Easy Air Fryer Meat Pie Recipe

Looking for a quick and delicious way to enjoy meat pies? This Easy Air Fryer Meat Pie recipe is just what you need! These pies are crispy on the outside and filled with savory ground beef on the inside. With the help of an air fryer, you can achieve a golden brown crust without the hassle of traditional baking.

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The best part is that you can customize the filling by using either ground beef or chicken and decide on the added seasonings and other toppings. Next time you make pies, give the air-fried meat pie a try!

Why Cook Meat Pies in the Air Fryer?

Cooking meat pies in the air fryer has been a game changer for me as it greatly reduces the oil from deep frying and reduces the time from a conventional oven. The air fryer uses less energy and cooks the pies faster than a traditional oven, making it an excellent option for busy days. The circulating hot air creates a crispy crust while keeping the inside moist and flavorful. Plus, using the air fryer is a great way to avoid the mess of hot oil, and it’s a worthy addition to your air fryer recipes category.

PRO TIPS for the Best Air Fryer Meat Pies Recipe

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking and a crispy crust. A preheated air fryer basket is key to achieving the best results.
2. Use Quality Ingredients: For a delicious meat pie, use high-quality ground beef and shortcrust pastry. Check the product list for accurate ingredients, including wheat flour and mineral salts, to enhance flavor.
3. Avoid Overfilling: When filling your pie crusts, make sure not to overfill. This ensures the filling cooks evenly and prevents the crust from breaking.
4. Cooking Spray: Lightly spray the tops of your pies with cooking spray before air frying to help achieve a golden brown finish.
5. Aluminum Trays: For mini pies, use small aluminum trays that fit easily in the air fryer basket. This helps maintain the shape and ensures even cooking.

Ingredients for meat pies

Pie Dough: Shortcrust Pastry can make 4-6 mini pies or 2 large pies. But I made mine from scratch using the following ingredients:

All Purpose Flour

Butter

Salt

Water

Pie Filling

Oil: You can use Vegetable Oil or Olive oil. I have used the former for this recipe.

Onion: Chopped

Seasoning: I used salt, garlic (2 cloves, minced), and Paprika for this recipe.

Ground Beef or Chicken: I have used ground beef for this air fryer meat pie recipe.

Russet Potatoes: Wash and dice into 1″ cubes

Carrots: Wash and dice into 1″ cubes

Cayenne Pepper

Flour: For thickening. You can substitute with cornflour

Water

Extra

Egg for brushing.

How to make Air Fryer Meat Pie

Prepare the Pie Dough: Mix the flour, butter, and salt together, add water, and mix until you have a smooth dough. Cover and set aside while you make the filling.

Prepare the Filling: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned—season with salt, pepper, paprika. Add the diced potatoes and water, cover the pot, and cook on medium heat for 5 minutes; add the chopped carrots and cook for another 5 minutes or until the potatoes are properly cooked. Add flour (or cornflour) to thicken the filling. Set aside to cool slightly.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.

Assemble the Pies: Roll out the shortcrust pastry on a lightly floured surface. Use a biscuit cutter or small bowl to cut out circles for the pie bases and tops. Line the aluminum trays with the pastry, fill them with the beef mixture, and cover them with another pastry circle. Crimp the edges to seal and cut a small slit on top to vent. Brush the tops with beaten egg.

Air Fry the Pies: Place the pies in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket. Brush with egg wash and cook at 375°F for 12-15 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy.

Serve: Carefully remove the pies from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

How to Store Leftovers?

Leftover air-fried meat pies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can then be reheated in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until heated through and crispy again.

Cooking Methods Apart from the Air Fryer?

Besides air frying, meat pies can be baked in a conventional oven or cooked in a pie maker. Baking in the oven is traditional, giving you a golden brown crust, but it takes longer and uses more energy. Pie makers are convenient for mini pies but lack the crisp texture an air fryer provides. The air fryer method remains the best option for achieving a crispy crust with less energy and faster cooking time.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these delicious air fryer meat pies with your favorite side dishes like crispy french fries, a fresh salad, or steamed vegetables. For added flavor, enjoy with a side of dipping sauce, such as Worcestershire sauce or ketchup.

FAQs

Can I use frozen pie crusts?

Yes, frozen pie crusts can be used, but make sure they are thawed to room temperature before use for best results.

How do I prevent the pies from sticking to the air fryer basket?

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray before placing the pies to prevent sticking.

What types of meat can I use for this recipe?

While ground beef is a popular option, you can also use ground pork, chicken, or a mixture of meats for a unique flavor.

How can I make sure the pie filling is not too runny?

Cook the meat filling until most of the liquid has evaporated, and allow it to cool slightly before filling the pies. This helps achieve a thick and hearty filling. For this recipe, I have added 2 tablespoons of flour to the filling to thicken it. You can also substitute with cornflour or other alternatives.

This easy air fryer meat pie recipe is a great way to enjoy a classic dish with a modern twist. Perfect for family meals, parties, or as a quick snack, these pies are sure to be a hit!