Posted by Indulge in the delightful experience of making homemade Cornish pasties from scratch, enhanced by the efficiency of an air fryer. This iconic dish is not only satisfying but also packed with a traditional filling of tender beef, aromatic onion, sweet swede, and fluffy potatoes. Air frying these pasties brings a crispy, golden finish while keeping the inside succulent and flavorful.
Creating the Perfect Cornish Pasties Pastry
Making your own Cornish pasty pastry is a straightforward process that requires just four essential steps. Once you master this technique, you’ll want to create your savory pastries again and again. Plus, this pastry can serve as a base for a variety of other delicious dishes cooked in your air fryer.
- Combine Flour and Butter
Start by placing flour and chilled butter into a large mixing bowl. The butter should be cut into small cubes for easier mixing. - Mix Until Breadcrumbs Form
Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. This step is crucial for achieving a flaky pastry texture. - Incorporate Water to Form Dough
Gradually add cold water to the mixture, a tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork it, as this can make the pastry tough. - Roll Out the Dough
Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough to your desired thickness, ideally about 3-5 mm. It should be thin enough to create a crisp shell while being sturdy enough to hold the filling.
Historical Insight: The Classic Cornish Pasties Filling
Traditionally, Cornish pasties were simple yet nourishing, crafted from four fundamental ingredients. They served as a hearty meal for miners and laborers, providing sustenance throughout the day.
- Beef: The original filling often featured inexpensive cuts of beef, such as braising steak, which becomes tender during cooking. Today, you might opt for leftover beef stew or any choice cut you have on hand.
- Potatoes: Diced potatoes provide a satisfying texture and help to absorb the flavors of the meat. For authenticity, use any starchy white potato, peeled and chopped into small cubes.
- Onion: White onions are the traditional choice for their pungent flavor that enhances the filling. They add moisture and sweetness, balancing the dish.
- Swede: Also known as rutabaga, swede contributes a subtle sweetness and earthy flavor, rounding out the filling beautifully.
Elevating Your Pasties with Leftovers
While the classic ingredients are essential, feel free to get creative with your pasties. Utilize leftover stew for a quick and delicious filling. If you have spare cuts of meat or vegetables, incorporate them into your mixture for a personal touch.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Your Pasties
To make your pasties, the primary tool you’ll need is an air fryer, which provides an even cooking environment, ensuring that your pastries achieve a perfect golden crust. I recommend investing in a quality air fryer that accommodates multiple cooking methods for versatile meal preparation.
In addition, consider using a pasty maker. This handy gadget simplifies the process, allowing you to cut and shape the dough with ease. Simply place your rolled-out pastry into the pasty maker, fill it with your prepared filling, and seal it to create a perfectly shaped pasty every time.
Cooking Cornish Pasties in the Air Fryer
Preparation Steps
To prepare your filling, start with your leftover stew. Place it in a mixing bowl and use your hands to mash the ingredients slightly. This ensures that no large chunks of potato or meat disrupt the delicate balance of filling within your pasty.
Dough Assembly
Follow the dough preparation steps outlined earlier. After rolling it out, cut circles using a pasty cutter or the rim of a glass.
Filling the Pasties
Place a circle of dough in your pasty maker, fill one half with about three-quarters of your prepared filling, then brush the edges with an egg wash to ensure a good seal. Press down firmly to create the signature pasty pattern.
Cooking Instructions
Preheat your air fryer and arrange the pasties on a sheet of foil in the basket. Brush the tops with egg wash for a beautiful finish. Air fry for approximately 8 minutes at 200°C (400°F). For a perfect golden color on both sides, consider flipping them halfway through cooking.
Air Fryer Cornish Pasties
Experience the delightful taste of homemade Cornish pasties, cooked in the air fryer for a crispy finish. These pasties are stuffed with a classic mix of tender beef, savory onions, sweet swede, and hearty potatoes.
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 13 minutes
Servings: 3
Ingredients
- Cornish Pasty Components:
- 200 g Leftover Instant Pot Beef Stew
- 500 g Air Fryer Pie Crust
- Egg Wash (for brushing)
- 1 Tsp Mixed Herbs
- Salt & Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, drain your leftover beef stew and season it with salt, pepper, and mixed herbs. Ensure that the mixture is well combined. - Roll Out the Pastry
Roll out your air fryer pie crust. Use the bottom of your pasty maker to cut out circles of pastry. You may need to reroll the dough to obtain enough circles for your pasties. - Form the Pasties
Place a pastry circle into the pasty cutter. Spoon a portion of the beef stew mixture onto one half of the pastry. Be careful not to overfill. Press down firmly to seal the edges and create the traditional pasty pattern. - Cook in the Air Fryer
Line the air fryer basket with foil and place the pasties inside. Brush the tops with egg wash for a golden finish. Air fry for 8 minutes at 200°C (400°F) until crisp and golden.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 860 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 81 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Fat: 47 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 41 mg
- Sodium: 719 mg
- Potassium: 396 mg
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 1 g
- Vitamin A: 2 IU
- Vitamin C: 1 mg
- Calcium: 47 mg
- Iron: 6 mg
