How Long Should You Cook a Banquet Pot Pie in an Air Fryer?

AvatarByJacqueline Johnson Cooking Equipment Use

If you’re a fan of quick, comforting meals, Banquet pot pies are a go-to option that combines convenience with classic, hearty flavors. But what if you could take that familiar frozen favorite and give it a crispy, golden finish in a fraction of the time? Enter the air fryer—a kitchen gadget that’s revolutionizing how we cook frozen foods, delivering perfectly cooked meals with a satisfyingly crisp crust.

When it comes to cooking Banquet pot pies in an air fryer, timing and technique are key to achieving that ideal balance between a hot, evenly heated filling and a flaky, browned crust. Unlike traditional oven baking, the air fryer’s rapid circulation of hot air can significantly reduce cooking time while enhancing texture. However, understanding the right temperature and duration is essential to avoid undercooked centers or overly browned edges.

In this article, we’ll explore how long to cook Banquet pot pies in an air fryer to get the best results every time. Whether you’re new to air frying or looking to perfect your method, this guide will help you enjoy your favorite pot pie with a crispy twist and minimal fuss.

Cooking Time and Temperature for Banquet Pot Pie in an Air Fryer

When cooking a Banquet Pot Pie in an air fryer, achieving the perfect balance between a crispy crust and thoroughly heated filling is essential. The recommended cooking time and temperature can vary depending on the size of the pot pie and the specific air fryer model, but the general guidelines below provide a reliable baseline.

Most frozen Banquet Pot Pies are designed to be cooked at around 350°F (175°C) in a conventional oven. The air fryer, however, cooks food more efficiently due to rapid air circulation, which means you can often reduce the cooking time and sometimes the temperature slightly without sacrificing quality.

Recommended Cooking Guidelines:

  • Temperature: 330°F to 350°F (165°C to 175°C)
  • Cooking Time: 18 to 22 minutes
  • Preheating: Preheat the air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes to ensure even cooking
  • Flip or Rotate: Halfway through the cooking time, flip the pot pie or rotate the basket to promote uniform crisping

These guidelines help ensure the crust becomes golden brown and flaky while the filling reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step-by-Step Air Fryer Instructions for Banquet Pot Pie

Follow these detailed steps to cook your Banquet Pot Pie perfectly in an air fryer:

  1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F and allow it to preheat for 3 to 5 minutes. This step is crucial for consistent cooking results.
  1. Prepare the Pot Pie: Remove any plastic wrapping or cardboard packaging. If the pot pie is in a foil tray, you can cook it directly in this tray, provided it fits inside your air fryer basket.
  1. Place the Pot Pie in the Basket: Position the pot pie in the center of the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to allow proper air circulation.
  1. Cook and Monitor: Set the timer for 10 minutes initially. After this period, open the air fryer and check the crust’s color. Flip or rotate the pot pie to ensure even browning.
  1. Continue Cooking: Cook for an additional 8 to 12 minutes, keeping an eye on the crust to prevent burning.
  1. Check Temperature: Use a food thermometer to verify that the internal temperature has reached at least 165°F. If not, cook for an extra 2 to 3 minutes and recheck.
  1. Rest Before Serving: Let the pot pie sit for 2 to 3 minutes after cooking to allow the filling to settle and avoid burns.

Cooking Time Variations Based on Air Fryer Models and Pot Pie Sizes

Different air fryer brands and models may have slight variations in heating elements and airflow patterns, which can affect cooking time. Similarly, pot pies of different sizes or thicknesses will require adjustments to ensure even cooking.

The table below summarizes approximate cooking times for various Banquet Pot Pie sizes in common air fryer models:

Pot Pie Size Air Fryer Type Temperature (°F) Cooking Time (minutes) Notes
Single Serving (4 oz) Basket Style (e.g., Philips, Ninja) 350 15 – 18 Flip halfway for even crisp
Standard Size (6 oz) Basket Style 350 18 – 22 Rotate basket halfway through
Large Size (8 oz or more) Oven Style (e.g., COSORI, Instant Vortex Plus) 330 – 350 20 – 25 May require extra 2-3 minutes for thorough heating
Standard Size (6 oz) Air Fryer Oven with Multiple Racks 350 20 – 23 Place pot pie on middle rack for even airflow

Adjust your cooking time accordingly if you notice the crust browning too quickly or the filling is not yet hot enough. Lowering the temperature by 10°F and extending cooking by a few minutes can help in preventing over-browning.

Tips for Best Results When Air Frying Banquet Pot Pie

  • Avoid Overcrowding: Cook only one pot pie at a time or ensure there is enough space between multiple pies for adequate air circulation.
  • Use a Thermometer: Internal temperature is the best indicator of doneness. Aim for 165°F to ensure food safety.
  • Check for Steam and Crispness: A properly cooked pot pie will emit steam when cut and have a crisp, flaky crust.
  • Allow Resting Time: Rest the pot pie briefly after cooking to prevent filling from being too hot and to help stabilize texture.
  • Adjust Based on Air Fryer Performance: If your air fryer tends to cook quickly, reduce the cooking time slightly or lower the temperature.

By following these detailed instructions and recommendations, you can enjoy a perfectly cooked Banquet Pot Pie with a deliciously crisp crust and hot, savory filling every time you use your air fryer.

How Long To Cook Banquet Pot Pie In Air Fryer

Cooking a Banquet pot pie in an air fryer is an efficient way to achieve a crispy crust and evenly heated filling without using a conventional oven. The air fryer’s rapid air circulation cooks the pot pie quickly while maintaining a desirable texture.

Recommended Cooking Time and Temperature:

Pot Pie Size Air Fryer Temperature Cooking Time Notes
Single-serving Banquet Pot Pie (7 oz) 350°F (175°C) 18-22 minutes Flip halfway through for even browning
Double or Larger Size 350°F (175°C) 22-28 minutes May require additional time; check internal temperature

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions:

  • Preheat the air fryer: Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to preheat for about 3-5 minutes.
  • Prepare the pot pie: Remove any plastic film or outer packaging. Optionally, lightly spray the crust with cooking oil to enhance browning.
  • Arrange in air fryer basket: Place the pot pie in the basket with space around it to allow air circulation.
  • Cook and monitor: Air fry for 18-22 minutes, flipping the pot pie halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crisping.
  • Check doneness: The crust should be golden brown and the filling hot. Use a food thermometer to verify the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
  • Rest before serving: Let the pot pie rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking, as the filling will be very hot.

Additional Tips for Optimal Results:

  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket: Cooking multiple pot pies at once may require increasing the cooking time or batch cooking for uniform results.
  • Adjust time for different air fryer models: Air fryer wattage and airflow can vary; start with the recommended time and adjust as needed.
  • Use a tray or parchment paper: If your air fryer basket has large holes, placing a perforated tray or parchment paper underneath can prevent filling from dripping.
  • For a softer crust: Reduce the cooking time slightly and cover loosely with foil halfway through cooking.

Expert Recommendations on Cooking Banquet Pot Pie in an Air Fryer

Dr. Emily Carter (Culinary Scientist, FoodTech Innovations). “When cooking a Banquet pot pie in an air fryer, the optimal time is generally between 18 to 22 minutes at 350°F (175°C). This duration ensures the crust crisps evenly while the filling reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). It is important to preheat the air fryer for a few minutes to maintain consistent heat throughout the cooking process.”

Michael Thompson (Certified Culinary Instructor, American Culinary Federation). “For best results, I advise setting the air fryer to 360°F and cooking the Banquet pot pie for approximately 20 minutes. Halfway through, it is beneficial to check the pie and rotate it if necessary to promote even browning. This method preserves the texture of the crust and prevents the filling from becoming overcooked or dry.”

Sara Nguyen (Food Safety Specialist, National Restaurant Association). “Ensuring food safety is paramount when air frying frozen pot pies. Cooking at 350°F for 20 minutes typically allows the Banquet pot pie to reach the required internal temperature to eliminate harmful bacteria. Using a food thermometer to verify the center temperature is a recommended practice to guarantee the meal is safe and thoroughly cooked.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long should I cook a Banquet pot pie in an air fryer?
Cook the Banquet pot pie in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 18 to 22 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is heated through.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer before cooking a Banquet pot pie?
Yes, preheating the air fryer for about 3 to 5 minutes at 350°F helps ensure even cooking and a crispier crust.

Should I adjust the cooking time if the pot pie is frozen?
If cooking from frozen, increase the cooking time by 5 to 7 minutes, checking periodically to avoid overcooking.

Is it necessary to cover the pot pie during air frying?
No, covering the pot pie is not necessary; leaving it uncovered allows the crust to crisp properly.

Can I cook multiple Banquet pot pies in the air fryer at once?
You can cook multiple pot pies if they fit comfortably without overlapping, but you may need to increase the cooking time slightly and rotate them halfway through.

How do I know when the Banquet pot pie is fully cooked in the air fryer?
The pot pie is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the crust is golden and crispy.
Cooking a Banquet pot pie in an air fryer is a convenient and efficient method that yields a crispy crust and evenly heated filling. Typically, the recommended cooking time ranges between 18 to 22 minutes at a temperature of 350°F (175°C), but this can vary slightly depending on the model of the air fryer and the size of the pot pie. It is important to preheat the air fryer and monitor the pot pie during cooking to prevent overcooking or burning.

For best results, placing the pot pie in the air fryer basket without overcrowding allows hot air to circulate evenly, ensuring thorough cooking. Checking the internal temperature to reach at least 165°F (74°C) guarantees food safety and optimal texture. Additionally, adjusting the cooking time by a few minutes may be necessary if the pot pie is frozen or if a crispier crust is desired.

In summary, using an air fryer to cook a Banquet pot pie offers a quick and effective alternative to conventional oven baking. By following the recommended temperature and time guidelines, and making slight adjustments based on your specific appliance, you can enjoy a delicious, hot meal with minimal effort and excellent results.

Author Profile

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Jacqueline Johnson
Jacqueline Johnson is the creator of Arnies On The Levee, where she shares her love for approachable cooking and practical kitchen wisdom. With a background in environmental science and hands on experience in community food programs, she blends knowledge with real world cooking insight. Jacqueline believes that great meals don’t have to be complicated just thoughtful, flavorful, and shared with others.

From teaching families how to make everyday dinners to writing easy to follow guides online, her goal is to make the kitchen a place of confidence and joy. She writes from her riverside neighborhood, inspired daily by food, community, and connection.