You’ve just upgraded a comfort food classic with modern convenience! 🥧✨ This Air Fryer Shepherd’s Pie is everything you love — savory meat filling, creamy mashed potatoes, and a golden top — but cooked faster and crispier in the air fryer. It’s cozy, hearty, and ready in a fraction of the time.
🥔 Air Fryer Shepherd’s Pie
🕒 Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Prep: 20 minutes | Air Fry: 12–15 minutes
Serves: 4
🧾 Ingredients:
For the Meat Filling:
1 lb ground beef (or lamb for traditional style)
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
½ cup beef broth
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Optional: ½ tsp thyme or rosemary
For the Potato Topping:
2 cups mashed potatoes (fresh or leftover)
2 tbsp butter
¼ cup milk or cream
Salt to taste
Optional: ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
🔪 Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meat Filling
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked.
Add chopped onion and garlic; sauté until translucent.
Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, herbs, salt, pepper, and frozen veggies.
Add beef broth and simmer until thickened (about 5 minutes).
Let cool slightly.
2. Make the Mashed Potatoes
If making fresh:
Boil peeled, chopped potatoes until fork-tender.
Drain, mash with butter and milk, and season to taste.
Use leftovers if you have them!
3. Assemble in Air Fryer-Safe Dishes
Use oven-safe ramekins, small foil pans, or a single 6-inch round baking dish that fits your air fryer basket.
Spoon the meat mixture into the bottom.
Top with mashed potatoes, smoothing with a spoon or piping for a fancy look.
Sprinkle shredded cheese on top if desired.
4. Air Fry to Finish
Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Place the filled dishes into the basket (do not overfill).
Air fry for 12–15 minutes, until the tops are golden and slightly crispy.
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving — fillings will be hot!
🧊 Storage:
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days.
Freeze assembled pies before cooking for make-ahead meals (wrap tightly in foil).
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F until hot throughout.
🔁 Variations:
Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version
Try sweet potato mash for a sweet-savory twist
Add gravy to the meat mix for richer flavor
✅ Why You’ll Love It:
Faster than baking a full casserole
Crispy potato topping from the air fryer = chef’s kiss
Perfect for portioning into individual servings
