Air Fryer Turkey Pot Pie in 30 Minutes Creamy Perfection
Imagine golden, flaky pastry giving way to the most luscious, creamy turkey filling you’ve ever tasted—all made in your air fryer in under 30 minutes! This air fryer turkey pot pie transforms leftover turkey into a restaurant-quality meal that’ll have your family begging for seconds.
It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you’re craving comfort food without the fuss. Just like our popular air fryer chicken pot pie, this recipe delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort, making it a must-try for anyone who loves quick, satisfying dinners.
What is Air Fryer Turkey Pot Pie?
Ever wondered why pot pies make us feel so warm and fuzzy inside? Maybe it’s because they’ve been filling bellies and hearts since medieval times! This air fryer turkey pot pie is basically a warm hug in pastry form—tender turkey swimming in velvety sauce, surrounded by vegetables, all wrapped in buttery, golden crust.
They say the way to anyone’s heart is through their stomach, and trust me, this dish proves it every single time. Ready to create some serious comfort food magic in your kitchen?
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Turkey Pot Pie
Crispy Perfection in Record Time
The air fryer works absolute magic on pot pie crust, creating that coveted golden-brown, flaky exterior while keeping the filling hot and creamy inside. You’ll get better results than traditional oven baking in half the time—we’re talking 20-25 minutes instead of 45!
Budget-Friendly Comfort Food
Store-bought pot pies can cost $5-8 each and often contain questionable ingredients. Making this air fryer turkey pot pie at home costs about $2 per serving and lets you control exactly what goes into your family’s dinner. Plus, it’s the perfect way to use up that leftover Thanksgiving or rotisserie turkey instead of letting it go to waste.
Customizable and Crowd-Pleasing
Load it up with your favorite vegetables—peas, carrots, corn, green beans, or mushrooms all work beautifully. The rich, herb-infused cream sauce ties everything together with flavors that’ll remind you why pot pie is America’s favorite comfort food. If you loved our air fryer shepherd’s pie, you’ll absolutely adore this creamy cousin. Go ahead and make this your own signature dish tonight!
How to Make Air Fryer Turkey Pot Pie
Quick Overview
This air fryer turkey pot pie is surprisingly simple to prepare and delivers maximum comfort with minimal fuss. The star of the show is the velvety cream sauce that coats every piece of tender turkey and garden-fresh vegetables.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 20-25 minutes Total Time: 35-40 minutes Servings: 4 individual pot pies
The beauty of this recipe lies in its efficiency—you can have homemade pot pies on the table faster than ordering takeout!
Key Ingredients for Air Fryer Turkey Pot Pie
For the Filling:
- 2 cups cooked turkey, diced (leftover or rotisserie)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups chicken or turkey broth
- ¾ cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried sage
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
For the Crust:
- 1 package refrigerated pie crust (2 crusts) or puff pastry
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
You’ll also need 4 oven-safe ramekins (6-8 oz each) that fit in your air fryer basket.
Step-by-Step Instructions
How do I make the creamy turkey filling?
Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle the flour over the butter mixture and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux that will thicken your sauce.
How do I create the perfect sauce consistency?
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Add the milk or cream and keep stirring until the mixture begins to bubble and thicken, which should take about 3-4 minutes. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon when it’s ready.
How do I combine everything together?
Stir in your diced turkey, frozen vegetables, thyme, sage, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley. Let everything simmer together for 2-3 minutes so the vegetables can thaw and the flavors can meld beautifully. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly while you prepare your crusts.
How do I prepare the pot pies for the air fryer?
Roll out your pie crust and cut circles slightly larger than the tops of your ramekins. Divide the turkey filling evenly among the four ramekins, filling them about ¾ full. Place a pastry circle on top of each ramekin, pressing the edges gently to seal. Cut 2-3 small slits in the top of each crust to allow steam to escape. Brush the tops with beaten egg for that gorgeous golden color.
How long do I cook pot pies in the air fryer?
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place two pot pies in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not touching. Cook for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the vents. If your crust is browning too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil. Remove carefully with oven mitts (they’re hot!) and repeat with the remaining pot pies. Let them cool for 3-5 minutes before serving.
What to Serve Air Fryer Turkey Pot Pie With
These hearty pot pies are a complete meal on their own, but pairing them with the right sides elevates your dinner to restaurant quality.
Fresh Green Salad – A crisp Caesar salad or mixed greens with tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the creamy filling perfectly.
Roasted Vegetables – Try roasted Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or green beans tossed with olive oil and garlic for a healthy, colorful addition.
Cranberry Sauce – A dollop of cranberry sauce adds a sweet-tart element that complements the savory turkey beautifully, especially if you’re using Thanksgiving leftovers.
Mashed Potatoes – For the ultimate comfort food experience, serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes or garlic herb mashed cauliflower.
Biscuits or Dinner Rolls – Warm, buttery rolls are perfect for soaking up any extra sauce that escapes from your pot pie.
White Wine or Apple Cider – Pair with a crisp Chardonnay or warm spiced apple cider for a complete seasonal meal.
Top Tips for Perfecting Air Fryer Turkey Pot Pie
Use Room Temperature Pie Crust
Let your refrigerated pie crust sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before using. This prevents cracking and makes it much easier to work with. Cold crust can shatter when you try to shape it.
Don’t Overfill Your Ramekins
Fill ramekins only ¾ full to prevent overflow during cooking. The filling bubbles up as it heats, and overfilling creates a mess in your air fryer. Leave that top quarter for expansion room.
Check Multiple Pot Pies Have Even Cooking
Air fryer hot spots can cause uneven browning. If you notice one side cooking faster, rotate the pot pies halfway through cooking time. This ensures every pie gets that perfect golden crust.
Prevent Soggy Bottom Crust
For an extra-crispy bottom, brush the inside of your ramekins with melted butter before adding the filling. You can also pre-bake ramekins at 350°F for 3-4 minutes if you’re using bottom crusts.
Make It Extra Flaky
For an even flakier crust, freeze your assembled pot pies for 10 minutes before air frying. This temperature contrast creates more steam, resulting in puffier, flakier pastry.
Substitute Ingredients Freely
No turkey? Use rotisserie chicken, leftover ham, or even cooked sausage. Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk for dietary needs. Fresh vegetables work just as well as frozen—just dice them small and sauté first.
Season Generously
Pot pie filling can be bland if under-seasoned. Always taste your sauce before filling the ramekins and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs accordingly. A splash of white wine or lemon juice can brighten the flavors significantly.
Avoid Common Mistakes
Don’t skip the egg wash—it’s what gives you that gorgeous golden color. Make sure steam vents are large enough (about ½ inch slits) or your crust may get soggy. And never fill cold filling into your pie crusts; it should be warm but not steaming hot.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Refrigerator Storage
Store leftover pot pies in an airtight container or cover ramekins tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The crust may soften slightly, but the flavors actually improve as they meld together overnight.
Freezing Instructions
These pot pies freeze beautifully! You can freeze them either before or after baking. For unbaked pot pies, assemble completely (don’t brush with egg wash yet), wrap each ramekin in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, brush with egg wash and add 5-7 minutes to the cooking time—no need to thaw first.
For already-cooked pot pies, let them cool completely, then wrap and freeze. They’ll maintain quality for 2-3 months.
Reheating for Best Results
The air fryer is perfect for reheating! Preheat to 320°F (160°C) and heat refrigerated pot pies for 8-10 minutes until warmed through. From frozen, increase time to 15-18 minutes, covering with foil if the crust browns too quickly.
You can also reheat in a conventional oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes (or 25-30 from frozen). Microwave reheating works in a pinch (2-3 minutes) but will soften the crust significantly—use a toaster oven afterward for 2 minutes to re-crisp if possible.
Make-Ahead Convenience
Prepare the filling up to 2 days in advance and store in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, bring to room temperature, assemble with fresh pastry, and air fry as directed. This makes weeknight dinners incredibly easy!
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 pot pie) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 485 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Fat | 24g |
| Saturated Fat | 11g |
| Cholesterol | 95mg |
| Sodium | 720mg |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 4g |
| Vitamin A | 45% DV |
| Vitamin C | 12% DV |
| Calcium | 8% DV |
| Iron | 15% DV |
Note: Nutrition information is approximate and varies based on specific ingredients used
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make air fryer turkey pot pie without a ramekin?
Absolutely! You can use any oven-safe dish that fits in your air fryer, including small ceramic bowls, mini cast iron skillets, or even make one large pot pie if your air fryer is big enough. You can also make hand pies by folding pastry circles over filling and sealing the edges—these cook in just 10-12 minutes.
What’s the best pastry for air fryer pot pie?
Refrigerated pie crust is the easiest option and creates a classic, flaky pot pie top. Puff pastry gives you ultra-light, crispy layers but can puff up dramatically in the air fryer (still delicious!). For a shortcut, use crescent roll dough or even biscuit dough. Each creates a slightly different texture but all work wonderfully.
Why is my pot pie crust soggy?
Soggy crust usually happens when filling is too wet or the pot pie is overfilled. Make sure your sauce is thick enough to coat a spoon before filling ramekins. Also, don’t skip those steam vents—they let moisture escape. If your crust is browning but still seems soft, continue cooking for 2-3 more minutes.
Can I use raw turkey instead of cooked?
You can, but you’ll need to cook the turkey completely in your filling mixture first. Dice turkey into small ½-inch pieces, cook thoroughly in the butter before adding flour (about 5-7 minutes), then proceed with the recipe. Raw turkey won’t cook through properly in the pot pie cooking time.
How do I know when my pot pie is done?
Your pot pie is ready when the crust is deep golden brown and you can see the filling bubbling through the steam vents. If you have a food thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). The crust should sound slightly hollow when tapped gently.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute butter with olive oil or vegan butter, and use full-fat coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk instead of dairy milk. The sauce will be slightly different in flavor but still creamy and delicious. Make sure to use a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch if needed.
What size air fryer do I need?
A 3.5-quart air fryer can typically fit 2 standard ramekins (6-8 oz) at once. A 5-quart or larger can often fit all 4 at once, cutting your cooking time in half. Just make sure there’s space between ramekins for air circulation.
Can I add cheese to my turkey pot pie?
Cheese is a fantastic addition! Stir ½ cup of shredded cheddar, Gruyère, or Parmesan into your filling just before assembling. You can also sprinkle cheese on top of the filling before adding the crust for an extra gooey, cheesy surprise.
Pro Chef Secrets
Layer Your Flavors
Professional chefs know that building flavor in layers makes all the difference. Sauté your aromatics (onion and garlic) until they caramelize slightly before adding flour. This creates a flavor foundation that makes your pot pie taste like it simmered all day.
The Secret Ingredient
Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a splash of white wine to your sauce for restaurant-quality depth. A pinch of nutmeg also enhances the creamy flavors without being identifiable.
Crust Decoration Ideas
Use small cookie cutters to cut shapes (leaves, stars, hearts) from extra pastry and arrange on top before egg washing. This makes your pot pies Instagram-worthy and shows extra care. Kids especially love this personalized touch!
Double Batch Wisdom
Since you’re already making the filling, why not double it? Freeze the extra filling in portion-sized containers. On busy nights, thaw, top with pastry, and air fry for an almost-instant homemade dinner.
This air fryer turkey pot pie proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Whether you’re transforming Thanksgiving leftovers or creating a cozy weeknight dinner, these individual pot pies deliver maximum satisfaction with minimal effort.
The air fryer creates that perfect crispy-golden crust we all crave while keeping your kitchen cool and your cleanup minimal. Best of all, everyone gets their own personal pot pie—no fighting over who gets the crispiest crust!
Don’t let that leftover turkey go to waste. Whip up a batch of these incredible pot pies tonight and watch them disappear faster than you can say “seconds, please!” Your family will be requesting this recipe on repeat, and you’ll love how simple it is to deliver that homemade comfort food magic.
Pin this recipe for later, share it with your friends, and don’t forget to leave a comment below telling us how your air fryer turkey pot pie turned out! Happy cooking!
