Can I Cook Meat Pies in an Air Fryer A Quick Guide

Yes, you can cook meat pies in an air fryer—and they come out perfectly crispy with less oil than traditional frying. Preheat, arrange pies in a single layer, and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes for a golden, flaky crust and juicy filling every time.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can cook meat pies in an air fryer for a crispy, golden crust with less oil.
• Preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking and optimal texture.
• Use a lower temperature (350°F–375°F) to prevent burning the crust.
• Arrange pies in a single layer with space for air circulation.
• Check halfway through and flip if needed for uniform browning.
• Adjust cook time based on pie size and filling temperature (15–20 mins typical).
• Let pies rest briefly after cooking to avoid burnt mouths from hot fillings.

Can I Cook Meat Pies in an Air Fryer? A Quick Guide

Imagine this: you’re craving a savory, golden-brown meat pie, but your oven is occupied, or you’re short on time. You glance at your trusty air fryer sitting on the counter, and a thought pops into your mind—can I cook meat pies in an air fryer? The answer is a resounding yes, and it’s not only possible but often better than traditional methods in terms of speed and crispiness. Air fryers have taken the kitchen world by storm, and for good reason. They use rapid hot air circulation to create that perfect crunch with minimal oil, making them a fantastic tool for reheating, baking, and even cooking meat pies from scratch.

Whether you’ve got a store-bought pie, a homemade one, or a batch of frozen meat pies, your air fryer can handle them all. But before you toss that pie in, there are a few things you should know. From temperature settings to timing, and even how to avoid a soggy bottom crust, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. So, if you’ve ever stared at your air fryer and wondered, “Can I really cook meat pies in here?”—you’re about to find out, and I’ll share all the tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way.

Why Use an Air Fryer for Meat Pies?

The Benefits of Air Frying Meat Pies

Let’s be honest—traditional ovens are great, but they take time to preheat, and sometimes you just don’t want to wait 20 minutes before you can even start cooking. Air fryers, on the other hand, heat up almost instantly. This means you can go from craving a meat pie to biting into one in under 20 minutes. Plus, the air fryer’s convection technology ensures even heat distribution, giving your pie a perfectly crisp crust without drying out the filling.

Another major perk? Less oil. Traditional deep-frying or pan-frying can leave your pie greasy, but the air fryer uses hot air to achieve that golden, crunchy exterior with just a light spray of oil—or even none at all. This makes your meat pie healthier without sacrificing flavor or texture. I’ve personally found that my homemade meat pies come out with a flakier, more consistent crust in the air fryer than in my oven, especially when I’m short on time.

Speed, Convenience, and Space-Saving

Here’s a scenario I’m sure many can relate to: you’re hosting a small get-together, and you need to heat up several meat pies for guests. Firing up the oven for just a few pies feels like overkill. The air fryer, however, is compact and efficient. It can handle 2–3 pies at once (depending on size), and you can easily cook them in batches without waiting for the oven to reheat. Plus, it frees up oven space for other dishes.

And let’s not forget reheating. Ever tried reheating a meat pie in a microwave? The crust turns rubbery, and the filling gets unevenly heated. The air fryer solves this problem. It reheats leftovers to almost fresh-baked quality, making it a game-changer for meal preppers or anyone who loves leftovers. I’ve even used it to revive store-bought frozen pies that would’ve been disappointing in the microwave.

How to Cook Meat Pies in an Air Fryer (Step-by-Step)

Prepping Your Meat Pie

Before you even turn on the air fryer, prep is key. First, make sure your pie fits—measure it against the basket. Most standard 6-inch meat pies work perfectly, but oversized pies might need to be cut or cooked in sections. If your pie has a foil base (like many frozen ones), leave it on—it’ll prevent drips and make cleanup easier.

For frozen pies: no need to thaw! Cooking from frozen is totally fine, though it may take a few extra minutes. For homemade or fresh pies, brush the top crust lightly with egg wash (or melted butter) for a glossy, golden finish. Pro tip: if you’re worried about the crust browning too quickly, cover it loosely with a piece of foil halfway through cooking.

Temperature and Time Guidelines

Here’s where most people get tripped up—what temperature and how long? The answer depends on your pie type:

• Frozen meat pies: 360°F (182°C) for 12–18 minutes, flipping halfway (if possible).
• Fresh/homemade meat pies: 350°F (177°C) for 10–15 minutes.
• Reheating cooked pies: 320°F (160°C) for 5–8 minutes.

Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—the filling should reach 165°F (74°C) for safety. I once rushed a frozen pie and ended up with a cold center (not fun). Now, I set a timer and check at the 10-minute mark. If it’s browning too fast, I reduce the temp by 10–15°F and add a couple more minutes.

Tips for Even Cooking

Air fryers can have hot spots, so rotate your pie halfway through if your model doesn’t have even airflow. For mini pies or hand pies, arrange them in a single layer with space between each to allow air circulation. Crowding leads to uneven cooking. I learned this the hard way when I tried to cook four mini pies at once—the ones in the center were underdone.

Another trick? Use parchment paper liners or air fryer silicone molds to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Just make sure the liner doesn’t block airflow.

Types of Meat Pies: What Works Best?

Store-Bought vs. Homemade

Store-bought meat pies (like those from the freezer section) are a great candidate for air frying. They’re designed to be reheated, and the air fryer brings out their best qualities. I’ve tried brands like Mrs. T’s and McCain, and both came out crispy and flavorful. Just follow the package instructions as a starting point, but don’t be afraid to adjust—air fryers vary in power.

Homemade meat pies, on the other hand, let you control the ingredients. Whether you’re using beef, chicken, or veggie filling, the air fryer works wonders. The key is to ensure your filling isn’t too wet. Excess moisture can make the crust soggy. I once used a stew-like filling and had to blot the top with a paper towel halfway through cooking to avoid a mushy bottom.

Frozen vs. Fresh vs. Leftover

Let’s break it down:

• Frozen: Best for quick meals. No thawing needed, but monitor closely to avoid over-browning.
• Fresh: Ideal for when you’ve just baked a batch. The air fryer gives them a second life with extra crispness.
• Leftover: A lifesaver! Reheat at a lower temperature (320°F) to avoid drying out the filling.

One of my favorite tricks is to freeze homemade pies in portions. When I’m ready to eat, I pop one straight into the air fryer—no thawing, no mess. It’s like having a gourmet meal in minutes.

Creative Variations

Who says meat pies have to be traditional? Try:

• Mini pies: Use muffin tins or silicone molds for bite-sized versions. Cook at 350°F for 8–10 minutes.
• Phyllo-wrapped pies: The air fryer crisps up delicate phyllo layers beautifully. Lightly spray with oil to prevent drying.
• Gluten-free or keto pies: Air fryers handle alternative crusts well. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as gluten-free dough can brown faster.

I once made a spicy lamb and apricot pie with a gluten-free crust, and the air fryer gave it a perfect crunch without crumbling. Game-changer!

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Soggy Bottom Crust

Ah, the bane of meat pie lovers everywhere. A soggy bottom crust usually happens when the filling is too wet or the pie isn’t given enough time to crisp up. Here’s how to fix it:

• Pre-cook your filling until most of the liquid evaporates. I always simmer mine for 5–10 minutes extra.
• Use a perforated liner or air fryer rack to elevate the pie, allowing hot air to circulate underneath.
• Flip halfway (if possible) to crisp both sides. This works especially well for hand pies.

I once forgot to drain my beef filling, and the result was a pie with a bottom crust that tasted like a sponge. Lesson learned!

Overcooking or Burning

Air fryers can go from golden to charred in seconds. To avoid this:

• Start with lower heat (350°F instead of 375°F) and increase if needed.
• Use foil to cover the top crust if it’s browning too fast.
• Check frequently after the 8-minute mark, especially with frozen pies.

One time, I got distracted and left a pie in for 5 minutes too long. The crust was salvageable, but the edges were a bit dark. Now, I set a timer with a 2-minute warning.

Not Enough Space

Overcrowding the basket is a rookie mistake. If you’re cooking multiple pies, leave at least ½ inch between them. If you’re in a rush, cook in batches. Trust me, it’s worth the wait for evenly cooked pies.

Data Table: Air Fryer Meat Pie Cooking Times

Pie Type	Temperature	Time (Minutes)	Notes
Frozen (6-inch)	360°F (182°C)	12–18	Flip halfway; check internal temp (165°F)
Fresh/Homemade	350°F (177°C)	10–15	Brush with egg wash; cover with foil if browning too fast
Reheating Cooked	320°F (160°C)	5–8	Use lower heat to avoid drying out filling
Mini Pies (Hand Pies)	350°F (177°C)	8–10	Arrange in single layer; no overcrowding
Gluten-Free Crust	340°F (171°C)	9–12	Check early; gluten-free dough browns faster

Conclusion: Yes, You Absolutely Can!

So, can you cook meat pies in an air fryer? Absolutely, and it’s one of the best ways to enjoy them. Whether you’re reheating leftovers, cooking from frozen, or baking a fresh homemade pie, the air fryer delivers crispy crusts, juicy fillings, and lightning-fast results. It’s convenient, space-saving, and—let’s be honest—way more fun than waiting for the oven to preheat.

Of course, it’s not perfect. You’ll need to tweak cooking times based on your air fryer model, filling moisture, and pie size. But once you get the hang of it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. I’ve turned my air fryer into my go-to for meat pies, and I bet you will too. So next time you’re craving that savory, flaky goodness, skip the oven and give the air fryer a try. Your taste buds (and your busy schedule) will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook meat pies in an air fryer?

Yes, you can absolutely cook meat pies in an air fryer! The air fryer’s rapid hot air circulation cooks the pies evenly, giving them a crispy crust without drying out the filling. Just adjust the time and temperature for best results.

What temperature should I use to cook meat pies in an air fryer?

Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for most meat pies. Pre-cooked pies take 10–12 minutes, while frozen ones may need 15–20 minutes—flip halfway for even browning.

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

Preheating for 3–5 minutes ensures a crispier crust, especially for homemade or refrigerated meat pies. For frozen pies, preheating helps them cook more evenly.

How do I prevent air fryer meat pies from drying out?

Brush the pie crust with egg wash or oil before cooking to lock in moisture. Avoid overcrowding the basket, and check internal filling temperature (165°F) for doneness.

Can I cook frozen meat pies in an air fryer without thawing?

Yes, air fry frozen meat pies directly—just add 5–8 minutes to the cooking time. Use 350°F and check that the center is piping hot to ensure food safety.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover meat pies in an air fryer?

Reheat at 325°F (160°C) for 5–7 minutes to revive crispness. Lightly spritz the crust with water first to prevent drying while reheating.