There's an undeniable charm to a hearty pot pie - a blend of delicious ingredients encased in a golden, flaky crust. However, the traditional oven-baked method can be time-consuming. Thanks to modern cooking appliances, learning how to cook a pot pie in an air fryer can offer a convenient solution. In this article, we explore this innovative technique that promises the same delectable taste with added convenience. Whether you're a kitchen novice or a seasoned chef, this guide will equip you with all you need to create a perfect pot pie in no time.
Ingredients for Air Fried Pot Pie
For the Filling:
- 2 cups diced chicken (cooked)
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1/2 cup diced potatoes
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Crust:
- 1 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by prepping your workspace with the necessary utensils and a clean cutting board. Chop the vegetables and dice the cooked chicken. Heat a pan over medium heat and add a bit of oil. Saut the onions and garlic until fragrant, followed by the diced potatoes. Continue cooking until the potatoes begin to soften.
Next, stir in the frozen peas and carrots. These add both color and flavor to your filling. After a few minutes, sprinkle the flour over the mixture, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens. Once thickened, add the heavy cream, cooked chicken, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for a few more minutes before setting it aside to cool.
Step 2: Assemble the Pot Pie
Roll out the pie crust on a lightly floured surface. Cut out circles to fit the mini pie tins or an air fryer-friendly dish. Line the chosen bakeware with the crust, making sure to press it into the corners. Spoon the cooled filling into the crust-lined dishes, filling them generously. Place another piece of crust on top of each pie, crimping the edges with a fork to seal.
Use a sharp knife from your knife set to cut a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during cooking.
Cooking the Pot Pie in an Air Fryer
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350F (175C). While preheating, lightly spray the tops of the pies with cooking oil to help them achieve a golden-brown finish. The beauty of cooking a pot pie in an air fryer lies in the appliance's ability to cook food evenly with minimal excess oil.
Step 4: Air Fry the Pot Pie
Carefully place the prepared pies into the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches. Ensure the pies are not overcrowded to allow proper air circulation. Cook the pies for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the crust is cooked through. If necessary, you can check the internal temperature of the filling with a food thermometer; it should read at least 165F (74C).
If you are looking for more air fryer recipes, check out Delish's compilation of air fryer recipes.
Serving and Storing Your Pot Pie
Once cooked, carefully remove the pot pies from the air fryer and let them cool on a wire rack. The delicious aroma of freshly cooked pot pies will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist! Serve your pot pie with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the pie back in the air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through. This method ensures that the crust remains crispy.
Clean Up
After enjoying your delicious pot pies, cleaning up is a breeze. Use a gentle stainless steel cleaner for any metallic parts of your cookware. For your cutting boards, a good conditioner will help maintain their longevity and cleanliness. Try a cutting board conditioner to keep your prep area safe and hygienic.
For more air fryer tips, visit Kristine's Kitchen Blog.
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