Start by dicing the onion, carrot, and celery, and crushing the garlic. In a pan, heat a splash of olive oil or a knob of butter over medium heat. Add the minced onion, diced carrot, finely diced celery, and crushed garlic. Sauté the vegetables until they are soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and a few sprigs of fresh or a pinch of dried thyme if you like — I find the thyme makes the filling more aromatic.

Remove the skin and bones from the cooked rotisserie chicken, then chop the breast meat and shred the thigh meat. In a large bowl, combine the prepared chicken, sautéed vegetables from Step 1, and the béchamel sauce. Stir to mix everything evenly and taste for seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper as needed. I always suggest tasting at this point — a little extra pepper goes a long way for flavor.

Transfer the pot pie filling from Step 2 to a heat-proof dish that will fit in your air fryer basket. You can also use foil containers or small ramekins if making individual pies. Drape the thawed sheet of puff pastry over the top of the dish, trimming any excess with a knife. Crimp the edges to seal the pie, using your fingers or a fork for a decorative edge. I find a fork not only seals but makes the pie look more rustic.

Cut two vents in the center of the puff pastry using a sharp knife to allow steam to escape during baking. In a small bowl, whisk the egg with a splash of water to make an egg wash. Brush this mixture evenly over the puff pastry top — this will ensure a glossy, golden crust after baking.

Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C). Place the assembled pot pie in the basket and air fry for 15 minutes. After this, increase the temperature to 400°F (205°C) and air fry for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the puff pastry is crisp and golden brown. I like to keep an eye on the pie for the last couple of minutes to ensure the top doesn't over-brown.

Carefully remove the pot pie from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This brief rest allows the filling to settle and makes serving easier. Enjoy your homemade air fryer chicken pot pie — it’s perfect for a cozy meal!