Reheating a frozen chicken pot pie in an air fryer produces a crisp top crust and piping hot filling without a soggy bottom. If you want to know how to cook a frozen chicken pot pie in an air fryer, the process is simpler than you might think.
The air fryer circulates hot air around the pie, which crisps the crust fast. It also heats the filling evenly. No more sad, doughy bottoms like you get from a microwave.
In this guide, you will learn the exact steps, temperatures, and times. You will also get tips for different pie sizes and brands. Let’s get started.
Why An Air Fryer Works So Well For Frozen Pot Pies
Air fryers are basically small convection ovens. They push hot air around the food at high speed. This does two things for a frozen pot pie.
- It browns and crisps the top crust quickly.
- It cooks the filling through without steaming the bottom.
A regular oven can do this too, but it takes much longer. A microwave makes the crust rubbery. The air fryer hits the sweet spot between speed and texture.
One thing to note: you need a pie that fits your air fryer basket. Most personal-size pot pies (like the ones from Banquet or Marie Callender’s) fit in a 5.8-quart air fryer. Family-size pies usually do not fit unless you have a large oven-style air fryer.
How To Cook A Frozen Chicken Pot Pie In An Air Fryer
Here is the core method. Follow these steps for a golden crust and hot center every time.
Step 1: Check The Size And Fit
Take the frozen pie out of the box. Remove any plastic wrap or cardboard tray. The pie should sit flat in your air fryer basket with a little space around the edges.
If the pie touches the sides, it won’t cook evenly. If it is too tall and hits the heating element, it will burn. Measure before you commit.
Step 2: Preheat The Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Let it preheat for 3 to 5 minutes. Preheating helps the bottom crust start crisping right away. Skipping this step can lead to a soggy base.
Step 3: Place The Pie In The Basket
Put the frozen pie directly in the basket. Do not add oil or spray. The pie already has fat in the crust. Adding oil can make it greasy.
If your air fryer has a rack, you can place the pie on the rack. This lifts it slightly and helps air flow underneath. If not, the basket alone is fine.
Step 4: Cook At 350°F For 25 To 35 Minutes
Set the timer for 25 minutes. Check the pie at that point. The crust should be golden brown. The filling should bubble at the edges.
If the crust is browning too fast, cover it loosely with foil. If the center is still cold, add 5 more minutes. Most personal-size pies take 30 minutes total.
Larger pies (if they fit) may need 40 to 45 minutes. Always check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F in the center.
Step 5: Let It Rest Before Eating
Take the pie out of the air fryer. Let it sit for 3 to 5 minutes. The filling is extremely hot and can burn your mouth. Resting also lets the sauce thicken slightly.
Now you can slide it onto a plate. The crust should be flaky and crisp. The bottom should be dry, not soggy.
Tips For Different Types And Brands
Not all frozen pot pies are the same. Here is how to adjust for common situations.
Small Individual Pies (10 To 12 Ounces)
- Cook at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes.
- No need to flip or rotate unless your air fryer has hot spots.
Medium Pies (16 To 20 Ounces)
- Cook at 340°F for 30 to 35 minutes.
- Lower heat prevents the crust from burning before the center heats.
Family-Size Pies (32 Ounces Or More)
Most standard air fryers cannot fit these. If you have a large oven-style air fryer, cook at 330°F for 45 to 55 minutes. Check the center with a thermometer.
Brand-Specific Notes
- Banquet: Small and thin. 25 minutes at 350°F works well.
- Marie Callender’s: Thicker crust. Add 5 minutes.
- Store brands: Times vary. Start with 25 minutes and check.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
These mistakes can ruin your pot pie. Avoid them for best results.
- Not preheating. Cold air fryer equals soggy bottom.
- Cooking at too high heat. The crust burns before the filling heats.
- Using a pie that is too big. Air cannot circulate.
- Forgetting to check the center. A golden crust does not mean hot filling.
- Adding oil. The crust already has plenty of fat.
How To Tell When It Is Done
You cannot rely on looks alone. Use these signs.
- The crust is deep golden brown.
- The filling bubbles at the edges or through vents.
- A thermometer inserted in the center reads 165°F.
- The bottom crust feels firm when you lift the pie with a spatula.
If the top is brown but the center is cold, cover the top with foil. Cook for another 5 to 10 minutes.
Reheating Leftover Pot Pie In The Air Fryer
If you have leftover pot pie, the air fryer is the best way to reheat it. It brings back the crisp crust.
- Set air fryer to 320°F.
- Place the leftover slice or whole pie in the basket.
- Heat for 5 to 8 minutes for a slice, 10 to 12 minutes for a whole small pie.
- Check the center is hot before eating.
Do not microwave leftovers. The crust will turn soft and chewy.
Frequently Asked Questions
These are common questions about air fryer pot pies.
Can I Cook A Frozen Pot Pie In An Air Fryer From Frozen?
Yes. Do not thaw it first. Cooking from frozen gives the best crust. Thawing can make the bottom soggy.
What Temperature Do I Use?
350°F is the standard. For larger pies, drop to 330°F or 340°F to prevent burning.
How Long Does It Take?
Small pies: 25 to 30 minutes. Medium pies: 30 to 35 minutes. Large pies: 45 to 55 minutes.
Do I Need To Flip The Pie?
No. Flipping will break the crust and spill the filling. Just let it cook.
Can I Put Foil In The Air Fryer?
Yes, but only on top of the pie to prevent burning. Do not put foil under the pie. It blocks air flow.
Final Thoughts
Cooking a frozen chicken pot pie in an air fryer is fast and easy. Preheat to 350°F. Cook for 25 to 35 minutes. Check the center reaches 165°F. Let it rest for a few minutes.
You will get a flaky, golden crust and a hot, creamy filling. No soggy bottom. No rubbery microwave texture. Just a great meal in under 40 minutes.
Try this method with your next frozen pot pie. Adjust the time based on size and brand. Once you nail it, you will never go back to the oven or microwave.