Once upon a time, every tried-and-tested recipe that you now love started out as an experiment in someone’s kitchen, and this air fryer chicken, leek, and bacon pie is no different. Who’d have thought that you could cook a hearty, delicious pie in an air-fryer? I know it might sound like a broken record, but your air fryer is such a versatile kitchen tool – you just need to be willing to give new things a try. Sure, not every recipe will turn out exactly as planned, but with me here to do most of the experimenting for you, and then set you off on your own culinary journey, you’ll find that there are definitely more ‘hits’ than ‘misses’.
So this air-fried chicken, leek, and bacon pie started as a bit of an experiment., And I’m happy to report that it turned out to be an absolute success! The combination of tender chicken, savoury bacon, and soft leeks wrapped in a golden, flaky pie crust is as comforting as it sounds. The only minor tweak I’d make next time is chopping the carrots a little smaller so they cook more evenly, but that’s just a small detail. Other than that, it was delicious!
What I love about this air fryer chicken, leek, and bacon pie is how easy, quick, and tasty it is to make. It’s a perfect recipe for those evenings when you need something a little ‘extra’ without the hassle of spending hours in the kitchen. The air-fryer cooks everything to perfection, and you can have this comforting, flavourful pie ready in no time. So, next time you’re craving a warm, hearty meal, give this air fryer pie a go!
PREP 10 minutes
COOK 20 minutes
SERVES 2 people
KIT you will need an air fryer and mixing bowl.
Ingredients for air fryer chicken pie
350g of chicken thighs
1 large leek, chopped
1 carrot, diced
10 rashers of streaky bacon
3 tablespoons of crème fraiche
150ml of chicken stock
1 teaspoon of whole grain mustard
Ready rolled puff pastry
Seasoning to taste
Method
There’s nothing quite like a comforting homemade pie, and with this easy air fryer version, you can enjoy all the classic flavours of a chicken, leek, and bacon pie. With a fraction of the effort and time.
Start by cutting boneless chicken thighs into evenly sized pieces and placing them into a large mixing bowl. Slice a fresh leek and dice a couple of carrots, then add them to the same bowl. Slice your bacon into strips and toss them in with the rest of the ingredients. Drizzle over a little olive oil and season generously with salt, pepper, and your favourite herbs (thyme works beautifully). Stir well to coat everything evenly.
Transfer the mixture to an oven-proof dish that fits comfortably into your air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 180°C (356°F) and cook for 10–12 minutes. Stirring once halfway through to ensure even cooking.
While the filling starts cooking, take your puff pastry out of the fridge so it can come to room temperature. So once the chicken and veggies are nearly cooked, stir in a couple of tablespoons of crème fraîche, a splash of chicken stock, and a teaspoon of wholegrain mustard for richness and depth. Return the dish to the air fryer and cook for an additional 6–8 minutes.
When the filling is ready, remove the dish and carefully place the pastry sheet over the top. Trim the edges if needed, then brush with an egg wash for that perfect golden finish. Air fry for a final 5 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
Serve hot with a side of buttered greens or creamy mashed potatoes. The ultimate comfort food, made simpler.
Tips for Air Fryer Chicken Pie
Air fryer chicken pie is a delicious, comforting dish that comes together quickly and easily with the right tips. To achieve a golden pie with flaky pastry and tender, juicy filling, follow these key steps.
1. Use pre-cooked chicken
Leftover roast chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken works best. This ensures the filling is fully cooked and just needs warming, preventing undercooked meat or overcooked pastry.
2. Make a thick, creamy filling
Combine chicken with sautéed onions, garlic, mushrooms, and a creamy sauce thickened with flour or corn starch. Avoid overly wet fillings to keep the pastry from getting soggy.
3. Choose the right pastry:
Puff pastry crisps beautifully in the air fryer. Cut it to fit your pie dish or ramekins and chill well before use to prevent shrinking during cooking.
4. Use appropriate containers:
For individual pies, mini ramekins or silicone moulds work great. Make sure they fit comfortably in your air fryer basket with room for air circulation.
5. Preheat your air fryer
Set it to 180°C (356°F) for 2–3 minutes before cooking. This helps the pastry bake evenly and develop a golden, crispy crust.
6. Place the pie properly
Use a small rack or place directly in the basket with space around for good airflow and even cooking.
7. Monitor cooking time
Typically 15–20 minutes, but check the pastry colour regularly. If it browns too fast, loosely tent with foil to prevent burning.
8. Let it rest
After cooking, allow your chicken pie to rest for a few minutes. This helps the filling set and makes slicing neater.
9. Serve with sides
Pair your pie with fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or mashed potatoes for a wholesome meal.
Following these tips will help you get that perfect flaky, golden crust with delicious, tender chicken filling every time!
Similar recipes
So if you love this easy air fryer chicken pie, you might also like my air fryer stuffed chicken breast recipe.
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