Air Fryer Hack: Frozen Pasty Perfection

Air fryers have become a must-have kitchen appliance for food lovers, offering a healthier and more convenient alternative to traditional frying methods. With its ability to crisp and cook food to perfection using hot air circulation, it's no surprise that many are wondering if they can cook a frozen pasty in an air fryer. A pasty, or pastie, is a traditional British food item that is now enjoyed all over the world. It is made by placing a savoury filling, usually meat and vegetables, on one half of a shortcrust pastry circle. The other half is then folded over to create a semi-circular pie, with the edges sealed by crimping them together.

Cooking times and temperatures

Some sources suggest cooking the pasty for 12 to 15 minutes, ideally flipping it halfway through, until it is crispy and golden brown on the outside and heated through on the inside. Other sources recommend cooking the pasty for 20 minutes, or even up to 40 minutes, depending on the size of the pasty and the number of pasties being cooked.

It is important to note that the cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the make and model of the air fryer, as well as the size and number of pasties being cooked. It is always a good idea to check the manufacturer's instructions for the air fryer and the pasty, if possible, to ensure the best results.

When cooking frozen pasties in an air fryer, it is recommended to place the pasties in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each one for proper air circulation. For larger pasties or when cooking a large number of pasties, it may be necessary to cook them in batches.

Additionally, it is worth noting that air fryers offer a healthier and more convenient alternative to traditional frying methods, as they use hot air circulation to crisp and cook food without the need for preheating or the use of large amounts of oil.

How to prepare your pasty

Preparing a frozen pasty in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and mess-free process. It is a convenient alternative to traditional frying methods and can produce a delicious crispy finish. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare your frozen pasty using an air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer. Set it to 350°F-360°F and allow it to heat up for about 4-5 minutes.

Step 2: Place the Pasty in the Air Fryer

Open the air fryer drawer and place the desired number of frozen pasties inside. Ensure that you arrange them in a single layer with some space between each pasty to allow for proper air circulation. You may need to cook in batches if you are preparing a large quantity.

Step 3: Set the Timer

Close the air fryer drawer and set the timer according to the instructions on your pasty packaging. As a general guideline, cook the pasties for 12-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, to ensure even cooking. The total cooking time may vary depending on the size and number of pasties, as well as your specific air fryer model.

Step 4: Check for Doneness

After the suggested cooking time, carefully open the air fryer drawer and check if the pasties are cooked to your desired level of doneness. The pastry should be crispy and golden brown on the outside, while the filling should be hot and bubbling. If you feel they need more time, you can put them back in for an additional few minutes.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once your pasties are cooked to perfection, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. You can serve them as they are or with a side of your choice. Some popular side dish suggestions include a salad, coleslaw, or chips. Enjoy your delicious, crispy pasties!

Please note that it is generally recommended to cook frozen pasties directly from their frozen state without thawing them first. This ensures the best texture and flavour. Additionally, while microwaving is an option for reheating pasties, it may not produce the best results as the pastry can become soggy.

Air fryer vs oven

Frozen pasties can be cooked in an air fryer or an oven, but there are some differences between the two methods. An air fryer is a compact countertop appliance that cooks one dish at a time, while an oven is a full-sized appliance that can handle multiple dishes or larger portions. Air fryers are also more convenient and healthier than traditional frying methods as they don't require preheating and use hot air circulation to cook food.

Air fryers circulate heated air to cook and crisp up food, resulting in a crispy exterior. They are ideal for fried foods like chicken wings, bacon, salmon, and zucchini fries. Ovens, on the other hand, use static air to cook food and are better suited for baking delicate items or recipes with liquid batters.

When cooking frozen pasties in an air fryer, preheat the appliance to 360°F (or 375°F) and place a single layer of pasties in the basket for 6-8 minutes. Flip the pasties, then return them to the fryer for another 6-8 minutes. Remove the basket and let the pasties stand for 2 minutes before serving. The total cooking time in an air fryer is typically 12-15 minutes.

In an oven, frozen pasties can be cooked directly from frozen. Set the oven to 350-400°F and place the frozen pasty on a baking sheet. Bake for approximately 30-40 minutes, depending on the number of pasties and your oven. The pasty should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Both methods will yield tasty results, but air-fried pasties will have a crispier exterior compared to oven-baked pasties. Air fryers are a convenient option for preparing a single batch of pasties, while ovens are better suited for cooking larger quantities.

Microwave reheating

While it is not recommended, you can reheat a frozen pasty in the microwave if you are short on time. The soft filling may ooze into the pastry, resulting in a soggy texture and an unpleasant taste.

If you are going to use a microwave, place the pasty off-center in the oven cavity. Cook on high for one minute if the pasty is thawed, or four minutes if it is frozen. Turn the pasty over and cook for another minute. You may need to add more time, depending on your microwave's power and the number of pasties you are reheating. The pasty should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 15 seconds before serving.

If your pasty is pre-cooked, you can defrost and reheat it in the microwave. However, if your pasty is not pre-cooked, it is best to use an oven or an air fryer to reheat it.

Some frozen pasties are designed to be reheated in a conventional oven. The oven's heat will give your pasty a golden, egg-washed crust. Preheat your oven to 375°F and place the pasty on a cookie sheet. Monitor the temperature with a meat thermometer; the ideal internal temperature is 140°F. This should take around 30 minutes, but you can cut open the pasty and check the middle to see if more time is needed.

Filling options

You can cook a frozen pasty in an air fryer. It is best not to thaw the pasty first. Place the frozen pasty in the air fryer and cook at 350°F for 17 to 20 minutes. The cooking time will vary depending on the number of pasties you are cooking.

Pasty fillings can be either savoury or sweet.

A traditional Cornish pasty typically contains diced meat, such as beef skirt or chicken, potatoes, onions, and rutabaga, all encased in a flaky pastry.

Vegetarian pasties can be filled with seasonal vegetables, cheese, legumes, spinach, ricotta, and feta.

Sweet pasties can be made with fruit fillings such as apples, berries, or chocolate, and cinnamon sugar.

You can also use leftovers from a roast—add stuffing or sausage, if you like!

Frequently asked questions