A method of forming a polyamide composition includes melt blending specific amounts of a poly(phenylene ether) masterbatch, a first polyamide, glass fibers, and a flame retardant that includes a metal dialkylphosphinate. The poly(phenylene ether) masterbatch is prepared by melt blending specific amounts of a poly(phenylene ether) and a second polyamide. The method provides a polyamide composition with a desirable balance of flame retardancy, melt flow, heat resistance, and mechanical properties, while reducing the amount of metal dialkylphosphinate required by corresponding compositions without the poly(phenylene ether) masterbatch. A corresponding polyamide composition is described, as are the poly(phenylene ether) masterbatch, and a method of reducing the metal dialkylphosphinate content of a flame retardant polyamide composition.