How to Cook Frozen Pot Pie in Air Fryer

You've got a frozen pot pie in the freezer and a craving that won't wait 45 minutes for the oven. The good news is yes, you can cook frozen pot pie in an air fryer, and it takes about half the time. But here's the catch: the method changes depending on the size of your pie and the type of air fryer you own.

Manufacturer specifications for most air fryer models indicate a cooking range of 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for frozen pies. The USDA's safe minimum internal temperature for meat and poultry pot pies is 165 degrees Fahrenheit, and that's the number you need to hit regardless of the appliance. Getting there without burning the crust is the real trick.

Let's walk through what actually works.

Image source: Wikimedia Commons / Infrogmation of New Orleans (CC BY-SA)

Quick Answer

Yes, you can cook a frozen pot pie in an air fryer. Set a single-serve pie at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 14 to 18 minutes. Family-size pies need 350 degrees for 25 to 35 minutes.

Always check the internal temperature hits 165 degrees Fahrenheit before serving.

The Short Answer: Yes, But It Depends on Your Pie

The answer is a straightforward yes for most single-serve frozen pot pies. These are the 5 to 10 ounce pies you find in the freezer aisle. They fit nicely in a standard basket air fryer and cook evenly in under 20 minutes.

Family-size pot pies are a different story. These 8 to 10 inch pies require more space and more time. They also need a lower temperature to prevent the crust from burning before the center reaches 165 degrees.

An air fryer oven works best for these larger pies.

Your specific air fryer model matters too. Basket-style air fryers have a concentrated airflow that browns the top crust faster. Air fryer ovens circulate heat more evenly around the entire pie.

Both work, but the timing and temperature change.

The crust type also plays a role. A double crust pie (top and bottom) takes longer to cook through than a single crust pie. Puff pastry tops brown faster than traditional pie crust.

And pies with a paper or foil tin conduct heat differently than those in a ceramic dish.

As of 2026, most major frozen pot pie brands include air fryer instructions on their packaging. But many still default to conventional oven directions. If your box only lists oven instructions, use the guidelines in this article as a starting point.

How Air Fryers Cook Frozen Pot Pies (and Why It's Different From an Oven)

An air fryer is essentially a small convection oven. It uses a powerful fan to circulate hot air rapidly around the food. This is why it cooks faster than a conventional oven.

For a frozen pot pie, the air fryer's rapid airflow does two things well. It browns the top crust quickly, giving you that golden, flaky finish. It also transfers heat to the filling faster than a still oven.

But that same airflow can work against you. The crust can burn before the filling is fully heated. Frozen fillings are dense and take longer to warm up than the thin pastry on top.

This is why the temperature and timing need to be precise.

Conventional ovens are more forgiving. They heat the pie from all sides at a slower rate. The crust browns gradually while the filling has time to catch up.

An air fryer speeds up the browning process, which means you need to manage the heat more carefully.

This is where knowing your specific air fryer matters. Some models run hotter than others, even at the same temperature setting. The best approach is to start with a moderate temperature and check the internal temperature regularly.

For more on how different settings affect cooking, the guide on the best air fryer setting for fries offers useful insights into how temperature and time interact with different foods.

The Two Big Variables: Pie Size and Air Fryer Type

Image source: YouTube / Melanie Cooks (YouTube thumbnail (fair-use with source credit))

The first variable is pie size. Single-serve pot pies are typically 5 to 10 ounces and measure about 4 inches across. They cook quickly and fit easily in most basket air fryers.

Family-size pot pies are 8 to 10 inches across and weigh 16 to 24 ounces. They take significantly longer to cook and require more space. Some may not fit in a standard basket air fryer at all.

The second variable is your air fryer type. Basket air fryers are the most common. They have a small cooking chamber with a fan that blows air down onto the food.

This works well for single-serve pies but not for larger ones.

Air fryer ovens look like small toaster ovens. They have multiple racks and a fan that circulates air from the back. These can accommodate family-size pies more easily.

If you are cooking a large pie, this is the better option. Some air fryer ovens have enough capacity to handle a whole chicken, which shows you the kind of space we are talking about.

The key takeaway is simple: match the cooking method to your pie size and your air fryer type. A single-serve pie in a basket air fryer needs a different approach than a family-size pie in an oven-style unit.

Step-by-Step: Cooking a Single-Serve Frozen Pot Pie in a Basket Air Fryer

Here is the process that works for most 5 to 10 ounce frozen pot pies in a basket air fryer.

Step 1: Remove the packaging. Take off the cardboard sleeve and plastic wrapper. Leave the pie in its metal tin. Do not remove the foil lid if it has one.

Step 2: Preheat your air fryer. Set it to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Most basket air fryers preheat in 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 3: Place the pie in the basket. Put it in the center so air can flow around all sides. Do not overcrowd the basket with other food.

Step 4: Cook for 8 minutes. Then check the crust. If it is browning too fast, lower the temperature to 350 degrees for the remaining time.

Step 5: Cook for another 6 to 10 minutes. Total time should be 14 to 18 minutes for a standard 5 to 7 ounce pie. A 10 ounce pie may need up to 22 minutes.

Step 6: Check the internal temperature. Insert an instant read thermometer into the center of the filling. It should read at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit per USDA guidelines.

Step 7: Let the pie rest for 2 to 3 minutes. The filling will be extremely hot and can burn your mouth.

Step 8: Serve. The crust should be golden and flaky, and the filling should be bubbling.

If you want to add a side dish, you can cook a baked potato in the air fryer at the same time. Just start the potato first since it takes longer than the pie.

Step-by-Step: Cooking a Family-Size Frozen Pot Pie in an Air Fryer Oven

Family-size pies need a gentler approach. Here is the process for an 8 to 10 inch frozen pot pie in an air fryer oven.

Step 1: Remove the packaging. Take off the cardboard and plastic. Keep the pie in its metal or foil tin.

Step 2: Preheat your air fryer oven. Set it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This lower temperature prevents the crust from burning before the center cooks through.

Step 3: Place the pie on the center rack. Make sure there is at least 1 inch of space around the pie for air circulation.

Step 4: Cook for 15 minutes. Then rotate the pie 180 degrees for even cooking.

Step 5: Cook for another 10 to 20 minutes. Total time is typically 25 to 35 minutes for an 8 inch pie. A 10 inch pie may need up to 40 minutes.

Step 6: Check the crust after 20 minutes. If it is browning too quickly, tent the top loosely with aluminum foil. This slows down the browning while the center continues to cook.

Step 7: Check the internal temperature. The center of the filling must reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Check in multiple spots to ensure even heating.

Step 8: Let the pie rest for 5 minutes. The filling will be extremely hot and needs time to settle.

Step 9: Cut and serve. A family-size pie serves 2 to 3 people as a main dish.

If you are cooking other proteins alongside the pie, keep in mind that the timing will need adjustment. The approach for cooking steak in an air fryer is different because steak cooks much faster and at a higher temperature.

Temperature and Time Cheat Sheet by Pie Size

Here is a quick reference table for the most common frozen pot pie sizes. Use these as starting points and adjust based on your specific air fryer model.

These times assume the pie is fully frozen. If you partially thawed the pie, reduce the cooking time by 3 to 5 minutes. Always verify with a thermometer.

The temperature drop for larger pies is important. Family-size pies need the lower heat because the center takes longer to warm up. The crust will burn at 375 degrees long before the filling reaches 165 degrees.

If your air fryer runs hot, drop the temperature by another 25 degrees. Many air fryer enthusiasts report that their unit runs 10 to 20 degrees hotter than the dial setting. The whole chicken cooking guide covers this calibration issue in more detail for larger items.

7 Mistakes That Ruin Your Pot Pie in the Air Fryer

Mistake 1: Cooking at too high a temperature. This is the most common error. High heat browns the crust fast but leaves the center cold. Stick to 350 to 375 degrees for single pies and 325 to 350 for family-size.

Mistake 2: Not preheating the air fryer. Dropping a frozen pie into a cold air fryer extends the cooking time unevenly. The crust starts cooking later than the filling. A 2 minute preheat solves this.

Mistake 3: Overcrowding the basket. Cooking two pies at once sounds efficient, but it blocks airflow. The pies will cook unevenly and take longer. Cook one at a time for best results.

Mistake 4: Forgetting to rotate the pie. Basket air fryers have hot spots. The side closest to the fan cooks faster. Rotating the pie halfway through gives you even browning.

Mistake 5: Skipping the temperature check. The crust can look done while the center is still cold. The only reliable test is a thermometer reading of 165 degrees in the center of the filling.

Mistake 6: Using a pie that doesn't fit. If the pie touches the heating element or the sides of the basket, it will burn. Check the clearance before you start cooking.

Mistake 7: Not removing the outer packaging. Some people leave the cardboard sleeve on by accident. This is a fire hazard. Always remove all cardboard and plastic wrap before cooking.

When the Microwave Actually Makes More Sense

The air fryer is not always the best tool for the job. There are a few situations where the microwave wins.

If you are in a hurry and need food in under 5 minutes, the microwave is faster. Air fryers take 3 to 5 minutes to preheat alone. The microwave can have your pie ready in 4 to 6 minutes total.

If you have a pie with a very thin crust, the microwave is gentler. Some puff pastry pies burn easily in the air fryer. The microwave heats the filling without risking the crust.

If you are cooking a family-size pie and your air fryer cannot fit it, use the microwave. Then finish the crust under the broiler for 2 minutes. This gives you the speed of the microwave with some browning.

The tradeoff is texture. The microwave makes the crust soft and chewy. The air fryer makes it crispy.

For most people, the crispy texture is worth the extra 10 minutes.

If you absolutely need crispy crust and fast cooking, consider a toaster oven with an air fryer setting. Some models can cook a single-serve pie in about 10 minutes at 400 degrees. The air fryer rack guide covers which accessories help with even heat distribution.

How to Tell When It's Done (Skip the Guessing)

Image source: Wikimedia Commons / Bev Sykes from Davis, CA, USA (CC BY)

The crust color is not a reliable indicator. A golden brown top can hide a cold center. The only way to know for sure is to measure the internal temperature.

The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service states that all meat and poultry pot pies must reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This applies to chicken, turkey, beef, and any other meat filling.

Insert the thermometer probe into the center of the pie. Aim for the thickest part of the filling. Avoid touching the bottom of the tin with the probe, which gives a false high reading.

Check in two or three different spots. The center is usually the coldest part. If the center reads 165 degrees, the rest of the pie is safe to eat.

For vegetable-only pot pies, the target is 160 degrees. The filling should be steaming hot throughout. Vegetable fillings can hold bacteria just like meat fillings, so do not skip the temperature check.

Other visual cues include bubbling filling and a golden crust. The filling should be visibly bubbling through any vents in the crust. If the crust is deeply golden but the filling is not bubbling, lower the temperature and cook longer.

What About Pies in Paper Tins or Foam Trays

Not all frozen pot pies come in metal tins. Some brands use paper boats or foam trays. These require special handling.

Paper tins are generally safe in the air fryer at temperatures under 375 degrees. The paper can scorch or catch fire at higher temperatures. Place the paper tin directly in the basket and monitor it closely.

If the paper starts to darken or smoke, transfer the pie to a metal or silicone baking cup. Some paper tins are not designed for the high heat of an air fryer. Check the packaging for temperature limits.

Foam trays are a different story. Most foam trays are not safe for air fryer use. The foam can melt at temperatures above 200 degrees.

Remove the pie from the foam tray and place it in a metal or oven-safe glass dish before cooking.

Some manufacturers use a combination of materials. The pie might have a metal tin with a paper sleeve. Remove the paper sleeve entirely.

The metal tin is safe for air fryer use.

The risk of melting or burning is real. The guide on plastic melting in air fryers covers the specific temperatures at which different materials fail. If you are unsure about a tray material, err on the side of caution and transfer the pie to a metal dish.

Quick Reference Decision Guide

This guide helps you choose the right method based on your situation.

If you have a single-serve pie and a basket air fryer: Cook at 375°F for 14 to 18 minutes. Check the internal temperature. That is your fastest and crispiest option.

If you have a family-size pie and an air fryer oven: Cook at 350°F for 25 to 35 minutes. Tent with foil if the crust browns too fast. This gives you even heating.

If you have a family-size pie and a basket air fryer: It probably will not fit. Use the microwave for speed, then finish under the broiler for 2 minutes. Or transfer the filling to a smaller dish and cook in the air fryer.

If you are in a hurry: Use the microwave. The texture suffers, but you eat in 5 minutes instead of 20.

If you want crispy crust: Use the air fryer. The extra 10 to 15 minutes are worth it for the texture.

If the pie is in a foam tray: Transfer it to a metal dish. Foam melts at air fryer temperatures.

If you are unsure about doneness: Use a thermometer. 165°F in the center is the only guarantee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook two frozen pot pies at once in the air fryer?

You can, but it is not recommended. Two pies block airflow and cook unevenly. The total time increases by 5 to 10 minutes.

Cook one at a time for consistent results.

Do I need to thaw the pot pie before air frying?

No. Cook the pie directly from frozen. Thawing changes the texture and can make the crust soggy.

The air fryer handles frozen pies well with the right temperature and time.

Why is my pot pie crust burning but the inside is cold?

The temperature is too high. Drop the heat by 25 degrees and extend the cooking time. Tent the crust with foil if it browns too fast.

Always check the internal temperature before serving.

Can I use an air fryer liner for pot pie?

Yes, but choose carefully. Silicone liners work well and prevent sticking. Parchment paper liners are safe up to 400°F but can blow around in the fan.

Weigh them down with the pie tin.

How do I reheat a leftover pot pie in the air fryer?

Set the air fryer to 350°F. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes for a single-serve portion. Check the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

The crust will crisp up better than a microwave.

Is it safe to put a metal pot pie tin in the air fryer?

Yes, metal tins are safe in air fryers. The metal conducts heat well and helps the crust cook evenly. Just make sure the tin does not touch the heating element.