Can You Make Pot Pies in the Air Fryer A Quick Delicious Guide

Yes, you can make pot pies in the air fryer—and they come out golden, flaky, and delicious in a fraction of the time compared to a conventional oven. This quick method locks in flavor and moisture while achieving a perfectly crisp crust, making it an ideal weeknight dinner hack for busy households.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, air fryer pot pies work: Achieve crispy crusts and tender fillings with less oil.
• Prep ahead: Use frozen or homemade pot pies for quick, easy cooking.
• Adjust time and temp: Cook at 360°F (180°C) for 12–15 minutes for best results.
• Flip halfway: Flip pies mid-cook for even browning and crispiness.
• Check doneness: Ensure internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
• Customize fillings: Experiment with veggies, meats, and sauces for unique flavors.

Can You Make Pot Pies in the Air Fryer? Let’s Find Out

Remember the first time you tried making pot pie in your oven? Maybe you were met with soggy crusts, uneven filling, or the dreaded “I waited 45 minutes for this?” moment. I’ve been there. And if you’re like me, you’ve probably looked at your air fryer and wondered: Can this little powerhouse do better?

Spoiler alert: Yes, you can make pot pies in the air fryer—and they’re often faster, crispier, and more convenient than their oven-baked cousins. Whether you’re reheating a store-bought pie, baking a homemade one, or even crafting mini pot pies for a crowd, the air fryer is up to the task. But like any kitchen shortcut, there are tricks to getting it right. In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to make delicious, flaky pot pies without the fuss. From timing and temperature to filling tips and crust hacks, let’s turn your air fryer into a pot pie pro.

Why the Air Fryer Works Wonders for Pot Pies

Speed and Efficiency

Let’s be real: oven-baked pot pies take time. Preheat the oven (10–15 minutes), bake for 30–45 minutes, and wait for the crust to brown evenly. That’s a solid hour, minimum. With an air fryer, you can skip the preheat and cut the cooking time in half. Most air fryer pot pies cook in 12 to 20 minutes, depending on size and filling. The circulating hot air crisps the crust from all sides while gently warming the filling—no more waiting around.

Perfect Crust, Every Time

One of the biggest struggles with oven-baked pot pies is getting a golden, flaky crust without overcooking the filling. The air fryer solves this with precision. Its compact space and rapid air circulation ensure even browning. You’ll get that crunchy, buttery crust you crave without the risk of a soggy bottom. Pro tip: Brush the crust with egg wash or milk for a restaurant-quality shine.

Energy and Space-Saving

Air fryers use up to 75% less energy than a full-sized oven. Plus, if you’re cooking for one or two, why heat an entire oven for a single pot pie? The air fryer is ideal for small batches, leftovers, or quick weeknight dinners. And let’s not forget—it doesn’t heat up your kitchen in the summer. Win-win.

What You Need to Get Started

Air Fryer Size and Type

Not all air fryers are created equal. Here’s what to consider:

• Capacity: Most standard air fryers (4–6 quarts) fit one large pot pie or 2–4 mini pies. Larger models (8+ quarts) can handle multiple pies at once.
• Basket vs. Oven-Style: Basket air fryers work great for individual pies. Oven-style models (with shelves) offer more space for baking multiple pies or using pie dishes.
• Temperature Range: Look for models that go up to 400°F (200°C) for optimal browning.

Essential Tools and Supplies

Here’s your air fryer pot pie toolkit:

• Oven-safe dishes: Use small ramekins, ceramic pie dishes, or disposable aluminum pie pans (check size first!). They should fit in your air fryer with at least 1 inch of clearance on all sides.
• Rolling pin and pastry cutter: For homemade crusts. A fork or knife for sealing edges.
• Parchment paper or silicone liners: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Pastry brush: For egg wash or milk glaze.
• Meat thermometer (optional but helpful): Ensures filling reaches a safe internal temperature (165°F for poultry).

Store-Bought vs. Homemade

You can use both, but they require different approaches:

• Store-bought pot pies: Look for ones labeled “air fryer-friendly” or check the packaging for air fryer instructions. Brands like Marie Callender’s and Banquet work well. Just remove the cardboard base (if included) and place directly in the basket or on a liner.
• Homemade pot pies: Total freedom! Use your favorite filling and crust recipe. We’ll cover a simple homemade version later.

Step-by-Step Guide: Making Pot Pies in the Air Fryer

Step 1: Prepare Your Pot Pie

For store-bought: Remove any packaging. If the pie has a cardboard base, discard it. Place the pie in the air fryer basket or on a parchment-lined tray.

For homemade: Assemble your pot pie in an oven-safe dish. Use a pre-made pie crust or make your own. Fill with a thick, not-too-wet filling (more on that below). Seal the edges with a fork or crimp with your fingers. Cut 2–3 small slits in the top crust to vent steam.

Pro tip: Chill the assembled pie for 10–15 minutes before air frying. This helps the crust hold its shape and prevents shrinkage.

Step 2: Brush and Glaze

For a golden, shiny crust, brush the top with:

• 1 egg + 1 tbsp water (classic egg wash)
• Milk or cream (for a softer, less golden crust)
• Butter (for richness and shine)

Sprinkle with a pinch of coarse salt or sesame seeds for extra flavor.

Step 3: Air Fry with Precision

Temperature: 350°F (175°C) is the sweet spot for most pot pies. Higher temps (375–400°F) work for faster browning but risk overcooking the filling.

Time:

• Store-bought (8 oz): 12–15 minutes
• Homemade (8 oz): 15–20 minutes
• Mini pot pies (3–4 oz): 10–12 minutes

Process:

1. Preheat the air fryer for 2–3 minutes (optional but recommended).
2. Place the pot pie in the basket or on a tray. Leave space around it for air circulation.
3. Cook for 10 minutes. Check the crust: if it’s browning too fast, lower the temp to 325°F.
4. Continue cooking until the crust is golden and the filling is hot (internal temp 165°F for meat fillings).
5. Let it rest for 3–5 minutes before serving. The filling will thicken as it cools.

Step 4: Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Soggy crust? Your filling was too wet. Next time, thicken with a slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water) before baking.
• Burnt edges? Lower the temperature or cover the edges with foil during the last 5 minutes.
• Uneven cooking? Rotate the pie halfway through if your air fryer has hot spots.
• Filling not hot enough? Extend cooking time by 2–3 minutes, but monitor the crust closely.

Creative Filling Ideas and Recipe Variations

Classic Chicken Pot Pie

Ingredients: 1.5 cups shredded cooked chicken, 1 cup mixed veggies (peas, carrots, corn), 1/2 cup diced onions, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 2 tbsp flour, 1 tsp thyme, salt & pepper to taste.

Method: Sauté onions until soft. Add flour and cook 1 minute. Gradually whisk in broth and cream. Simmer until thickened. Stir in chicken and veggies. Cool slightly before filling pie crust.

Vegetarian Pot Pie

Ingredients: 1 cup diced potatoes, 1 cup mushrooms, 1/2 cup carrots, 1/2 cup peas, 1/2 cup corn, 1/2 cup diced zucchini, 1/2 cup vegetable broth, 1/2 cup coconut milk (or cream), 2 tbsp nutritional yeast, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp rosemary.

Method: Sauté veggies until tender. Add broth, coconut milk, and seasonings. Simmer until thickened. Stir in nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Beef and Ale Pot Pie (For Meat Lovers)

Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 1 cup diced carrots, 1/2 cup peas, 1/2 cup diced onions, 1/2 cup beef broth, 1/2 cup stout beer (or broth), 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp thyme.

Method: Brown beef with onions. Drain excess fat. Stir in tomato paste, then add beer and broth. Simmer 10 minutes. Add veggies and seasonings. Cool before filling.

Mini Pot Pies for Parties

Use muffin tins or ramekins to make 4–6 mini pies. Fill with the same recipes above, but adjust cooking time to 10–12 minutes. Great for appetizers or kids’ meals! Top with fun crust designs (cut-outs, lattice, or braids).

Data Table: Air Fryer Pot Pie Cooking Guide

Pot Pie Type	Weight	Temperature	Cooking Time	Notes
Store-bought (frozen)	8 oz	350°F (175°C)	12–15 min	No preheat; check crust at 10 min
Homemade (thawed)	8 oz	350°F (175°C)	15–20 min	Chill before baking; egg wash for shine
Homemade (frozen)	8 oz	325°F (160°C)	20–25 min	Extend time; avoid high heat
Mini pot pies	3–4 oz	350°F (175°C)	10–12 min	Use muffin tins; rotate halfway
Large pot pie (10 oz)	10 oz	350°F (175°C)	18–22 min	Check internal temp; may need foil on edges

Tips for Success and Final Thoughts

Mastering the Filling

The key to a great air fryer pot pie? A thick, not-too-wet filling. Air fryers don’t evaporate moisture like ovens, so excess liquid can make the crust soggy. Always:

• Thicken your filling with a slurry (cornstarch + cold water) or flour.
• Cool the filling before adding to the crust. Warm filling can melt the butter in the crust, leading to shrinkage.
• Don’t overfill. Leave 1/2 inch of space at the top to prevent bubbling over.

Crust Hacks

• Pre-made crust: Use refrigerated pie crusts or puff pastry for convenience. Roll out slightly larger than your dish for a fluted edge.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pie crusts or almond flour-based doughs. They may brown faster, so lower the temp by 25°F.
• No crust? No problem! Top with mashed potatoes (like shepherd’s pie) or a biscuit topping. Air fry 10–12 minutes until golden.

Reheating Leftovers

Got leftover pot pie? Reheat in the air fryer at 325°F for 5–8 minutes. It’ll taste just as fresh as day one—no microwave sogginess. For frozen leftovers, add 2–3 minutes.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Air fryer baskets can get messy, but cleaning is easy:

• Line the basket with parchment paper or a silicone liner.
• Soak the basket in warm, soapy water for 10 minutes if food is stuck.
• Wipe the heating element with a damp cloth (never submerge the unit).

So, can you make pot pies in the air fryer? Absolutely—and you should. It’s faster, more energy-efficient, and delivers a perfect crust every time. Whether you’re a busy parent, a solo diner, or a meal-prep enthusiast, the air fryer turns pot pie into a weeknight staple. The next time you’re craving comfort food, skip the oven. Grab your air fryer, a pie dish, and your favorite filling. In less than 20 minutes, you’ll have a steaming, flaky, delicious meal that’s as satisfying as it is simple. Happy air frying!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make pot pies in the air fryer?

Yes, you can absolutely make pot pies in the air fryer! It’s a quick and convenient way to achieve a golden, flaky crust with a perfectly heated filling in less time than a traditional oven.

How long do you cook pot pies in the air fryer?

Most frozen or homemade pot pies take 12–18 minutes in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C). Adjust time slightly based on your air fryer model and pie size for best results.

Do you need to preheat the air fryer for pot pies?

Preheating the air fryer for 3–5 minutes helps ensure even cooking and a crispier crust. While not always required, it’s recommended for optimal texture when making pot pies in the air fryer.

Can you cook frozen pot pies in the air fryer?

Yes, frozen pot pies cook beautifully in the air fryer. Place them directly in the basket (no thawing needed) and cook at 350°F for 15–20 minutes, checking halfway through.

What’s the best way to prevent a soggy crust when air frying pot pies?

To avoid a soggy crust, lightly brush the top with egg wash or oil before cooking and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. The circulating air ensures crispiness without drying out the filling.

Can you make mini or individual pot pies in the air fryer?

Mini or individual pot pies are ideal for the air fryer! They cook faster (10–14 minutes at 350°F) and make portion control easy—perfect for a quick, delicious meal or snack.