Introduction
Cottage Pie is the ultimate comfort food: savory ground beef in a rich gravy topped with fluffy mashed potatoes and baked until golden. Making it in the air fryer gives you a faster cook time and a perfectly crisp top without turning on your oven. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner—warm, hearty, and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients
For the meat filling:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or lamb for Shepherd’s Pie)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- ½ cup frozen peas (optional)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tsp fresh thyme or ½ tsp dried
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
For the mashed potato topping:
- 1½ lbs (680g) potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 2 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup milk (more if needed for creaminess)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: ¼ cup grated cheddar cheese for the topping
Instructions
- Make the mashed potatoes:
Boil chopped potatoes in salted water for 15–20 minutes or until tender. Drain, then mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set aside. - Cook the beef filling:
In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and cook the onion and garlic until soft. Add carrots and sauté for 3–4 minutes. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and broth. Simmer until thickened (about 5–7 minutes). Add peas and adjust seasoning. Let cool slightly. - Assemble the pie:
Spoon the beef mixture into a heatproof, air fryer-safe baking dish (or use small ramekins for individual pies). Spread mashed potatoes on top. Smooth with a spoon or fork, then optionally sprinkle with cheddar. - Air fry:
Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the dish in the air fryer basket and cook for 12–15 minutes, or until the top is golden and slightly crispy. If using cheese, it should be melted and bubbling. - Rest and serve:
Let sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow everything to set.
Description
This air fryer cottage pie is everything you want in a comfort dish: a savory, flavorful beef base rich with vegetables and seasoning, topped with creamy mashed potatoes that get beautifully browned and slightly crisp on top. It’s homestyle cooking made faster and easier without sacrificing taste.
Tips
- Use shallow, air fryer-safe dishes for best results.
- For extra smooth mashed potatoes, add a splash more milk or a spoonful of sour cream.
- Pre-cool the meat mixture slightly before topping—it helps the potatoes stay fluffy.
- Use lean beef to avoid excessive grease in the pie.
Variations
- Cheesy Mash: Mix shredded cheese directly into the mashed potatoes for extra richness.
- Vegetarian: Swap beef for lentils or a plant-based mince and use veggie broth.
- Shepherd’s Pie: Use ground lamb instead of beef for the traditional version.
- Sweet Potato Top: Use mashed sweet potatoes for a slightly sweet twist.
Correction
If the top of your pie is not browning, increase air fryer temperature slightly for the last few minutes. If it’s too dry, add a little extra broth to the filling. If the potatoes are sinking, the filling may be too hot—let it cool a few minutes before topping. If your air fryer is small, make individual pies in ramekins for better fit and cooking.
Enjoy!
Spoon into this cozy, golden-topped pie and enjoy a mouthful of warmth and flavor. Whether you’re feeding the family or making dinner for one, air fryer cottage pie is a perfect comfort meal with a modern, time-saving twist.