How to Cook Frozen Pies in Air Fryer: Easy Times & Temp Guide

Most frozen pies can be cooked straight from the freezer in an air fryer. For Mudpies, the standard method involves preheating the appliance, cooking at around 160°C (320°F) for approximately 30 minutes, and checking that the centre is piping hot. Exact times will vary depending on the size of the pie, the type of filling, and your specific appliance model. 

Can You Cook Frozen Pies in an Air Fryer? 

Yes, many frozen pies can be cooked in an air fryer, but the best method and cooking time depend on the pie. A small, pre-baked frozen pie may cook faster than a larger pie made with raw pastry. Check the instructions on the packaging first, as cooking times can vary between products and air fryer models. 

How Long to Cook a Frozen Pie in an Air Fryer 

Cooking times vary with the pie’s size, filling and pastry, as well as the air fryer model. Use the figures below as starting points rather than guaranteed timings, and follow the instructions on the packaging whenever they are available.

For Mud Pies, the general guidance is to preheat the air fryer and cook at 160°C (320°F) for about 30 minutes, adjusting for the pie’s size and filling. 

For savoury pies, Mud Pies’ guidance is to check that the centre reaches 71°C (160°F). The table’s other timings are general estimates; check the pie as it cooks and adjust as needed. 

How to Cook Frozen Pies in an Air Fryer 

1. Check the packaging 

Follow the instructions on the pie’s packaging before using general air fryer guidance.

Check whether the pie should be cooked from frozen or thawed, whether it is already cooked or contains raw pastry, and whether it should remain in its foil container or be removed from its packaging. Use a foil container only if the product instructions say it is suitable for air fryer cooking. 

2. Preheat the air fryer 

For Mud Pies, preheating is recommended to help the pie cook evenly. Set the air fryer to around 160°C (320°F) and preheat it for a few minutes, following the appliance manufacturer’s instructions. Preheating times vary between models, so there is no single time that applies to every air fryer. 

3. Place the pie in the basket 

Centre the pie in the basket and leave enough space around it for air to circulate. It should not touch the sides or top of the air fryer. If the pie comes in a foil container, leave it in the container only if the packaging permits this and the container fits safely. 

4. Cook and rotate halfway through 

As a general guide for Mud Pies, cook at 160°C (320°F) for about 30 minutes, adjusting the time for the pie’s size and filling. Check the pie as it cooks. Rotating it halfway through may help it cook more evenly, particularly if your air fryer heats unevenly. 

5. Check that the centre is hot 

Golden pastry does not necessarily mean the filling is ready. Check that the centre is piping hot and steaming before serving. For savoury pies, Mud Pies’ guidance suggests checking the centre with a food thermometer and gives a target of 71°C (160°F); this is brand guidance, not a universal target for every pie. 

The UK Food Standards Agency advises cooking food to 70°C for two minutes, or to an equivalent time and temperature combination. Insert the thermometer into the centre of the filling, and follow the pie’s packaging instructions as well. 

6. Rest before serving 

Take the pie out carefully and let it rest briefly before cutting into it. This gives the filling a chance to settle and cool slightly, which can help prevent it spilling out. Resting time will vary by pie, so check the centre before serving. 

Frozen Meat Pie in an Air Fryer 

A frozen meat pie can be cooked in an air fryer, but the filling may take longer to heat through than the pastry takes to turn golden. For Mud Pies, use 160°C (320°F) for about 30 minutes as a starting point, adjusting for the pie’s size and filling. Rotate it halfway through if needed for more even cooking. 

To check whether it is ready, focus on the centre of the filling rather than the pastry colour. For savoury pies, Mud Pies’ guidance is to use a food thermometer and check that the centre reaches 71°C (160°F). 

If the pastry is golden but the filling is not piping hot, reduce the temperature slightly and continue cooking in short intervals, checking the centre again before serving. Cooking times vary by pie and air fryer, so follow the product packaging where available. 

Frozen Steak Pie in an Air Fryer 

A frozen steak pie can be cooked in an air fryer, but pies with a dense filling and chunks of meat may take longer to heat through than the pastry takes to brown. There is no single cooking time for every steak pie: the pie’s size and whether it is already cooked or has raw pastry both affect how long it needs. Check the packaging first, then make sure the centre of the filling is piping hot before serving. 

For Mud Pies, the general starting point is 160°C (320°F) for about 30 minutes, with the time adjusted for the pie’s size and filling. The brand’s guidance for savoury pies recommends checking the centre with a food thermometer and gives 71°C (160°F) as its target. 

Explore our meat pies, including Steak and Ale and Steak and Kidney varieties. 

Frozen Party Pies in an Air Fryer 

Small party pies may heat through faster than larger pies, but cooking time depends on the product and the air fryer. Follow the instructions on the packaging for the specific party pies, as these take priority over general guidance. 

Arrange the pies in a single layer with space between them so hot air can circulate. Avoid overcrowding the basket, which may lead to uneven cooking. Before serving, check that the centre of each pie is piping hot; golden pastry alone does not confirm that the filling is ready. 

Unless a cooking time has been tested for the specific product and air fryer, avoid giving a fixed time. For reliable testing, record the pies’ weight and dimensions, how many are cooked at once, and the air fryer model. 

Frozen Fruit Pies in an Air Fryer 

Whether you are baking a Apple Pie with Cheddar Cheese Crust, or a Black Cherry Pie straight from the freezer, frozen fruit and dessert pies can be successfully cooked in an air fryer with a few careful adjustments. 

Key Tips for Air Frying Sweet Fruit Pies 

Can You Cook a Pie from Frozen? 

In many cases, yes. Some pies are designed to be cooked straight from frozen, while others may need to be thawed first. Check the instructions for the specific pie before cooking; Mud Pies’ Best Pie Box – Dinner for 8, for example, states that its pies can be cooked directly from frozen. 

Always follow the cooking instructions for the specific pie. 

Should You Use Foil in an Air Fryer? 

Check the instructions for both the pie and your air fryer before using foil. If the pie’s instructions say to leave it in its foil container, follow them only if your air fryer’s manual allows this. The project information for Mud Pies does not specify whether its pies should stay in a foil container. 

Loose foil must not touch the heating element, block vents or restrict airflow. Secure it under the food so it cannot move during cooking, and do not cover the basket completely. Air fryer guidance varies by model: for example, Cosori’s guidance on using foil permits it with these precautions, while other manufacturers advise against it. If general advice conflicts with the product or appliance instructions, follow the relevant manufacturers’ guidance. 

Common Problems When Cooking Frozen Pies in an Air Fryer 

The pastry is brown but the filling is cold 

This can happen if the temperature is too high, the pie is particularly thick, or the cooking time is too short for its size. Lower the temperature slightly and continue cooking in short intervals, checking that the centre is piping hot before serving. A golden crust alone does not confirm that the filling is ready. 

The pastry is not crisp 

A crowded basket, an air fryer that has not been preheated, or moisture in the pie may affect how crisp the pastry becomes. These are possible factors, not definite causes. Leave space around each pie, preheat the appliance if the product and appliance instructions recommend it, and follow the pie’s specific cooking guidance. 

The base is still soft 

The base may not be getting enough airflow, or the pie may need more cooking time. Check that it is positioned as directed and that the basket is not overcrowded. Follow the product’s instructions, and check the base as well as the filling before serving. 

The edges are burning 

The temperature may be too high for the size of the pie, causing the edges to brown before the centre is hot. If the product instructions allow it, try a slightly lower temperature and a longer cooking time, checking the pie at intervals. 

Enjoying Your Perfectly Cooked Pie 

Cooking frozen pies in an air fryer is a quick, reliable way to achieve a golden, crisp pastry and a piping-hot filling without needing to switch on the main oven. By following a few simple steps—preheating your appliance to around 160°C (320°F), using proper basket preparation, ensuring correct placement, and checking that the centre reaches the target temperature—you can enjoy bakery-quality results at home. Always consult the specific product instructions for your pie to get the best possible bake, and let it rest briefly before serving to allow the delicious flavours to settle.