Banquet pot pies are a quick and hearty meal option, and cooking them in an air fryer is a game-changer. If you’re wondering how to cook a Banquet pot pie in an air fryer, you’re in the right place. The air fryer delivers a perfectly crispy crust and tender filling in less time than an oven, making it the ideal method for busy days.
What Is a Banquet Pot Pie?
A Banquet pot pie is a pre-made frozen meal encased in a flaky pie crust filled with meats like chicken or turkey, vegetables, and gravy. It’s a convenient meal option when short on time but still craving something warm and hearty. You can easily cook these pies in the air fryer for a crispy crust and even cooking. If you enjoy chicken pot pie, you might also love this recipe for Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie for those days you want a homemade taste.
Why Use an Air Fryer for Banquet Pot Pies?
Cooking a Banquet pot pie in an air fryer has several advantages over other methods:
- Faster cooking time: You can cut down on cooking time significantly compared to using an oven.
- Crispier crust: The circulating hot air ensures that your crust is crispy, not soggy, like it might get in a microwave.
- Energy efficiency: Air fryers are more energy-efficient than preheating a full-size oven.
Air fryers give you the best of both worlds—crispiness and speed. If you’re interested in other air fryer recipes, try these delicious Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies for a sweet treat afterwards.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cooking Banquet Pot Pie in an Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer: Set the air fryer to 360°F and preheat it for about 5 minutes.
- Place the frozen pot pie in the basket: Place the pie directly in the air fryer basket without thawing it.
- Cook for 21-24 minutes: Cook the pot pie at 360°F for 21-24 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
- Crisp the top: If desired, increase the temperature to 400°F for the last 2-3 minutes to crisp the top further.
- Let it rest: Let the pie sit in the air fryer for 5 minutes before serving to ensure the centre is fully heated.
Should You Thaw the Banquet Pot Pie First?
No, it’s best not to thaw your banquet pot pie before cooking it in an air fryer. Cooking directly from frozen gives you the optimal crispy crust while preventing the filling from becoming too dry.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few common mistakes people make when cooking a Banquet pot pie in the air fryer:
- Overcrowding the air fryer basket: Avoid placing more than one pie in the basket at a time. Overcrowding will prevent proper air circulation.
- Not preheating: Preheating ensures that your pie cooks evenly and achieves that desired crispy texture.
- Cooking at too high of a temperature: If you cook at a higher temperature than recommended, the crust may burn while the filling remains cold.
Nutritional Information for Banquet Pot Pie
A 7 oz Banquet Chicken Pot Pie contains the following:
- Calories: 407
- Total fat: 24g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 10g
Keep in mind that while these pies are convenient and delicious, they are high in sodium and should be eaten in moderation.
FAQs
Can you put aluminium foil in the air fryer?
Yes, you can use aluminium foil in your air fryer as long as you don’t block the airflow. Just be sure it doesn’t cover the heating element or basket completely.
Is the chicken in Banquet pot pies prprecookedYes, the chicken inside is prprecookedbut, but the crust is raw and needs to be fully cooked before eating?
How long does it take to cook a frozen Banquet pot pie in an air fryer?
Typically, it takes around 21-24 minutes at 360°F. To achieve extra crispiness, increase the temperature to 400°F for the last couple of minutes.
Related Air Fryer Recipes
If you’re loving the ease of cooking in an air fryer, check out some of these other recipes:
- Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies: A delicious dessert with a crispy outside and soft inside.
- Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie: A slow-cooked, hearty take on the classic Shepherd’s Pie: A savoury pie filled with beef or lamb, vegetables, and mashed potatoes—perfect for a comforting meal.
Cooking a Banquet pot pie in an air fryer is a fantastic way to get a crispy, delicious meal in a fraction of the time. By following the steps in this guide, you’ll have a perfectly cooked pot pie every time. Try pairing your pie with other air fryer recipes for a full meal, and enjoy the convenience and flavour that an air fryer can deliver!