Can I Cook Frozen Chicken Pot Pie in Air Fryer Fast and Easy

Yes, you can cook a frozen chicken pot pie in an air fryer quickly and easily—no thawing required. Simply place it in the air fryer basket and cook at 360°F (182°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, for a crispy, golden crust and perfectly heated filling every time.

Key Takeaways

• Cook directly from frozen: No thawing needed—air fryer handles frozen pot pie perfectly.
• Preheat for crispiness: Always preheat to ensure a golden, flaky crust.
• Adjust time and temp: Use 360°F for 20-25 minutes, checking halfway.
• Flip halfway through: Ensures even browning and thorough cooking.
• Check internal temp: Verify filling reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Use foil if needed: Prevent over-browning by loosely covering edges.

Can I Cook Frozen Chicken Pot Pie in Air Fryer Fast and Easy?

Let me tell you a little story. A few weeks ago, I was running late after work, juggling grocery bags and my phone buzzing with a reminder about my kid’s school project. I opened the freezer, and there it was—a frozen chicken pot pie. I’d bought it on sale, thinking it would be a quick dinner solution someday. But now, the oven was dirty, and I had 20 minutes before the chaos began. That’s when it hit me: Can I cook frozen chicken pot pie in air fryer?

I’d heard about air fryers turning frozen snacks into crispy perfection, but pot pie? With its flaky crust and creamy filling? I was skeptical but desperate. So I tried it. And guess what? It worked—better than I expected. The crust came out golden and flaky, the filling was hot and flavorful, and dinner was ready in under 30 minutes. No preheating, no soggy mess, no stress. Since then, I’ve experimented with different brands, sizes, and settings. And I’m here to share everything I’ve learned, so you can skip the trial-and-error phase and go straight to that delicious, hot pot pie.

Why the Air Fryer Is a Game-Changer for Frozen Chicken Pot Pie

If you’ve ever baked a frozen pot pie in the oven, you know the drill: preheat for 15 minutes, wait 40–50 minutes for it to cook, and hope the crust doesn’t burn while the inside heats through. It’s a time-suck, especially on busy weeknights. Enter the air fryer—a countertop appliance that uses rapid hot air circulation to cook food faster and crispier than a conventional oven.

How the Air Fryer Works Its Magic

Think of the air fryer as a mini convection oven. It blasts hot air (usually 350°F to 400°F) from all directions, creating that coveted crispy exterior while sealing in moisture. For a frozen chicken pot pie, this means:

• Faster cooking: No need to preheat. Most pot pies cook in 20–30 minutes.
• Even heat distribution: The crust crisps up uniformly, avoiding the “burnt edges, cold center” problem.
• Less mess: No greasy splatters or oven cleanup. Just wipe the basket.

Real-World Example: My First Attempt

My first try was with a 10-ounce Marie Callender’s pot pie. I placed it directly in the basket (no wrapping, no oil) and set the air fryer to 375°F for 25 minutes. At 15 minutes, I paused to check—the crust was already turning golden. At 22 minutes, the filling was bubbling. Total time: 22 minutes. Compare that to the 45 minutes my oven would’ve needed. The air fryer shaved off over half the time!

When the Air Fryer Shines (and When It Doesn’t)

The air fryer is perfect for single-serving or small pot pies (7–12 oz). But if you’re cooking for a crowd or have a giant 20-ounce pie, you might need to split it or use the oven. Also, while the crust gets crispy, it can dry out if overcooked. More on that later.

Step-by-Step Guide: Cooking Frozen Chicken Pot Pie in Air Fryer

Ready to try it? Here’s my tested-and-approved method. I’ll walk you through every step, from prepping to plating.

Step 1: Prep the Air Fryer and Pie

• No thawing! Keep the pie frozen. Thawing can make the crust soggy.
• Check the basket size: Your pie should fit with at least 1 inch of space around it. If it’s too big, cut it in half (more on this below).
• Lightly grease the basket (optional): Use a paper towel with a dab of oil to prevent sticking, especially with delicate crusts.

Step 2: Set the Temperature and Time

Here’s where things get flexible. The key is to start low and adjust. I recommend:

• Small pies (7–9 oz): 375°F for 20–25 minutes
• Medium pies (10–12 oz): 360°F for 25–30 minutes
• Large pies (13+ oz): 350°F for 30–35 minutes, then check

Pro tip: Lower temps prevent burnt crusts. If your air fryer runs hot (like mine does), go 10–20°F lower than the package’s oven temp.

Step 3: Cook in Stages

Don’t just set and forget! Here’s my routine:

1. Cook for 15 minutes. Open the basket and check: Is the crust browning? Is the filling starting to bubble?
2. If the crust is golden but the filling needs more heat, cover the top with foil to prevent burning while the inside heats.
3. Cook 5–10 minutes more, checking every 5 minutes.
4. When the filling is bubbling and the crust is crisp, it’s done!

Step 4: Test for Doneness

How do you know it’s cooked through? Two ways:

• Visual: The crust should be golden brown, and the filling should be bubbling around the edges.
• Taste: Use a fork to break into the center. The chicken should be hot (165°F internally) and the veggies tender.

Warning: If the crust is browning too fast, reduce the temp by 25°F or add foil. If it’s not browning enough, increase the temp by 10–15°F.

Step 5: Rest Before Eating

This is crucial! Let the pot pie sit for 3–5 minutes after cooking. Why? The filling is molten lava when first removed. Resting lets it cool slightly and thicken, so you don’t burn your mouth (trust me, I’ve learned this the hard way).

Tips for Success: Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Even with the best intentions, things can go wrong. Here’s how to troubleshoot the most common issues—and my personal hacks for perfect results.

Problem 1: Soggy or Burnt Crust

• Soggy crust? This usually happens if the pie is too big for the basket (hot air can’t circulate) or if you thawed it. Fix: Cut large pies in half. Never thaw before air frying.
• Burnt crust? Your air fryer might run hot, or you cooked too long. Fix: Use foil to shield the crust after 15 minutes. Reduce temp by 10–20°F.

Problem 2: Cold Filling

If the crust is perfect but the inside is still icy, the pie was too large or the temp was too low. Fix: For large pies, cut them in half (yes, really!). Place both halves in the basket, cut-side up, and cook 30–35 minutes. The filling heats faster when exposed.

Problem 3: Crust Sticking to the Basket

Some flaky crusts love to cling. Fix: Lightly grease the basket with oil before adding the pie. Or, use parchment paper with holes poked for airflow (I use a fork to make 10–15 small holes).

Problem 4: Uneven Cooking

If one side is burnt and the other is pale, your air fryer’s airflow might be uneven. Fix: Pause halfway through and rotate the pie 180 degrees. This is especially important for older models.

Bonus Tips from My Experiments

• For extra crispiness: Brush the crust with melted butter or egg wash before cooking.
• For a golden shine: Sprinkle with a pinch of sugar (it caramelizes slightly).
• For flavor: Add a dash of garlic powder or dried herbs to the crust before cooking.

Brand-Specific Results: What Works Best?

Not all frozen pot pies are created equal. I tested six popular brands to see which ones air fry best. Here’s what I found:

Marie Callender’s (10 oz)

• Results: Perfect crust, creamy filling. Cooked at 375°F for 22 minutes.
• Tip: The foil trick at 15 minutes prevented burning.

Healthy Choice (9 oz)

• Results: Crisp crust but slightly dry filling. Cooked at 360°F for 25 minutes.
• Tip: Add a splash of broth to the filling before cooking to keep it moist.

Banquet (7.5 oz)

• Results: Fast cooking (20 minutes at 375°F), but the crust was thin and crispy, not flaky.
• Tip: Ideal for a quick, crunchy snack.

Costco Kirkland Signature (20 oz, family size)

• Results: Had to cut in half. Cooked at 350°F for 35 minutes. Crust was perfect; filling was hot and hearty.
• Tip: Great for sharing. Use two air fryer baskets or cook in batches.

Data Table: Cooking Times by Brand

Brand	Size (oz)	Temp (°F)	Time (min)	Result
Marie Callender’s	10	375	22	Excellent
Healthy Choice	9	360	25	Good (add broth)
Banquet	7.5	375	20	Fair (thin crust)
Kirkland Signature	20	350	35 (cut in half)	Excellent
Stouffer’s	11	365	28	Good (slightly dry)
Trader Joe’s	9	370	24	Excellent

Key Takeaways

• Best overall: Marie Callender’s and Trader Joe’s (flaky crust, rich filling).
• Best for speed: Banquet (20 minutes).
• Best for families: Kirkland Signature (split and cook in batches).

Beyond the Basics: Creative Ideas and Pairings

Once you’ve mastered the basics, why not level up? Here are my favorite ways to make frozen chicken pot pie even better—and what to serve with it.

Upgrade the Pie Itself

• Cheesy crust: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or Parmesan on the crust before air frying.
• Spicy kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper to the filling.
• Herb-infused: Mix dried thyme or rosemary into the crust.

Side Dishes That Shine

A pot pie is a meal, but these sides make it a feast:

• Green salad: A simple arugula or spinach salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness.
• Roasted veggies: Toss broccoli or carrots in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Air fry at 375°F for 10 minutes while the pie cooks.
• Garlic bread: Air fry frozen garlic bread for 5–7 minutes at 350°F. Instant side!

Leftovers? Turn Them into a New Meal

Got extra filling? Here’s what to do:

• Pot pie soup: Mix filling with chicken broth and frozen peas. Simmer for 10 minutes.
• Pot pie casserole: Layer filling with mashed potatoes. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
• Pot pie tacos: Warm filling and wrap in tortillas with cheese and salsa.

Kid-Friendly Hacks

My kids love pot pie, but they hate “mushy veggies.” Here’s how I make it kid-approved:

• Pick out veggies: I let them remove peas or carrots before eating (yes, I’m that parent).
• Add cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheese on top makes it “fancy.”
• Serve with dipping sauce: Ranch or BBQ sauce makes it more fun.

Conclusion: Yes, You Can—And You Should!

So, can you cook frozen chicken pot pie in air fryer? Absolutely. And after testing dozens of pies, I can confidently say it’s the fastest, easiest, and tastiest way to enjoy this comfort food classic. No preheating, no soggy crusts, no waiting—just crispy, golden perfection in under 30 minutes.

Remember, the key is to start low and adjust. Use the foil trick if the crust browns too fast, cut large pies in half, and always let it rest before eating. And don’t be afraid to experiment—whether it’s adding cheese, pairing it with a salad, or turning leftovers into soup.

The next time you’re staring at a frozen pot pie and thinking, “I don’t have time for this,” grab your air fryer. You’ll have a hot, satisfying dinner on the table before you’ve even taken off your shoes. And honestly? That’s the real magic of the air fryer. It’s not just a gadget—it’s a time machine. One that turns “I can’t cook tonight” into “Dinner’s ready!”

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook frozen chicken pot pie in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook a frozen chicken pot pie in an air fryer for a quick, crispy, and mess-free meal. Preheat the air fryer, place the pie in the basket, and cook at 360°F (180°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How long do you air fry a frozen chicken pot pie?

Most frozen chicken pot pies take 20–25 minutes in the air fryer at 360°F (180°C). Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—it should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Do I need to thaw a frozen chicken pot pie before air frying?

No, you can cook a frozen chicken pot pie directly in the air fryer without thawing. Cooking it frozen ensures even heating and prevents a soggy crust while keeping the inside tender.

Can I cook a store-bought frozen chicken pot pie in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Store-bought frozen chicken pot pies work perfectly in an air fryer. Follow the package instructions for timing, but adjust to 360°F (180°C) and check for crispiness and doneness.

What’s the best way to ensure my air-fried chicken pot pie isn’t soggy?

To avoid a soggy crust, lightly spray the top with oil and cook in a single layer without overcrowding the air fryer basket. Flip the pie halfway through for even browning.

Can I cook multiple frozen chicken pot pies in an air fryer at once?

You can cook multiple pies if they fit in a single layer without touching. If stacked, rotate and flip them halfway for even cooking, but cooking one at a time yields the crispiest results.