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

Yes, you can absolutely make a delicious pot pie in an air fryer—it’s faster, crispier, and more energy-efficient than using a conventional oven. With the right crust-to-filling ratio and proper layering, your air fryer transforms this comfort food favorite into a golden, flaky masterpiece in under 30 minutes.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can! Air fryers cook pot pies quickly and evenly.
• Preheat for crispiness: Always preheat to achieve a flaky crust.
• Size matters: Use ramekins or small dishes for even cooking.
• Monitor closely: Check halfway to prevent overcooking or drying.
• Customize fillings: Adapt recipes with leftovers or veggies for convenience.
• Brush with egg: Enhance browning for a golden, appetizing finish.

Can You Make a Pot Pie in an Air Fryer? Discover How

Remember that rainy Tuesday when you craved a warm, comforting pot pie but didn’t want to preheat the oven for 45 minutes? Or maybe you’ve got a small kitchen and your countertop appliances are already fighting for space—oven, toaster, and microwave all crammed together. That’s when the air fryer, your trusty little powerhouse, starts whispering, “Hey, I can do that too.”

If you’ve ever wondered, can you make a pot pie in an air fryer, the short answer is a resounding yes. But like any kitchen experiment, it’s not just about tossing ingredients in and hoping for the best. There’s a sweet spot between convenience and flavor, between speed and texture. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything I’ve learned—through trial, error, and one slightly overcooked crust (don’t worry, I saved it with a little butter). Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who loves a good shortcut, this is your roadmap to air-fried pot pie perfection.

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

Let’s face it: traditional pot pies are delicious but can be a chore. The oven needs to heat up. The crust often ends up soggy on the bottom or burnt on top. And if you’re making individual portions, you’re stuck with a big casserole dish that doesn’t fit neatly into your routine. Enter the air fryer—your kitchen’s unsung hero.

Faster, Crispier, and More Efficient

Air fryers work by circulating hot air at high speeds, creating a convection effect that crisps food from all sides. This means your pot pie crust gets that golden, flaky texture in half the time it takes in a conventional oven. No more waiting 45 minutes for the oven to preheat. Most air fryers are ready to go in 3–5 minutes. And because the cooking chamber is small, heat is more concentrated, leading to faster cooking and less energy use.

For example, a standard 9-inch pot pie might take 35–40 minutes in a 375°F oven. In an air fryer, it can be done in 20–25 minutes. That’s a 40% time savings—perfect for weeknights when you’re starving after work.

Perfect for Individual or Family Portions

One of the biggest advantages of air frying is its flexibility. You can cook one personal-sized pot pie in a 3.5-quart air fryer or fit two in a 5.8-quart model. This makes it ideal for solo diners, couples, or even families who want to customize fillings (chicken for one, vegetarian for another).

I once made three mini pot pies for a family dinner—chicken, beef, and veggie—each with different herbs and seasonings. Everyone got exactly what they wanted, and cleanup was a breeze. No need to bake a whole 9-inch pie and risk leftovers going to waste.

Less Mess, Less Fuss

Oven-baked pot pies can bubble over, creating a greasy mess. Air fryers contain the mess better, especially if you use parchment liners or silicone baskets. Plus, the smaller space means less chance of splatters. And let’s be honest: scrubbing a casserole dish at 8 p.m. is nobody’s favorite chore.

What You Need to Make a Pot Pie in an Air Fryer

You don’t need a fancy setup or specialty tools. Most of what you’ll need is probably already in your kitchen. But a few key items will make the process smoother and the results better.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Air fryer: A 3.5-quart or larger model is ideal. Smaller units (2–3 quarts) can handle one personal-sized pie, but larger ones (5+ quarts) give you more flexibility.
• Oven-safe ramekins or pie dishes: Use 4–6 inch ceramic, glass, or silicone dishes that fit inside your air fryer. I love Pyrex mini pie dishes—they’re heat-resistant and easy to clean.
• Parchment paper or silicone liners: These prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Cut them to fit your dish.
• Mixing bowls and a whisk: For preparing the filling and sauce.
• Rolling pin (optional): If you’re making homemade crust, a small rolling pin helps. Store-bought crust works great too!

Ingredients That Work Best

Not all pot pie ingredients behave the same in an air fryer. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Protein: Pre-cooked chicken, turkey, or beef is best. Raw meat takes longer and may not cook evenly. I always sauté chicken breasts first, then chop them into bite-sized pieces.
• Vegetables: Use small, uniform cuts. Carrots, peas, corn, and diced potatoes work well. Avoid leafy greens like spinach—they’ll wilt too fast.
• Sauce base: A roux (butter + flour) or cornstarch slurry thickens the filling. I prefer a mix: 1 tbsp butter, 1 tbsp flour, and 1 cup broth, whisked until smooth. This prevents a watery filling.
• Crust: Store-bought pie crust (like Pillsbury) is convenient and crisps beautifully. For a homemade touch, try a simple butter crust with flour, butter, salt, and ice water.
• Seasonings: Keep it simple: salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder. Fresh herbs add a bright finish.

Pro Tips for Success

• Pre-cook your filling: Never put raw meat or uncooked potatoes straight into the air fryer. They won’t cook through before the crust burns.
• Don’t overfill: Leave at least ½ inch of space below the rim to allow for expansion. I learned this the hard way when my first pie bubbled over and smoked up the kitchen.
• Use a crust shield: If the top browns too fast, cover it with a small piece of foil. This keeps the crust golden without overcooking the filling.
• Let it rest: After cooking, let the pie sit for 2–3 minutes. This helps the filling set and makes slicing easier.

Step-by-Step Guide to Air Fryer Pot Pie

Now for the fun part—let’s make a classic chicken pot pie. This recipe serves one to two, depending on appetite, and takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.

Ingredients (for 1–2 servings)

• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• ½ cup diced carrots
• ½ cup frozen peas
• ¼ cup diced celery
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ¼ cup milk or cream
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 sheet store-bought pie crust (or homemade)
• 1 egg (for egg wash, optional)

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

1. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
2. Add carrots and celery. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until slightly softened.
3. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to remove raw taste.
4. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk. Bring to a simmer.
5. Add chicken, peas, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook 3–4 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat.

Step 2: Assemble the Pie

1. Preheat air fryer to 360°F (182°C) for 3 minutes.
2. Place a 5-inch oven-safe dish inside. Add a parchment liner if desired.
3. Pour the filling into the dish, leaving ½ inch at the top.
4. Roll out the pie crust and cut to fit the dish. Place over the filling.
5. Trim excess crust. Crimp edges with a fork or fingers.
6. Cut 2–3 small slits in the top to vent steam.
7. Brush with egg wash (1 egg + 1 tbsp water) for a golden finish.

Step 3: Air Fry

1. Carefully place the dish in the air fryer basket.
2. Cook at 360°F for 18–22 minutes.
3. Check at 15 minutes. If the crust is browning too fast, cover with foil.
4. Pie is done when crust is golden and filling is bubbling.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Remove the dish with oven mitts (it’s hot!). Let it rest for 3 minutes. Then slice and serve. I love adding a dollop of sour cream or a side of crusty bread.

Tip: For a double-crust pie, place a second crust on top and seal the edges. Just add 2–3 minutes to cook time.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Even with the best intentions, things can go wrong. Here are the most common air fryer pot pie pitfalls—and how to avoid them.

Soggy Bottom Crust

This happens when the filling is too wet or the pie is overcooked. Solution: Thicken the filling properly. Use cornstarch (1 tsp per cup of liquid) or let it reduce longer on the stove. Also, avoid stacking pies—cook one at a time for even heat distribution.

Burnt Top, Raw Bottom

The air fryer’s intense heat can brown the top too fast while the bottom lags. Solution: Use a crust shield (aluminum foil) after the first 10 minutes. Or, pre-bake the bottom crust for 3–4 minutes before adding filling.

Filling Bubbling Over

Too much filling or high heat causes spillage. Solution: Leave that ½ inch headspace. Reduce temperature to 350°F if your air fryer runs hot. And always use a liner to catch drips.

Crust Not Crisping

If the crust stays soft, it might be too thick or not brushed with egg wash. Solution: Roll crust thinner (¼ inch or less). Brush with egg wash or melted butter. For extra crispiness, spray lightly with cooking oil before cooking.

Uneven Cooking

Some air fryers have hot spots. Solution: Rotate the dish halfway through cooking. Or, invest in a rotating air fryer basket (some models have this feature).

I once made a pot pie with raw potatoes—big mistake. The crust was perfect, but the potatoes were still crunchy. Lesson learned: always pre-cook dense vegetables.

Creative Variations and Dietary Adaptations

One of the best things about air fryer pot pies is how customizable they are. You can adapt the recipe for different tastes, diets, and occasions.

Vegetarian Pot Pie

• Omit meat. Add mushrooms, diced sweet potatoes, zucchini, and green beans.
• Use vegetable broth and a splash of soy sauce for umami flavor.
• Try a cheesy filling with shredded cheddar or Parmesan.

Gluten-Free Pot Pie

• Use gluten-free flour (like Bob’s Red Mill 1:1) in the roux.
• Choose gluten-free pie crust (available in most grocery stores).
• Thicken with cornstarch or arrowroot instead of flour.

Dairy-Free Pot Pie

• Replace butter with olive oil or vegan butter.
• Use almond milk or oat milk instead of dairy milk.
• Skip cheese or use dairy-free shreds.

Mini Meat Pies (for Kids or Parties)

• Use muffin tins or small ramekins.
• Fill with ground beef, carrots, and peas.
• Top with puff pastry cut into circles.
• Cook in batches. Serve with ketchup or gravy on the side.

Breakfast Pot Pie

• Fill with scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheddar.
• Add sautéed spinach or diced tomatoes.
• Top with a flaky crust. Serve with hot sauce or salsa.

I once made a “Thanksgiving Leftovers Pot Pie” with turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. It was a hit—and a great way to use up holiday leftovers.

Performance Comparison: Air Fryer vs. Oven vs. Stovetop

To give you a clear picture, here’s a comparison of cooking methods for a standard pot pie (based on my own testing and user feedback).

Cooking Method	Cook Time	Crust Texture	Energy Use	Ease of Use	Best For
Air Fryer	18–22 min	Golden, crispy all around	Low (uses ~1,500 watts)	Easy, minimal cleanup	Small portions, quick meals
Oven (375°F)	35–40 min (plus 15 min preheat)	Top crispy, bottom may be soggy	High (uses ~3,000 watts)	Moderate (more cleanup)	Large family meals, traditional texture
Stovetop (covered skillet)	25–30 min	Bottom crispy, top may be soft	Medium	Moderate (requires stirring)	No-bake option, stovetop-only kitchens

Note: Air fryer times vary by model. Larger units may take a few minutes longer. Always check internal temperature of meat (165°F for chicken).

One friend of mine tried making a pot pie in a slow cooker. It tasted good but had zero crispiness—definitely not the same experience. The air fryer wins for texture and speed.

Final Thoughts: Is an Air Fryer Pot Pie Worth It?

So, can you make a pot pie in an air fryer? Absolutely—and you should. It’s faster, more efficient, and delivers a crispy, satisfying crust that’s hard to beat. While it might not replace your grandma’s oven-baked version for holiday feasts, it’s a fantastic everyday solution for busy nights, small kitchens, or when you just need comfort food fast.

I’ve made air fryer pot pies for sick family members, quick lunches, and even as a surprise dinner for my partner. Each time, the reaction is the same: “Wait, you made this in the air fryer? It tastes like it came from a bakery!”

The key is preparation. Pre-cook your filling. Don’t overfill. Use the right dish. And don’t be afraid to experiment. Try different meats, veggies, and crusts. Make it your own.

And if you mess up? No worries. I’ve had crusts that stuck, fillings that bubbled, and pies that took longer than expected. But every mistake taught me something. That’s the beauty of cooking—it’s not about perfection. It’s about progress, flavor, and the joy of sharing a warm, homemade meal.

So dust off your air fryer, grab some ingredients, and give it a try. You might just discover your new favorite way to make pot pie. After all, the best kitchen tools are the ones that make life simpler—and tastier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make a pot pie in an air fryer?

Yes, you can absolutely make a pot pie in an air fryer! The air fryer’s rapid circulation of hot air crisps the crust while cooking the filling evenly, resulting in a delicious, flaky pot pie in less time than an oven.

How do you cook a frozen pot pie in an air fryer?

To cook a frozen pot pie in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 360°F (182°C), place the pie in the basket, and cook for 20–25 minutes, checking halfway through. This method ensures a golden crust and a hot, fully cooked filling without thawing.

What’s the best way to make a homemade pot pie in an air fryer?

For a homemade pot pie in an air fryer, pre-cook your filling, fill a heat-safe dish or ramekin, top with pastry, and air fry at 350°F (177°C) for 12–15 minutes. This method delivers a perfectly crisp crust and tender, flavorful filling.

Do you need to adjust cooking times for pot pie in an air fryer?

Yes, air fryers cook faster than ovens, so adjust cooking times accordingly. Most pot pies take 15–25 minutes in an air fryer, depending on size and whether they’re frozen or fresh. Always check for a golden crust and bubbling filling.

Can you make a mini pot pie in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Mini pot pies cook beautifully in an air fryer. Use muffin tins or small ramekins, reduce cooking time to 10–12 minutes at 350°F (177°C), and enjoy perfectly portioned, crispy treats with minimal effort.

Is an air fryer pot pie healthier than an oven-baked one?

An air fryer pot pie can be slightly healthier due to reduced oil use and faster cooking, which helps retain nutrients. However, the crust’s crispiness and flavor remain comparable, making it a win-win for taste and efficiency.