Air Fryer Shepherd’s Pie

Air fryer Shepherd’s Pie? Yes, please! It’s a great way to make this classic comfort food faster and without turning on your oven. Here’s a recipe that gives you that crispy, golden top and savory filling in a fraction of the time.

Air Fryer Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

Ingredients:

For the mashed potatoes:

• 4-5 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet work best)
• 1/4 cup milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the filling:

• 1 lb ground beef or lamb (traditionally lamb for Shepherd’s Pie, but beef works well, too)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
   • Peel and chop the potatoes into chunks. Place them in a pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook until tender, about 15 minutes.
   • Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash them with a potato masher or use a hand mixer if you want them super creamy.
   • Add the milk, butter, salt, and pepper to taste, and mash until smooth. Set aside while you make the filling.
2. Make the Shepherd’s Pie Filling:
   • Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened (about 3-4 minutes).
   • Add the ground meat (beef or lamb) and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
   • Stir in the diced carrots and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
   • Add the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and beef broth. Stir everything together and simmer for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   • Stir in the frozen peas at the end, then remove the skillet from heat.
3. Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie:
   • Grease a small, air fryer-safe baking dish or cake pan that fits in your air fryer basket (about 7-8 inches in diameter works well).
   • Spread the meat mixture evenly in the dish, then top with the mashed potatoes. Smooth the potatoes out with a spatula and use the back of a spoon to make a few decorative swirls or peaks (this helps create a golden, crispy top).
4. Air Fry the Shepherd’s Pie:
   • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
   • Place the assembled Shepherd’s Pie into the air fryer basket and cook for 15-18 minutes. The mashed potatoes should become golden and crispy on top, and the filling will be hot and bubbly.
   • If you want an extra crispy top, you can air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, but keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
5. Serve:
   • Once done, remove the Shepherd’s Pie from the air fryer and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
   • Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for a pop of color.

Optional Variations:

• Cheesy Top: If you like cheese, sprinkle some shredded cheddar or parmesan on top of the mashed potatoes before air frying for a cheesy, golden crust.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground meat for lentils or your favorite plant-based meat substitute.

This recipe is super customizable, so feel free to adjust it to your tastes. It’s an easy way to get that cozy, hearty Shepherd’s Pie without all the wait! Let me know if you give it a try.