Pot pie in the air fryer works surprisingly well, though timing shifts depending on whether yours is frozen, refrigerated, or baked from scratch. So how long do i cook a pot pie in the air fryer? Most frozen single-serve pies need 20 to 25 minutes at 360°F, while larger family-size pies take 35 to 45 minutes at a slightly lower temp. This guide breaks down every scenario so you get a golden crust and a hot filling every single time.
Quick Answer: Air Fryer Pot Pie Times At A Glance
Here is the short version before we get into the details. Times vary by size, filling temperature, and your specific air fryer model.
- Frozen single-serve pot pie: 20 to 25 minutes at 360°F
- Frozen family-size pot pie: 35 to 45 minutes at 350°F
- Refrigerated pot pie: 15 to 20 minutes at 350°F
- Homemade pot pie (fresh filling): 18 to 25 minutes at 350°F
- Homemade pot pie (cold filling): 25 to 30 minutes at 350°F
Always preheat your air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes before cooking. This one step makes a big differance in crust texture.
How Long Do I Cook A Pot Pie In The Air Fryer
This is the question most people search for, so let’s slow down and walk through it properly. The honest answer is that no single number fits every pie. What matters is the starting state of your pie and its size.
Frozen Single-Serve Pot Pies
These are the small pies you buy in a two-pack at the grocery store. They are the easiest to cook and the fastest.
- Preheat the air fryer to 360°F for 4 minutes.
- Remove the pie from all packaging, including the foil tray if it is not air fryer safe.
- Place the pie in the basket with space around it.
- Cook for 20 minutes, then check the crust.
- Add 3 to 5 more minutes if the top is still pale.
Total time usually lands between 20 and 25 minutes. If your air fryer runs hot, drop the temp to 350°F and add a few minutes.
Frozen Family-Size Pot Pies
A full-size frozen pie is much thicker, so the center takes longer to heat through. You also need a large air fryer for this to fit at all.
- Set the air fryer to 350°F.
- Cook for 35 minutes, then check the internal temp.
- The filling should reach 165°F in the middle.
- If the crust browns too fast, tent it with foil.
Plan on 35 to 45 minutes total. Smaller 6-quart models may not fit a family pie, so measure your basket first.
Refrigerated Pot Pies
Refrigerated pies are already thawed, so they cook faster than frozen ones. The crust also browns quicker, which means you need a lower temp.
- Preheat to 350°F.
- Place the pie in the basket.
- Cook for 15 minutes.
- Check the crust and filling temp.
- Add 3 to 5 minutes if needed.
Most refrigerated pies finish in 15 to 20 minutes. Watch them closely after the 12-minute mark.
Homemade Pot Pies From Scratch
Homemade pies depend on whether your filling is hot, warm, or cold when it goes in. A hot filling cooks much faster than a cold one straight from the fridge.
- Hot filling: 18 to 22 minutes at 350°F
- Room temp filling: 22 to 25 minutes at 350°F
- Cold filling: 25 to 30 minutes at 350°F
Use a thermometer to confirm the center hits 165°F. The crust should be deep golden brown before you pull it out.
Tips For Perfect Air Fryer Pot Pie Every Time
Timing is only half the battle. These small habits make a real difference in how your pie turns out.
Always Preheat The Air Fryer
A cold basket means a soggy bottom crust. Preheating for 3 to 5 minutes gives you a crisp base and even browning on top.
Do Not Stack Pies
Air needs to move around the pie on all sides. Stacking two pies traps steam and leaves you with pale, soft pastry.
Cover The Crust If It Browns Too Fast
If the top is dark but the middle is still cold, lay a small piece of foil over the crust. This slows browning while the filling catches up.
Check The Internal Temperature
Do not guess. Stick an instant-read thermometer into the center. You want 165°F for food safety and a properly hot filling.
Let It Rest For 5 Minutes
The filling is lava hot right out of the fryer. Resting for 5 minutes lets it settle so it does not run all over the plate.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Most failed air fryer pot pies come down to a few repeat problems. Here is what to skip.
- Cooking at 400°F or higher, which burns the crust before the center heats
- Using a foil tray that blocks airflow underneath
- Not checking the pie until the timer ends
- Piling pies on top of each other in a small basket
- Forgetting to preheat
Any one of these can turn a good pie into a disappointing one. Fix them and your results improve right away.
Do You Need To Thaw A Frozen Pot Pie First
No, you do not. Air fryers handle frozen pies just fine, and going straight from freezer to basket gives you a flakier crust. Thawing first often makes the bottom soggy because the pastry absorbs moisture as it sits.
If you do thaw it, treat it like a refrigerated pie and cut the time down to 15 to 20 minutes.
Which Air Fryer Settings Work Best
Use the air fry setting, not bake or roast, if your model has separate modes. The strong fan in air fry mode is what gives you that crisp crust.
- Temperature: 350°F to 360°F
- Mode: Air fry
- Preheat: 3 to 5 minutes
- Shake or rotate: Not needed for a single pie
Some budget air fryers run 10 to 15 degrees hotter than the dial says. If yours tends to burn things, start 10 degrees lower and add time as needed.
Final Timing Cheat Sheet
Here is everything in one place so you can bookmark this page and come back to it.
- Frozen single pie: 360°F for 20 to 25 minutes
- Frozen family pie: 350°F for 35 to 45 minutes
- Refrigerated pie: 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes
- Homemade hot filling: 350°F for 18 to 22 minutes
- Homemade cold filling: 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes
Whatever type you are cooking, the target internal temp is always 165°F and the crust should be golden brown. Check early the first time you cook a new brand or size. Once you know how your air fryer behaves, you can hit the perfect pot pie without thinking about it.