Air Fryer Pukka Pie: A Quick, Crispy Treat?

The air fryer has revolutionized cooking by making it possible to prepare crispy and tasty dishes with little to no oil. This has led to people experimenting with preparing different dishes with this appliance, including the famous Pukka Pie. Pukka Pies are popular in the UK and are known for their light, crispy pastry and hearty meat filling. They are available in a variety of flavors, including Steak & Kidney, Chicken & Mushroom, and Minced Beef and Onion. You can cook Pukka Pies in an air fryer, and they turn out beautifully golden and perfect for a quick dinner. The cooking time is typically between 15 and 20 minutes, and you can pair your warm pie with air-fried frozen chips or vegetables.

Pukka pie cooking temperature and time

Pukka pies can be cooked in an air fryer and doing so is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious meal. The cooking temperature and time for Pukka pies in an air fryer can vary depending on the size and model of the air fryer, as well as the initial temperature of the pie. However, a general guideline is to preheat the air fryer to 180°C (355°F) for a couple of minutes. Then, place the Pukka pie, still in its foil tray, into the air fryer basket and cook for 15 minutes. Check the pie and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes if needed, depending on your preference for pie temperature. This process will result in a beautifully golden and crispy Pukka pie.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and model of the air fryer, as well as the initial temperature of the pie. For example, if you are cooking from frozen, it is recommended to lower the temperature for the first half of the cooking time by 20°C and then add 4-6 minutes to the total cooking time. Additionally, if you are reheating pre-cooked meat pies, such as the chilled Pukka Pies available at supermarkets, a lower temperature of 160°C (320°F) for around 12 minutes, followed by 5-15 minutes at 100°C, should be sufficient. This ensures that the pastry does not over-brown and the filling is thoroughly cooked.

The cooking time for Pukka pies in an air fryer also depends on the number of pies being cooked at once. However, it is worth mentioning that the cooking time remains the same regardless of whether you are cooking one, two, three, or four pies simultaneously. So, whether you are feeding just yourself or a group of people, the air fryer can be a convenient and efficient way to prepare Pukka pies.

When serving Pukka pies, it is common to pair them with sides such as mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, baked beans, sweet corn, peas, or seasonal vegetables. These sides can also be prepared in the air fryer, making it a one-stop solution for a quick and tasty meal.

How to get the perfect crispy crust

Achieving the perfect crispy crust on a Pukka Pie is easy with an air fryer. The air fryer's powerful circulation of hot air guarantees a uniform and crispy outcome.

First, preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350-355°F) for about 2-3 minutes. Place the Pukka Pie, still in its foil tray, into the air fryer basket. Make sure the basket is not overcrowded, especially if cooking more than one pie.

For a perfectly crispy crust, cook the pie at 180°C for 15 minutes, and then check it. You can cook it for a further 3-5 minutes if needed. Keep a close eye on the pie during the last few minutes to prevent over-browning. The cooking time may vary depending on the size and type of Pukka Pie, and whether it is frozen or not. If cooking from frozen, you may need to increase the cooking time.

For a less crispy crust, you can cook the pie at a lower temperature for longer. For example, you could cook the pie at 160°C for 12 minutes, and then keep it at 100°C for another 5-15 minutes.

Experiment with different temperatures and timings to find the perfect crispy crust for your taste!

What to serve with pukka pie

Pukka Pies are a popular choice for a quick and easy meal, especially when cooked in an air fryer. But what to serve with them? Here are some ideas to elevate your Pukka Pie dining experience:

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs well with pies. They are simple to make and can be prepared cheaply, making them a great option to serve with Pukka Pies.

Vegetables

Vegetables are a healthy and tasty addition to your Pukka Pie meal. You can go for frozen or fresh vegetables, depending on your preference and convenience. Some options include green beans, corn on the cob, baked beans, sweetcorn, or peas.

Chips or Fries

For a heartier meal, consider serving your Pukka Pie with a side of chips or fries. You can cook them in the air fryer along with your pie for added convenience and a crispy texture.

Gravy

Gravy can add extra flavour and moisture to your Pukka Pie. Try beef gravy or onion gravy to complement the savoury pie filling.

Salad

If you're looking for a lighter option or want to add some freshness to your meal, a side salad can be a great choice. Opt for a simple garden salad or get creative with your favourite vegetables and dressings.

Dessert

Don't forget to leave room for dessert! Some sweet options to round off your Pukka Pie meal include air fryer rhubarb crumble, pineapple and rhubarb crumble, or apple pie with ice cream. Custard is also a delicious choice to accompany these desserts.

So, the next time you're wondering what to serve with your Pukka Pie, try out some of these suggestions for a well-rounded and enjoyable dining experience.

The best air fryers for cooking pukka pies

Cooking a Pukka Pie in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a beautifully golden, tasty, and quick dinner. Pukka Pies are the UK equivalent of an Australian meat pie and are available in a variety of flavours.

Best Air Fryers for Cooking Pukka Pies

When it comes to choosing the best air fryer for cooking Pukka Pies, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the size of the air fryer should accommodate the number of pies you want to cook. If you're cooking for two people, a smaller air fryer that can fit two pies is a good option. For cooking for more people, a larger air fryer like the Philips Air Fryer XL or the Cosori XL is recommended. These air fryers have been praised for their ability to cook pies evenly and efficiently.

Another option is to go for a dual air fryer like the Ninja Dual, which offers more flexibility in terms of cooking multiple items at once. The Ninja Dual is also mentioned by several sources as a good option for cooking Pukka Pies, with one source mentioning that they regularly cook Pukka Pies in their Ninja at 150 degrees Celsius for 18 minutes, checking with a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked through.

Cooking Tips

When cooking Pukka Pies in an air fryer, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer first. The ideal temperature seems to be around 180 degrees Celsius, with cooking times ranging from 15 to 20 minutes. It's important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the air fryer model and the initial temperature of the pie, so it's always good to keep an eye on the pie to ensure it doesn't overcook.

Some people recommend removing the pie from its aluminium tray before cooking to ensure the pastry is crispy, while others suggest leaving it in the tray for convenience. If you do leave the pie in the tray, consider brushing the top with an egg wash to achieve a golden colour.

Side Dishes

Pukka Pies can be served with a variety of side dishes. Some popular options include frozen chips, peas, corn on the cob, baked beans, sweetcorn, or seasonal vegetables. For a heartier meal, consider serving the pie with mashed potatoes and beef or onion gravy.

Dessert

After enjoying a Pukka Pie, you might want to satisfy your sweet tooth with a dessert. Air fryer desserts like rhubarb crumble, pineapple and rhubarb crumble, or apple pie with ice cream and custard are all tasty options to round off your meal.

How to cook a frozen pukka pie

Pukka pies are a popular British dish, and can be cooked in an air fryer to produce a crispy, golden finish. The air fryer is able to cook the pie with little to no oil, providing a healthier alternative to traditional oven-baked pies.

Preparation

If you are planning to cook a frozen Pukka pie, it may be worth removing it from the freezer and allowing it to thaw before cooking. This will reduce the overall cooking time.

Cooking

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350-355°F) for a couple of minutes. Place the Pukka pie in the air fryer basket, leaving it in its foil tray. Ensure the basket is not overcrowded, especially if cooking more than one pie.

For a Ninja air fryer, you may wish to preheat to 150°C instead.

Cook for 15 minutes, then check the pie and cook for a further 3-5 minutes if needed. The pie is ready when it has a golden, crispy crust.

Serving

Pukka pies can be served with a variety of sides, including frozen chips, peas, corn on the cob, baked beans, sweetcorn, or seasonal vegetables. For a more substantial meal, serve with mashed potatoes and beef or onion gravy.

Frequently asked questions