Can You Cook Frozen Pot Pies in an Air Fryer

You pull a box of frozen pot pies out of the freezer, and you're staring at your air fryer wondering the same thing everyone asks: can you cook frozen pot pies in an air fryer? The short answer is yes, but the real answer depends entirely on what kind of pie you bought and how you prepare it. Get it right and you'll have a crispy, flaky crust with a piping hot filling in under 20 minutes.

Get it wrong and you're dealing with a burnt crust and a cold center.

USDA guidelines require all frozen pot pies to reach an internal temperature of 165°F to be safe for consumption, and air fryers can absolutely hit that target. But here's the catch: not every pot pie is built the same way, and your air fryer's wattage and basket design play a huge role in how well it cooks. Let's walk through exactly how to nail this every time.

Quick Answer

Yes, you can cook frozen pot pies in an air fryer. Set the temperature to 375°F. Cook individual pies for 14 to 18 minutes.

Check the internal temp with a food thermometer. It must reach 165°F. Let the pie rest for three minutes before eating.

Remove paperboard trays first. Foil pans are fine to use as-is.

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The Two Big Variables That Change Everything

Not all frozen pot pies are the same, and your air fryer doesn't care about the brand name on the box. What matters are two specific things: the pan material and the crust design. These two factors determine everything about your cooking time, temperature, and whether you'll end up with a mess or a meal.

Pan Material: Foil vs. Paperboard

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This is the most common mistake people make, and it's an easy one to fix. Many frozen pot pies come in a paperboard tray that's not designed for high heat. Pop that straight into an air fryer at 375°F and you're risking scorched cardboard and a potential fire hazard.

Foil pans handle the heat just fine and actually conduct heat better, helping the bottom crust cook through.

If your pie comes in a paperboard tray, remove it. Slide the frozen pie out carefully and place it directly in the air fryer basket. If the pie won't hold its shape without the tray, put it on a small piece of foil or use a silicone liner.

For pies in a foil pan, leave it in the pan. The foil helps distribute heat evenly to the bottom.

Crust Design: Single vs. Double Crust

A pie with only a top crust cooks faster than one with both a top and bottom crust. The bottom crust needs direct heat to crisp up, and in an air fryer that means it needs good airflow underneath. If your pie has a double crust, you might need to flip it halfway through to get the bottom properly cooked.

Single crust pies are more forgiving because the filling sits directly in the pan and heats through faster.

Size Matters Too

Individual pies (5 to 7 ounces) are the sweet spot for air fryers. Family-size pies (10 ounces and up) need special attention. Your air fryer basket might not fit a full-size pie at all, and even if it does, the cooking time jumps significantly.

We'll cover both sizes in the decision tree below.

For the best results, consider using a rack insert to lift the pie off the basket floor. Our guide on the best air fryer rack for oven options explains how improved airflow can make a big difference with items that need even browning underneath.

The Decision Tree: Which Pie Do You Have?

Let's make this simple. Find your situation below and follow the branch that matches your exact pie.

Branch A: Foil Pan, Single Crust (Top Crust Only)

This is the easiest scenario. Leave the pie in its foil pan. Place it in the air fryer basket.

No preheating needed. Cook at 375°F for 14 to 16 minutes. Check the internal temperature at the 14-minute mark.

The crust should be golden brown and the filling bubbling. Let it rest for two minutes. That's it.

The foil pan helps the filling heat evenly, and the single crust means less risk of a soggy bottom.

Branch B: Foil Pan, Double Crust (Top and Bottom Crust)

You'll need an extra step here. Cook at 375°F for 10 minutes. Then carefully flip the entire pie using a spatula or tongs.

Cook for another 6 to 8 minutes. Flipping it ensures the bottom crust gets direct heat and crisps up. Without this step, you'll end up with a pale, doughy bottom.

The total cook time lands around 16 to 18 minutes. Always check the center with a thermometer before serving.

Branch C: Paperboard Tray

Remove the pie from the paperboard tray first. If it's a single crust pie, place it directly in the basket. If it's a double crust, place it on a small piece of foil or a silicone liner to help it hold its shape.

Cook at 375°F. Single crust pies need about 12 to 14 minutes. Double crust pies need 14 to 16 minutes with a flip at the halfway mark.

The pie will cook faster without the paperboard insulating it, so keep an eye on it.

Branch D: Family-Size Pie (10 oz or More)

These are trickier. Most family-size pies won't fit in a standard air fryer basket. If yours does fit, lower the temperature to 350°F.

Cook for 22 to 28 minutes. Check internal temp at 22 minutes. You may need to tent the top with foil if the crust browns too quickly.

If the pie doesn't fit, you're better off using a conventional oven. Cramming a too-large pie in blocks airflow and leads to uneven cooking.

Step-by-Step: How to Air Fry Any Frozen Pot Pie

Here's a universal method that works for any pie once you've identified your branch above. Follow these steps in order.

Step 1: Identify Your Pan Material

Check the box. If it says "do not microwave in this tray" or the tray feels like thin cardboard, it's paperboard. Remove the pie from the tray.

If the tray is foil, you're good to go.

Step 2: Prep the Pie

Take the pie out of the box and remove any plastic wrapping. Use a sharp knife to cut a small slit in the top crust. This lets steam escape and prevents the filling from bubbling over.

Don't skip this step. An unvented pie can burst in the air fryer and make a mess.

Step 3: Set the Temperature

Start at 375°F for most pies. If your air fryer runs hot (some do, as of 2026), drop it to 360°F. If it runs cool, bump it to 385°F.

You'll learn your machine's personality after a couple of tries.

Step 4: Cook and Monitor

Place the pie in the basket. Leave space around it for airflow. Don't crowd the basket with two pies if they're touching.

Cook for the minimum time in your branch above, then check. Crust color and bubbling filling are good signs. But don't rely on looks alone.

Step 5: Check Internal Temperature

This is non-negotiable. Insert an instant-read thermometer into the center of the pie. It must read 165°F or higher.

If it's below that, cook in two-minute increments and check again. The filling heats slower than the crust, so a golden top doesn't mean a hot center.

Step 6: Rest Before Serving

Let the pie sit for two to three minutes after it comes out. The filling is molten hot straight from the air fryer. Resting lets it cool to a safe eating temperature and helps the filling set slightly.

This is the same reason you rest a baked potato or a roast before cutting into it. Our guide on how to make a baked potato in an air fryer covers similar resting principles that apply here too.

Temperature & Time Cheat Sheet (By Pie Type)

These times assume a standard 1500W air fryer. If your machine is higher or lower wattage, adjust by about one minute per 100 watts of difference.

Common Mistakes That Ruin Your Pot Pie

Let's look at what goes wrong most often so you can avoid it before it happens.

Skipping the Internal Temp Check

This is the biggest error. The crust can look perfect while the filling is still cold in the middle. Frozen pot pies are dense and take time to heat through.

A thermometer is not optional here. It's the only way to know the pie is safe to eat. USDA guidelines are clear on the 165°F standard, and air fryers can create hot spots that fool your eyes.

Forgetting About the Paperboard Fire Risk

Paperboard trays are not rated for air fryer temperatures. At 375°F, the tray can scorch, smoke, or even catch fire. Always remove the pie from the tray before cooking.

If you've ever wondered about other materials in the air fryer, our guide on does plastic melt in an air fryer covers similar safety concerns with different materials.

Overcrowding the Basket

Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food. If you cram two pies in side by side, they block each other's airflow. The result is uneven cooking and longer times.

Cook one pie at a time for best results. If you need to cook two, cook them sequentially. The second one will cook faster since the air fryer is already hot.

Not Accounting for Air Fryer Wattage Differences

A 1200W air fryer cooks slower than an 1800W model. If you follow a recipe written for a high-wattage machine on a low-wattage machine, you'll undercook the pie. Check your air fryer's wattage on the label or in the manual.

Adjust cooking times accordingly. Low-wattage machines need about 10 to 15 percent more time. High-wattage machines need about 10 percent less.

What About Specific Brands?

Different brands use different crust recipes, fillings, and pan materials. Here's what you need to know about the most common ones you'll find in the freezer aisle.

Marie Callender's

These come in paperboard trays. Remove the pie from the tray before air frying. The crust is a double crust design with a bottom and top.

Follow Branch C from the decision tree. Cook at 375°F for 14 to 16 minutes with a flip at the 8-minute mark. The filling is thick and takes time to heat through.

Check the center carefully. Marie Callender's pies are on the larger side for individual servings, so they may need the full 16 minutes.

Banquet

Banquet pot pies are smaller, typically around 7 ounces. They come in foil pans with a single top crust. This is Branch A territory.

Cook at 375°F for 12 to 14 minutes. No flip needed. The filling heats quickly because the pie is smaller.

Check at 12 minutes. Banquet pies are budget-friendly and work well in air fryers because the foil pan conducts heat efficiently.

Amy's

Amy's uses paperboard trays for most of their pot pies. Remove the pie from the tray. Their crust is a double crust design.

Follow Branch C. Cook at 375°F for 14 to 16 minutes with a flip at 8 minutes. Amy's pies have a denser filling that may need an extra minute or two.

Check internal temp at 14 minutes and add time in two-minute increments if needed.

Stouffer's

Stouffer's offers both individual and family-size options. The individual pies come in foil pans with a single top crust. Follow Branch A.

Cook at 375°F for 14 to 16 minutes. The family-size pies need the lower temperature and longer time from Branch D. Stouffer's fillings tend to be thinner than other brands, so they bubble up more.

Make sure your vent slit is big enough to prevent overflow.

Store Brands and Generics

Generic and store brand pot pies vary wildly. Check the pan material first. Many store brands use paperboard trays to keep costs down.

Remove the pie from the tray. The crust quality varies too. Some store brands have thinner crusts that cook faster.

Start with the minimum recommended time for your pie type and check early. You can always add more time, but you can't uncook a burnt crust.

Air Fryer vs. Oven vs. Microwave: Which Is Best?

Each method has its trade-offs. Here's how they stack up so you can choose based on what matters most to you.

The air fryer wins for speed and texture. The microwave wins for speed only, but you sacrifice the crust entirely. The conventional oven is the most reliable for even cooking, but it takes twice as long and heats up your whole kitchen.

The toaster oven splits the difference but still takes longer than the air fryer.

If texture matters to you, skip the microwave. The crust turns into a rubbery mess. If you're in a hurry and don't care about the crust, the microwave is fine.

But if you want that golden, flaky crust with a hot filling, the air fryer is your best bet for a weeknight dinner.

Pro Tips for a Better Crust and Filling

These are the small adjustments that turn a good pot pie into a great one.

The Foil Tent Trick

If the crust is browning too fast but the filling isn't hot yet, tent a piece of foil loosely over the top of the pie. This blocks direct heat from the heating element while allowing the air fryer to continue cooking the filling. Check every two minutes after tenting.

Remove the foil once the filling hits temperature.

Butter Wash for Extra Browning

Brush the top crust with melted butter before cooking. This gives you a deeper golden color and adds flavor. Use about half a teaspoon for an individual pie.

Don't use oil. Butter has milk solids that brown better than oil at air fryer temperatures.

How to Fix a Soggy Bottom

A soggy bottom crust happens when moisture gets trapped underneath the pie. To fix this, place the pie on a wire rack inside the air fryer basket. This lifts it off the solid surface and lets air circulate underneath.

If you don't have a rack, flip the pie halfway through cooking to let the bottom crust crisp up directly against the basket.

Batch Cooking and Reheating

Cook pies one at a time for best results. If you need to cook two, cook the second one immediately after the first. The air fryer stays hot and the second pie will cook about two minutes faster.

For reheating leftovers, use 350°F for 6 to 8 minutes. The lower temperature prevents the crust from burning while the filling reheats through. This same principle applies when you're reheating other leftovers like a roast, which we cover in our guide on making a roast in an air fryer.

Safety Warnings You Shouldn't Ignore

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Frozen pot pies are safe to cook from frozen, but only if you follow a few basic rules. The USDA sets the minimum safe internal temperature at 165°F for poultry and meat pies. This isn't a suggestion.

It's the temperature required to kill harmful bacteria like salmonella and listeria.

Never cook a pot pie that has thawed and been refrozen. The texture degrades and the filling can develop hot spots that don't reach safe temperatures evenly. If your pie has ice crystals on the surface or the box is damaged, throw it out.

The filling inside a pot pie is extremely hot when it comes out of the air fryer. Let it rest for at least two to three minutes. The filling can cause burns if you bite into it immediately.

This is especially important for kids. Cut the pie open and let steam escape before serving to younger children.

If you notice smoke coming from your air fryer during cooking, stop immediately. Check if the pie has spilled over or if any paperboard is touching the heating element. Foil pans can sometimes shift and touch the heating element if they're too large.

Always make sure the pan sits flat in the basket.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to thaw the pie first?

No. Cook frozen pot pies directly from the freezer. Thawing changes the texture of the crust and can make it soggy before it even hits the air fryer.

The cooking process is designed to go from frozen.

Can I cook two at once?

Only if your air fryer basket is large enough that the pies don't touch each other or the sides. If they're touching, airflow is blocked and they'll cook unevenly. Cook one at a time for consistent results.

What if my air fryer runs hot?

Lower the temperature by 15 to 25 degrees. Many air fryers run hotter than their displayed temperature, especially budget models. If you notice the crust browning too fast on your first attempt, drop the temp next time.

For perfectly cooked fries with consistent results, check our guide on the best air fryer setting for fries to understand how different air fryers behave at various temperatures.

How do I know it's done without a thermometer?

You can't know for sure without a thermometer. The crust can look perfect while the filling is still cold. If you absolutely don't have a thermometer, let the pie rest for five minutes after the minimum cook time, then test the filling with a clean finger.

If it's hot to the touch near the center, it's likely done. But a thermometer is the only reliable method.

Can I air fry a pot pie in a ceramic or glass dish?

Check the manufacturer's instructions for your air fryer. Most air fryers allow oven-safe ceramic and glass dishes. But avoid sudden temperature changes.

Don't put a cold glass dish straight into a hot air fryer. Let it come to room temperature first, or use the foil pan it came in.

Steak cooks well in an air fryer too, and the same temperature monitoring principles apply. Our guide on how to cook steak in an air fryer covers the importance of internal temperature checks for different types of meat.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

Yes, absolutely. Cooking frozen pot pies in an air fryer is faster than the oven and gives you a better crust than the microwave. The key is matching your cooking method to your specific pie type.

Remove paperboard trays, vent the crust, check the internal temperature, and let it rest. Follow those rules and you'll get a crispy, hot pot pie in about 15 minutes.

The air fryer isn't the right tool for family-size pies or batch cooking for a crowd. But for individual servings on a busy weeknight, it's the best option you have. Keep a few frozen pot pies in your freezer and you're always 15 minutes away from a hot meal.

That 15-minute turnaround beats waiting for the oven to preheat, and the texture blows the microwave out of the water. Once you nail your specific pie type and air fryer wattage, you'll be making these without even thinking about it.

The key takeaway: know your pan, vent your crust, flip when needed, and always verify that 165°F internal temp. Do those four things every time and you won't have a single bad pot pie experience. Your air fryer is about to become your go-to for frozen comfort food.

And once you've got the pot pie method down, you'll start wondering what else you've been missing out on. The same principles apply across the board. Know your equipment, know your food, and check your temps.

For more air fryer inspiration, our guide on how to make french fried onions in an air fryer shows you how the same crispy texture principles apply to other frozen favorites. And if you're looking for vegetable options, the guide on frying squash in an air fryer covers similar timing and temperature adjustments for fresh produce. Your air fryer can handle a lot more than you think.

Start with the pot pie and go from there.

The whole chicken guide is worth a look too if you're feeling ambitious. A whole bird takes longer than a pot pie, but the same logic applies: check the temp, don't crowd the basket, and let it rest. Your air fryer is a versatile tool.

The pot pie is just the beginning.

Once you've got the basics down, you'll find yourself reaching for the air fryer more often than the oven. It's faster, uses less energy, and delivers better texture on frozen foods. That's a win on every front.

How to Cook Steak in an Air Fryer

Cooking steak in an air fryer is faster than pan-searing and doesn't fill your kitchen with smoke. The key is getting a good sear on the outside while keeping the inside at your preferred doneness. Start with a steak that's at least one inch thick.

Thinner cuts cook too fast and dry out before the crust forms.

Pat the steak dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes.

This helps the steak cook more evenly. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about five minutes. Place the steak in the basket in a single layer.

Don't crowd it.

Cook for 6 to 8 minutes for medium-rare, flipping halfway through. Adjust the time based on thickness and your preferred doneness. A food thermometer is your best friend here.

Remove the steak when it hits 130°F for medium-rare. Let it rest for five minutes before slicing. The temperature will rise another five degrees during resting.

Best Cuts of Steak for the Air Fryer

Ribeye and sirloin work well in the air fryer. They have enough marbling to stay juicy during the high-heat cook. Filet mignon also works but needs a shorter cook time since it's leaner.

Avoid thin cuts like flank steak or skirt steak. They cook too fast and turn tough.

The air fryer can't replace a cast iron skillet for a deep crust. But it does a respectable job in half the time. If you want a deeper sear, finish the steak in a hot pan for 30 seconds per side after air frying.

That gives you the best of both methods.

How to Reheat Steak in an Air Fryer

Reheating steak in a microwave ruins the texture. The air fryer does it better. Set the temperature to 350°F.

Cook leftover steak for three to four minutes. Check the internal temperature. You want it hot but not overcooked.

The steak comes out close to its original texture, not dry and rubbery.

Slice the steak before reheating if it's thick. This helps it heat through faster and more evenly. Let it rest for a minute after reheating before serving.

Common Mistakes When Cooking Steak

The biggest mistake is skipping the preheat. A cold air fryer doesn't give you that initial sear. The second mistake is overcooking.

Air fryers cook faster than ovens, so check your steak early. Start checking at six minutes for a one-inch steak.

Don't add oil to the basket. The steak has enough fat to render. Oil just creates smoke.

If you want extra browning, brush a thin layer of oil on the steak itself, not the basket.

Final Thoughts on Air Fryer Steak

The air fryer is a solid option for cooking steak when you don't want to fire up a grill or deal with a smoky kitchen. It won't replace a high-heat sear from cast iron. But it delivers consistent results with minimal effort.

Pair it with air fryer vegetables for a complete meal in under 20 minutes.

The air fryer steak method works with most cuts, but it really shines with ribeye and sirloin. Filet is good too, just watch the time closely. Thinner cuts like flank or skirt cook too fast and dry out.

Save those for the grill or a hot pan.

Best Temperature for Different Doneness Levels

These times assume a preheated air fryer at 400°F. Flip the steak halfway through. Let it rest for five minutes after cooking.

The temperature will rise about 5°F during resting.

Should You Season Steak Before Air Frying

Yes. Salt and pepper are enough. Apply them at least 15 minutes before cooking.

This gives the salt time to penetrate the meat. If you want a more complex flavor, add garlic powder or smoked paprika. Avoid wet marinades.

They create steam in the air fryer and prevent browning.

Can You Cook Frozen Steak in an Air Fryer

Yes, but it takes longer and the texture is different. Cook frozen steak at 380°F for 12 to 15 minutes for medium-rare. Add about 50 percent more time compared to thawed steak.

The outside will be more done than the inside. That's normal. Pat the steak dry before seasoning if it has excess ice or moisture.

How to Get a Better Sear on Air Fryer Steak

The air fryer doesn't get hot enough for a true cast iron sear. But you can improve it. Brush the steak with a thin layer of mayonnaise or butter before cooking.

The fats brown at air fryer temperatures and create a better crust. Another option is to finish the steak in a hot pan for 30 seconds per side after air frying.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Steak

Air fryer vegetables are the natural pairing. Asparagus, broccoli, or green beans cook in about 8 minutes at 400°F. Toss them in oil and salt before adding to the basket.

The steak rests while the vegetables cook. Everything finishes at the same time. Add a baked potato from the air fryer for a complete meal.

How to Clean Your Air Fryer After Cooking Steak

Steak leaves behind grease and residue. Clean the basket while it's still warm. Soak it in hot soapy water for 10 minutes.

Scrub with a non-abrasive sponge. Don't use steel wool. It scratches the non-stick coating.

Wipe the heating element with a damp cloth once the unit cools completely. Grease buildup on the element causes smoke during future cooks.

When the Air Fryer Isn't the Best Choice for Steak

The air fryer falls short with very thick steaks over 1.5 inches. The outside overcooks before the center reaches temperature. Thick steaks do better with reverse searing in an oven and finishing in a pan.

The air fryer also struggles with steak that has a wet marinade. The moisture creates steam instead of searing.

Final Verdict on Air Fryer Steak

The air fryer handles steak well for a fast weeknight meal. It won't compete with a high-end grill or cast iron sear. But it delivers consistent results with minimal cleanup.

Keep your expectations realistic and use the right cut. A one-inch ribeye at 400°F for 7 minutes with a 5-minute rest gives you a solid medium-rare every time.

That's the takeaway. Choose the right cut, preheat the machine, and check your temps. The air fryer won't replace your grill or your cast iron skillet.

But it will get dinner on the table fast with less mess and no smoke alarms. For most weeknights, that's exactly what you need.

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Can You Cook Homemade Pot Pies in an Air Fryer?

Yes, and they often cook better than store-bought ones. Use a small oven-safe ramekin or foil tin. Pre-bake the bottom crust for five minutes at 375°F before adding the filling.

This prevents sogginess. Cook assembled pies at 375°F for 18 to 22 minutes. Check the internal temp at the center.

How Long Do Pot Pies Stay Safe in the Freezer?

Frozen pot pies maintain quality for 12 to 18 months. Check the packaging date. The USDA recommends using them within that window for best flavor and safety.

After that, the crust may develop freezer burn. The filling is still safe but texture degrades.

Do You Need to Preheat the Air Fryer for Pot Pies?

Preheating isn't required. Pot pies cook from frozen and the longer cook time allows the air fryer to reach temperature naturally. If you do preheat, reduce the cook time by about two minutes.

Check the internal temp early to avoid overcooking.

What Wattage Air Fryer Works Best for Frozen Foods?

Mid-range wattage (1500W to 1700W) offers the best balance. Lower wattage machines extend cook times. Higher wattage models can brown the crust too fast.

Adjust your recipe based on your specific wattage. Check the manual for exact specs.

How to Reheat Pot Pie Leftovers in an Air Fryer

Reheat at 350°F for 6 to 8 minutes. Cover loosely with foil if the crust is already dark. Check the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

The air fryer restores crispness better than a microwave. Let it rest for one minute before serving.