Looking for the perfect way to bring your leftover chicken pot pie back to life? You’ve come to the right place! As someone who absolutely adores chicken pot pie but always makes too much, I’ve become something of an expert at reheating this classic comfort food. And let me tell you – the air fryer is a game-changer when it comes to restoring that heavenly combination of flaky crust and savory filling.
In this guide I’ll walk you through the best methods for reheating chicken pot pie in an air fryer plus share some handy tips to make sure your leftovers taste just as amazing as they did fresh out of the oven.
Why Use an Air Fryer for Reheating Chicken Pot Pie?
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s talk about why the air fryer is such a fantastic option for reheating pot pies:
- Crispiness restoration: Unlike microwaves that can make crusts soggy, air fryers help restore that delightful crispy texture
- Even heating: Air fryers circulate hot air, ensuring your pot pie heats evenly with no cold spots
- Quick results: Much faster than conventional ovens while delivering similar quality
- Energy efficient: Uses less power than heating up your entire oven
- No additional oil needed: Gets crispy results without extra fat
As someone who’s tried practically every reheating method out there I can honestly say the air fryer gives the most oven-like results in a fraction of the time.
Step-by-Step Guide to Reheating Chicken Pot Pie in an Air Fryer
What You’ll Need:
- Air fryer
- Leftover chicken pot pie (refrigerated or frozen)
- Tongs or oven mitts
- Food thermometer (optional but recommended)
- Aluminum foil (optional)
For Individual Portions:
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Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
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Prepare your pot pie by removing any plastic packaging. If it’s in a foil container, you can place it directly in the air fryer basket.
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Place your pot pie carefully in the air fryer basket. Make sure there’s enough space around it for proper air circulation.
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For refrigerated pot pies: Heat for 10-15 minutes. Begin checking at the 10-minute mark to ensure it’s not getting too hot.
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For frozen pot pies: Heat for 15-20 minutes, checking occasionally. If the crust starts browning too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil.
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Check for doneness by inserting a food thermometer into the center – it should reach 165°F (74°C). The filling should be steaming hot and the crust should be golden brown.
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Allow to rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to avoid burning your mouth on the hot filling.
For Whole Chicken Pot Pies:
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Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
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Check the size of your pot pie to ensure it fits in your air fryer basket. If it’s too large, you may need to cut it into portions.
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Place the pie in the air fryer basket, ensuring it doesn’t touch the heating element.
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Heat for 20-25 minutes, but start checking for warmth and crispness around the 15-minute mark.
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Cover with foil if the crust starts to brown too quickly.
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Use a food thermometer to confirm the filling reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
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Allow to rest before serving.
Tips for Perfect Results Every Time
After reheating countless pot pies (my family thinks I’m obsessed!), I’ve picked up some tricks that make a big difference:
Preventing a Soggy Crust:
- Use a parchment paper liner in the air fryer basket to help excess moisture escape
- Place the pot pie on the air fryer rack rather than in a deep dish to enhance air circulation
- Let the pot pie rest for a few minutes after reheating to allow steam to escape
Adding Moisture to Dry Fillings:
- If your pot pie filling seems dry, try lightly spraying the filling with chicken broth before reheating
- For the first half of reheating, cover the pot pie with foil to trap moisture, then remove for the second half to crisp up the crust
Enhancing Flavor:
- Sprinkle a little extra cheese on top during the last few minutes of reheating
- Mix breadcrumbs with a bit of melted butter and add to the top for extra crunch
- Add fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme as a garnish after reheating
Common Mistakes to Avoid
We’ve all been there – reheating goes wrong and you’re left with a disappointing meal. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
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Not preheating the air fryer: This crucial step ensures even cooking and proper texture restoration.
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Overcrowding the basket: When reheating multiple pot pies, give them space! Crowding prevents proper air circulation and leads to uneven results.
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Using too high a temperature: This can burn the crust while leaving the center cold. Stick to around 350°F for best results.
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Forgetting to check for doneness: Always ensure the filling reaches 165°F for food safety.
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Skipping the rest period: Letting your pot pie rest for a few minutes helps the filling set and prevents tongue burns!
FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
How long does it take to reheat chicken pot pie in an air fryer?
For individual pot pies, about 10-15 minutes if refrigerated and 15-20 minutes if frozen. For whole pot pies, approximately 20-25 minutes, depending on size and thickness.
Should I cover the chicken pot pie while reheating?
You can loosely cover with foil during the first half of reheating to keep moisture in, then remove it to allow the crust to crisp up. This two-phase approach gives you the best of both worlds – moist filling and crispy crust!
Is it necessary to thaw frozen chicken pot pie before reheating?
No! That’s one of the beauties of using an air fryer. You can cook directly from frozen – just extend the cooking time by about 5-10 minutes and check frequently.
How do I know when my chicken pot pie is done reheating?
The crust should be golden brown and crispy, and the filling should be steaming hot. For food safety, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Can I reheat multiple chicken pot pies at once?
Yes, if your air fryer has enough space. Just make sure not to overcrowd – arrange them in a single layer with space between each pie for proper air circulation.
Can I reheat store-bought frozen pot pies this way too?
Absolutely! The same principles apply, though cooking times may vary slightly depending on the size and brand.
Best Side Dishes to Serve with Reheated Chicken Pot Pie
While chicken pot pie is practically a complete meal on its own, I love serving it with simple sides that complement without overwhelming:
- Steamed vegetables: Broccoli or carrots add freshness and color
- Simple green salad: The lightness balances the richness of the pie
- Cranberry sauce: Adds a sweet-tart contrast that works beautifully
- Mashed potatoes: For when you’re really hungry and want extra comfort food!
Storing Leftover Chicken Pot Pie
If you somehow still have leftovers after reheating (how?!), here’s how to store them properly:
- Cool completely before storing to prevent condensation and sogginess
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil
- Place in airtight containers for refrigeration
- Label and date if freezing; pot pies typically last up to three months in the freezer
Final Thoughts
Reheating chicken pot pie in an air fryer is truly a game-changer. It brings back that fresh-baked quality we all love without heating up your entire kitchen or ending up with a soggy crust. As someone who makes chicken pot pies in batches to freeze, this method has saved me countless times when I need a quick, comforting meal.
The next time you find yourself with leftover chicken pot pie (or make extra on purpose like I do!), skip the microwave and head straight for your air fryer. Your taste buds will thank you for that perfectly crispy crust and piping hot filling!
What’s your favorite type of pot pie to make at home? Do you prefer classic chicken, beef, or maybe even a vegetarian version? I’d love to hear about your pot pie adventures in the comments below!
Happy reheating!
Can You Cook Frozen Pot Pies in an Air Fryer?
Yes, an air fryer is an excellent way to cook frozen pot pies. But it can be a bit of a balancing act to find the right temperature that will cook the filling without making the crust too brown.
Luckily I’ve tested a few pot pies and figured out the right combination for perfectly cooked pot pies with a flaky crust. These directions are for cooking mini pot pies, not large family-sized ones. You should be able to fit 2 mini pot pies in a 6-quart air fryer.
Cooking in the microwave is quicker than the air fryer, but you won’t get the golden brown flaky crust, one of the best parts of a pot pie. And an air fryer will be much faster than an oven; additionally, it uses less energy and doesn’t heat up the house.
Brands of Frozen Pot Pies
When it comes to how to air fry pot pies, the size of the pot pie is more important than the brand. Here are the most common brands of mini pot pies I see in my local stores:
- Marie Callender’s Pot Pie (10 ounces) – This is the perfect size for air frying and is the brand I usually buy.
- Banquet Pot Pie (7 ounces) – This brand is slightly smaller, and the crust is thinner. Because of this, it will cook more quickly.
- Blake’s Pot Pie (8 ounces) – Cook this brand for 25 minutes before checking for doneness.
- Amy’s Pot Pie (7.5 ounces) – These are vegetable pot pies. I have yet to try cooking these in the air fryer, but I’d check the temperature after 20 minutes of air frying.
Many brands also have large, family-size pot pies of 15-16 ounces. I don’t recommend cooking these in the air fryer. It isn’t easy to get the middle wholly cooked before the crust gets too brown. Follow the package directions for oven or microwave cooking.
