Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years as a healthy alternative to deep frying. One of the most common questions about air frying is how long it takes to cook frozen foods like pot pies. The answer depends on several factors, including the wattage and size of your particular air fryer model, the temperature you set it to, and the specifics of the pot pie you are cooking.
In general, an air fryer can heat up a pot pie in 10-15 minutes. This is significantly faster than using a traditional oven, which takes 45-60 minutes at 350°F. The quick cook time is one of the major benefits of using an air fryer. But keep reading for more details on timing.
Air Fryer Pot Pie Cooking Times
Air fryer cooking times can vary based on:
Size of the Air Fryer
– Small air fryers (2-3 qt capacity) may need 10-12 minutes
– Medium air fryers (4-5 qt) may need 12-15 minutes
– Large air fryers (5-8 qt) may need 14-18 minutes
Larger air fryers can accommodate bigger pot pies and larger batches. More space allows for increased air circulation, which speeds up cooking.
Wattage of the Air Fryer
– Low wattage (800-1400W) may need 12-15 minutes
– High wattage (1700-2200W) may need 10-12 minutes
Higher wattage air fryers heat up faster and reach higher temperatures. This decreases cook times.
Temperature Setting
– 390°F may need 10-12 minutes
– 370°F may need 12-14 minutes
– 350°F may need 14-16 minutes
Higher air fryer temperatures cook pot pies faster. But going above 400°F risks burning the crust.
Type of Pot Pie
– Single serving: 8-12 minutes
– Family size: 12-18 minutes
Larger, family size pot pies take longer to heat through completely.
Filled vs. Unfilled Crust
– Filled crust: 12-15 minutes
– Unfilled crust: 8-10 minutes
Pot pies with emptied filling cook faster than pies with intact filling. The fuller pie takes longer for the heat to penetrate throughout.
Tips for Air Frying Pot Pies
Follow these tips for best air fryer pot pie results:
– Preheat air fryer for 3-5 minutes before cooking. This allows it to fully heat up.
– Brush crust with egg wash or milk before cooking. This gives it a nice golden brown color.
– Poke crust in a few spots with a fork before cooking. This prevents it from puffing up.
– Flip pie halfway during cooking for even browning and heating.
– Use aluminum foil to cover edges if crust browns too quickly.
– Check pie after minimum cook time and add 2-3 minutes if needed.
– Let pie rest 2-3 minutes out of the air fryer before eating. This lets filling set.
Air Fryer vs. Oven for Pot Pies
| Method | Temperature | Cook Time Range | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Fryer | 370-400°F | 10-18 minutes | – Very fast cooking time – Crispy, browned crust – Less fat and calories |
| Oven | 350°F | 45-60 minutes | – More traditional method – Larger batch capacity – Less hands on time |
As you can see, the air fryer is significantly faster than the traditional oven. The rapid air circulation technology allows the crust to crisp and filling to heat through very quickly.
However, the oven can accommodate larger batches if cooking pot pies for a crowd. The oven is also less hands on since you simply bake unattended for 45-60 minutes versus air frying for 10-15 minutes while flipping halfway.
So choose the method that best fits your specific needs! Both will result in a delicious, hot pot pie.
Pot Pie Fillings to Try
While chicken pot pie may be the most well known, you can air fry a variety of pot pie fillings. Get creative with these ideas:
Beef and Vegetable
– Diced beef
– Potatoes, carrots, peas
– Beef broth gravy
Buffalo Chicken
– Shredded chicken
– Buffalo wing sauce
– Celery, blue cheese crumbles
Chicken Alfredo
– Chicken, broccoli, mushrooms
– Alfredo sauce
– Parmesan cheese
Taco
– Seasoned ground beef
– Black beans, corn, tomatoes
– Taco seasoning, salsa
Shepherd’s Pie
– Ground lamb
– Peas, carrots, onions
– Mashed potato topping
Thai Chicken
– Chicken, carrots, onion
– Coconut milk, red curry paste
– Cilantro
Vegetable Lentil
– Lentils, diced tomatoes
– Spinach, onions, carrots
– Spices like cumin, curry powder
The possibilities are endless for creative and delicious pot pie combinations!
Conclusion
Air frying makes enjoying a hot, fresh pot pie incredibly fast and easy. While exact timing depends on your specific air fryer model and settings, you can expect a frozen pot pie to be hot and ready in just 10-15 minutes. That’s 3-4 times faster than conventional baking. Just be sure to follow the tips above for best results.
Give air fried pot pies a try as a fast weeknight dinner, Meal prep lunch, or crispy appetizer. Switch up the fillings to keep it interesting. And enjoy the speedy, healthier version of this comforting classic.