Why air fryer leek pie is a favourite
Making this pie is much faster than using a traditional oven. The hot air ensures the bottom of the pastry cooks properly so it is not soggy. It is a very flexible recipe because you can add different cheeses to the filling. Using an leek pie as a quick meal saves both time and energy.
A step-by-step guide to air fryer leek pie
Prepare leeks: Wash the leeks and cut them into thin rounds. Sauté them in a pan with a little butter or oil for five minutes until they are soft. Season the vegetables with salt and pepper then stir in the cream cheese. Remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
Assemble pie: Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into two large pieces to fit your basket. Place the leek mixture in the centre of one pastry piece. Leave a small border around the edges so you can seal it later. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese over the top of the leek filling.
Seal pastry: Place the second piece of pastry over the filling. Press the edges together with a fork to make a tight seal. Brush the top of the pastry with a beaten egg to help it turn golden brown. Score a small cross in the middle of the lid to let steam escape.
Air fry: Place the pie on a piece of baking paper inside the basket. Cook at 180C for about fifteen minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden. Check the bottom of the pie to ensure it is fully cooked through. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Important tips for air fryer leek pie
You should slice the leeks thinly so they cook evenly in the pan before going into the pastry. If the top of your leek pie browns too quickly, you can cover it with a small piece of foil. Make sure the filling is not too wet because extra moisture can make the pastry soft.
Using ready rolled puff pastry from the fridge makes this process much faster. You can also add some chopped ham or cooked bacon to the filling for more flavour. Always preheat your for a couple of minutes to get the best rise from the puff pastry. Use a sharp knife to score the top of the pastry to help the steam escape.
For a little more variety, you can also try
air fryer creamy potatoes,
air fryer breakfast rolls or
air fryer spring rolls.