Air fryer times: Frozen pies and pasties in the air fryer
An individual frozen pie or pasty fits in most air fryer baskets and cooks faster than in the oven. Convert the packet instructions, and check the filling is piping hot before serving.
Air fryer settings
Updates liveTemperature
180 °C
20° lower
Total time
31
9 min quicker
Cooking timeline
StartShake at 16 min31 min
- Preheat the air fryer for 2–3 minutes.
- Cook for 16 min, then shake or turn.
- Cook until done — check from 28 min.
Tips
- Preheat your air fryer for 2–3 minutes for best results.
- Do not overcrowd the basket. Air needs to flow.
- Shake or turn halfway through to ensure even crisping.
- Cook from frozen; cover loosely with foil if browning too quickly.
- Always check doneness for your specific food. Appliances vary.
Appliances vary. Always check food is piping hot and cooked through before serving.
Typical packet instructions, converted
| Food | Oven | Air fryer |
|---|---|---|
| Individual pie from frozen | 200 °C40 min | 180 °C 31 min |
| Pasty from frozen | 200 °C45 min | 180 °C 35 min |
| Mini pies from frozen | 200 °C30 min | 180 °C 24 min |
For a medium basket load. Packets vary, so use the numbers on yours in the converter above, see the full conversion chart, or read how the converter works.
Tips for frozen pies
- Leave space around the pie so the air can reach the sides and base.
- If the top browns before the middle is hot, cover it loosely with foil tucked under the pie so it cannot blow about.
- Let it stand for 2 minutes. The filling stays very hot.
- Check the centre of the filling is piping hot, not just the pastry.
Frozen pies: air fryer FAQs
How long does a frozen pie take in an air fryer?
A pie that takes 200 °C for 40 minutes in the oven needs 180 °C for about 31 min in an air fryer. A frozen pasty at 200 °C for 45 minutes needs 180 °C for about 35 min.
Do I need to defrost a pie before air frying it?
No. If the packet gives frozen cooking instructions, convert those and cook it from frozen. Always check the filling is piping hot in the middle.
Can I put foil in an air fryer?
Yes, a small piece to stop pastry over-browning is fine. Keep it weighed down by the food, never cover the whole basket, and keep it away from the heating element.