Air-Fried Cottage Pie: A Tasty, Quick Comfort Food

Yes, you can make cottage pie in an air fryer. This cooking method offers several benefits, including a reduced cooking time compared to traditional ovens, a healthier option with less oil, and easier cleanup thanks to non-stick surfaces. However, there are also some potential drawbacks, such as limited capacity and texture differences. When deciding whether to use an air fryer for your cottage pie, consider factors like time constraints, dietary preferences, and desired texture.

Air fryer cottage pie recipe

Ingredients

• Olive oil, vegetable oil, or other cooking oils
• Garlic puree (or fresh garlic cloves)
• Beef gravy granules
• White potatoes (e.g. Maris Piper or King Edwards)
• Butter or margarine
• Milk (semi-skimmed or whole)
• Mature cheddar cheese
• Minced beef (or your preferred protein)
• Salt and pepper
• Other vegetables of choice (e.g. carrots, peas, onions, etc.)

Utensils

• Chopping board and a sharp knife
• Large, non-stick, flameproof pan and a spatula
• Potato peeler, saucepan and colander
• Grater
• Air fryer
• Air fryer-safe dish
• Food thermometer (optional)

Method

• Mist a non-stick flameproof pan with cooking spray and warm over medium heat on the hob.
• Add the onions and fry for 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
• Stir through the garlic puree. If using fresh garlic, cook for 2-3 minutes before adding the mince.
• Add the mince and break it apart using a spatula or a fork. Fry for around 5 minutes until browned.
• Stir in the peas and carrots.
• Pour in the stock, relish, tomato puree, mixed herbs, salt, pepper, and gravy.
• Bring to a simmer, reducing the temperature if necessary. Simmer for around 45 minutes, stirring often, until the gravy thickens and the carrots are soft.
• While the filling is cooking, prepare the mash. Peel and dice the potatoes into 2cm chunks.
• Add the potatoes to a pan of boiling water and cook for 20 minutes. Skim off any foam that rises to the top.
• Drain the potatoes and return them to the saucepan. Place over a very low heat and shake to remove excess water.
• Remove from the heat and add the milk, butter, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mash until smooth, adding more milk or butter if needed.
• Preheat the air fryer to 180°C for 10 minutes.
• Once the beef mixture is done, carefully spoon it into an air fryer-safe dish.
• Spoon the mashed potato on top and spread evenly. Sprinkle over the grated cheese.
• Place the dish in the air fryer and cook for about 10 minutes, until the cheese is golden brown.

Tips

• For a shepherd's pie, replace the beef with lamb mince.
• You can make the filling and mash in advance and store them in the fridge until you're ready to assemble and bake the pie.
• If you're using an air fryer with dual baskets, you may need to use smaller dishes and adjust the recipe accordingly.

Benefits of cooking cottage pie in an air fryer

There are several benefits to cooking cottage pie in an air fryer. Firstly, it saves time and money. The air fryer's rapid hot air circulation ensures that your cottage pie cooks faster than traditional methods. It also saves on washing up, as you can cook the whole pie in one basket.

Secondly, it is a healthier option. The air fryer requires little to no oil, reducing the overall fat content of the cottage pie while still achieving a crispy crust.

Thirdly, it is easy to clean up. The non-stick surface of the air fryer pot means that cleaning up after cooking only takes a few minutes.

In addition, the air fryer can create a deliciously golden and crispy crust on the cottage pie, keeping the filling moist and flavourful. The hot circulating air and high temperatures create an irresistible crunch.

Finally, the air fryer is a convenient and efficient way to prepare this classic comfort food. You can sauté and mince lamb, or use instant mashed potato powder to save time.

Drawbacks of cooking cottage pie in an air fryer

While cooking cottage pie in an air fryer has its benefits, there are some drawbacks to consider. Here are some potential disadvantages of preparing cottage pie using this method:

Limited Capacity

The compact size of air fryers means you'll likely need to cook smaller portions or make multiple batches. This can result in longer overall cooking times, especially if you're feeding a large group.

Texture Differences

The air fryer may not produce the same level of browning or texture as a traditional oven-baked cottage pie. The crisp, golden crust achieved by air frying is one of its main benefits, but if you're after the classic oven-baked texture, this may be a drawback.

Adjustments Required

Air fryers often require adjustments to cooking times and temperatures compared to conventional methods. You'll need to experiment and fine-tune your recipe to get it just right for your particular air fryer model.

Not Ideal for Large Batches

If you're cooking for a crowd or prefer larger batch sizes, the air fryer's limited capacity may be an issue. Sticking with traditional oven methods might be more suitable in such cases.

Personal Preferences

Ultimately, the decision to use an air fryer for cottage pie depends on your personal preferences. If you value speed, convenience, and healthier cooking with minimal cleanup, an air fryer could be a great choice. However, if you prioritize larger batch sizes or are particular about the classic oven-baked texture, traditional methods may align better with your expectations.

Step-by-step process of making cottage pie in an air fryer

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need ground beef or minced meat, an onion (finely chopped), and Worcestershire sauce. You can also add other vegetables of your choice, such as carrots, peas, or onions.

Now, cook the meat filling. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. If you are using lamb mince, heat some butter/margarine in a frying pan over medium heat, add the onion and cook for a few minutes, and then add the lamb mince.

Next, add the onions, carrots, peas (if desired), and garlic to the skillet. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste. If you are making a vegan shepherd's pie, add herbs and instant gravy powder to the mix.

Transfer the cooked meat filling into a baking dish suitable for your air fryer. Spread an even layer of mashed potatoes on top of the meat filling. You can make the mashed potatoes by boiling potatoes, draining and mashing them with butter, milk, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Place the baking dish into the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 375°F (190°C). Cook for about 15-20 minutes or until the mashed potatoes turn golden brown.

Once cooked, let the cottage pie cool slightly before serving. You can garnish it with fresh herbs if desired.

Some tips for perfecting your air fryer cottage pie include adding extra seasoning, such as thyme or rosemary, and experimenting with different toppings like grated cheese or breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter. Remember to preheat your air fryer before placing the pie inside to ensure even cooking.

Tips and tricks for perfecting your air fryer cottage pie

Cooking cottage pie in an air fryer can be a game-changer, delivering a crispy and delicious dish in no time. Here are some tips and tricks to help you achieve excellent results every time:

• Extra seasoning: Take your cottage pie to the next level by adding extra herbs and spices to the filling. Sprinkle some rosemary or thyme over the meat before adding the mashed potatoes. This will infuse your pie with aromatic flavours.
• Tantalizing toppings: Experiment with different toppings to elevate your cottage pie. Add a layer of grated cheese, such as mature cheddar, on top of the potatoes for a golden and gooey finish. Alternatively, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter for an irresistible crunch.
• Avoiding common pitfalls: While convenient, there are some pitfalls to watch out for when cooking cottage pie in an air fryer. Ensure you preheat your air fryer before placing the pie inside to achieve even cooking throughout.
• Perfectly cooked filling: To ensure your cottage pie has a perfectly cooked filling, consider precooking any raw ingredients such as ground beef or vegetables before assembling the pie. This will prevent undercooked or unevenly cooked fillings.
• Adjustments for frozen pies: If you're starting with a frozen pie, preheat your air fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions and increase the cooking time. Check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches at least 165°F (74°C).
• Techniques for perfect results: Place the frozen pie directly into the air fryer basket or tray and cook at a slightly lower temperature than recommended for fresh pies. Brush some melted butter or egg wash on top of the crust for added flavour and browning. Rotate the pie halfway through for even heat distribution.
• Adapting traditional recipes: When adapting a traditional cottage pie recipe for an air fryer, adjust the ingredients and quantities to fit the air fryer basket. Consider using pre-cooked or parboiled ingredients for faster cooking. Reduce the cooking time and increase the temperature slightly for a crispy top layer.

Frequently asked questions