely. In fact, it’s one of the best ways to enjoy these classic frozen meals. You get faster cooking, better texture, and a more satisfying bite—without the oven preheating wait or the microwave sogginess.

From pot pies that come out with a golden, flaky crust to casseroles with perfectly browned tops, the air fryer unlocks a whole new level of convenience and flavor. And with a few simple tips—like removing plastic wrap, checking for doneness, and adding a little butter or herbs—you can turn a quick meal into something that feels special.

Whether you’re cooking for one, feeding a family, or just craving comfort food on a busy night, don’t be afraid to experiment. Try different dishes, tweak the times, and find what works best for your air fryer model. And remember: every kitchen mishap is a lesson in disguise. (Like the time I forgot the foil and had to scrape burnt cheese off the basket—lesson learned!)

So go ahead, grab that box of Marie Callender’s, fire up your air fryer, and enjoy a meal that’s crispy on the outside, warm on the inside, and ready in minutes. Your taste buds (and your schedule) will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you cook Marie Callender’s meals in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook Marie Callender’s frozen meals in an air fryer. Just remove the plastic film, place the meal in an air fryer-safe dish, and follow the adjusted cooking instructions for best results.

How do you air fry Marie Callender’s pot pies?

To air fry Marie Callender’s pot pies, preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C) and cook for 20-25 minutes. Flip halfway through to ensure even browning and a fully heated filling.

Is it safe to put Marie Callender’s aluminum trays in an air fryer?

No, never place the original aluminum trays in an air fryer due to fire and damage risks. Transfer the meal to an oven-safe or air fryer-safe container before cooking.

What’s the best way to cook Marie Callender’s lasagna in an air fryer?

For Marie Callender’s lasagna, use an air fryer-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent drying, and cook at 350°F (177°C) for 25-30 minutes. Check for bubbling edges to confirm it’s heated through.

Can you put Marie Callender’s meals directly in the air fryer basket?

No, always use an oven-safe or air fryer-safe container to avoid spills and damage. The basket’s high heat can also cause the food to dry out or cook unevenly.

How long should you air fry Marie Callender’s meals compared to an oven?

Air frying Marie Callender’s meals typically takes 20-30 minutes, about 10-15 minutes less than oven baking. Always check internal temperatures and adjust time based on your air fryer model.