Air Fryer Pasties: Can You Cook Them?

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 people are keen to cook all sorts of dishes in it, including pasties. So, can you cook a pasty in an air fryer? The short answer is yes. You can cook fresh or frozen, homemade or shop-bought, meat or vegetarian pasties in an air fryer.

Air fryer settings and timings

To cook a pasty in an air fryer, you should preheat your air fryer first. Some sources recommend preheating for 4 minutes, while others suggest 5 minutes at 190 °C or 375 °F. If you are cooking a frozen pasty, one source recommends preheating for 10 minutes.

Once preheated, you should place the pasty in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is space between each one for proper air circulation. Brush the pasty with oil, and cook at 190 °C or 375 °F for 13-14 minutes, brushing with oil again halfway through. You can also flip the pasty halfway through cooking.

If you are cooking a fresh, non-frozen pasty, you should cook it for 12-15 minutes at 180 °C. This will produce a perfectly cooked pasty with a hot filling and crispy pastry. For a frozen pasty, cook for 40 minutes at 160 °C.

Making the pastry

Once the dough is formed, wrap it in cling film and place it in the fridge for 20 minutes to rest. This is an important step to ensure your pastry is flaky and easy to work with. You can also make the dough ahead of time and leave it in the fridge for a few days or even freeze it for up to 3 months.

When you're ready to assemble your pasties, lightly dust a work surface with flour. Roll out the pastry to your desired thickness; for pasties, a thickness of around 5mm or 1/8 inch is ideal. Use a side plate or a small bowl turned upside down to cut the pastry into circles. For larger pasties, you can cut 8-inch circles, but for smaller, individual-sized pasties, you can cut 4 circles with an 18cm diameter.

Now your pastry is ready to be filled and baked!

Filling options

The beauty of making pasties in an air fryer is that you can experiment with different fillings and pastry types. You can use store-bought pastry for convenience or make your own from scratch. The air fryer will help you achieve a golden-brown crust while keeping the fillings moist and delicious.

When preparing pasties for air frying, the first step is to choose your desired filling and prepare it accordingly. Chop any vegetables into small pieces to ensure even cooking. You can also cook the filling first and then add it to the pasty, which allows you to use cheaper cuts of meat.

There are endless options for filling pasties, from traditional to vegetarian and even sweet varieties. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Traditional Cornish Pasty Filling:

• Diced meat (typically beef, but you can also use braising steak, sirloin, or chicken)
• Potatoes
• Onions
• Swede or rutabaga

Vegetarian Filling Options:

• Seasonal vegetables (chopped into small pieces)
• Cheese (such as feta, ricotta, or cheddar)
• Legumes (such as lentils or chickpeas)

Sweet Filling Options:

• Apples
• Berries
• Chocolate
• Mixed fruits with cinnamon sugar

Cooking from frozen

Yes, you can cook a frozen pasty in an air fryer. In fact, cooking a frozen pasty in an air fryer is recommended by some manufacturers and sources. It is a convenient, quick, and easy method that produces a delightfully crispy pastry pocket with a tasty filling.

To cook a frozen pasty in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to a temperature between 160°C and 360°F for 4 minutes. Place the required number of pasties in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each one for proper air circulation. If cooking a large number of pasties, you may need to do this in batches.

Cook the pasties for a total of 30-40 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are crispy and golden brown on the outside and heated through on the inside. The cooking time may vary depending on the number of pasties being cooked and the size of the pasty. For example, a single pasty will take much less time to cook than multiple pasties.

Once the pasties are cooked, carefully remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. It is important to note that the pasty will be very hot, with an internal temperature of 90-100°C, so allow sufficient time for cooling to ensure safe consumption.

Some sources suggest checking the pasty during the final 5-10 minutes of cooking to ensure it does not "boil out", which can be unsightly but will still taste delicious. It is also recommended to serve the pasty with a side salad or coleslaw, such as red cabbage slaw, which pairs well with a steak pasty.

Accompaniments

While a pasty is delicious on its own, you can elevate your culinary experience by serving it with some sides and sauces. If you're looking for some traditional British sides to go with your pasty, consider whipping up a quick salad or some coleslaw. Red cabbage slaw, in particular, works well with a steak pasty. You can also serve your pasty with a side of chips or chunky wedges, seasoned with your favourite herbs and spices. Pop them into the air fryer alongside your pasty for a quick and easy lunch.

If you're feeling adventurous, try serving your pasty with curry, just like the traditional Cornish pasty. For a healthier option, opt for a salad or some roasted vegetables on the side. You can also serve your pasty with a variety of sauces, such as tomato ketchup or your favourite dip.

For a heartier meal, consider pairing your pasty with a bowl of soup or a side of roasted meats, such as chicken or beef. If you're in the mood for something different, get creative with your fillings and make sweet pasties filled with apple or other fruits. Serve these with a scoop of ice cream or some whipped cream for a delicious dessert option.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to accompaniments for your air-fried pasty, so feel free to experiment and find your favourite combinations. Enjoy your culinary adventure!

Frequently asked questions