Are you staring at leftover chicken pot pie in your fridge and wondering how to bring it back to life? If you’ve got an air fryer sitting on your counter, you’re in luck! I’ve been experimenting with different reheating methods, and I’m convinced that the air fryer is the BEST way to restore that magical combination of crispy crust and hot, savory filling that makes chicken pot pie so irresistible.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to reheat chicken pot pie in an air fryer, share some tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way, and answer those burning questions you might have Let’s transform those leftovers into something that tastes almost as good as freshly baked!
Why Choose 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 game-changer for reheating pot pies:
- Crispy Crust Revival: Unlike microwaves that make crusts soggy, air fryers restore that delightful crispiness we all crave
- Even Heating: The hot air circulation ensures your filling warms evenly without cold spots
- Speed: Much faster than conventional ovens while delivering better results than microwaves
- Energy Efficient: No need to heat up your entire oven for a single slice of pot pie
I used to rely on my microwave for reheating leftovers, but the results were always disappointing – soggy crusts and unevenly heated fillings. The air fryer changed everything!
Step-by-Step Guide to Reheating Chicken Pot Pie in an Air Fryer
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to perfectly reheat your chicken pot pie:
1. Preparation Before Reheating
First things first, check if your pot pie fits in your air fryer basket. For larger pies, you might need to cut them into portions. Don’t worry about thawing if your pie is frozen – the air fryer can handle it!
2. Preheating Your Air Fryer
This step is crucial! Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This ensures even cooking from the start.
3. To Cover or Not to Cover?
Here’s a pro tip: loosely tent your pot pie with aluminum foil. This prevents the crust from burning while allowing the filling to heat thoroughly. The foil is your secret weapon for balancing crispiness with moisture retention!
4. Reheating Time Guidelines
The perfect timing depends on your pot pie’s size:
For Individual Portions or Slices:
- Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C)
- Cook for 8-12 minutes
- Check at the 8-minute mark for crispiness and heat
For Whole Pot Pies:
- Same temperature: 350°F (175°C)
- Increase time to 15-25 minutes
- Check at the 15-minute mark and continue in 2-3 minute increments if needed
For Frozen Pot Pies:
- Keep temperature at 350°F (175°C)
- Extend time to 15-20 minutes (minimum)
- Definitely use the foil tenting method
5. How to Know When It’s Done
Your reheated pot pie is ready when:
- The crust is golden and crispy
- The filling is bubbling hot (ideally 165°F/74°C if you have a food thermometer)
- A knife inserted in the center comes out hot to the touch
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
Even with the best methods, sometimes things don’t go perfectly. Here’s how to troubleshoot:
Soggy Bottom Blues
Nothing worse than a soggy-bottomed pie! This happens when moisture gets trapped.
The Fix: If you notice a soggy bottom after initial reheating, try lowering the temperature to 325°F (160°C) and cook for an additional 5-8 minutes with the foil removed. This helps dry out the bottom crust.
Burnt Crust, Cold Inside
This is frustrating – a scorched top but filling that’s barely warm.
The Fix: This is exactly why foil tenting is so important! If you’ve already burnt the crust, you can try finishing the heating in the microwave on low power for 30-60 seconds to warm the filling without further damaging the crust.
Dry Filling
Sometimes the filling dries out during reheating.
The Fix: Before reheating, add a tablespoon of chicken broth to the filling. This little moisture boost works wonders!
Comparing Reheating Methods
While we’re focusing on air fryers, let’s quickly compare different reheating methods so you can see why I’m so enthusiastic about the air fryer approach:
| Method | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Fryer | Crispy crust, even heating, quick | Requires an air fryer, potential for burning if not watched | Near-original texture, balanced results |
| Microwave | Super fast, convenient | Soggy crust, uneven heating, tough pastry | When time is critical, texture not a priority |
| Oven | Even heating, good crust | Slow to preheat, energy-intensive | Larger portions, when time isn’t an issue |
| Stovetop | Can crisp bottom well | Tricky to heat filling evenly | Individual slices, focus on bottom crust |
FAQs About Reheating Chicken Pot Pie in an Air Fryer
Can I reheat chicken pot pie without using foil?
Yes, you can! Especially for smaller portions or if you prefer an extra-crispy crust. Just watch it closely to prevent burning. I personally still recommend the foil tenting method for most situations – it gives you the best of both worlds!
How do I reheat a whole chicken pot pie?
If your air fryer is large enough, follow the same steps but increase the time to 20-25 minutes. For very large pies, consider cutting into portions or using the oven instead.
Can I reheat frozen chicken pot pie directly?
Absolutely! No need to thaw first. Just increase the reheating time to 15-20 minutes at 350°F (175°C) and be sure to use foil tenting. Check frequently after the 15-minute mark.
How do I know when my pot pie is heated through?
The best way is to use a food thermometer – the filling should reach 165°F (74°C). No thermometer? Insert a knife into the center and feel if it’s hot to the touch when removed. The filling should also be visibly bubbling.
Can I add anything to enhance my reheated pot pie?
Yes! After reheating, try sprinkling some fresh herbs (parsley or thyme work great) on top. For extra indulgence, a little drizzle of cream or a sprinkle of additional cheese in the last few minutes of reheating can be amazing!
Tips for Storing Leftover Chicken Pot Pie
To ensure your pot pie reheats well, proper storage is key:
- Cool thoroughly before storing to prevent condensation and sogginess
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil
- Use airtight containers for extra protection
- Label and date if freezing (pot pies can last up to 3 months in the freezer)
- Refrigerated pot pies should be eaten within 2-3 days
Final Thoughts
Reheating chicken pot pie in an air fryer is truly a game-changer for leftovers. With the right temperature, timing, and the strategic use of foil, you can enjoy a second meal that’s almost indistinguishable from freshly baked. The crispy crust and perfectly heated filling will make you look forward to leftovers!
We’ve all suffered through soggy microwaved pot pies or waited impatiently for the oven to preheat – but those days are behind us now. Your air fryer is the secret weapon for bringing leftover pot pies back to life.
Have you tried reheating other comfort foods in your air fryer? I’d love to hear about your experiences! And if you have any other questions about reheating pot pies that I haven’t covered, drop them in the comments below.
Happy reheating, and enjoy that deliciously crispy pot pie!
Stove Top Skillet Method
- Heat a non-stick frying pan on medium to medium-high heat.
- Place the chicken pot pie into the pan and heat for 3-5 min. Take care not to overcook the crust.
- Flip over the pie and continue heating until it’s thoroughly cooked through.
- Remove from the heat and serve immediately.
Although it’s pretty similar to the conventional oven method, we’re including the toaster oven here, because sometimes you don’t want to bother with preheating the large oven, especially in the summer. The toaster oven produces the same great results, and it’s so simple. You don’t even need to cover the pie before heating – just place it in the preheated toaster oven and you’re good to go!
- Preheat your toaster oven. We’ve found that this usually works best between 380 to 400 degrees.
- Make a few small cuts on the top of your chicken pot pie crust to allow the steam to escape.
- Place the pie on a baking sheet in the middle of your toaster oven.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, then allow the pie to rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Since it’s already been fully cooked, you don’t need to worry about the internal temperature of the pie.
Who knew there were so many possibilities for heating up your leftovers? With all these great options, you’re sure to find the best method for you! Go ahead and make that big chicken pot pie, and don’t worry about trying to finish it all at once. You can enjoy that flaky golden crust and the creamy and hearty filling knowing that it will taste just as good the next day, or even a few days later! We like to make two of our classic chicken pot pie so we can eat one and freeze one for later to reheat.
Another way to keep your chicken pot pie hot for eating is to make our crockpot chicken pot pie. It’s an easy version that tastes amazing.
And if you’re starting to get hungry from all this chicken pot pie talk, you’re not alone. So let’s get baking – the perfect hearty and delicious pot pie dinner awaits.