🥘 Air Fryer Shepherd’s Pie

Servings: 4–6

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20–25 minutes

Total Time: ~45 minutes

✅ Ingredients

For the Meat Filling

• 450 g (1 lb) ground lamb (or beef)

• 1 medium onion, finely diced

• 2–3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 cup carrots, diced

• 1 cup peas (frozen is fine)

• 1 cup corn (optional)

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 cup beef broth

• 1 tsp thyme

• 1 tsp rosemary

• 1 bay leaf (optional)

• Salt & pepper to taste

• 2 tbsp flour (to thicken)

• 1–2 tbsp olive oil or butter

For the Mashed Potato Topping

• 3–4 medium potatoes, peeled & cut into chunks

• 3 tbsp butter

• ¼–⅓ cup milk or cream

• Salt & pepper to taste

• ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) — optional but delicious

• 1 egg yolk (optional, for richer potatoes)

🍳 Instructions

1. Make the Mashed Potatoes

1. Boil potatoes in salted water until soft (12–15 minutes).

2. Drain and mash with:

   • Butter

   • Milk/cream

   • Salt, pepper

   • (Optional) egg yolk for golden topping

   • (Optional) cheese for creaminess

3. Set aside.

2. Make the Meat Filling

1. Heat oil/butter in a pan over medium heat.

2. Add onions and sauté 2–3 minutes.

3. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.

4. Add ground lamb/beef and cook until browned.

5. Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute.

6. Add carrots, peas, and corn.

7. Sprinkle flour and mix (helps thicken).

8. Add beef broth, Worcestershire, thyme, rosemary, salt & pepper.

9. Simmer 3–5 minutes until thickened.

10. Remove bay leaf if used.

3. Assemble for Air Fryer

1. Use an air fryer–safe baking dish (approx. 6-inch or smaller).

2. Spread meat filling evenly at the bottom.

3. Top with mashed potatoes, smoothing with a spatula.

4. For extra crisp top: score with a fork and add a little cheese.

4. Air Fry

• Temperature: 180°C / 360°F

• Time: 15–20 minutes

• Cook until:

  • Top is golden

  • Edges are bubbling

  • Cheese is melted (if added)

If you want extra browning, increase to 200°C / 390°F for the last 3 minutes.

🌿 Optional Variations

Cheesy Shepherd’s Pie

Add a thick layer of cheddar or mozzarella on top before air frying.

Healthier Version

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of lamb/beef.

Low-Carb Option

Replace mashed potatoes with mashed cauliflower.

Vegetarian Version

Use lentils or crumbled mushrooms instead of meat.

🥄 Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

• Gravy

• Green beans

• Side salad

• Buttered peas