Now you can use an air fryer for Shepherd’s pie. It is a British dish that combines two of the nation’s favorite foods: casserole and mashed potatoes. If you want to produce a one that is an accurate representation of this time-honored standard, you will need to iron out a few wrinkles in the recipe for the dish’s original preparation since it has a few quirks. Just keep reading for our detailed instructions on how to make it step by step.
For instance, there is a wide variety of Shepherd’s pies available, some of which use beef, some of which use lamb, and some of which even use vegetables in place of meat. In some preparations, the casserole is first baked in an oven, and then it is browned in an air fryer; in others, however, the baking step is skipped entirely, and the casserole is taken straight from one technique of cook to the next. What we do know is that if you work through these challenges, you will be able to construct the ideal Shepherd’s pies for your own household.
Preparation Of The Mashed Potatoes
Preparing the mashed potatoes is the initial step in crafting a shepherd’s pie. Mashed potatoes serve as the dish’s foundation and are an essential component that cannot be skipped. Regardless of whether you opt for a chicken or ground beef mixture, the perfect topping for your shepherd’s pies remains the light and airy mashed potato. Packed with carbohydrates and other beneficial nutrients, these potatoes provide the energy boost needed to sustain you throughout the day. For added convenience, consider preparing the mashed potatoes in an instant pot air fryer while the chicken or ground beef mixture, seasoned with onion powder and thyme leaves, and combined with frozen vegetables, bakes in the oven. If you prefer, you can also cook the potatoes in advance using the instant pot to save time later.
Making the Mashed Potatoes
- Place your potatoes in your instant pot (don’t use an air fryer at this time) and cover your potatoes with water.
- Cook your potatoes under medium heat for 10-15 minutes or until they become tender.
- Use the colander to drain your potatoes. Return the potatoes to your instant pot and let your potatoes rest for an additional 1 minute to allow the remaining liquid to evaporate.
- Add pepper, salt, butter, and garlic powder before mashing the potatoes.
- Add the cheese and mix the ingredients well.
Preparing the Casserole Foundation
For the casserole foundation, mix the prepared mashed potatoes with additional ingredients like flour and milk in a medium bowl. While flour thickens and adds flavor to the potatoes, milk contributes creaminess, carbohydrates, and protein. You can make the mashed potatoes healthier by omitting butter and cream, reducing calories and fat while retaining the potatoes’ nutritional benefits.
Other Ingredients
Once the mashed potatoes and beef mixture are ready, enhance your casserole by adding sausages, carrots, and peas, along with cheddar cheese for flavor and nutrients. Boil the carrots and peas beforehand for tenderness. Layer the beef mixture in a dish, top with mashed potatoes, and bake until golden brown for delicious Shepherd’s pies.
Make The Air Fryer Shepherd’s Pie Crispy And Crunchy!
Start by mashing the potatoes and cooking them in a skillet over high heat for about 15 minutes, seasoning with salt for crunchiness. Then, add the casserole base and heat for another 5-10 minutes. For best results, refrigerate the pie overnight for a creamy texture. Alternatively, you can serve it immediately, adding extra mashed potatoes on top for added creaminess.
How To Prepare The Meat Filling
- On your large skillet, add oil and place under medium heat for 2 minutes before adding the onion.
- Cook the onions for 5 minutes and add the meat (ground beef or lamb). This recipe will use beef. Break the beef apart. Cook under medium-high heat until no pink remains in the meat.
- When it is observed that no pink remains in your meat, add salt and pepper. You can also all add rosemary, parsley, and thyme. Mix to ensure that the mixture is evenly heated. You can also add garlic and Worcestershire sauce.
- Add the flour and tomato paste.
- Set the meat mixture aside.
Try our comforting Shepherd’s Pie recipe, perfect for any time of the day. An air fryer enhances its nutritional value and taste. Even without an air fryer, you can easily make it with just oil and a few ingredients. You can also modify the air fryer to mimic a deep fryer by adding oil and cooking the casserole before topping with mashed potatoes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can You Heat Shepherd’s Pies In An Air Fryer?
Reheating shepherd’s pies is possible via an air fryer. To do this, first, preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F. Place parchment paper on your air fryer cooking basket. Place your shepherd’s pies into the air fryer cooking basket. Reheat your air fryer shepherd’s pie for 3 to 5 minutes.
How Long Do Pies Take To Cook In An Air Fryer?
The cooking time for pies in an air fryer varies based on the recipe and pie type. For simple Shepherd’s pies, it typically takes 10-15 minutes in an air fryer at 200 degrees F, while Shepherd’s pies stuffed potatoes require about 45 minutes at 350 degrees F in an air fryer. It’s important to follow specific recipe instructions for optimal results.
Can You Use An Air Fryer To Cook Pies?
Absolutely. An air fryer is a versatile appliance that can cook almost anything. You can cook your favorite apple pie, cottage pie, buko pie, and many other types of pies in an air fryer. If you want to explore more cooking recipes in an air fryer, go ahead and try to air fry your favorite pies.
Can You Cook Pies In Foil In An Air Fryer?
Cooking pies in foil in an air fryer depends on the air fryer model and manufacturer guidelines. While some basket-style air fryers allow foil use for filled foods like pies to prevent dripping, oven-style air fryers often do not recommend it. It’s essential to consult your air fryer’s manual, as foil can interfere with airflow, react with acidic foods, or potentially cause overheating and fire risks.
Can Frozen Pies Go In An Air Fryer?
Yes. You can put your frozen pies directly to the air fryer. There is no need to defrost it.
Can You Bake In An Air Fryer?
If you’re wondering if you can cook baked goods in an air fryer, the definite answer is yes. You can save time in an air fryer too since there is no need to pre heat, unlike the oven requires. So, go get your baking ingredients like butter, gravy mix, salt, cheese, meat (beef or lamb), milk, potato, pepper, and others; prepare them, put them in the pan, and bake your favorite Shepherd’s pies. If you prefer a simpler recipe, then you might want to try this air fryer baked potatoes.
Can You Cook Pizza In An Air Fryer?
Pizza is very easy to cook in an air fryer. If you want to cook a frozen pizza, preheat your air fryer to 370 degrees F. Cooking your pizza for 6-8 minutes in an air fryer or until you can observe that the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted.
Can You Use Foil Or Parchment Paper In An Air Fryer?
Consult the manufacturer’s manual before using foil or parchment paper in an air fryer, as guidelines vary. If allowed, ensure proper placement to avoid issues. You can use parchment paper in an air fryer for cooking dishes like Shepherd’s pies, following your recipe’s instructions.
Is Cooking In An Air Fryer Healthier Than Cooking In An Oven?
Oven baking is healthier than using the air fryer. This is because there is the preservation of nutrients in the oven-baking process while eliminating the bad ones. If you want to achieve faster baking, go put your pan of batter in the air fryer. But, if you want the healthier option, place your pan of batter in the oven.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Pies In An Air Fryer?
How Long Does It Take To Cook Meat Pies In The Oven?
Last Updated on May 10, 2023 by Raymond Sy Tamco
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