Air-Fryer Shepherd's Pie: A Quick, Easy Comfort Food

Shepherd's Pie is a traditional British dish that can be made in an air fryer. The pie is made with minced meat, usually lamb, gravy, vegetables, and mashed potatoes. It is a comfort food that can be made ahead of time and frozen for up to three months. The dish is simple to make and only requires a few steps: making mashed potatoes, boiling and mashing carrots, cooking the beef-onion mixture, and assembling the pie. The pie is then baked in the oven or air fryer until the top is golden brown.

Can you make shepherd's pie in an air fryer?

Yes, you can make shepherd's pie in an air fryer!

Shepherd's pie is a traditional British dish, a comfort food casserole that originated in England. It is made with minced meat (usually ground lamb), gravy, vegetables, and mashed potatoes.

To make shepherd's pie in an air fryer, you will need to prepare the filling and mashed potatoes separately, and then assemble and cook the pie in the air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Start by heating some oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until soft. If you are using garlic, add it now and cook for a few minutes. Next, add your choice of minced meat (traditionally lamb, but you can also use beef or vegetarian alternatives) and cook until browned. Stir in any vegetables you are using, such as carrots, peas, or mushrooms. Pour in beef or lamb stock, along with tomato puree, Worcestershire sauce, and herbs. Bring to a simmer and cook until the gravy thickens and the vegetables are soft.

Step 2: Make the Mashed Potatoes

Peel and chop potatoes into even-sized chunks. Place them in a pan of salted water and boil until tender. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pan. Add butter, milk, and seasoning to taste, and mash until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

Spoon the mince mixture into an ovenproof dish or individual pie dishes. Top with a layer of mashed potatoes and use a fork to create a ruffled pattern on the surface. You can also pipe on the potatoes for a neater finish.

Step 4: Cook in the Air Fryer

Place the assembled pie in the air fryer and cook at 180-200°C for 25-35 minutes, until the top is golden and the filling is heated through. If cooking from frozen, allow for a longer cooking time (around 35-60 minutes).

And that's it! You can now enjoy your delicious shepherd's pie straight from the air fryer. This method is perfect for individual portions or when cooking for a smaller household.

What ingredients do you need?

The ingredients you need for a shepherd's pie in an air fryer are very similar to those for a traditional shepherd's pie. Here is a detailed list of ingredients you will need:

Meat

For a traditional shepherd's pie, you will need ground lamb or mutton. However, if you are making a cottage pie, you can use ground beef instead. You will need around 400 grams of meat for four individual pies. Alternatively, you can use leftover roast or casseroles lamb or beef, ensuring they are piping hot when served.

Vegetables

You will need onions, carrots, and celery. These vegetables will form the base of your pie and provide flavour and texture. Chop them finely and cook them gently until soft. You may also add mushrooms, peas, and corn to your pie for extra flavour and colour.

Potatoes

For the mashed potato topping, use starchy potatoes such as russet or Yukon Gold, or fluffy varieties like King Edward or Maris Piper. Avoid waxy potatoes, as they will make the mash gluey and starchy. You will need around 900 grams of potatoes for four individual pies.

Dairy

Butter, milk, and cheese are essential ingredients for a shepherd's pie. The butter and milk will make your mashed potatoes creamy, while the cheese will add a delicious, savoury flavour. You can use mature cheddar cheese and grate it on top of the pie before baking.

Seasoning and Herbs

To season your shepherd's pie, you will need salt and pepper. Additionally, you can add fresh or dried herbs such as parsley, thyme, and rosemary. You can also add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to enhance the flavour.

Other Ingredients

You will also need flour, beef stock or broth, and ketchup or tomato puree. The flour will help thicken the gravy, while the beef stock and ketchup add flavour to the meat mixture.

What is the best way to prepare the meat?

When preparing the meat for your shepherd's pie, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, it is recommended to use lamb mince for a traditional shepherd's pie, although you can also use beef mince for a cottage pie.

Start by heating some oil in a pan. You can use sunflower oil or olive oil. Next, add chopped onions and cook until they are soft and translucent. This should take around 10 minutes. You can also add other vegetables at this stage, such as carrots, celery, and garlic, and cook until softened.

Once the vegetables are soft, it's time to add the meat. Crumble in the lamb mince and cook until it is browned. Make sure to break up any large chunks of meat with a spatula or fork. You may need to cook the meat in batches to ensure even browning.

At this point, you can add your choice of herbs and spices. Some popular options include rosemary, thyme, parsley, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together and cook for a few minutes to allow the flavours to combine.

Next, add a thickening agent such as flour or cornflour. This will help create a rich and gravy-like consistency. Cook this for a couple of minutes, stirring frequently.

Finally, pour in your choice of liquid to create the gravy. This could be beef stock, beef broth, or water. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for around 20-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and reduces.

And that's it! You've now prepared the meat filling for your shepherd's pie. Remember to taste and season your filling as you go, and feel free to add any extra ingredients or spices to suit your preferences.

What is the best way to prepare the potatoes?

Preparing the potatoes for your shepherd's pie is simple. First, peel and cut the potatoes into even-sized chunks. The size of the chunks will determine how long they need to be boiled for, so aim for around 2-3 cm. Next, place the potatoes in a pan of cold, salted water and bring to a boil. Simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft and can be easily pierced with a fork. Drain the potatoes and leave them to steam dry for at least 10 minutes.

Now it's time to mash the potatoes. Return them to the (empty) pan and add butter, milk, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mash until smooth, adding a splash more milk or butter if needed. For a smooth, fluffy mash, choose a fluffy potato variety, such as King Edward or Maris Piper. If you want to add cheese to your potatoes, sprinkle grated cheese over the shepherd's pie before baking.

How long does it take to cook?

The cooking time for shepherd's pie in an air fryer depends on the quantity of the dish being prepared, the temperature setting, and the specific model of the air fryer. Here is a detailed breakdown of the cooking times mentioned in various recipes:

• One recipe suggests a total cook time of 1 hour and 15 minutes. This includes 20 minutes of prep time and 1 hour of cook time. The air fryer is set to 180°C for 25 minutes to cook the assembled pies.
• Another recipe with a yield of three to four servings suggests a cook time of 45 minutes. This includes boiling potatoes for 10 minutes, boiling carrots for 8 minutes, and cooking the assembled pie in the air fryer at 200°C for 15 minutes.
• A recipe for shepherd's pie in the Ninja Foodi suggests a total time of 32 minutes, including 5 minutes of prep time. The air fryer is set to 375°F for 10-15 minutes to cook the assembled pie.
• A similar recipe for shepherd's pie in the Ninja Foodi mentions a cook time of 27 minutes, excluding the time taken for preparation. The air fryer is set to 375°F for 10-15 minutes to cook the assembled pie.
• A recipe for an air fryer cottage pie, which is similar to shepherd's pie but made with beef instead of lamb, suggests a cook time of 10 minutes in the air fryer at 180°C.

It is important to note that the cooking times may vary depending on the specific model of the air fryer and the size of the dish being prepared. It is always a good idea to keep an eye on the dish while it is cooking in the air fryer and adjust the timing as needed.

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