How to cook cottage pie in air fryer
Cottage pie is a classic comfort food dish that is loved by many. Traditionally, it is made by layering a rich ground meat filling with creamy mashed potatoes on top, and then baking it in the oven. But did you know that you can also cook cottage pie in an air fryer? This cooking method not only saves time, but also gives the dish a deliciously crispy texture that elevates it to a whole new level.
The air fryer is a versatile kitchen appliance that uses hot air circulation to cook food evenly and quickly. It works by circulating hot air around the food, creating a convection effect that cooks the food from all sides at once. This results in a crispy exterior and tender interior, without the need for excessive oil. When it comes to cottage pie, the air fryer is perfect for achieving that golden brown crust on top.
To make cottage pie in the air fryer, start by preparing the filling. Sauté onions, carrots, and garlic in a skillet until they are softened and fragrant. Then, add the ground meat of your choice (such as beef or lamb) and cook until browned. Next, stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth, and let the mixture simmer until it thickens.
In the meantime, prepare the mashed potatoes. Cook peeled and diced potatoes in boiling water until they are tender. Drain the potatoes and mash them with butter, milk, and seasoning. The mashed potatoes should be smooth and creamy, with no lumps. For a twist, try adding some grated cheese or chopped herbs to the mashed potatoes for extra flavor.
Once the filling and mashed potatoes are ready, it’s time to assemble the cottage pie. Pour the meat filling into a greased baking dish, and spread the mashed potatoes on top, using a fork to create decorative patterns. Then, gently place the baking dish in the air fryer, ensuring that there is enough space around it for air circulation. Cook at the recommended temperature and time for your air fryer until the top is golden brown and crispy.
When the cottage pie is done, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. The rich flavors of the meat filling, combined with the creamy mashed potatoes and crispy crust, are simply irresistible. Whether you are cooking for yourself or hosting a dinner party, cottage pie in the air fryer is a delicious and convenient option that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
How to Cook Cottage Pie in Air Fryer
Cottage pie is a classic English dish that is traditionally cooked in the oven, but did you know that you can also make it in an air fryer? Cooking cottage pie in an air fryer is a fantastic way to get a delicious and comforting meal without having to turn on your oven.
The first step to cooking cottage pie in an air fryer is to prepare the ingredients. Start by browning minced beef in a hot pan, and then drain off any excess fat. Next, add chopped onions and garlic to the pan and cook until they are soft and translucent.
Prepare the Filling
Once the onions and garlic are cooked, add in your choice of vegetables such as carrots, peas, and corn. Mix well and let the flavors combine for a few minutes.
Make the Mashed Potatoes
In a separate pot, cook peeled and chopped potatoes in salted water until they are tender. Drain the potatoes and then mash them with butter and milk until they are creamy and smooth. You can season the mashed potatoes with salt and pepper to taste.
After preparing the filling and mashed potatoes, it’s time to assemble the cottage pie in the air fryer. Start by adding the filling to the bottom of a greased air fryer-friendly dish. Smooth it out into an even layer. Next, spoon the mashed potatoes on top of the filling and spread it out evenly, making sure to cover all the filling.
Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) and then place the assembled cottage pie in the fryer basket. Cook for approximately 25-30 minutes or until the mashed potatoes are golden and crispy. Keep an eye on it as cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model.
Once the cottage pie is cooked, carefully remove it from the air fryer and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley and serve hot.
Cooking cottage pie in an air fryer is a fast and easy alternative to using an oven. The air fryer ensures that the pie is cooked evenly and the mashed potatoes become golden and crispy. Give it a try for a delicious twist on a classic dish!
Preparation
Before cooking cottage pie in an air fryer, you need to gather the necessary ingredients and equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 500 grams of minced beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup of beef broth
- 1 cup of frozen peas
- 4 cups of mashed potatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Once you have all the ingredients, follow these steps to cook the cottage pie:
- Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F).
- In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, carrots, and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until they soften.
- Add the minced beef to the skillet and cook until it’s browned. Make sure to break up any large chunks with a spatula.
- Once the beef is cooked, add the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Stir well to combine.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
- Add the frozen peas to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the beef filling to a baking dish that fits in your air fryer.
- Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the beef filling.
- Place the baking dish in the air fryer and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the mashed potatoes turn golden brown.
- Remove the cottage pie from the air fryer and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Your cottage pie cooked in the air fryer is now ready to be enjoyed!
Ingredients
To make a delicious cottage pie in an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:
For the filling:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Minced beef | 500g |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 |
| Carrot, diced | 1 |
| Frozen peas | 100g |
| Beef stock | 300ml |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Tomato puree | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Thyme, dried | 1 teaspoon |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
For the mashed potato topping:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potatoes, peeled and cubed | 4 |
| Butter | 50g |
| Milk | 100ml |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
Make sure to gather all these ingredients before starting the recipe to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Instructions
To cook cottage pie in the air fryer, follow these simple steps:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Peel and chop the potatoes into chunks. Place them in a saucepan with salted water, then bring to a boil and cook until tender.
- While the potatoes are boiling, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and onion, sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Stir in the garlic, carrots, peas, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, beef stock, thyme, and rosemary. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the saucepan. Add butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy.
- Transfer the beef mixture to a deep pie dish or oven-safe dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Spoon the mashed potatoes on top of the beef mixture, spreading it out to cover the entire surface.
- Place the cottage pie in the air fryer basket and cook for 15 minutes, or until the top of the pie is golden and crispy.
- Remove the cottage pie from the air fryer and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy your homemade cottage pie cooked to perfection in the air fryer!
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