Air Fryer Meat Pie: Cooking Time Perfection

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance, and for good reason. They're efficient, requiring less energy than a conventional oven, and are considered a healthier way of cooking. They're also great for cooking meat pies. The cooking time for a meat pie in an air fryer depends on the size of the pie and the temperature of the air fryer, but it typically ranges from 13 to 25 minutes. If you're cooking from frozen, you may need to add a few minutes to the cooking time. It's important to ensure that the filling is properly cooked before serving. Some people recommend cooking the pie in the microwave first to reduce the cooking time in the air fryer.

Preheat settings and timings

For frozen meat pies, it is generally recommended to preheat the air fryer to a temperature between 160°C and 190°C. The cooking time can range from 15 to 25 minutes, depending on the size and type of pie. It is important to ensure that the filling is properly cooked before serving. Some sources suggest cooking frozen pies for 30 to 35 minutes at 160°C, while others recommend 15 to 17 minutes at 190°C.

For chilled or thawed meat pies, the preheat temperature can be set between 180°C and 190°C. The cooking time is generally shorter than for frozen pies, ranging from 13 to 25 minutes. Again, it is crucial to ensure that the filling is thoroughly cooked and the pastry is crisp and golden brown. One source suggests cooking chilled pies for 20 to 25 minutes at 180°C, while another recommends 17 to 20 minutes at 190°C.

It is worth noting that some air fryers may have different preheat settings, such as an "air fryer" or "bake" mode, which can affect the cooking time. Additionally, the size and model of the air fryer can also impact the preheat settings and timings. Therefore, it is always advisable to refer to the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer of your air fryer.

To ensure even cooking and browning, it is recommended to place the meat pie in the air fryer basket, removing any aluminium foil or packaging. If the pie has a bottom crust, consider placing it upside down in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp the bottom. Additionally, using a temperature probe can help ensure that the food is cooked throughout.

Cooking from frozen

Cooking a meat pie from frozen in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a delicious, comforting meal on the table in less than 30 minutes. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect pie:

Preparation:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer. Different models may have specific instructions, but most sources recommend preheating to around 350-360°F (180°C). This should take about 3 minutes.

Cooking:

Once preheated, it's time to cook your pie. Place the frozen pie in the air fryer basket, ensuring it fits in a single layer. If your pie is in a foil container, you may want to remove it and place the pie directly in the basket. This will allow the hot air to circulate around the entire pie, ensuring even cooking.

If your pie has a bottom crust, consider placing it upside down in the basket for 2-3 minutes at the beginning of the cooking process. This will help ensure a crisp bottom crust, just like the top.

Now, close the air fryer and cook your pie. Most sources recommend cooking a frozen meat pie in an air fryer for around 15-25 minutes at 350-360°F (180-190°C). The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your pie and the power of your air fryer, so keep an eye on it.

Checking for Doneness:

Your pie is done when the crust is golden brown, and the filling is hot. Use an instant-read thermometer to verify the internal temperature has reached 165°F. If the crust is browning too quickly, cover it with foil.

Serving:

Once cooked, remove the pie from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. The filling will be very hot, so be careful not to burn your mouth. Serve your delicious, crispy meat pie with your favorite sides and enjoy!

Tips:

• If you're short on time, you can speed up the cooking process by first microwaving your pie for a couple of minutes and then finishing it off in the air fryer to get the desired crispness.
• For a crisp texture, especially on the base, some people recommend finishing the pie in a preheated oven at 170-180°C for about 5 minutes.
• If you like your pastry extra crispy, try dampening it with a few drops of water, sealing it in foil, and then reheating it.

Cooking chilled meat pies

Preparation:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 180°C or 360°F. This should take around 3 minutes. While the air fryer is preheating, remove the chilled meat pie from its packaging, including any aluminum foil tray or container. It is recommended to keep the pie in its foil tin to help maintain its shape.

Cooking:

Once preheated, place the meat pie into the air fryer basket. For an evenly cooked pie, ensure there is sufficient space around the pie in the basket for hot air to circulate. Set the timer for 13 to 25 minutes, depending on the size and power of your air fryer. During the cooking process, keep an eye on the pie, especially towards the end, to prevent overcooking. The pie is ready when the pastry is golden brown, and the filling is hot throughout.

Serving:

Use caution when removing the pie from the air fryer, as the filling may be very hot. Allow the pie to cool slightly before serving. For a crispy texture, place the cooked pie in a preheated oven at 170°C for an additional 5 minutes. Serve with your favorite sides and sauces, such as French fries, mashed potatoes, or a generous helping of tomato sauce.

Tips:

• If your meat pie has a bottom crust, place the pie upside down in the air fryer for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking to ensure an all-around crispy crust.
• Use a temperature probe to ensure the pie is cooked throughout.
• Always refer to your air fryer's instruction manual for model-specific guidelines and settings.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy a perfectly cooked chilled meat pie, with a crispy crust and a tender, moist filling, thanks to the efficiency of your air fryer.

Getting the right crispness

To get the right crispness, it is important to first preheat your air fryer. Most sources recommend setting your air fryer to 180°C or 360°F, with one source suggesting 160°C and another suggesting 190°C. The time needed to preheat your air fryer will vary, but it usually takes around 3 minutes.

Once preheated, place your meat pie in the air fryer basket. If your pie is frozen, it is recommended to cook it for 20 to 25 minutes. Check the pie regularly towards the end of the cooking time to ensure it is not overcooking. The pie is ready when the pastry is crisp and golden brown, and the filling is hot throughout.

If your pie has a bottom crust, you may need to cook the pie upside down for a few minutes to ensure the base is also crispy. One source suggests cooking the pie bottom-side up for 2-3 minutes at 380°F or 190°C to achieve this. Another source recommends removing the pie from its foil container to crisp the bottom, as the hot air needs to circulate directly around the pie to achieve the desired crispness.

How to serve

So, you've cooked your meat pie in the air fryer—now it's time to serve it up! Here's a guide on how to serve a delicious, crispy, and golden meat pie straight from the air fryer:

Firstly, let's talk about timing. If you're cooking your meat pie straight from frozen, it's essential to plan ahead. Most sources recommend cooking a frozen meat pie in the air fryer for around 15 to 25 minutes at 360°F/180°C to 380°F/190°C. However, always refer to the specific instructions for your pie and your air fryer model, as cooking times may vary. You don't want to end up with an overcooked or undercooked pie!

While the pie is cooking, you can prepare any sides and garnishes. Meat pies go well with a variety of sides, and you can get creative here. Some classic options include mashed potatoes (maybe cheesy, if you're feeling indulgent), French fries, or a simple, crisp salad. If you're looking for something healthier, steamed or roasted vegetables like peas, green beans, or carrots are excellent choices.

Now, onto the presentation. A good-looking plate of food can enhance the dining experience. Place your meat pie on a plate, perhaps with a side dish or two, and a generous drizzle of tomato sauce or gravy. If you're feeling extra fancy, you can sprinkle some chopped herbs or green onions on top for added freshness and color.

Finally, don't forget the drinks! A cold, refreshing beverage pairs well with a hot meat pie. Consider offering a variety of drinks, such as beer, cider, or soft drinks, depending on your audience.

And there you have it—a delicious, crispy meat pie, served straight from your air fryer!

Frequently asked questions