Air-Fryer Shepherd's Pie: A Quick Comfort Food

Shepherd's Pie is a traditional British dish that can be made in an air fryer. The pie typically consists of ground lamb, mixed vegetables, and mashed potatoes. While the classic recipe calls for lamb, other meats such as beef, chicken, or turkey can be used as substitutes. The air fryer method offers a quick and convenient way to prepare this dish, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

How long does it take to cook shepherd's pie in an air fryer?

The cooking time for shepherd's pie in an air fryer varies depending on the recipe and the air fryer model. Here is a step-by-step guide on how long it takes to cook shepherd's pie in an air fryer:

Preparation:

Firstly, prepare the ingredients. For a traditional shepherd's pie, you will need ground lamb or beef, mixed vegetables (such as carrots, onions, and celery), gravy or stock, and mashed potatoes. You can also add herbs and spices, cheese, and other seasonings to taste.

Cooking the Filling:

Cook the meat and vegetables in a skillet or frying pan. This usually takes around 10-20 minutes, or until the meat is browned and the vegetables are soft. Then, add the stock or gravy and simmer for about 20-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.

Preparing the Mashed Potatoes:

While the filling is cooking, prepare the mashed potatoes. Peel and chop the potatoes into even-sized chunks and boil them for about 10-20 minutes, or until they are soft. Drain the potatoes and let them dry. Then, add butter, milk, salt, and pepper to taste, and mash until smooth and creamy.

Assembling the Pie:

Combine the cooked meat and vegetables in a dish. Top with the mashed potatoes, using a spoon or a pipe to spread them evenly. You can also sprinkle cheese on top for a crispy and golden finish.

Cooking in the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, typically around 180-200°C. Place the assembled shepherd's pie in the air fryer basket and cook for about 10-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is heated through.

Cooking from Frozen:

If you are cooking the shepherd's pie from frozen, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil and thaw it overnight in the fridge before cooking. Increase the cooking time to about 30-35 minutes at the same temperature to ensure it is heated through.

Variations and Customizations:

You can customize your shepherd's pie by using different types of meat, such as chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternatives. You can also add different herbs and spices, or use fresh vegetables instead of frozen. Additionally, you can make individual servings in ramekins or foil trays and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

In summary, the total cooking time for shepherd's pie in an air fryer can range from 25 to 45 minutes, depending on the recipe, the air fryer model, and whether you are cooking from fresh or frozen.

What ingredients do you need for shepherd's pie in an air fryer?

Shepherd's Pie is a traditional British dish, typically made with lamb mince, vegetables, and mashed potatoes. Here's a list of ingredients you'll need to make a delicious Shepherd's Pie in your air fryer:

Meat:

The star ingredient of a Shepherd's Pie is typically lamb mince. However, you can also use leftover cooked lamb, turkey, chicken, or any other meat of your choice. If you're making a vegetarian version, you can substitute the meat with tofu, seitan, or black beans.

Vegetables:

For the filling, you'll need a combination of vegetables such as carrots, onions, celery, and peas. You can use fresh or frozen vegetables, but make sure they are finely diced if using fresh. You can also add mushrooms to the mix.

Gravy and Seasonings:

To bind the filling together, you'll need a savoury gravy. This can be made from chicken or beef stock, mixed with a thickening agent like flour or cornstarch. You can also add flavourful seasonings like Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, thyme, garlic, and pepper to taste.

Mashed Potatoes:

The topping of a Shepherd's Pie is traditionally made with mashed potatoes. You can use instant mashed potatoes or prepare your own by boiling and mashing potatoes with butter, milk, and seasoning. For a cheesy twist, mix in some shredded cheddar cheese.

Other Ingredients:

Some recipes also call for a splash of milk and butter or margarine to add richness to the mashed potatoes. Additionally, you'll need cooking spray or oil to prepare the air fryer basket.

With these ingredients and your air fryer, you'll be well on your way to creating a mouth-watering Shepherd's Pie that's sure to impress!

Can you make shepherd's pie in advance and then reheat it in the air fryer?

Yes, you can make shepherd's pie in advance and then reheat it in the air fryer. Shepherd's pie is a traditional British dish that consists of a layer of cooked ground meat and vegetables topped with mashed potatoes. It is a hearty and comforting meal that can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to a month.

When making shepherd's pie in advance, it is important to precook the meat filling and make the mashed potatoes. You can then assemble the pie and wrap it in tinfoil to be stored in the fridge or freezer. When you are ready to eat it, simply pop it in the air fryer and cook until heated through and golden brown.

Reheating shepherd's pie in an air fryer is a popular method as it quickly crisps up the top layer while heating the filling evenly. To reheat shepherd's pie in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook the pie for 10-15 minutes, or until the center is heated and the mashed potatoes are golden brown. If you are reheating a large quantity of shepherd's pie, you may need to do it in batches or adjust the time accordingly.

It is important to note that reheating shepherd's pie can cause the dish to dry out and lose flavor, so it is recommended to cover the pie with foil or a lid to prevent this. Additionally, adding a splash of water or broth to the pie before reheating can help keep it moist. It is also important to ensure that the internal temperature of the shepherd's pie reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving to ensure food safety.

What is the difference between shepherd's pie and cottage pie?

Shepherd's pie and cottage pie are both British dishes that are more similar than they are different. They are savoury casserole dishes rather than pastries, and both feature ground meat and a potato topping. The fundamental difference between the two is the type of meat used.

Shepherd's pie is made with lamb or mutton, referencing the fact that shepherds manage sheep. It is a frugal dish, and you can make it even more so by replacing some of the meat with lentils or making a vegetarian version with just lentils. It is a dish that requires planning and preparation in advance, as the meat filling and mashed potatoes need to be cooked separately before assembling the pie.

Cottage pie, on the other hand, is made with beef. The name "cottage pie" is derived from the fact that farmers, who live in cottages, keep cows. Like shepherd's pie, it is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for family meals. While the filling for a cottage pie can be cooked in an air fryer, it is recommended to cook it slowly on the hob to achieve a delicious rich gravy and soft carrots.

Both pies are typically served with vegetables, gravy, and sometimes bread and butter. They can also be made in advance and frozen for future meals.

Can you make shepherd's pie in the air fryer with meat other than lamb?

Yes, you can make shepherd's pie in an air fryer with meat other than lamb. In fact, if you make a shepherd's pie with meat other than lamb, it is technically called a cottage pie. Cottage pie is made with beef mince, whereas shepherd's pie is made with lamb mince.

You can also make shepherd's pie with other kinds of meat, such as chicken, turkey, or ham. You can even make a vegetarian version with lentils.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 bulb garlic, roasted
• 2 lbs potatoes (russet preferred)
• 3 oz bacon, thick-cut preferred, diced
• 1/2 onion, sweet onion
• 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
• 1.5 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp sea salt, fine grind
• 1/2 tsp pepper (if you like pepper, increase to 1 tsp)
• 1/2 tsp rosemary, dried, crushed leaves
• 1 tsp thyme, dried
• 1/2 tsp sea salt, fine grind
• 1/4 cup butter, salted
• 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 bulb garlic, roasted
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, sharp white, grated
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, sharp yellow, grated
• 1/2 cup Asiago, grated

Instructions:

• Chop up the bacon and peel and slice the carrots and onion. Shred the cheese if not using pre-shredded.
• Peel and chop the potatoes into medium-sized pieces. Put the potatoes in the beef stock to keep from browning.
• Mix up the seasoning: 1 tsp fine grind sea salt, 1/2 tsp-1 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp dried crushed rosemary leaves, and 1 tsp dried thyme leaves.
• Add the potatoes and beef broth to the inner pot of the Ninja Foodi and set to high pressure for 10 minutes. Make sure to turn the valve to seal. When done, immediately release and strain the potatoes in a colander. Reserve the beef broth. Gently break apart the potato chunks to allow the steam to escape. Set aside.
• Turn the Ninja Foodi on and set to high saute. Let it heat up for a minute or two, then add the bacon and diced onions. Saute, stirring occasionally, until the bacon starts to render its fat and the onions begin to cook.
• Add in the ground beef, seasoning blend, 1/2 bulb of roasted garlic, and the Worcestershire sauce. Continue to saute until 3/4 of the way done, breaking up the meat as you stir.
• Add the sliced carrots. Continue to cook the meat mixture for about 5 minutes or until the carrots are just becoming soft.
• Add in the frozen peas and corn. Stir to combine.
• Sprinkle on 1/4 cup of flour and stir to incorporate. Repeat with the remaining 1/4 cup of flour and cook for about 2 minutes.
• Slowly add in the beef stock, about 1 cup at a time. Stir until the flour has absorbed most of the stock before adding the next cup. Repeat until all three cups are used. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the Ninja Foodi to remove the browned bits, which add tons of flavor to the sauce.
• Reduce the heat to medium saute and cook until thickened. While that is happening, mash your potatoes. Keep an eye on the ground beef mixture and if it is boiling, reduce the heat to low.
• Mash the potatoes either by hand or with a hand mixer. Add the remaining 1/2 bulb of roasted garlic, 1/4 cup of heavy cream, 1/4 cup of butter, and 1/2 tsp salt.
• Turn the Ninja Foodi off. Layer the mashed potatoes on top of the ground beef mixture. Top with shredded cheese.
• Air Crisp on 375° F for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

You can also make shepherd's pie in an air fryer with chicken:

Ingredients:

• 2, 6-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, plus extra for sprinkling
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus extra for sprinkling
• 12-ounce jar chicken gravy
• 1 1/2 cups frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 cups prepared mashed potatoes
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions:

• First, cook your chicken. You can do this in the air fryer or any other way you prefer. You can cook the chicken in chunks or make shredded chicken.
• While the chicken is cooking, prepare the vegetables. You can use leftovers or a frozen vegetable mix. In a skillet over medium heat, combine the gravy, vegetables, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook on the skillet for 5 to 7 minutes or until heated through.
• Once the chicken and vegetables are ready, combine the two together. Spoon this mixture evenly into 4 ramekins. Top each ramekin with 1/2 cup of mashed potatoes and drizzle melted butter on top.
• Place each ramekin in the air fryer basket and cook for 6 to 7 minutes at 400°F/200°C, or until the pies are heated through and the tops are golden.

Frequently asked questions