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A delicious twist on the classic cottage pie with our air fryer cottage pie recipe. A hearty dish with savoury mince and creamy mashed potatoes, all cooked to perfection in the air fryer. Try this easy and satisfying recipe for a comforting meal the whole family will love.
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Air Fryer Cottage Pie

Comforting Cottage Pie is a classic family dinner, and baking it in the air fryer means it’s ready in no time!
Course Dinner
Cuisine British
Keyword air fryer, comfort food, family recipes, midweek meal recipes
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 4 Portions
Calories 916kcal
Author Donna

Equipment

  • Large Frying Pan
  • Air Fryer Basket
  • Food Thermometer

Ingredients

  • 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
  • 1/2 Onion Finely Diced
  • 1 Teaspoon Garlic Puree
  • 500 g Minced beef
  • 4 Medium Carrots Peeled and sliced
  • 125 g Frozen Peas
  • 500 ml Beef Stock
  • 1 Tablespoon Tomato Puree
  • Big Splash Henderson’s Relish
  • 1 Tablespoon Mixed Herbs
  • Pinch Salt and pepper
  • 1 Tablespoon Beef Gravy Granules

For the Topping:

  • 1 kg White Potatoes Something like Maris Piper of King Edwards that mash well
  • 80 g Butter
  • 100 ml Semi-skimmed Milk
  • Salt and pepper
  • 100 g Mature Cheddar Cheese Grated

Instructions

  • Mist a non-stick flameproof pan liberally with cooking spray and warm over medium heat on the hob.
  • Add the onions and fry for 10 minutes, stirring often.
  • Stir through the garlic puree (if using fresh garlic, fry for 2-3 minutes).
  • Add the mince and break it apart using your spatula or a fork.
  • Fry for 5 minutes until browned, stirring often.
  • Stir in the carrots.
  • Pour in the stock and Relish, and add the tomato puree, mixed herbs, salt and pepper and gravy.
  • Stir well.
  • Bring to a simmer and reduce the temperature if necessary.
  • Simmer for around 45 minutes, stirring often until the gravy is thick and the carrots are soft. Add the peas for the last 5-10 minutes.
  • While your filling is cooking, prepare your mash.
  • Peel and dice the potatoes.
  • Add to a pan of boiling water and cook for 20 minutes, carefully skimming off any foam that rises to the top with a spoon.
  • Drain well, and return to the saucepan.
  • Place over a very low heat and shake to toss for 1-2 minutes to remove excess water.
  • Remove from the heat.
  • Add the milk, butter, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  • Mash until smooth.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 180 Degrees C and set for 10 minutes.
  • When the beef mixture is done, remove it from the heat and carefully spoon it into a silicon air fryer basket or a casserole dish that fits and is appropriate for use in your air fryer.
  • Spoon on the mashed potato and spread evenly.
  • Sprinkle over the grated cheese.
  • Add to the preheated air fryer drawer and air fry for 10 minutes until the cheese is golden brown.