What makes air fryer ham pie a good choice?
Making an ham pie is much faster than using a traditional oven. The hot air circulates around the pastry to ensure it cooks evenly without a soggy bottom. It is a great way to create a hearty lunch or dinner with minimal effort. You only need a few basic pantry staples to get a delicious result.
How to cook air fryer ham pie
Prepare the filling: Start by slicing the leek and dicing the ham into small cubes. Mix the ham, leeks, cheese and thyme together in a bowl until well combined. This mixture provides a savoury and salty filling for the pastry.
Assemble the pie: Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into two large rectangles or circles. Place the filling onto one half of the pastry leaving a small border at the edges. Fold the other half over or place the second piece on top to cover the mixture.
Seal and glaze: Press the edges together with a fork to seal the ham pie completely. Brush the top of the pastry with the beaten egg to help it turn golden brown. Prick a few small holes in the top to let steam escape during cooking.
Cook and serve: Place the pie on a piece of baking paper inside the basket. Cook at 180C for about 15 minutes until the pastry is puffed up and golden. Let it cool for a minute before serving it warm.
Tips and tricks for air fryer ham pie
Always ensure the ham is fully cooked before adding it to the ham pie. If you want a creamier filling, you can add a tablespoon of creme fraiche or double cream to the ham mixture. Do not overfill the pastry as it might burst open while cooking in the.
Make sure to preheat the for a few minutes if your model requires it for even heat. Using chilled pastry makes it much easier to handle and shape without it becoming too soft. You can swap the cheddar for another hard cheese like red leicester for a different flavour profile.
For a little more variety, you can also try
air fryer bread,
air fryer calamari or
air fryer beef sirloin.