An air fryer can handle a chicken pot pie nicely if you know how to manage the crust so it does not overcook before the inside is hot. So how long to cook a chicken pot pie in an air fryer? Most pies take 20 to 30 minutes at 350°F to 375°F, depending on size and whether its fresh or frozen.
That range changes a lot based on a few things. A mini pie in a ramekin cooks way faster then a full 9-inch pie. A frozen store-bought pie needs more time and a lower temp at the start.
Below you’ll find exact times, temps, and a simple method that keeps the crust golden instead of burnt.
How Long To Cook A Chicken Pot Pie In An Air Fryer
Here is the short answer before we get into the details.
- Fresh mini pot pie (ramekin or 5-inch tin): 15 to 20 minutes at 375°F
- Fresh 9-inch pot pie: 25 to 30 minutes at 350°F
- Frozen mini pot pie: 25 to 30 minutes at 350°F
- Frozen 9-inch pot pie: 35 to 45 minutes at 340°F, then 5 minutes at 375°F to crisp the top
- Homemade pie with raw crust and hot filling: 20 to 25 minutes at 360°F
These times assume a standard basket-style air fryer. Oven-style air fryers run a bit slower, so add 3 to 5 minutes.
What Affects The Cooking Time
No two air fryers cook exactly the same. Your model, the pie size, and the starting temp of the filling all shift the clock.
Pie Size And Depth
A deep 9-inch pie holds more cold filling, so the middle needs longer to reach a safe 165°F. Shallow pies and ramekins heat through fast.
Fresh Vs Frozen
Frozen pies need a lower temp first. If you blast a frozen pie at 400°F, the crust burns while the center stays icy. Start low, finish high.
Air Fryer Wattage And Model
A 1500-watt basket fryer runs hotter then a 1200-watt oven-style unit. Check your manual for the max temp and use a thermometer to confirm doneness.
Crust Type
Puff pastry browns quicker then a standard pie dough. If your pie has a puff top, drop the temp by 15°F and cover the edges with foil early.
Step-By-Step: Cooking A Chicken Pot Pie In An Air Fryer
Follow these steps for a pie with a flaky top and a hot, bubbly center.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F for 3 minutes. A hot basket helps the bottom crust set.
- If your pie is frozen, leave it frozen. Do not thaw it first. Thawing makes the crust soggy.
- Place the pie in the basket. Use a small trivet or foil sling if the tin is flimsy.
- Cover the crust edges with thin foil strips. This stops the rim from burning.
- Cook at 350°F for 20 minutes. Do not open the basket during this first stretch.
- Check the top. If it looks pale, raise the temp to 375°F for the last 5 to 10 minutes.
- Insert a thermometer into the center. It should read 165°F.
- Rest the pie for 5 minutes before cutting. The filling thickens as it sits.
Total time for a fresh 9-inch pie lands around 25 to 30 minutes. Frozen pies usually need 35 to 45 minutes total.
Tips For A Crispy Top And Hot Filling
The crust is the tricky part. The filling is forgiving, but pastry goes from golden to burnt in about two minutes.
- Use foil on the edges for the first half of cooking.
- Brush the top with a little melted butter or egg wash for color.
- Do not stack pies. Air needs to move around the whole dish.
- If the top browns to fast, tent the whole pie with foil.
- Let the pie sit out for 10 minutes if it is homemade and the filling is still warm. Cold filling from the fridge needs extra time.
- Add 2 tablespoons of broth if the filling looks dry before you start.
Should You Cover The Pie With Foil?
Yes, for most of the cook. Foil on the crust edges prevents burning. Remove it for the final 5 minutes so the top crisps up.
Can You Cook A Pot Pie In A Ramekin?
Yes. Small ramekins cook in 15 to 20 minutes at 375°F. They are great for single servings and they heat through evenly.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Most failed air fryer pot pies come down to three problems.
- Cooking to hot. Above 375°F, the crust burns before the center heats.
- Not preheating. A cold basket gives you a soggy bottom crust.
- Skipping the thermometer. Time is a guide, but 165°F is the real target.
Another mistake is overfilling the basket. If the pie touches the heating element, the top scorches. Leave at least an inch of space above the crust.
How To Reheat Leftover Pot Pie In An Air Fryer
Leftover pie reheats well. Set the air fryer to 320°F and cook for 6 to 8 minutes. The crust comes back to life and the filling warms through.
Cover the edges with foil again if the pie is already browned. A splash of water in the basket (not on the pie) adds a little steam and keeps the filling moist.
Frozen Vs Homemade: Time Comparison
Here is a quick side-by-side so you can plan dinner.
- Homemade mini pie: 15 to 20 minutes at 375°F
- Homemade 9-inch pie: 25 to 30 minutes at 350°F
- Frozen mini pie: 25 to 30 minutes at 350°F
- Frozen 9-inch pie: 35 to 45 minutes at 340°F, then 375°F to finish
Always add a few minutes if your air fryer runs cool. Always subtract a few if it runs hot. Your first pie is a test run. Adjust from there.
Final Word On Timing
The answer to how long to cook a chicken pot pie in an air fryer is not one number. It is a range you narrow down with temp control and a thermometer. Start at 350°F, protect the crust, and finish hot. You will get a flaky top and a steamy, hot middle every time.