Introduction
Cornish pasties are hearty, hand-held pastries filled with meat and vegetables, originally made for miners in Cornwall, England. This air fryer version keeps all the rich flavor and golden crust of the original while cutting down on oven time and energy. Made fresh this afternoon, these pasties are flaky, savory, and perfect for a satisfying lunch, dinner, or snack.
Ingredients
For the pastry:
- 2¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup (115g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 4–5 tbsp cold water
(Alternatively, use pre-made shortcrust pastry to save time)
For the filling:
- ¾ lb (340g) beef skirt steak or chuck, finely diced
- 1 medium potato, peeled and finely diced
- ½ small rutabaga or turnip, peeled and diced (traditional ingredient)
- ½ onion, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for sealing and brushing)
Instructions
- Make the pastry:
In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Add cold butter and rub in until it resembles breadcrumbs. Add cold water a tablespoon at a time and mix until a dough forms. Knead lightly, wrap, and chill for 30 minutes. - Prepare the filling:
In a bowl, combine diced beef, potato, rutabaga, onion, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce if using. - Assemble the pasties:
Roll out the dough and cut into circles (about 6 inches in diameter). Spoon filling onto one half of each circle, leaving a border. Brush edges with beaten egg, fold over, and crimp the edges to seal. Brush the tops with more egg. - Air fry:
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place 2–4 pasties in the basket (depending on size) without overlapping. Air fry for 15–18 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through, turning once halfway through if your air fryer requires it. - Rest and serve:
Let the pasties cool slightly before serving. Best enjoyed warm!
Description
These air fryer Cornish pasties have a crisp, golden crust and a hearty, seasoned filling of tender beef and vegetables. Each bite delivers comforting, rustic flavor with a satisfying flaky texture—perfect with a hot cup of tea or a side of brown sauce.
Tips
- Dice ingredients finely to ensure even cooking.
- Don’t overfill the pasties—this can cause them to split open during air frying.
- Preheat the air fryer for best crispiness.
- Use a little foil or parchment liner if your air fryer basket is sticky.
- Freeze extras before cooking for a quick future meal—just add a few minutes to cook time.
Variations
- Cheese and Onion: Replace meat with shredded cheese and extra onion for a vegetarian option.
- Chicken & Leek: Use diced chicken breast and sautéed leeks with a touch of cream.
- Spicy Beef: Add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
- Mini Pasties: Make smaller versions for party snacks or lunchboxes.
Correction
If your pasties come out too pale, brush with more egg wash and extend air fryer time by a couple of minutes. If the dough splits or cracks, make sure it’s not too dry—add a little more water when making the pastry. If the filling is undercooked, dice the ingredients more finely or par-cook denser vegetables like potatoes.
Enjoy!
Serve your freshly made Cornish pasties warm with a dollop of mustard, a spoon of chutney, or simply on their own. Whether it’s tea time or dinner, these golden hand pies are comforting, satisfying, and now easier than ever thanks to your air fryer.