Shepherd's Pie In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Shepherd's Pie is a delicious, hearty dish that can be made in an air fryer with a few simple adjustments to the traditional recipe. This cooking method is perfect for individual portions, saving time and energy, and resulting in a crispy topping without the need for an oven. With some planning and preparation, you can enjoy a comforting supper straight from the freezer, making it a convenient option for smaller households. So, let's explore the tips and tricks for creating a mouth-watering Shepherd's Pie in your air fryer.

Shepherd's pie in an air fryer vs. an oven

Shepherd's pie is a traditional English dish made with minced meat (usually ground lamb), gravy, vegetables, and mashed potatoes. While it is traditionally baked in the oven, some people have started experimenting with cooking it in an air fryer.

Air Fryer vs. Oven for Shepherd's Pie

When it comes to cooking shepherd's pie, both the air fryer and the oven have their own advantages and disadvantages. Here is a detailed comparison between the two methods:

• Cooking Time: One of the biggest advantages of using an air fryer for shepherd's pie is the reduced cooking time. While a traditional oven may take around 30 minutes to bake the pie, an air fryer can achieve similar results in just 15 to 25 minutes. This makes the air fryer a more convenient option when you're short on time.
• Crispy Topping: Achieving a crispy potato topping is an essential part of a successful shepherd's pie. In a conventional oven, you would typically use the grill setting to brown the topping. However, many air fryers do not have a grill setting. Fortunately, baking the shepherd's pie in an air fryer is often sufficient to get a crispy, golden topping without the need for a dedicated grill function.
• Batch Cooking and Storage: Both the air fryer and the oven allow for batch cooking and freezing portions of shepherd's pie for later consumption. You can freeze individual portions in enamel pie dishes or foil trays and then bake them in the air fryer or oven when desired. However, it is worth noting that air fryers are typically better suited for cooking smaller portions (for one or two people), while an oven is more suitable for cooking larger quantities at once.
• Equipment: Using an air fryer may require some adjustments to your existing shepherd's pie recipe. For example, you might need to use a smaller dish that fits in the air fryer basket. On the other hand, cooking in an oven may be more familiar and require less adaptation to your recipe and equipment.
• Energy Efficiency: Air fryers are known for their energy efficiency, as they use less power than a conventional oven. This can be a significant advantage, especially when cooking for one or two people, as it reduces both energy consumption and your utility bills.

In conclusion, both the air fryer and the oven are viable options for cooking shepherd's pie, each with its own set of pros and cons. The air fryer shines when it comes to reducing cooking time, achieving crispy toppings, and energy efficiency. On the other hand, the oven is better suited for cooking larger quantities at once and may be more convenient if you already have oven-compatible baking dishes. Ultimately, the decision between the two depends on your specific needs, batch sizes, and equipment preferences.

How to prepare the meat filling in advance

Preparing the meat filling in advance is a great way to save time and effort when making shepherd's pie. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to prepare the meat filling for your shepherd's pie in advance:

Choose Your Meat:

Shepherd's pie is traditionally made with ground lamb, but you can also use ground beef or even ground turkey if you prefer. Choose your desired meat and ensure you have enough for your recipe.

Gather Ingredients:

In addition to your chosen meat, you'll need a variety of ingredients to create a flavorful filling. Here's a list of common ingredients used in shepherd's pie meat filling:

• Onions
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Worcestershire sauce
• Beef broth or lamb broth
• Flour or cornstarch (for thickening)
• Seasonings: salt, pepper, dried or fresh parsley, thyme, rosemary
• Vegetables: carrots, peas, corn, etc.

Cook the Meat Filling:

Follow these steps to cook your meat filling:

• Chop or mince your chosen meat into small pieces.
• Sauté some chopped onions in olive oil over medium heat until translucent.
• Add the ground meat to the onions and cook until browned.
• Toss in dried parsley, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine.
• Add minced garlic and Worcestershire sauce, cooking for an additional minute.
• Sprinkle in flour (or cornstarch for a gluten-free option) to thicken the mixture.
• Pour in beef or lamb broth and bring to a simmer. Cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, adjusting the heat to low to prevent the meat from drying out.
• Taste the filling and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, or other seasonings to suit your taste.
• If using vegetables, add them now. Common choices include frozen peas, carrots, and corn kernels.
• Continue to cook until the vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened.

Store the Filling:

Once your meat filling is cooked, allow it to cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. The filling can be made up to 2 days in advance, giving you plenty of time to prepare before assembling and baking your shepherd's pie.

By preparing the meat filling in advance, you can streamline the cooking process when you're ready to assemble and bake your shepherd's pie. Simply take the filling out of the refrigerator, prepare your mashed potatoes, assemble the layers in an ovenproof dish, and bake until bubbly and golden brown. Enjoy the convenience of having a delicious, homemade shepherd's pie ready to be enjoyed any time!

How to make individual pies

You can easily make individual shepherd's pies in an air fryer. This is a great way to cook comforting individual portions with minimal washing up. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make individual shepherd's pies in an air fryer:

Prepare the Filling

Firstly, prepare your meat filling. You can use lamb mince for a shepherd's pie, or beef mince for a cottage pie. For a vegetarian option, try textured vegetable protein (TVP). Cook your chosen filling on the hob, in a frying pan or Instant Pot, and simmer until you have a thick sauce.

Prepare the Topping

While your filling is cooking, prepare your mashed potatoes. You can add butter, cream, garlic, and salt to taste. For a quicker option, you could use instant mashed potato powder.

Assemble the Pies

Now, assemble your pies. Use ovenproof dishes, such as enamel pie dishes or foil trays. Add a quarter of your meat mixture to each dish and top with spoonfuls of mashed potato. Use a fork to fluff up the potatoes and create a thick, crispy topping. You can also add cheese to the topping for an extra indulgent pie.

Cooking and Storage

Cook your pies in the air fryer on the bake setting at 180°C for around 15-25 minutes, until the topping is golden and the filling is heated through. You can also cook your pies in the oven if you prefer. Once cooked, allow to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. These pies can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for a month.

How to freeze shepherd's pie

Shepherd's Pie is a great dish to have on standby in the freezer. You can cook it in the oven or air fryer from frozen, and the thick layer of mashed potato means you don't need any extra carbs.

To freeze your shepherd's pie, let the dish cool completely before wrapping it. You can either wrap the entire dish in two layers of plastic wrap, or transfer the food into a separate airtight container. Then, wrap it in tinfoil and put it in a plastic bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.

When you're ready to eat, thaw the pie for about 24 hours in the refrigerator. Then, remove the plastic wrap and replace it with aluminum foil. Reheat the oven to 375 °F and bake the covered pie for 15-20 minutes. Finally, remove the foil and continue baking for 5-10 minutes, or until the mashed potatoes are warmed and golden.

Alternatively, you can cook the shepherd's pie directly from frozen in the air fryer. Allow 35 minutes at 180 °C.

How to get a crispy topping

To get a crispy topping on your shepherd's pie, you can follow these steps:

Firstly, it is important to prepare your shepherd's pie in advance. This includes precooking the meat filling and preparing your mashed potatoes. For a fluffy and crispy texture, use a fork to fluff up the potatoes.

When you are ready to cook your shepherd's pie, set your air fryer to the bake setting at 180 degrees Celsius. Place your shepherd's pie inside and cook for 25 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the filling is heated through. If cooking from frozen, increase the cooking time to 35 minutes.

If you want to add cheese to your shepherd's pie, you can place it under a grill to brown the topping after cooking in the air fryer. Alternatively, you can cook your shepherd's pie in the oven for a longer period, such as 30 minutes, to achieve a crispy topping.

By following these steps, you should be able to achieve a crispy topping on your shepherd's pie when cooking with an air fryer.

Frequently asked questions