Frozen Pot Pie in the Air Fryer – Fast Comfort Food Without the Wait
There’s something deeply comforting about a flaky, golden pot pie. But baking one in the oven takes forever—and microwaving ruins the crust.
Air frying frozen pot pie gives you the best of both worlds: crispy top, hot filling, and no soggy bottom.
You’ll appreciate how simple it is, especially when you want a warm meal without hovering over the stove.
For best results, cook frozen pot pie at 360°F (182°C) for 25–30 minutes, depending on the pie size.
I suggest using a small foil tray or ramekin for mini pies and checking the crust at the 20-minute mark. A meat thermometer should read 165°F in the center when it’s done.
Quick Cooking Overview
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Course | Cuisine | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 minute | 25–30 minutes | 26–31 minutes | Main | American | 1 |
Ingredients and Options
| Ingredient | 1 Serving | 2 Servings | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frozen pot pie (any brand) | 1 | 2 | Mini or homemade frozen pie |
| Cooking spray (optional) | Light coat | Light coat | Olive oil brushed on top |
Cooking Tools You’ll Need
| Tool | Use | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Air fryer (basket or oven-style) | Cook pot pie evenly | Convection oven |
| Aluminum foil or ramekin | Support pie if base is soft | Small baking tray |
| Meat thermometer | Check internal temp | Cut and test center |
How Long to Cook Frozen Pot Pie in Air Fryer
Cooking time depends on pie size, filling type, and air fryer model:
- Mini pot pies (5–6 inches):
- Temp: 360°F (182°C)
- Time: 25–30 minutes
- Flip? No, but rotate the tray halfway through
- Large pot pies (8–10 inches):
- Temp: 350°F (177°C)
- Time: 35–40 minutes
- May need foil tenting if crust browns too fast
- Chicken vs. veggie fillings:
- Chicken pies need full cook-through to 165°F
- Veggie-only pies often cook 3–5 minutes faster
- Air fryer oven models:
- Use center rack
- Start checking 5 minutes early to avoid burning edges
How to Make Frozen Pot Pie in Air Fryer
Ready for a warm, flaky, golden pie straight from your freezer? Let’s walk through the steps to make it air-fryer perfect.
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 360°F (182°C) and preheat for 3–4 minutes. This helps the crust crisp from the start.
Step 2: Prep the Pot Pie
Remove outer plastic wrap, but keep the pie in its foil tin. Lightly spray the top crust with oil if you want a deeper golden finish.
Step 3: Air Fry
Place pie in the basket or on the tray. Cook for 25–30 minutes, rotating halfway through for even browning.
Check doneness by inserting a meat thermometer—internal should hit 165°F.
Step 4: Cool Before Serving
Let the pie rest for 5–6 minutes after cooking. The filling will be extremely hot and needs a moment to set.
Serving & Decoration Tips
- Serve with a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or mashed potatoes
- Top with fresh parsley or thyme for a rustic touch
- Add a drizzle of gravy for extra flavor
- Slice and serve with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy twist
Flavor Variations to Try
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle grated cheddar on top for the last 5 minutes
- Spicy Kick: Mix in a few chili flakes or cayenne into the filling before freezing (if homemade)
- Herb Upgrade: Brush crust with rosemary garlic butter before air frying
- Sweet Version: Try this with mini fruit pies for a dessert spin
Storing Tips
- ✅ Refrigerate leftovers in airtight container for 2–3 days
- ✅ Reheat in air fryer at 330°F for 8–10 minutes
- ✅ Avoid microwave—makes crust soggy
- ✅ Do not refreeze once cooked
- ✅ Store wrapped pies with foil to retain moisture
Extra Tips for Best Results
- ✅ Preheat air fryer to help crust cook evenly
- ✅ Don’t cover top unless crust browns too fast—ventilation is key
- ✅ For large pies, check internal temperature in the center
- ✅ If crust gets too dark, cover lightly with foil
- ✅ Let it sit 5–6 minutes before slicing
Common Mistakes & Solutions
| Mistake | Cause | Solution | Prevention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undercooked center | Time too short | Add 3–5 minutes cooking | Use thermometer |
| Burned crust | Too high temp | Tent with foil | Lower temp slightly |
| Soggy base | Tray too moist | Place directly on air fryer tray | Avoid excess moisture |
FAQs
Q1: Can I cook multiple frozen pot pies at once?
Yes, if they fit without touching and airflow isn’t blocked. Extend cook time slightly.
Q2: Should I remove the foil tray?
No, keep it to maintain shape and avoid leakage. Just remove any plastic wrapping.
Q3: What’s the best way to prevent the crust from burning?
Use foil to loosely tent the top if it browns too quickly.
Q4: Can I cook a pot pie without preheating the air fryer?
Yes, but expect an extra 3–5 minutes cooking time and slightly less even browning.
Give This Frozen Pot Pie Air Fryer Method a Try Tonight!
You don’t have to wait for the oven to heat up—just pop your frozen pot pie in the air fryer and enjoy a hot, golden, satisfying meal with minimal effort.
Try different flavors, mix in toppings, and share how it turned out!
