Air Fryer Steak Pie: Can You Do It?

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance, and for good reason. They're energy-efficient, healthy, and convenient. But can you cook a steak pie in one? The answer is yes! You can cook a variety of pies in an air fryer, including steak and kidney pie, and even reheat pre-cooked meat pies. The key to success is ensuring the filling is cooked properly before heating the pie in the air fryer, and you may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature depending on your air fryer model. So, go ahead and give it a try—you'll have a delicious, crispy steak pie in no time!

Steak pie cooking times and temperatures for air fryers

Steak pie lovers, rejoice! You can indeed cook a steak pie in your air fryer. Here are some cooking times and temperatures to help you achieve the perfect steak pie.

First things first: preheat your air fryer. This step is crucial for even cooking and achieving a golden, crispy crust. Aim for a temperature of around 160°C (320°F) or 180°C (360°F). Give it a few minutes to heat up.

Now, prepare your steak pie. If it's frozen, there's no need to defrost it first. Simply remove any aluminium foil or tray and place the pie into the air fryer basket. Make sure it fits comfortably without touching the sides or top. You don't want it to be too snug in there!

If you're using a meat thermometer, the internal temperature of your pie should reach 71°C (160°F) when it's done. Here are some general cooking guidelines based on different pie sizes and types:

• For a mini steak pie (around 10cm x 3cm), set your air fryer to 180°C (360°F) and cook for about 25 minutes. Keep an eye on it towards the end to ensure the pastry doesn't overcook. You can check if it's ready by inserting a knife or skewer into the centre—it should come out piping hot.
• For a chilled, pre-cooked steak pie, a temperature of 160°C (320°F) for 12 minutes should do the trick. You can then turn down the heat to 100°C and keep the pie warm for another 5-15 minutes.
• If you're cooking from frozen, a general guideline is to go for 30 minutes at 160°C (320°F). Keep in mind that all air fryers are different, so you might need to adjust the time and temperature slightly.
• For smaller, individual steak pies, try cooking at 180°C (360°F) for 15-18 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.

And there you have it! Steak pie perfection, cooked to perfection in your air fryer. Enjoy the crispy, golden goodness.

How to prepare your air fryer basket

Preparing your air fryer basket is an important step in ensuring your steak pie cooks evenly and doesn't stick. Here are some detailed instructions on how to prepare your air fryer basket for cooking a delicious steak pie:

• Choose the right size of pie: Ensure that your steak pie fits comfortably in the air fryer basket without touching the sides or the top. This is important to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking.
• Preheat the air fryer: Set the temperature to around 320°F (160°C) and let it preheat for a few minutes. This step is crucial for even cooking and achieving a golden, crispy crust.
• Grease the air fryer basket: Lightly grease the basket with cooking spray or oil. This will help prevent your steak pie from sticking to the basket. Alternatively, you can use baking paper cut to fit the basket, ensuring the bottom of the pie doesn't stick.
• Centre the pie: When placing the frozen steak pie into the air fryer basket, make sure it is centred and not touching the sides. This will ensure even cooking and prevent any accidental burning.
• Monitor the cooking process: Keep an eye on your steak pie as it cooks. You may need to rotate it halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning. Additionally, check the internal temperature of the pie with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the recommended temperature of 160°F (71°C) for savoury pies.
• Let the pie rest: Once your steak pie is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the filling to settle, making it easier to serve and enjoy.

By following these steps, you'll be able to prepare your air fryer basket effectively and cook a delicious, crispy steak pie that's cooked evenly throughout.

Pre-cooking steak pies in the microwave

Step 1: Prepare Your Container and Pie

Line a plastic container, such as a takeaway box, with good-quality absorbent paper towels. Place your frozen steak pie upside down into the container. It's important that the pie is frozen, as this method may not work with a defrosted pie. Add a few extra layers of paper towels on top of the pie, ensuring it's well covered.

Step 2: Microwave Your Pie

Place the lid on the container, but don't click it into place. This is to prevent the lid from popping off due to heat and pressure build-up. Microwave the pie on full power for approximately 3 to 3.5 minutes, depending on the strength of your microwave.

Step 3: Let It Stand and Enjoy

Once the microwave is done, carefully remove the pie and let it stand for about a minute. The paper towels should have absorbed excess moisture, leaving the pastry dry and slightly crispy. Unwrap your pie, add your favourite sauce, and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks:

• For an even crispier pastry, you can finish off the pie in the oven for 5 minutes after microwaving.
• Be cautious of the hot filling when handling and eating the pie.
• Experiment with different types of steak pies and adjust the timing accordingly.
• Always follow food safety guidelines when handling and reheating food.

While the oven may be the preferred method for cooking steak pies, the microwave offers a faster alternative when you're short on time or want a quick snack.

Using ramekins for smaller steak pies

Using ramekins to make smaller steak pies in an air fryer is a great way to make individual servings that are aesthetically pleasing and perfectly cooked. Here are some tips and tricks for achieving the best results:

• Choose the Right Ramekins: Use oven-safe ceramic, glass, or porcelain ramekins. These materials can withstand the high temperatures of an air fryer without cracking.
• Size: Select ramekins that fit comfortably in your air fryer basket, allowing enough space for air circulation. Typically, 4- to 6-ounce ramekins work well for most air fryers.
• Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheating your air fryer ensures even cooking from the start and helps achieve the desired texture, especially for dishes that require a crispy top or crust. Follow the manufacturer's instructions, usually preheating for about 3-5 minutes at the temperature specified in your recipe.
• Grease or Line Ramekins: Lightly coat the inside of the ramekins with cooking spray, butter, or oil to prevent sticking. This step is crucial for baked goods and dishes with cheese. For baked goods, consider using parchment paper liners for easy removal and cleanup.
• Adjust Cooking Times and Temperatures: Air fryers cook food faster and more effectively than conventional ovens. Start by reducing the cooking time by 10-20% and check the dish frequently to avoid overcooking. If your recipe is for a conventional oven, reduce its temperature by 25°F (or 14°C) when using an air fryer.
• Use Foil for Even Cooking: Cover the ramekins with aluminium foil during the first part of cooking to prevent the top of your dish from browning too quickly. Halfway through, remove the foil to let the top crisp and brown. This technique is beneficial for dishes like soufflés and casseroles.
• Ensure Even Cooking: Air fryers can have hot spots, so regularly monitor your ramekin dishes. Rotate the ramekins halfway through the cooking process for even browning and consistent results. Use a toothpick or knife to test for doneness, especially for baked goods. The dish is done when the tester comes out clean or with minimal crumbs.
• Do Not Overfill the Ramekins: Leave some space at the top to allow for expansion, especially for recipes that rise, such as soufflés and cakes. Overfilled ramekins can result in uneven cooking and spillage, making cleanup more difficult.
• Utilise Ramekin Lids: If your ramekins have lids, use them for dishes that benefit from retaining moisture, such as custards or steamed puddings. The lids help prevent the top from drying out, allowing the interior to cook evenly. Remove the lids towards the end of cooking if you want a browned or crispy top.
• Experiment with Portions: Ramekins are perfect for experimenting with single servings or small portions. Adjust your favourite recipes to fit ramekin sizes, making them ideal for individual servings. Get creative and mix and match ingredients to create personalised dishes without committing to a large batch.
• Clean and Store Properly: Clean ramekins thoroughly after each use to avoid residue buildup. Most ramekins are dishwasher-safe, but hand washing with mild soap and water can extend their lifespan. Store ramekins in a dry, cool place to prevent cracking or damage from moisture and temperature changes.

Ingredients:

• Pastry: Shortcrust pastry or puff pastry
• Egg: For a golden glow on your pies
• Filling: Steak, gravy, pepper beef, onions, mushrooms, or other desired ingredients
• Ramekins: Oven-safe ceramic or glass ramekins
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil Spray: To reduce sticking

Instructions:

• Make your meat filling by dicing and cooking your steak to your desired doneness. You can also use leftover beef or stew as your filling.
• Mix your meat with Worcester sauce and tomato paste to create a creamy meat pie filling.
• Roll out your pastry so that it will fit over your ramekins.
• Spray your ramekins with extra virgin olive oil to reduce sticking.
• Load the meat pie filling into your ramekins.
• Cover the filling with the pastry. Press down the pastry lid and snip the top with scissors to allow steam to escape during cooking.
• Brush the pastry with egg wash for a golden colour.
• Place the ramekins into the air fryer basket and cook at 180°C/360°F for about 17 minutes, or until the pies are golden and piping hot in the centre.
• Enjoy your delicious, freshly cooked mini steak pies!

Reheating steak pies in an air fryer

Preheat Your Air Fryer:

Start by preheating your air fryer to ensure even cooking. Set the temperature to around 180°C or 360°F for about 3 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving a golden, crispy crust on your pie.

Prepare the Air Fryer Basket:

Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil. This step will prevent your steak pie from sticking to the basket. Alternatively, you can use a piece of baking paper cut to fit the basket, ensuring the bottom of the pie doesn't stick.

Place the Steak Pie in the Air Fryer:

Gently place your steak pie into the preheated air fryer basket. Ensure that it is centred and not touching the sides. If you're reheating multiple pies, make sure they don't touch each other.

Set the Cooking Time and Temperature:

The cooking time will depend on the size and initial temperature of your steak pie. As a general guideline, reheat your steak pie for about 5 minutes at 160°C or 320°F. However, if your pie is frozen, increase the cooking time to around 30 minutes. Keep an eye on the pie to ensure even cooking, and consider rotating it halfway through.

Check the Internal Temperature:

To ensure your steak pie is reheated thoroughly, use a meat thermometer to check its internal temperature. For savoury pies, the internal temperature should reach 71°C or 160°F. This step is important to ensure the pie is safe to eat.

Let the Pie Rest:

Once the desired temperature is reached, remove the steak pie from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This resting period allows the filling to settle, making it easier to serve and eat.

Serve and Enjoy:

After the resting period, your steak pie is ready to be served! Enjoy the crispy, golden perfection of your reheated steak pie.

It's important to note that you should only reheat your steak pie once in the air fryer. Cook only the number of pies you plan to eat right away. Additionally, always ensure that the filling is properly cooked before reheating in the air fryer.

Frequently asked questions