Marianne Martinez
Shepherd's pie is a traditional British dish made with ground beef or lamb, mixed vegetables, and a mashed potato topping. It is a versatile dish that can be prepared with various ingredients and cooked in an oven or air fryer. When cooked in an air fryer, the shepherd's pie can go from frozen to ready-to-eat in under an hour. The cooking time varies depending on the air fryer model, with some recipes suggesting 10-15 minutes, and others recommending up to 35 minutes at 180°C. The air fryer simplifies the cooking process by browning the potato topping and melting the cheese without the need for an oven or stove.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meat | Traditionally, lamb, but any meat like leftover cooked turkey or chicken will make this a budget-friendly and delicious dinner. For vegetarians, switch out the meat for tofu, seitan, or black beans. |
| Filling | Instead of brown gravy mix, use a can of cream of mushroom, celery, or chicken soup. |
| Mashed Potatoes | Use instant mashed potatoes, or leftover mashed potatoes, and add milk, melted butter, and cheddar cheese. |
| Cooking Time | 10-15 minutes at 375° F in the Ninja Foodi, 25 minutes at 180° C, or 6-7 minutes at 400° F/200° C. |
| Storage | Can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for a month. |
| Calories | 499kcal (Ninja Foodi recipe) or 655kcal (Air Fryer recipe) |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Shepherd's pie cooking time in an air fryer
The cooking time for shepherd's pie in an air fryer varies depending on the quantity of the dish, the temperature set, and whether it is cooked from frozen or fresh. Here is a comprehensive guide to cooking shepherd's pie in an air fryer:
Preparation:
Before cooking, you can prepare the shepherd's pie filling and mashed potato topping separately. The filling typically consists of cooked meat, vegetables, and gravy, while the topping is made with mashed potatoes, milk, butter, and cheese. You can use various types of meat, such as lamb, beef, turkey, or chicken, or make a vegetarian version with tofu, seitan, or black beans.
Cooking from Fresh:
If cooking from fresh, it is recommended to let the assembled shepherd's pie come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the air fryer. The cooking time and temperature settings may vary depending on the model of your air fryer, so adjustments may be necessary.
For individual-sized shepherd's pies, cook them in the air fryer at 180°C for 25 minutes or until the topping is golden and the filling is heated through. If you are cooking a larger shepherd's pie, you may need to increase the cooking time. One recipe suggests cooking at 375°F for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking from Frozen:
Shepherd's pie can also be cooked from frozen in the air fryer. Wrap the pies tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. When ready to cook, thaw them overnight in the fridge. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F and cook for 30-40 minutes. If cooking from frozen, you may need to increase the cooking time to 35 minutes at 180°C.
Deep-Frying Chicken in a Turkey Fryer: Is It Possible?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
How to prepare the meat mixture
To prepare the meat mixture for a shepherd's pie, you'll need ground beef or lamb, or a combination of both. If you're using beef, go for ground beef; if you're opting for lamb, ground lamb is best, especially for a special occasion. You can also use leftover roast or casseroled lamb.
Start by sautéing some chopped onions in olive oil. Add your chosen meat and continue cooking until it is browned. Next, add dried parsley, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper to taste, and stir to combine. To enhance the flavour, add minced garlic and Worcestershire sauce, and cook for a further minute.
At this point, you can add flour and tomato paste to the mixture, along with beef broth, frozen mixed peas and carrots, and frozen corn kernels. Simmer the mixture until it thickens, creating a rich gravy. You can also add a splash of dry red wine before adding the beef broth to give it a unique twist.
If you prefer a smoother meat mixture, you can purée the mixture after it has thickened. Simply use a hand blender to blend the mixture until it reaches your desired consistency.
Remember, you can make the meat mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before assembling and baking your shepherd's pie.
Air Fryer Chicken Wings: Juicy, Crispy Perfection
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Preparing the mashed potatoes
Selecting the Right Potatoes
Start by choosing the right type of potatoes. Russet potatoes are ideal for shepherd's pie due to their fluffy texture and sturdy skin, which can withstand the air-frying and stuffing process. However, you can also use sweet potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes. Sweet potatoes offer a unique twist, while Yukon gold potatoes provide a creamy texture that pairs well with the filling.
Baking the Potatoes
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) or follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Bake the potatoes in the air fryer for about 50 minutes or until they are cooked through. You can adjust the cooking time based on the size and number of potatoes you are preparing.
Once the potatoes are baked, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool down slightly. Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise, then scoop out the interior flesh, leaving a shell of about a quarter-inch thick. Place the scooped-out potato flesh into a medium-sized bowl. Add milk, butter, salt, and black pepper to taste. You can also use half-and-half instead of milk for a richer, creamier consistency. Using a hand mixer or a potato masher, blend the ingredients until you achieve a smooth and creamy mashed potato mixture.
Assembling the Shepherd's Pie
Now it's time to assemble your shepherd's pie. Fill the potato shells with your chosen filling, such as ground beef, lamb, or vegetarian options like lentils or textured vegetable protein (TVP). Don't overfill the potatoes to prevent them from falling apart. You can use a piping bag or a spoon to add the mashed potatoes on top of the filling. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top for an extra indulgent touch.
By following these steps, you will have delicious and creamy mashed potatoes, ready to be used in your shepherd's pie. Remember to adjust the quantities based on the number of servings you plan to make. Enjoy the process of creating this comforting and satisfying dish!
Air-Fried Chicken: The Perfect, Quick, Crispy Treat
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Cookies: The Best Recipes for the Perfect Anytime Treat [A Baking Cookbook]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/919jWf2Wl3L._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Assembling the pie
Assembling a shepherd's pie is a straightforward process, but it does require some preparation. The traditional recipe calls for a base of seasoned ground beef or lamb, mixed vegetables, and a topping of mashed potatoes. Here is a step-by-step guide to assembling a shepherd's pie:
Prepare the Meat
Start by cooking your chosen meat. Traditional shepherd's pie uses ground lamb, but ground beef or other meats like leftover cooked turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives can also be used. Cook the meat in a skillet on medium-high heat until it is thoroughly cooked. Drain any excess fat, then set the meat aside.
Prepare the Vegetables
While the meat is cooking, prepare your vegetables. You can use fresh or frozen mixed vegetables, such as carrots, peas, and corn. You can also add some onion and garlic to the mix for extra flavor. If using frozen vegetables, simply combine them with the gravy and seasonings. If using fresh vegetables, cook them gently in a pan with a small amount of oil until they are softened.
Make the Gravy
To make the gravy, combine a can of cream of mushroom, celery, or chicken soup with the cooked meat and vegetables. You can also use a brown gravy mix if preferred. Add some Worcestershire sauce, thyme leaves, and water to the mixture. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the sauce thickens.
Make the Mashed Potatoes
While the sauce is simmering, prepare the mashed potatoes. You can make your own by boiling and mashing potatoes, or you can use instant mashed potatoes or store-bought mashed potatoes. For a richer flavor, add some milk, butter, and cheese to the mashed potatoes. You can also season the potatoes with salt and garlic.
Assemble the Pie
Once all the components are ready, it's time to assemble the pie. In an air fryer-safe pan, start by creating a base layer with the meat and vegetable mixture. Spread the mixture evenly, then top it with the mashed potatoes. Use a fork to fluff up the potatoes and create a rough surface, which will help achieve a crispy topping during cooking.
Add Cheese (Optional)
If desired, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top of the mashed potatoes. This step is optional but adds a delicious, bubbly layer to your shepherd's pie.
Your shepherd's pie is now ready to be cooked in the air fryer! Remember to adjust the cooking time and temperature according to your air fryer's settings and the size of your pie. Enjoy the delicious, crispy goodness of your homemade shepherd's pie!
Air-Fried Lechon Belly: A Tasty, Crispy Treat
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Cooking the pie from frozen
Cooking a shepherd's pie from frozen in an air fryer is a convenient way to enjoy this classic dish without having to thaw it beforehand. Here's a step-by-step guide to cooking a frozen shepherd's pie in your air fryer:
Prepare the Shepherd's Pie for Freezing
Before you freeze your shepherd's pie, it's important to assemble it properly to ensure it cooks evenly and maintains its flavour. Here are some key steps to follow:
- Cook the meat filling: Start by cooking the meat filling, typically made with lamb or beef, on a stovetop. You can also add vegetables, gravy, and seasonings like Worcestershire sauce and herbs.
- Prepare the potato topping: Make a cheesy mashed potato topping by mashing potatoes with butter, milk, and cheese. You can adjust the consistency with milk and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble and freeze: Once your filling and topping are ready, assemble your shepherd's pie in an ovenproof and freezer-safe dish. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by foil, and then freeze it.
When you're ready to enjoy your frozen shepherd's pie, here's how to cook it in your air fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to a convection setting if available, or preheat it to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the frozen pie: Remove any plastic wrap and foil from the top of the pie.
- Place the pie in the air fryer: Ensure your pie dish fits in the air fryer before placing it inside.
- Cook the pie: For a standard-sized pie, cook at 375°F (190°C) for 30-40 minutes. If your pie is larger or deeper, it may need additional time.
- Check for doneness: Your shepherd's pie is ready when the filling is heated through and the potato topping is golden and crispy.
Tips for Success
- Allow thawing time: For more even cooking, consider thawing your pie overnight in the refrigerator before cooking it in the air fryer.
- Adjust for your air fryer model: Cooking times may vary depending on the model of your air fryer, so keep an eye on your pie to ensure it doesn't overcook or burn.
- Use an oven-safe dish: Ensure your pie dish is ovenproof and freezer-proof to avoid any breakage during freezing or cooking.
- Customize your ingredients: Feel free to experiment with different meats, vegetables, and seasonings to create your own unique shepherd's pie recipe.
By following these steps and tips, you can enjoy a delicious, crispy, and flavourful shepherd's pie cooked from frozen in your air fryer. It's a convenient and time-saving way to prepare this classic dish.
Air Fryer Hack: Frozen Burgers, Quick and Easy!
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
It takes 10 to 15 minutes to cook shepherd's pie in an air fryer. If you are cooking it from frozen, it will take 35 minutes at 180°C.
The temperature depends on your air fryer. Some sources recommend 375°F, while others recommend 180°C or 400°F/200°C.
Yes, you can cook shepherd's pie from frozen in an air fryer. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil and thaw it overnight in the fridge before cooking.
Traditionally, shepherd's pie is made with ground lamb, but you can also use other meats such as beef, turkey, or chicken.
