There’s nothing quite like the crispy crust of a chicken pot pie fresh out of the oven. But what do you do when you’re craving that same savory filling and flaky topping a day later?
Don’t let leftovers be anything less than extraordinary. Reheating your chicken pot pie in an air fryer can restore that delightful texture and rich flavor.
It’s the perfect way to bring back that freshly-baked taste and keep your taste buds dancing with joy.
To ensure your next-day pie is just as satisfying as when it was first baked, it’s important to maintain the crust’s crispy texture, an evenly heated savory filling, and adhere to food safety practices.
Here’s how you can achieve that perfectly reheated pot pie.
Covering With Aluminum Foil
Cover the pie with aluminum foil. Credit: canva
Wrapping your pot pie in aluminum foil can prevent the edges from becoming overly brown or burning during the reheating process. It reflects the heat and offers a shield, protecting the delicate pastry while your leftovers come back to life in the oven or air fryer.
Choosing the Right Dish
Choose oven-safe dish for reheating. Credit: canva
Always use an oven-safe dish for reheating in the oven. This ensures even heating and avoids any risk of dish damage or, worse, a safety hazard.
Use food thermometer to make sure the pie is heated through and safe to consume. Credit: canva
Using a food thermometer, check that the internal temperature of the chicken pot pie reaches between 165° and 170°F. This is the sweet spot where you’ll know your pie is heated through and safe to consume.
Paying Attention to Food Safety
Avoid leaving your pie too long before reheating. Credit: canva
Beyond deliciousness, the ultimate goal when reheating leftovers is to ensure they are safe to eat. Avoid leaving your chicken pot pie at room temperature for too long before reheating, and always reheat thoroughly before consuming.
Monitoring your pot pie as it reheats is crucial, regardless of the method you choose. Whether you’re using a conventional oven or an air fryer, keeping an eye on your pie will help you achieve that golden crust and hot center without risking a charred disappointment.
Step-by-Step Guide: How To Reheat Chicken Pot Pie In Air Fryer
Reheating using air fryer. Credit: canva
Follow these pot pie reheating steps to ensure the taste and texture are just as captivating as when freshly baked.
Begin by preheating your air fryer to the ideal temperature of 350°F, adhering to the critical temperature guidelines for reheating.
If you’re dealing with a frozen pot pie, slightly increase the temperature or adjust the cook time to make allowances for defrosting.
Place your chicken pot pie in the air fryer basket or on the tray, ensuring it’s centered and has space for the air to circulate.
Set the cook time for 8-12 minutes. This duration encourages an even reheating process; however, you should periodically check the pot pie’s progress.
Should you notice the crust browning too fast, shield it with a small piece of aluminum foil to prevent it from burning while the interior warms up.
Once the allotted cook time has elapsed or once the pie reaches a satisfying internal temperature, remove the pot pie from the air fryer.
Before serving, let the pot pie stand for a short period to reach a comfortable eating temperature. This waiting time also allows the flavors to settle, promising each bite is as savory as expected.
Alternative Reheating Methods Compared
Reheating chicken pot pie using oven. Credit: canva
While the air fryer reigns supreme for achieving that irresistible crispy texture in a reheated chicken pot pie, let’s not forget the other warriors in the kitchen that can serve you just as well.
Oven baking frozen chicken pot pie
Conventional Oven
Your conventional oven, for instance, is a classic choice. Preheating it to 350°F and tucking your pie in for about 30 minutes under the protection of aluminum foil might just give the air fryer a run for its money.
It’s a slower process, but patience pays off with a thoroughly warm and inviting meal.
Convection Oven
Then there’s the convection oven, which employs a fan to evenly circulate the hot air around your savory delight.
If you’re using this method, dial down the temperature to 325°F when using a cast iron skillet to gently coax the heat through the pie, ensuring that every bite is as delicious as intended.
Using microwave for reheating your chicken pie. Credit: canva
For those in a hurry, the microwave is the quick fix, although it may not do justice to the crust, leaving you with a less than perfect texture.
But fear not, there’s no shame in the microwave game when time is of the essence.
Stovetop
If you like to play an active role in the kitchen, then the stovetop could be your stage.
Heat a skillet and place the pie directly onto it to give that bottom crust a delectably crisp upgrade.
Keep a vigilant eye, though, as the line between perfectly crisp and undesirably charred is fine indeed.
Oven Vs. Microwave
Each of these methods, from the stovetop to the microwave to various ovens, colors the reheating experience differently. The reheating comparison should guide you based on the time and texture desired for your sumptuous chicken pot pie.
