Shepherd's Pie In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Shepherd's Pie is a traditional British dish that can be cooked in an air fryer. The pie typically consists of ground beef, vegetables, mashed potatoes, and cheese. While the filling is usually cooked on the hob, the air fryer is perfect for browning the pie and getting a crispy top. The air fryer is a convenient option for cooking Shepherd's Pie, as it saves time and energy, and it can also be used to cook other dishes like chilli and mac and cheese. By adjusting the quantities of the ingredients, you can make this classic dish in an air fryer instead of an oven.

Shepherd's pie filling should be cooked on the hob

While it is possible to cook a shepherd's pie in an air fryer, the filling should be cooked on the hob first. This is because the filling needs to simmer slowly to create a rich and tasty gravy. Cooking the filling on the hob also helps to ensure that the vegetables are soft.

To make shepherd's pie in an air fryer, first cook the filling on the hob. This involves heating butter or margarine in a large frying pan over a medium heat and adding in the onion. After five minutes, when the onion has softened, add the other ingredients for the filling. These may include lamb mince, rosemary, thyme, parsley, and vegetables such as carrots. Simmer this mixture on the hob until a nice thick sauce forms.

Once the filling is cooked, assemble the shepherd's pie in an ovenproof dish. Make a layer of mashed potato on top of the filling. You can also add shredded cheese to the top of the shepherd's pie for a crispy, golden topping.

Finally, place the assembled shepherd's pie in the air fryer and cook at 180°C for 15-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the filling is heated through.

Bake in the air fryer for 15 minutes

Yes, you can cook shepherd's pie in an air fryer. It's a great way to save time and money, and you get a perfectly cooked shepherd's pie with a wonderfully golden and crispy top.

To cook shepherd's pie in an air fryer, you'll need to first prepare the filling and mashed potatoes on the hob. Pre-cooking the meat filling is a must, and you can use lamb mince for a shepherd's pie. You can also make the mashed potatoes on the hob by mashing them with roasted garlic, heavy cream, butter, and salt.

Once you have your filling and mashed potatoes ready, it's time to assemble your shepherd's pie. Layer the mashed potatoes on top of the meat filling in an ovenproof dish. You can also add a layer of shredded cheese on top of the potatoes for an extra crispy and cheesy topping.

Now, it's time to bake your shepherd's pie in the air fryer. Set the air fryer to the bake setting at 180 degrees Celsius for 15 minutes. If you're using cheese, you may need to bake for an additional 15 minutes at the same temperature to ensure the cheese is melted and bubbly. Alternatively, you can bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on your shepherd's pie to ensure it doesn't overcook.

Your shepherd's pie is ready when the top is golden and the filling is heated through. You can also cook shepherd's pie from frozen in the air fryer, which will take about 35 minutes at 180 degrees Celsius.

Use tinfoil to freeze individual portions

If you're looking to freeze individual portions of shepherd's pie, tinfoil is a great option to ensure freshness and prevent freezer burn. Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving this:

• Prepare your shepherd's pie filling and mashed potatoes. You can cook the filling on the hob, allowing the rich gravy to develop, and cook the potatoes separately.
• Assemble your individual portions in ovenproof and freezer-proof containers, such as enamel pie dishes or foil trays. Each portion should have a balanced ratio of meat and potato mixture.
• Wrap each individual portion tightly in tinfoil. Ensure that the tinfoil covers all sides and edges of the container to create an effective seal.
• Place the wrapped portions in plastic bags or containers. This adds an extra layer of protection and makes it easier to store and identify in the freezer.
• Label the bags or containers with the date and contents. This helps you keep track of how long the portions have been frozen and what's inside.
• Store the wrapped portions in the freezer. They can be stored for up to two months.

When you're ready to enjoy your shepherd's pie, simply remove it from the freezer and reheat it in the air fryer or oven. You can cook it straight from frozen, but allow for a longer cooking time. Alternatively, thaw it in the fridge beforehand to reduce the reheating time.

Use an ovenproof dish to make one large pie

Yes, you can cook shepherd's pie in an air fryer. If you want to make one large pie, use an ovenproof dish.

To make a large shepherd's pie in an air fryer, you will need to prepare the filling on a gas hob or instant pot. Start by cooking the meat and vegetables. For a classic shepherd's pie, use lamb mince, but you can also use beef mince or even turkey or ham. Cook the meat with herbs, gravy, and vegetables such as carrots, peas, and corn. You can also add a splash of Worcestershire sauce and a good glug of red wine for extra flavour.

Once your filling is cooked, transfer it to an ovenproof dish. Top with a thick layer of mashed potatoes, making sure to spread them evenly. Use a fork to rough up the surface of the potatoes to help create a crispy texture when baked.

Place the ovenproof dish in the air fryer and cook at 180-200°C for 15-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is heated through.

You can also prepare the shepherd's pie in advance and store it in the fridge for up to three days or freeze it for up to a month. When ready to serve, cook the pie straight from the fridge or frozen, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.

Top with mashed potato and cheese

When making a shepherd's pie in an air fryer, it is recommended to prepare the meat filling and mashed potatoes in advance. You can make individual pies or one large pie, depending on your preference and the size of your air fryer.

To make the mashed potato topping, first, mash the potatoes. You can do this by hand or use a hand mixer. Then, add some roasted garlic, heavy cream, butter, and salt to taste. Mix well.

Now, it's time to assemble the shepherd's pie. Layer the mashed potatoes on top of the meat filling. Use a fork to fluff up the potatoes and create a thick coating, which will help achieve a crispy topping.

For an extra indulgent touch, you can top the mashed potatoes with shredded cheese. Air fry until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the potatoes are golden. The cooking time will vary depending on your air fryer model, but it typically takes around 10 to 15 minutes at 375° F or 15 minutes at 180° C.

Frequently asked questions