Air-Fried Shepherd's Pie: A Quick, Easy Comfort Food

Shepherd's Pie is a classic dish that's usually baked in the oven, but did you know you can also make it in an air fryer? This cooking method is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a quick and easy dinner. The best part is that you can use your existing shepherd's pie recipe and simply adjust the cooking time and temperature. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of making shepherd's pie in an air fryer, including preparation tips and suggested ingredients. So, get ready to impress your family and friends with a delicious and convenient weeknight meal!

Vegan shepherd's pie in an air fryer

Yes, you can make shepherd's pie in an air fryer! Here's a vegan recipe for shepherd's pie that can be made in an air fryer:

Ingredients:

• Three medium-sized baking potatoes, peeled and diced
• One large carrot, peeled and sliced
• 50g dairy-free butter/margarine
• One brown onion, chopped
• 100g chestnut mushrooms, chopped
• 50g textured vegetable protein (TVP), also known as soya protein
• One meat-free beef stock cube
• Two teaspoons of instant gravy powder
• Half a teaspoon of each of the following: parsley, thyme, and rosemary
• One teaspoon of Dijon mustard
• A good splash of plant milk
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

• Heat 25g of butter/margarine in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Then, add the mushrooms and cook for another 10 minutes.
• While the mushrooms are cooking, dissolve the stock cube in 150ml of boiled water. Pour the stock over the TVP in a shallow dish and let it absorb for 5 minutes.
• Add the TVP to the frying pan and sprinkle with the herbs, gravy powder, and 100ml of water. Stir until the mixture thickens, then spoon it into a dish.
• Boil the sliced carrot until tender (around 8 minutes). Drain the water and lay the carrots in an even layer on top of the mince.
• Boil the diced potatoes in a saucepan for around 10 minutes or until tender. Drain the water and add the remaining butter/margarine, Dijon mustard, and a splash of plant milk to the potatoes. Season with salt and black pepper, then mash until smooth and creamy.
• Spoon the mashed potatoes on top of the layer of carrots. You can score the mash with a fork to create a crispy top.
• Cook in the air fryer at 200°C for 15 minutes, or until piping hot and golden on top. Serve with vegetables and gravy.

Alternatively, you can bake this in the oven at 200°C/180°C fan-assisted for 30 minutes.

How to prepare the chicken

To prepare the chicken for your shepherd's pie, you'll first want to cook it. You can do this in the air fryer or any other way you prefer to cook chicken, like in the instant pot. You can cook the chicken in chunks or shred it.

If you want to cook the chicken in the air fryer, check out this recipe for making the perfect air fryer chicken. Alternatively, if you want to cook the chicken in the instant pot, you can read this recipe.

How to prepare the vegetables

Preparing the vegetables for a shepherd's pie in an air fryer is simple. You can use leftovers or a frozen vegetable mix. If you're starting with fresh vegetables, peel and slice the carrots, and dice the onion. For a vegan shepherd's pie, you can also add mushrooms to the mix.

In a skillet on medium heat, combine the gravy, vegetables, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook on the skillet for 5 to 7 minutes or until heated through. If you're making a vegan shepherd's pie, you can also add tomato paste to the mix.

If you're using frozen vegetables, simply thaw them before adding them to the skillet. You can also add in other vegetables like corn, carrots, and peas, or use a frozen mixed vegetable blend.

Once the vegetables are cooked, you can combine them with your cooked meat or plant-based protein and spoon the mixture into ramekins or a casserole dish. Top with mashed potatoes and a drizzle of melted butter, then air fry until golden.

How to assemble the pie

First, you will need to cook the ingredients that go into the pie. This includes the meat, vegetables, and potatoes. You can cook the meat in the air fryer or any other way you prefer. While the meat 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 for 5 to 7 minutes or until heated through.

Once the meat and vegetables are ready, combine them together. Spoon this mixture evenly into your chosen dish, such as a cake tin or ramekins. If you are using ramekins, I recommend using 8-ounce ramekins.

Next, prepare the mashed potatoes. For a vegan shepherd's pie, you can make mashed potatoes by boiling potatoes and then mashing them with vegan butter, non-dairy milk, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. For a non-vegan shepherd's pie, you can simply boil potatoes and mash them with butter, milk, and season with salt and pepper.

Now, it's time to assemble the pie. Layer the mashed potatoes on top of the meat and vegetable mixture. If you are using ramekins, top each ramekin with about 1/2 cup of mashed potatoes. If you are using a casserole dish, dollop spoonfuls of mashed potatoes evenly over the mixture and use a spatula to spread them smoothly.

Finally, you can add some extra butter on top of the potatoes. For a vegan shepherd's pie, brush the potatoes with melted vegan butter. For a non-vegan pie, drizzle melted butter on top.

Your shepherd's pie is now ready to be cooked in the air fryer! Place the dish or ramekins in the air fryer basket and cook at the desired temperature and time, usually around 15 minutes at 200°C or until the pie is heated through and the top is golden.

How to store vegan shepherd's pie

Storing vegan shepherd's pie is simple and can be done in a few different ways. Here is a detailed guide on how to store vegan shepherd's pie:

• Refrigeration: You can store your freshly cooked vegan shepherd's pie in an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. This is a great option if you plan to consume the pie within a few days.
• Freezing: If you want to store your vegan shepherd's pie for an extended period, freezing is a good option. Cut the pie into individual servings and wrap them tightly in foil or store them in freezer-safe containers. Frozen shepherd's pie can last for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw the pie in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
• Reheating: To reheat your vegan shepherd's pie, you can use an oven, microwave, or stovetop. For the oven, preheat it to 325°F (163°C) and heat the pie for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. If using a microwave, place the pie on a microwave-safe dish and heat it in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired temperature. On the stovetop, place the pie in a saucepan and warm it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Remember to practice food safety and always store your vegan shepherd's pie properly to maintain its freshness and quality. Enjoy your delicious vegan shepherd's pie!

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