How Long To Cook Pot Pie In Air Fryer: Easy Timing
Most pot pies cook in an air fryer at 350°F for 15 to 25 minutes.
Knowing how long to cook pot pie in air fryer depends on its size, filling, crust, and starting temperature. This guide explains the best cooking times for frozen, refrigerated, homemade, individual, and full-size pot pies, along with simple checks that help you serve a crisp, golden, safely heated meal.
How Long to Cook Pot Pie in an Air Fryer
For most individual pot pies, set the air fryer to 350°F. Cook a frozen pot pie for about 20 to 25 minutes, or cook a refrigerated pot pie for 12 to 18 minutes.
Use these times as a starting point:
| Pot pie type | Air fryer temperature | Approximate cooking time |
|---|---|---|
| Frozen individual pot pie | 350°F | 20 to 25 minutes |
| Refrigerated individual pot pie | 350°F | 12 to 18 minutes |
| Thawed individual pot pie | 350°F | 15 to 20 minutes |
| Homemade individual pot pie | 350°F | 20 to 30 minutes |
| Large 8-inch pot pie | 350°F | 35 to 50 minutes |
| Mini pot pie | 350°F | 10 to 15 minutes |
The filling should be hot in the center, and the crust should look golden brown. For food safety, the thickest part of the filling should reach 165°F, as recommended for dishes containing poultry or meat.
Do not rely on crust color alone. Air fryers can brown the top quickly while the center is still cool.
Best Air Fryer Temperature for Pot Pie
The best air fryer temperature for pot pie is usually 350°F. This setting gives the filling time to heat while the crust becomes crisp without burning too fast.
Some recipes use 375°F, especially for small refrigerated pies. However, a high temperature can darken the pastry before the center is hot. This is more likely with pies that have thick crusts or dense meat filling.
A lower setting of 325°F can work for a large or frozen pot pie. It may need extra time, but it helps warm the center more evenly.
Why 350°F works well
At 350°F, the hot circulating air moves around the pie and cooks the pastry from all sides. Think of it as a small convection oven with stronger airflow.
This method offers several benefits:
• Crisp pastry without deep frying
• Faster cooking than a standard oven
• Less need to preheat
• Even browning when the basket is not crowded
• Easy reheating for leftover pot pie
The exact cooking time still varies by air fryer model. A compact basket may cook faster than a large oven-style air fryer, so check the pie early the first time.
How to Cook a Frozen Pot Pie in an Air Fryer
Frozen pot pie is one of the easiest air fryer meals. You usually do not need to thaw it first.
Follow these steps:
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Preheat the air fryer to 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes if your model recommends preheating.
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Remove all plastic wrapping, cardboard, and paper packaging.
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Place the frozen pot pie in the basket or on the air fryer tray.
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Cook for 20 to 25 minutes at 350°F.
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Check the crust after 15 minutes.
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Cover the top loosely with foil if it is browning too fast.
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Continue cooking until the center reaches 165°F.
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Let the pot pie rest for 3 to 5 minutes before eating.
The foil should sit securely on the pie. Do not let it touch the heating element, and never use foil without checking your air fryer’s manual.
For a large frozen pot pie, allow 35 to 50 minutes. Begin checking the center after 30 minutes. A deep pie may need more time than the crust suggests.
In my own air fryer testing, the most common mistake is removing the pie as soon as the crust turns golden. The top may look ready, but the filling near the middle can still be lukewarm. A quick temperature check prevents that problem.
How to Cook a Refrigerated Pot Pie in an Air Fryer
Refrigerated pot pies cook faster because the filling is already thawed. Most individual refrigerated pies need 12 to 18 minutes at 350°F.
Place the pie in the air fryer basket with space around it. Good airflow helps the crust crisp and prevents uneven heating.
Use this simple method:
• Set the air fryer to 350°F.
• Cook the pot pie for 10 minutes.
• Check the crust and rotate the pie if one side is browning faster.
• Cook for another 3 to 8 minutes.
• Confirm that the center reaches 165°F.
A refrigerated pie may need only 12 minutes in a small air fryer. A thicker pie may need closer to 18 minutes. Start checking early because pastry can go from pale to burnt in only a few minutes.
If the crust browns before the filling is hot, place a loose piece of foil over the top. Remove the foil during the last 2 to 3 minutes if you want the crust to crisp again.
How to Cook Homemade Pot Pie in an Air Fryer
Homemade pot pie can take 20 to 30 minutes when made in a small, oven-safe dish. The timing depends on whether the filling is hot, cold, or frozen before cooking.
If the filling is already cooked and warm, air fry the pie at 350°F for 15 to 22 minutes. If the filling is cold from the refrigerator, allow about 20 to 30 minutes.
For the best results:
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Use a ramekin or small baking dish that fits inside the basket.
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Make sure the dish is labeled oven-safe.
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Avoid filling the dish above the rim.
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Cut one or two small vents in the top crust.
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Brush the pastry lightly with egg wash if desired.
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Cook at 350°F until the crust is golden and the filling reaches 165°F.
Do not use a cold glass dish in a hot air fryer unless the manufacturer says it is safe. Sudden temperature changes can cause some glass to crack.
If you are making several mini pies, leave space between them. Crowding blocks hot air and may leave the pastry soft on the sides.
How to Know When Pot Pie Is Done
The safest way to know when pot pie is done is to check the center with an instant-read thermometer. Insert the probe through a vent in the crust and reach into the filling.
The internal temperature should reach 165°F for pot pie containing chicken, turkey, beef, or other meat. This temperature also helps confirm that the center is fully reheated.
Other signs include:
• A golden brown crust
• Bubbling filling around the vents
• Steam rising from the center
• A firm, crisp pastry edge
• A hot filling from edge to center
Do not cut into the pie immediately after cooking. Resting for 3 to 5 minutes lets the filling settle and reduces the chance of burning your mouth.
If the center is below 165°F, return the pie to the air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes. Check again rather than adding a long block of extra cooking time.
Tips for a Crisp Crust and Hot Filling
A few small changes can improve both texture and cooking speed.
Preheat when needed
Preheating is not required for every air fryer, but it can help the pastry begin cooking at once. This is useful for frozen pot pies and thicker crusts.
Avoid overcrowding
Place only as many pies as fit in a single layer. Air must move around each pie for even cooking.
Use foil carefully
Foil can protect the crust from excessive browning. Cover the pie loosely, and keep the foil away from the fan and heating element.
Add a vent
A vent allows steam to escape. It also helps you insert a thermometer into the filling without cutting open the pie.
Watch the last five minutes
Most air fryer cooking problems happen near the end. The crust may burn quickly, so check often during the final 5 minutes.
Let the pie rest
Resting allows the hot gravy to thicken slightly. It also makes the pie easier and safer to eat.
Adjust for altitude and air fryer size
High altitude, a deep filling, or a small air fryer can change the cooking time. Use the listed times as estimates, then rely on the crust and internal temperature.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking pot pie in an air fryer is simple, but a few mistakes can lead to poor results.
Cooking at too high a temperature
Cooking at 400°F may brown the crust before the filling heats. Use 350°F for a more balanced result.
Leaving the packaging on
Plastic film, cardboard sleeves, and paper trays may not be safe in an air fryer. Remove all packaging before cooking.
Thawing on the counter
Do not thaw a meat-filled pot pie at room temperature. Thaw it in the refrigerator if the package instructions require thawing.
Using a dish that blocks airflow
A large dish can prevent air from circulating. Choose a dish that leaves room around the sides.
Trusting the timer alone
Air fryer models vary. A timer gives you a guide, but the center temperature is the most reliable measure.
Cutting the pie too soon
The filling can spill out and may be dangerously hot. A short rest improves both texture and safety.
Air Fryer Pot Pie Compared With an Oven
An air fryer usually cooks an individual pot pie faster than a conventional oven. The smaller chamber and strong air circulation help the pastry brown quickly.
A conventional oven may be better for a large family-size pie. It offers more space and can heat a deep dish more evenly without crowding.
Choose an air fryer when:
• You are cooking one or two individual pies.
• You want a crisp crust quickly.
• You are reheating leftovers.
• You do not want to heat the full oven.
Choose a conventional oven when:
• The pie is very large.
• You are cooking several pies at once.
• The dish is too wide for the air fryer.
• The package specifically requires oven cooking.
For either method, food safety still matters. The filling should reach 165°F, and the pie should be handled according to its package directions.
Reheating Leftover Pot Pie in an Air Fryer
Air frying is an excellent way to reheat leftover pot pie because it brings back some of the crust’s crisp texture.
Set the air fryer to 325°F or 350°F. Reheat a single slice or small pie for 8 to 15 minutes, depending on its size and how cold it is.
Cover the top loosely with foil for the first few minutes if the crust is already dark. Remove the foil near the end to restore crispness.
Check that the center reaches 165°F. Let the pie rest for a few minutes before serving, since the filling can become very hot even when the crust feels warm.
Keep leftover pot pie refrigerated and use it within 3 to 4 days for best quality and safety. If it has been left at room temperature for more than 2 hours, discard it.
Frequently Asked Questions About How Long to Cook Pot Pie in an Air Fryer
How long do you cook a frozen pot pie in an air fryer?
Cook a frozen individual pot pie at 350°F for about 20 to 25 minutes. Check that the filling reaches 165°F before serving.
Can you put a frozen pot pie directly in the air fryer?
Yes, most frozen pot pies can go directly into the air fryer after all packaging is removed. Do not thaw the pie unless the package instructions say to do so.
What temperature should pot pie reach?
A pot pie with meat or poultry should reach 165°F in the center. Use an instant-read thermometer because a brown crust does not always mean the filling is hot.
Should you cover pot pie with foil in an air fryer?
Cover the pie loosely with foil if the crust browns too quickly. Keep the foil away from the heating element and remove it near the end for a crisp crust.
Why is my pot pie crust cooked but the filling cold?
The air fryer temperature may be too high, or the pie may be too deep. Lower the temperature to 325°F or 350°F, cover the crust, and cook until the center reaches 165°F.
Can you reheat pot pie in an air fryer?
Yes, reheat leftover pot pie at 325°F to 350°F for about 8 to 15 minutes. Heat the center to 165°F and let it rest before eating.
Conclusion
The answer to how long to cook pot pie in air fryer is usually 20 to 25 minutes for a frozen individual pie at 350°F. Refrigerated pies often need 12 to 18 minutes, while homemade or large pies may take 20 to 50 minutes.
Use cooking time as a guide, protect the crust with foil when needed, and check the center for 165°F. With these simple steps, you can enjoy a crisp, golden crust and a hot, creamy filling without turning on the full oven. Try the method with your favorite pot pie, then share your air fryer timing and results in the comments.
Appliance Review Expert
Lucas Ramirez is a trusted voice at HomeFixGrid.com, known for his clear, practical, and creatively written guides that simplify appliance care for everyday homeowners. With a strong focus on hands-on testing and real-world problem-solving, Lucas brings expert insight into appliance reviews and troubleshooting techniques. Her work empowers readers to confidently maintain, repair, and choose the right appliances for their homes.
