Air Fryer Chicken Pot Pie: The Ultimate Guide to Perfect Crispy Results

Have you been wondering how to get that perfect golden-brown crust on your chicken pot pie without waiting forever? Your air fryer is about to become your new best friend! I’ve tested multiple methods and gathered all the tips you need to make delicious chicken pot pies in your air fryer with amazing results every time.

Why Cook Chicken Pot Pie in an Air Fryer?

The air fryer has revolutionized home cooking offering a healthier alternative to traditional deep-frying while still delivering that coveted crispy texture. When it comes to chicken pot pies, the benefits are clear

• Faster cooking time compared to conventional ovens
• Crispier crust thanks to the rapid air circulation
• No preheating required for most models
• Less energy consumption than your regular oven
• Perfect for single servings or small families

Cooking Times for Air Fryer Chicken Pot Pie

The cooking time will vary depending on whether you’re using a frozen store-bought pie or making one from scratch

What You’ll Need

For a homemade chicken pot pie, gather these ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Pie crust (homemade or store-bought)

If you’re going the store-bought route, simply grab your favorite frozen chicken pot pie. Many people recommend Marie Callender’s brand for air frying.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Homemade Chicken Pot Pie

Preparing the Filling

1. Cook the chicken mixture: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Place chicken, onion, and garlic in the basket and cook for 10-12 minutes until chicken is cooked through.

2. Add vegetables: Remove chicken mixture and set aside. Add frozen veggies to the air fryer for 2-3 minutes until tender.

3. Create the sauce: In a bowl, combine chicken broth, milk, flour, melted butter, thyme, salt, and pepper to create a smooth sauce.

4. Combine filling: Mix the chicken, onions, garlic, vegetables, and sauce together in a bowl.

Assembling and Cooking

1. Prepare the crust: Roll out your pie crust to about 1/8 inch thickness.

2. Line your pan: Place the bottom crust in your air fryer-safe pie dish or directly in the basket if it’s large enough.

3. Add filling: Pour your prepared filling into the crust.

4. Top crust: Place the second crust on top and seal the edges. Cut several slits in the top to allow steam to escape.

5. Brush with egg wash: For that golden finish, brush the top with beaten egg.

6. Cook: Place in the air fryer at 375°F for 25-30 minutes. Check halfway through – if the crust is browning too quickly, cover with foil.

7. Rest: Allow the pie to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

How to Cook Store-Bought Frozen Chicken Pot Pie

If you’re using a frozen pot pie like Marie Callender’s, the process is even simpler:

1. Remove packaging: Take the pot pie out of the box and outer wrapper.

2. Prepare for air frying: Leave the pot pie in its foil pan. Some people recommend poking a few holes in the bottom of the foil pan for better air circulation.

3. Place in air fryer: Put the pot pie directly in the air fryer basket.

4. Cook: Set temperature to 350°F and cook for about 30-35 minutes.

5. Check for doneness: The crust should be golden brown and filling should be bubbling hot (internal temperature of 165°F).

6. Rest and serve: Let it cool for a few minutes before enjoying!

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Pot Pie

• Don’t overcrowd: Make sure there’s room for air to circulate around the pot pie.
• Check early and often: Every air fryer is different, so monitor the first time you make one.
• Cover with foil: If the top is browning too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil.
• Use a thermometer: The filling should reach 165°F to be food-safe.
• Preheat when possible: While not always necessary, preheating for 3-5 minutes can help with even cooking.
• Consider size: Smaller, individual pot pies will cook faster than larger ones.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Soggy Bottom Crust

If you find your bottom crust isn’t getting crisp enough:

• Try pre-cooking the bottom crust for 3-4 minutes before adding filling
• Use a metal or foil pan instead of ceramic
• Reduce the amount of liquid in your filling

Burnt Top Crust

If the top crust browns too quickly:

• Lower the temperature by 25°F
• Cover with foil after the first 15 minutes
• Position the pot pie lower in the air fryer basket

Undercooked Filling

If the crust is done but the filling isn’t hot enough:

• Lower temperature and extend cooking time
• Ensure filling ingredients are pre-cooked
• Let frozen pies thaw slightly before cooking

Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic chicken pot pie, why not experiment with these variations:

• Turkey pot pie: Great for using up Thanksgiving leftovers!
• Vegetarian pot pie: Replace chicken with mushrooms, potatoes, and more veggies
• Biscuit-topped pot pie: Use biscuit dough instead of pie crust for a different texture
• Mini pot pies: Make individual servings in smaller dishes
• Different crusts: Try puff pastry or phyllo dough for a lighter option

Serving Suggestions

Your perfectly cooked chicken pot pie pairs wonderfully with:

• Simple green salad with vinaigrette
• Steamed broccoli or green beans
• Cranberry sauce (especially for turkey versions)
• Garlic bread for extra comfort food points

Final Thoughts

Air fryer chicken pot pie is a game-changer for busy weeknights or when you’re craving comfort food without the long wait. The results are consistently delicious – a crispy, golden crust and piping hot, flavorful filling. Whether you go homemade or store-bought, your air fryer will deliver amazing results in less time than conventional methods.

I’ve personally found that the 375°F setting works best for most pot pies, but don’t be afraid to adjust based on your specific air fryer model. Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and finding what works best for your equipment and taste preferences!

Have you tried making chicken pot pie in your air fryer? What’s your favorite brand of frozen pot pie to air fry? Let us know in the comments!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I stack chicken in the air fryer when making pot pie filling?
A: It’s best not to stack chicken pieces as they won’t cook evenly. Cook in batches if necessary.

Q: What container can I put in the air fryer for my pot pie?
A: Use air fryer-safe dishes like metal, foil, or certain heat-resistant ceramics. Avoid plastic or any materials not rated for high heat.

Q: How do I know when my pot pie is done?
A: The crust should be golden brown, and the filling should be bubbling. For food safety, the internal temperature should reach 165°F.

Q: Can I make the filling ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The filling can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Q: What’s the best air fryer temperature for cooking chicken pot pie?
A: Between 350°F and 375°F works best for most pot pies, depending on your specific air fryer model.

Happy air frying, everyone!