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Let me set the scene real quick. It’s a long weekday evening, my brain feels fried (ironic, I know), and cooking from scratch sounds like a personal attack. Ever been there? That’s exactly when I discovered the absolute magic of making a frozen pot pie in the air fryer—and yeah, it kind of changed my comfort-food game forever.

I didn’t expect much the first time. I figured, “Worst case, I waste one sad frozen pot pie.” Best case? Crispy crust, bubbling filling, zero oven preheating drama. Spoiler alert: it was the best case. And now, after way too many experiments (and taste tests), I’m sharing everything I know so you don’t have to learn the hard way. IMO, this method beats the oven on busy nights. 🙂

Why the Air Fryer Is a Total Game-Changer for Frozen Pot Pie

Let’s be honest—frozen pot pies have always tasted good, but the texture? Meh. The microwave turns the crust into soggy sadness. The oven takes forever and heats the whole kitchen like it’s July.

The air fryer fixes all of that.

What I Love Most About It

Crispier crust (top and bottom, not just the edges)
Faster cook time than the oven
No preheating stress
Perfect single-serve comfort food

Ever wondered why the crust tastes bakery-level good? That rapid hot air circulation hits every angle of the pie. No soggy bottoms here—Paul Hollywood would approve.

Best Frozen Pot Pies for the Air Fryer (From Actual Testing)

I’ve tried a lot. Like… a lot. Chicken, turkey, beef, veggie—you name it. While most work, some shine more than others.

My Go-To Picks

Marie Callender’s Chicken Pot Pie (10 oz) – Creamy filling, flaky crust, reliable every time
Banquet Classic Chicken Pot Pie – Budget-friendly and surprisingly crisp
Healthy Choice Simply Steamers Pot Pie – Lighter option, still satisfying

FYI: family-size pot pies don’t work great unless your air fryer is huge. Individual pies cook more evenly.

What You’ll Need (Spoiler: Not Much)

This recipe stays intentionally low-effort because that’s the whole point.

Ingredients

1 frozen pot pie (chicken, turkey, beef, or veggie)
Aluminum foil (optional but helpful)
Cooking spray (optional)

That’s it. No seasoning, no prep bowl, no mess. Wild, right?

Step-by-Step: How I Cook Frozen Pot Pie in the Air Fryer

I’ve tested different temps, timings, and placements. This method works consistently.

Step 1: Preheat (Optional but Recommended)

I preheat my air fryer to 360°F for 3 minutes. Some models don’t need this, but I get better crust when I do.

Step 2: Remove All Packaging

Take the pot pie out of the box and plastic wrap. Do not remove it from the foil pan—that pan matters.

Step 3: Protect the Crust

If the crust browns too fast (it happens), loosely cover the top with foil halfway through cooking.

Step 4: Air Fry

Temperature: 360°F
Time: 18–22 minutes

I usually check at the 15-minute mark. If the top looks golden and the filling bubbles, you’re close.

Step 5: Rest Before Eating

Let it sit for 3–5 minutes. I know waiting hurts, but molten pot pie lava is no joke.

How Do You Know It’s Fully Cooked?

This question pops up a lot, and for good reason.

Signs It’s Done

Crust is deep golden brown
Filling bubbles through the vent
Center feels hot when pierced

If the middle feels lukewarm, pop it back in for 2–3 more minutes. No shame in double-checking.

Common Mistakes I’ve Made (So You Don’t Have To)

Yep, I messed up a few times.

Mistake #1: Too High Heat

Cranking the air fryer to 400°F sounds smart. It’s not. The crust burns before the filling heats.

Mistake #2: Skipping the Foil Trick

Some pies brown fast. Foil saves the day.

Mistake #3: Overcrowding

Air needs room to circulate. One pot pie at a time works best.

Oven vs Air Fryer: Real Talk Comparison

I’ve cooked the same brand both ways, back-to-back.

Air Fryer Wins Because:

Cooks faster
Better crust texture
Less energy use

The oven still works, but once you go air fryer… yeah, it’s hard to go back.

My Favorite Air Fryers for This Recipe

Not all air fryers handle pot pies equally. I’ve used several, and these consistently deliver.

Ninja AF101 Air Fryer
👉 https://amzn.to/3N91U2B
Great basket size, even heat, easy cleanup.
COSORI Pro LE Air Fryer 5-Qt
👉 https://amzn.to/4qcqAFW
Perfect for single meals and frozen foods.
Instant Vortex Plus 6-in-1
👉 https://amzn.to/4qdrMsX
Awesome airflow and super reliable temps.

I use the Ninja most days, and it hasn’t failed me yet.

Fun Ways I Upgrade Frozen Pot Pie (When I’m Feeling Fancy)

Sometimes I feel extra. Sometimes I don’t. On “extra” days, I do this:

Easy Upgrades

Crack the crust and add shredded rotisserie chicken
Sprinkle black pepper or garlic powder
Brush the crust with melted butter halfway through

Does it turn frozen food into gourmet? No. Does it taste better? Absolutely.

Is Air Fryer Pot Pie Actually Healthier?

Let’s not lie to ourselves—it’s still comfort food. But…

Why It’s Slightly Better

No added oil required
Shorter cook time preserves texture
Portion-controlled servings

Balance is key. Eat the pot pie, enjoy it, move on with life.

FAQs I Get All the Time

Can I cook it from frozen?

Yes. Always cook from frozen. Thawing ruins the texture.

Can I use parchment paper?

I don’t recommend it. Foil works better and won’t block airflow.

Can I cook two at once?

Only if your basket allows space around each pie.

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