Banquet pot pies are a classic comfort food, offering a flaky crust filled with tender chicken, vegetables, or turkey in a creamy gravy. Cooking them in an air fryer is a game-changer, delivering a crispy, golden crust in less time than a traditional oven.
Cooking Instructions for Banquet Pot Pie in Air Fryer
Method 1: Standard Air Fryer Method
Preheat the air fryer to 360°F for about 5 minutes. Place the pot pie in the basket and let it cook for 21 minutes. At the end of cooking, increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F for 2 minutes, so the top of the pot pie turns brown. Allow the pot pie to sit in the closed air fryer basket for about 5 minutes once it is done so that the middle warms through completely.
Method 2: Foil-Wrapped for Even Cooking
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. This is an important step to this air fryer chicken pot pie recipe, as it ensures your pot pie cooks evenly and develops the flaky golden brown crust everyone loves. Cut a slit into the top of the crust of your frozen pot pie. This allows the pie to vent as it cooks, so the top will not burst and the insides will cook properly. Wrap the pot pie in aluminum foil. This helps cook the interior of the pie without overcooking the crust. Do not skip this step or you will wind up with an unevenly cooked pot pie. Place the foil-wrapped pot pie into the air fryer basket. Air fry for 22-25 minutes. Halfway through air frying, carefully remove the foil and continue air frying until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F when checked with an instant read thermometer in several spots. Remove very carefully – it’s hot! Use oven mitts. Rest 5 minutes.
Method 3: Quick and Crispy
Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F (190°C). Remove the frozen turkey pot pies from their packaging if they are in plastic containers, and place them in the air fryer basket. If the frozen Banquet Pot pie comes in an aluminum pie plate, you can leave it in it. If your air fryer basket is small, you may need to cook the pot pies one at a time. Use a sharp knife and add a few slices; this will help let the steam escape. Then place the frozen pot pies in the air fryer basket, and set the cooking time for 12-15 minutes. Let the pot pie cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set and makes it easier to slice and serve.
Method 4: Smaller Pot Pies
Now for a Banquet frozen pot pie they are a bit smaller so I would decrease the initial time to 15 minutes. Not only are these smaller in circumference but not as thick either. Preheat air fryer to 360 degrees F for 5 minutes. Put frozen pot pie(s) into basket and allow to cook for 15 minutes. Then increase temperature to 400 degrees F for 2 minutes to brown top. Leave in closed air fryer basket for 5 minutes once it is done to continue warming the middle.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Pot Pies
- Do Not Thaw: Cook the pot pie straight from frozen to ensure a crisp, evenly cooked crust. Thawing can lead to a soggy texture.
- Check Internal Temperature: Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm the filling reaches 165°F for food safety.
- Foil is Key: Wrapping in foil prevents the crust from burning while the filling heats through. Remove it toward the end for a golden finish.
- Vent the Crust: Make a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape, preventing bursts and ensuring even cooking.
- Container Considerations: If the pot pie isn’t in an aluminum tray, transfer it to an air-fryer-safe dish. Cardboard or plastic containers should be removed.
- Brush for Extra Crispiness: For an extra crispy top, brush the crust with melted butter or oil before the final few minutes of cooking.
FAQs About Cooking Banquet Pot Pies in an Air Fryer
Q: Can I cook multiple Banquet pot pies at once in the air fryer?
A: Yes, but ensure they fit in a single layer without crowding to allow proper air circulation. You may need to increase the cooking time slightly and check that each pie reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Q: Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
A: Preheating is recommended for most models to ensure even cooking and a flaky crust. Check your air fryer’s manual, but 4-5 minutes at the specified temperature (e.g., 360°F or 375°F) is standard.
Q: Can I use the microwave and air fryer together for faster results?
A: Yes, you can microwave the pot pie for 5-6 minutes (if not in an aluminum tray) to warm the filling, then transfer it to the air fryer for 2-5 minutes at 400°F to crisp the crust.
Q: What if my pot pie crust burns or doesn’t brown evenly?
A: If the crust browns too quickly, cover the edges with a foil shield. If it’s not browning, increase the temperature to 400°F for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
Q: Are Banquet pot pies healthy to eat?
A: Banquet pot pies are convenient but often high in sodium and saturated fat. They can fit into a balanced diet if consumed in moderation. Pair with a side salad or extra vegetables to boost nutritional value.
Final Notes
Cooking a Banquet pot pie in an air fryer is a quick, convenient way to enjoy a comforting meal with a perfectly crispy crust. Whether you opt for the foil-wrapped method for even heating or a faster approach for smaller pies, these instructions ensure a delicious result in 12-25 minutes. Experiment with the timing based on your air fryer model and pot pie size, and always check for an internal temperature of 165°F. Enjoy your pot pie with a light side like a green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.