Air Fryer Shepherd's Pie: Reheating Time And Tips

If you're looking to reheat shepherd's pie in an air fryer, it's best to set your appliance to 350°F (175°C). This temperature will ensure that your shepherd's pie is heated evenly and efficiently. Depending on the quantity of shepherd's pie you're reheating, the process can take anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes. It is recommended that you check the progress halfway through to ensure the topping isn't burning.

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C)

Preheating your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) is a crucial step in ensuring your shepherd's pie is heated thoroughly and evenly. This temperature setting strikes a balance between preserving the dish's flavour and texture while ensuring it is safe to eat.

By preheating your air fryer, you create a consistent cooking environment that helps prevent the edges of your shepherd's pie from drying out. This step is especially important if you're aiming for a crispy top layer without compromising the moistness of the filling.

Additionally, preheating allows you to control the cooking time more effectively. Since you're starting from a consistent temperature, you can more accurately determine how long your shepherd's pie needs to be in the air fryer to reach the desired level of doneness.

For best results, it is recommended to let your shepherd's pie come to room temperature before placing it in the air fryer. This helps ensure even cooking and prevents the edges from drying out prematurely.

Once your air fryer has preheated to the desired temperature of 350°F (175°C), you can proceed with the next steps of the reheating process, such as lining the air fryer basket with parchment paper and placing your shepherd's pie inside for the specified amount of time.

Remember, preheating is an essential step in achieving the desired outcome for your reheated shepherd's pie, ensuring it is both delicious and safe to enjoy.

Line the basket with parchment paper

Lining the basket with parchment paper is a crucial step in reheating shepherd's pie in an air fryer. This simple step can make the process much easier and help you achieve the desired results. Here's a detailed guide on how to line your air fryer basket with parchment paper:

Choose the Right Parchment Paper

First, select a parchment paper that is suitable for air frying. It should be heat-resistant and durable enough to withstand the high temperatures of the air fryer. Make sure it's specifically designed for air frying or similar cooking methods.

Cut the Parchment Paper to Size

Before lining the basket, cut the parchment paper to fit the size and shape of your air fryer basket. You can use the basket as a guide by placing it on top of the parchment paper and tracing the outline. Cut the paper slightly smaller than the basket to ensure it fits snugly inside without overlapping the edges.

Fold the Sides of the Parchment Paper

To make it easier to lift the shepherd's pie out of the basket once it's reheated, fold the sides of the parchment paper upwards. This creates a sort of "basket" within the basket, making it more convenient to handle the food.

Place the Parchment Paper in the Basket

Carefully place the cut and folded parchment paper into the air fryer basket. Ensure it fits properly and doesn't overlap the edges of the basket. You want a snug fit to prevent the paper from shifting during cooking.

Put the Shepherd's Pie in the Lined Basket

Now, place your shepherd's pie directly into the lined basket. If you're reheating a large portion, you might need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer. Place the pie in the centre of the basket to ensure even heating.

Reheat According to Instructions

Once your shepherd's pie is in the lined basket, follow the reheating instructions provided by the air fryer manufacturer. Set the temperature and timer accordingly. For reference, most sources recommend reheating shepherd's pie in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.

Check the Progress Halfway Through

Don't forget to check on the progress of your shepherd's pie halfway through the reheating process. This is a crucial step to ensure that the topping isn't burning. Open the air fryer drawer or basket and use a kitchen towel or oven mitt to carefully lift the parchment paper and inspect the pie.

Remove and Serve

Once the shepherd's pie is heated through, use the folded sides of the parchment paper to lift it out of the basket carefully. Place it on a heat-resistant surface and serve. Enjoy your delicious, crispy shepherd's pie!

Remember, when reheating shepherd's pie in an air fryer, always use parchment paper designed for high temperatures. This will ensure that the paper doesn't burn or produce any harmful substances during the cooking process.

Place the pie in the basket

Now that your air fryer is preheated to 350°F (175°C) and lined with parchment paper, it's time to place the shepherd's pie in the basket.

Take your shepherd's pie straight from the fridge and place it in the basket. If you're reheating a large quantity of shepherd's pie, you may need to do it in batches, so adjust your timing accordingly.

Lining your basket with parchment paper will help to reduce mess, especially if your pie is on the saucier side. You can fold the paper up the sides of the basket to make it easier to lift the pie out once it's warm. If you don't have any parchment paper, you can use foil as an alternative.

If you're looking to add some extra cheese to your pie, now is the time to do it. Sprinkle some cheese on top of your shepherd's pie and let it cook for the remaining time.

It's important to keep an eye on your shepherd's pie while it's in the air fryer. Check the heating progress at the halfway mark to ensure the topping isn't burning.

Once the time is up, carefully remove the shepherd's pie from the air fryer and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious, crispy shepherd's pie!

Heat for 5-10 minutes

To reheat shepherd's pie in an air fryer, you should first let the pie come to room temperature. This will help it cook more evenly and prevent the edges from drying out. Cover the pie with foil or a lid to prevent the top from drying out. You can also add a splash of water or broth to the pie before reheating to keep it moist.

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and line it with parchment paper. Place the shepherd's pie into the air fryer and heat for 5 minutes. If your pie is frozen, you will need to heat it for a total of 20 minutes. If you are reheating a large quantity of shepherd's pie, you may need to do it in batches.

Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the shepherd's pie reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving. This will ensure that your meal is safe to eat. Avoid reheating the pie more than once to avoid overcooking and loss of flavor.

Check the internal temperature

Checking the internal temperature of your shepherd's pie is crucial to ensure it's safe to eat. The centre of the pie should reach at least 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check this. Insert it into the thickest part of the pie and leave it there for a few seconds to get an accurate reading.

If the pie hasn't reached the right temperature, put it back in the air fryer for another 2-3 minutes, then check again. Keep doing this until it's hot enough.

If you don't have a meat thermometer, there are other ways to check if your shepherd's pie is hot enough. One way is to stick a knife into the thickest part of the pie and feel the metal when you pull it out. If the knife feels hot, the pie is ready; if it's cold, it needs more time. Another way to check is to look for steam coming from the centre of the pie. This indicates that it's hot all the way through.

It's important not to overcook your shepherd's pie, as this can cause it to dry out and lose flavour. So, keep a close eye on it and use one of the methods described above to check when it's ready.

Frequently asked questions