Can I Cook a Frozen Pie in the Air Fryer A Quick Guide

Yes, you can cook a frozen pie in the air fryer—it’s a fast, convenient way to achieve a crispy crust and evenly heated filling without thawing. Simply preheat the air fryer, place the pie in a compatible dish or foil tray, and cook at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, checking halfway to avoid over-browning. This method saves time and delivers delicious results with minimal effort.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can cook frozen pie in an air fryer—it’s fast and yields crispy, golden results.
• Preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking and a perfectly flaky crust every time.
• Use 325–350°F for 15–20 minutes to avoid burning or undercooking your frozen pie.
• No need to thaw first—cook directly from frozen for convenience and food safety.
• Check pie halfway and rotate if needed for uniform browning and heat exposure.
• Avoid overcrowding—cook one pie at a time for optimal air circulation and crispiness.

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

Let’s be honest: life gets busy. Between work, family, and everything in between, who has time to wait 45 minutes for an oven to preheat and then bake a frozen pie? I’ve been there—standing in the kitchen at 6 p.m., stomach growling, wondering if I can just toss that frozen chicken pot pie into the air fryer and call it a day. And guess what? I did. Spoiler: it worked. Not only did it work, but it turned out better than I expected—crispy crust, hot filling, and ready in under 20 minutes. That’s when I realized the air fryer isn’t just a trendy gadget; it’s a real kitchen superhero, especially when it comes to frozen pies.

You’ve probably seen the hype around air fryers—how they crisp food with little to no oil, how they save time, and how they’re perfect for reheating leftovers. But what about cooking something straight from the freezer? That’s where things get interesting. Can I cook a frozen pie in the air fryer? Yes, absolutely. And not just any pie—meat pies, fruit pies, pot pies, even mini handhelds. The trick is knowing the right method, timing, and temperature to avoid a soggy mess or a burnt crust. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from choosing the right pie to getting that perfect golden-brown finish. Think of this as your friendly, no-nonsense cheat sheet to air-frying frozen pies like a pro.

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

The Science of Super-Heated Air

Air fryers don’t actually “fry” food. Instead, they use a powerful fan to circulate super-heated air around your food at high speed. This creates a convection effect that crisps the outside while cooking the inside evenly. It’s like a mini convection oven, but faster and more energy-efficient. Because the air moves so quickly, it reduces cooking time and gives food that satisfying crunch—without needing a deep fryer’s worth of oil.

When it comes to frozen pies, this rapid airflow is a game-changer. Traditional ovens rely on radiant heat, which takes time to penetrate the frozen center. The air fryer, on the other hand, hits the surface immediately and starts crisping the crust while gradually warming the filling. This means you get a crispy exterior and a hot, gooey interior—no soggy bottoms or undercooked middles.

Why Frozen Pies Are Ideal for Air Frying

Frozen pies are designed to go from freezer to oven. Most come with baking instructions that assume you’re using a conventional oven (usually 375°F to 425°F for 30–50 minutes). But air fryers cook faster and more efficiently, cutting that time in half or more. Plus, since frozen pies are already portioned and pre-filled, there’s no prep work—just unwrap and air fry.

Another big advantage? No need to thaw. In fact, you should never thaw a frozen pie before air frying. Thawing can make the crust soggy and increase the risk of foodborne illness if the filling isn’t handled properly. Cooking from frozen ensures food safety and helps the crust crisp up beautifully.

Common Misconceptions About Air Frying Pies

Some people worry that air fryers will dry out the filling or burn the crust. But when done right, air frying actually preserves moisture better than traditional baking. The rapid circulation seals the crust quickly, locking in steam and keeping the filling juicy.

Another myth? “Air fryers can’t handle large or deep pies.” While it’s true that oversized pies might not fit, most standard 4- to 5-inch frozen pies (like Marie Callender’s or Banquet) fit perfectly in a 5.8-quart or larger air fryer basket. For bigger pies, you might need to cut them in half or use an air fryer oven with a larger capacity.

What Types of Frozen Pies Work Best in an Air Fryer?

Meat and Savory Pies

These are your classic chicken pot pies, beef pies, and turkey pot pies. They usually have a flaky pastry or biscuit crust and a creamy, savory filling. Brands like Marie Callender’s, Banquet, and Healthy Choice are widely available and perfect for air frying.

Why they work: The dense filling heats evenly, and the crust crisps up beautifully. The air fryer’s high heat ensures the filling gets hot without drying out. I’ve made Banquet chicken pot pies in my Ninja air fryer—18 minutes at 360°F, and they came out with a golden, flaky crust and piping-hot filling. No mushy texture, no raw spots.

Pro tip: If your pie has a top crust only (like a traditional pot pie), you’re golden. If it’s fully enclosed (like a hand pie), make sure the sides are sealed well to prevent leakage.

Fruit and Dessert Pies

Mini apple pies, cherry pies, and blueberry hand pies are also great candidates. Brands like Mrs. Smith’s, Edwards, and Trader Joe’s offer frozen fruit pies that crisp up wonderfully in the air fryer.

Why they work: The fruit filling is usually pre-cooked, so it just needs to be warmed. The crust benefits from the air fryer’s crispiness, especially if it’s a lattice or puff pastry style. I tried a Trader Joe’s mini apple pie—15 minutes at 350°F—and the result was a buttery, flaky crust with a sweet, bubbling filling. No soggy bottom, and no need to wait for the oven to heat up.

Pro tip: For fruit pies, avoid overcrowding. Air needs to circulate around each pie for even cooking. Also, place a small piece of parchment or foil under the pie to catch any drips and make cleanup easier.

Mini and Handheld Pies

Think empanadas, meat pies, or even frozen pop tarts. These are ideal for air frying because of their size and shape. They fit easily in the basket, cook quickly, and are perfect for snacks or quick meals.

Why they work: Their small size means faster cooking times and more surface area for crisping. I’ve made frozen empanadas from the grocery store—12 minutes at 375°F—and they came out with a crisp, golden shell and a hot, flavorful filling. No need for oil, and they reheated just as well the next day.

Pies to Avoid (Or Handle with Care)

Not all frozen pies are air fryer-friendly. Here are a few to approach with caution:

• Deep-dish pies: If the pie is deeper than 2 inches, it may not cook evenly. The outside could burn before the center is hot.
• Pies with delicate fillings: Custard, cream, or meringue pies can overcook or curdle. Stick to fruit or savory fillings.
• Pies with foil trays that don’t fit: Some frozen pies come in oversized foil containers. If it doesn’t fit in your air fryer basket, transfer the pie to an air fryer-safe dish (like a silicone mold or oven-safe ceramic ramekin).

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

Step 1: Check Your Air Fryer Size

Before you start, make sure your pie fits. Most 4- to 5-inch pies work in a 5.8-quart or larger air fryer. If your pie is bigger, you might need to cut it in half or use a multi-level air fryer oven.

Pro tip: Measure your pie’s diameter and depth. If it’s over 6 inches wide or 2.5 inches tall, consider using a conventional oven instead.

Step 2: Preheat (Optional but Helpful)

Preheating your air fryer for 3–5 minutes at the cooking temperature helps ensure even cooking. Not all models require preheating, but doing so can improve crispiness—especially for pies with thick crusts.

Example: If your recipe calls for 360°F, preheat for 5 minutes before adding the pie.

Step 3: Prepare the Pie

Leave the pie in its original foil tray (if it fits). If not, transfer it to an air fryer-safe container. Do not remove the pie from the freezer before cooking. If your pie has a plastic cover, remove it—never air fry plastic.

Pro tip: For extra crispiness, lightly brush the crust with melted butter or oil (optional). This is great for fruit pies, but not necessary for savory ones.

Step 4: Set Temperature and Time

Here’s a general guide based on pie type:

• Savory pies (chicken pot pie, beef pie): 360°F for 18–22 minutes
• Fruit pies (apple, cherry): 350°F for 15–18 minutes
• Mini/handheld pies: 375°F for 12–15 minutes

Note: These times are for standard 4- to 5-inch pies. Adjust up or down by 2–3 minutes for smaller or larger pies.

Step 5: Cook and Check

Place the pie in the air fryer basket, leaving space around it for air circulation. Cook for the recommended time, then check:

• Crust: Should be golden brown and crisp. If it’s browning too fast, cover loosely with foil.
• Filling: Insert a food thermometer into the center. For meat pies, the internal temperature should be at least 165°F. For fruit pies, the filling should be bubbling.

Pro tip: If the crust is done but the filling is still cold, reduce the air fryer temperature to 325°F and cook for another 3–5 minutes. This prevents burning while finishing the inside.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the pie rest for 2–3 minutes after cooking. This allows the filling to settle and prevents burns. Use a spatula to remove the pie from the basket—especially if it’s in a foil tray.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Overcrowding the Basket

One of the biggest mistakes people make is trying to cook multiple pies at once. Air needs to circulate freely for even cooking. If pies are touching or stacked, the ones in the middle won’t crisp properly.

Solution: Cook one pie at a time unless your air fryer is large enough (7+ quarts) and you’re using small hand pies. Even then, leave at least 1 inch between each pie.

Using the Wrong Temperature

Too high, and the crust burns before the filling heats up. Too low, and the crust stays soggy.

Solution: Stick to the recommended temperatures (350°F–375°F) and adjust time, not temperature. If your pie is browning too fast, lower the temp slightly and extend cooking time by a few minutes.

Not Checking Internal Temperature

Especially with meat pies, you need to ensure the filling reaches a safe temperature. Relying on visual cues (bubbling, golden crust) isn’t always enough.

Solution: Use a food thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the filling. For meat pies, aim for 165°F. For fruit pies, the filling should be hot and bubbling.

Forgetting to Rotate or Flip (When Needed)

Most air fryers cook evenly from all sides, but some models have hot spots. If your pie is browning unevenly, rotate it halfway through cooking.

Pro tip: Use tongs or a spatula to gently turn the pie—especially if it’s in a foil tray.

Ignoring the Foil Tray

Some foil trays are too deep or wide for the air fryer basket. If it doesn’t fit, don’t force it.

Solution: Transfer the pie to a silicone mold, ceramic ramekin, or oven-safe dish. Make sure it’s not too tall—air needs to circulate above the pie.

Data Table: Air Fryer Cooking Times for Popular Frozen Pies

Pie Type	Brand Example	Size	Temperature	Cook Time	Notes
Chicken Pot Pie	Marie Callender’s	4.75 inches	360°F	18–20 min	Check internal temp: 165°F
Beef Pie	Banquet	4.5 inches	360°F	18–22 min	Cover with foil if browning too fast
Apple Pie (mini)	Trader Joe’s	4 inches	350°F	15–17 min	Use parchment to catch drips
Cherry Hand Pie	Mrs. Smith’s	3.5 inches	375°F	12–14 min	Brush with butter for extra shine
Turkey Pot Pie	Healthy Choice	5 inches	360°F	20–22 min	Let rest 3 min before serving

Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can—And You Should!

So, can I cook a frozen pie in the air fryer? Without a doubt, yes. And not just “yes,” but “yes, and it’s probably the best way to do it.” The air fryer delivers crispy, golden crusts, hot fillings, and lightning-fast cooking times—all without the hassle of preheating or waiting. Whether you’re reheating a leftover pot pie, making a quick dinner, or satisfying a dessert craving, the air fryer handles it all with ease.

But like any kitchen tool, it works best when you understand its quirks. Avoid overcrowding, don’t skip the thermometer for meat pies, and always cook from frozen. With a little practice, you’ll be able to toss a frozen pie in the air fryer and have a hot, delicious meal in under 20 minutes—no oven required.

And here’s the best part: this method isn’t just about convenience. It’s about quality. I’ve tried the same frozen pies in the oven and the air fryer, and I consistently prefer the air fryer version. The crust is crispier, the filling is hotter, and there’s no soggy bottom. It’s a win-win.

So the next time you’re staring at that frozen pie in the freezer, wondering if you can just air fry it—do it. Follow the steps, trust the process, and enjoy a meal that feels homemade without the effort. After all, the air fryer isn’t just a gadget. It’s your new kitchen sidekick. And when it comes to frozen pies, it’s the secret to fast, delicious results—every single time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook a frozen pie in the air fryer?

Yes, you can cook a frozen pie in the air fryer! It’s a quick and convenient way to achieve a crispy crust and evenly heated filling without thawing. Just adjust the time and temperature based on your pie’s size and air fryer model.

What temperature should I use to cook a frozen pie in an air fryer?

Most frozen pies cook well at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes. Check the packaging for specific instructions, and flip or rotate the pie halfway through for even browning.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer for frozen pies?

Preheating isn’t always necessary, but it helps ensure even cooking—especially for thicker pies. Preheat for 3–5 minutes at 350°F (175°C) if your recipe recommends it or if you prefer a crisper crust.

Can I cook multiple frozen pies in the air fryer at once?

Yes, but make sure they’re not overcrowded—leave space for air circulation. You may need to cook in batches or increase cooking time slightly if stacking smaller pies.

How do I prevent my frozen pie from drying out in the air fryer?

To keep your pie moist, lightly brush the crust with oil or egg wash before cooking. You can also cover the edges with foil during the last few minutes to prevent over-browning.

Is the air fryer the best way to cook a frozen pie?

The air fryer is ideal for quick, crispy results with minimal preheating, making it a great option for single servings or small batches. However, for large pies or even baking, a conventional oven may still be better.