Pot pie in the air fryer gets a flaky golden crust in a fraction of the time a conventional oven requires. If you want to know how to make a pot pie in the air fryer, the process is simpler than you might think. You get the same warm, savory filling with a crisp top in about 20 to 25 minutes.
This guide walks you through everything: from picking the right pot pie to setting the temperature and checking for doneness. Whether you use a frozen store-bought pie or build one from scratch, your air fryer can handle it.
Why Air Fryer Pot Pie Works So Well
Air fryers move hot air around food at high speed. That constant circulation cooks the crust fast and makes it crispy on all sides.
A regular oven takes 35 to 45 minutes for a frozen pot pie. An air fryer often cuts that time in half. It also uses less energy and won’t heat up your whole kitchen.
The key is the basket. The perforated bottom lets hot air reach the underside of the crust, so you don’t get a soggy bottom. That is the main reason air fryer pot pie turns out better than microwave versions.
What You Need Before You Start
- An air fryer with a basket or tray (3 quart size or larger works best)
- Aluminum foil or a small baking pan that fits inside
- A instant-read thermometer (optional but helpful)
- Tongs or a spatula for lifting
- Cooking spray or a light brush of oil
Size matters here. A standard 10-ounce frozen pot pie fits in most 4-quart and 5-quart air fryers. If you have a smaller 2-quart model, you may need to use a mini pot pie or cut a larger one to fit.
How To Make A Pot Pie In The Air Fryer
Follow these steps for a reliable result every time. This method works for frozen single-serve pot pies and for homemade ones with a raw crust.
Step 1: Preheat The Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 350°F and let it run for 3 to 5 minutes. Preheating helps the bottom crust start cooking right away instead of staying doughy.
If your model has a preheat button, use it. If not, just run it empty for a few minutes.
Step 2: Prepare The Pot Pie
Take the pot pie out of its cardboard box. Leave it in the foil tray if it came in one. If the crust looks dry, spray a light coat of cooking oil on top.
For homemade pot pies, place the pie in a small oven-safe dish that fits your basket. Make sure there is at least half an inch of space around the sides for air flow.
Step 3: Place It In The Basket
Set the pie in the center of the air fryer basket. Do not stack anything on top. If you are cooking two small pies, leave space between them so air can move.
Some people line the basket with foil for easy cleanup. If you do, poke a few holes in the foil so air still reaches the bottom.
Step 4: Set Temperature And Time
Cook at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes for a frozen pot pie. For a fresh or thawed pie, start checking at 15 minutes.
- Frozen single-serve pie: 22 to 25 minutes
- Thawed pie: 15 to 18 minutes
- Homemade raw crust pie: 18 to 22 minutes
Times vary by air fryer brand and pie size. Always use the lower end as your starting point and add time if needed.
Step 5: Check For Doneness
At the 15-minute mark, pull the basket out and look at the crust. It should be golden brown and flaky. If the top is browning too fast, tent it with a small piece of foil.
For frozen pies, the center should reach 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, insert a knife into the middle. It should slide through the filling with no resistance.
Step 6: Rest Before Serving
Let the pot pie sit for 3 to 5 minutes before you eat it. The filling is extremely hot and can burn your mouth. Resting also lets the sauce thicken slightly.
Use a spatula to lift the pie out of the basket. Serve it on a plate and enjoy.
Tips For A Better Air Fryer Pot Pie
Keep The Crust From Burning
If your air fryer runs hot, drop the temperature to 325°F. You can also cover the edges of the crust with thin strips of foil. This protects the rim while the center cooks.
Avoid A Soggy Bottom
Never put a pot pie directly on a solid baking sheet in the air fryer. The basket’s holes are there for a reason. If you must use a pan, choose one with a perforated bottom.
Reheat Leftovers The Right Way
Leftover pot pie loses its crispness in the fridge. Reheat it in the air fryer at 325°F for 6 to 8 minutes. Skip the microwave, which makes the crust rubbery.
Can You Cook A Frozen Pot Pie From Frozen?
Yes. You do not need to thaw it first. In fact, cooking from frozen gives you a better crust because the dough does not get soggy before it bakes. Just add a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Using too high a temperature, which burns the crust before the filling heats through
- Overcrowding the basket with more than one large pie
- Forgetting to preheat, which leads to a pale, undercooked bottom
- Not checking at the 15-minute mark
- Lining the basket with foil without poking holes
Each air fryer model behaves a little differently. Your first pie is a test run. Note the time and temperature that worked, then use that as your baseline next time.
Final Thoughts
Making a pot pie in the air fryer is fast, easy, and gives you a crispy crust without turning on the big oven. Preheat to 350°F, cook for 20 to 25 minutes, and check the center before serving.
Once you try this method, you may never go back to the oven. It saves time, saves energy, and the results speak for themselves.