Air Fryer Leek Pie
Air fryer leek pie is a puff pastry pie with a creamy leek and Cheddar filling that cooks in 20 minutes at 180°C. The leeks are softened in butter first and mixed with soft cheese, so the filling stays thick and does not soak the pastry. Use one ready-rolled sheet, cut into two, and check that it fits your basket before you start.
- Total
- 1 h 1 min
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 31 min
- Serves
- 4
- Per serving
- 530kcal
Common mistakes with air fryer leek pie
The most common problem is a wet filling. Leeks hold a lot of water, so they are cooked down in butter first, and the mixture is cooled before it meets the pastry. Cold pastry and a cool filling are what make the layers puff.
Wash the leeks well: soil collects between the layers. Use mature Cheddar for the strongest flavour, or Gruyère if you prefer something nutty. A heaped tablespoon of thick crème fraîche works in place of the soft cheese.
Air fryer leek pie: the method
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Cook the leeks Halve the leeks lengthways, rinse the grit from between the layers and slice them about 1cm thick. Melt the butter in a frying pan over a medium heat and cook the leeks for , stirring, until soft but not browned. Season, stir in the soft cheese until it melts into a thick mixture, and tip into a bowl. Leave to cool for .
- Cut the pastry Unroll the pastry on its paper and cut it in half to make two rectangles. Check that they fit your basket and trim them if needed. Place one rectangle on a piece of baking paper cut to the size of the basket.
- Fill and seal Spread the leek mixture over the pastry, leaving a 2cm border, and sprinkle over the Cheddar. Brush the border with beaten egg, lay the second rectangle on top and press the edges together with a fork. Brush the top with egg and cut three small slits to let the steam out.
- Cook Preheat the air fryer to 180°C for . Lift the pie, on its paper, into the basket and cook for , until deep golden and puffed. Lift an edge to check that the base is golden too, and cover the top loosely with foil for the last if it is browning too fast.
- Rest and serve Leave the pie to stand for , then cut it into four pieces.
Oven method and what to serve
Without an air fryer, bake the pie on a baking tray at 200°C (180°C fan), gas 6, for 25–30 minutes until puffed and golden.
Serve it with a green salad, peas or mash and gravy. For a heartier version with meat, try chicken and leek pie, and for a lunch with soup, leek and potato soup goes well alongside.
Common problems and fixes for Air Fryer Leek Pie
- The base of the pie is pale and soggy.
- The filling was too wet or too hot. Cook the leeks until the liquid has gone, cool the mixture for 10 minutes before spreading, and cook the pie on baking paper in a preheated basket.
- The pastry leaks at the edges.
- Do not overfill and keep the 2cm border clear. Brush the edge with egg before pressing it down with a fork so it seals.
- The top browns before the pastry underneath is cooked.
- The element sits above the basket. Cover the pie loosely with foil for the last 5 minutes, and check that the base is golden before you take it out.
- The pastry does not rise.
- Warm pastry will not puff. Keep it in the fridge until you need it, work quickly, and make sure the filling has cooled before it goes on.
Frequently asked questions about Air Fryer Leek Pie
How long does leek pie take in the air fryer?
It takes 20 minutes at 180°C after a 3-minute preheat. Check the base as well as the top, and cover it with foil for the last 5 minutes if it is browning too fast.
Do you have to cook the leeks first?
Yes. Raw leeks release a lot of water as they bake, which makes the pastry soggy. Cooking them for 8 minutes in butter softens them and lets the water evaporate.
Can you make it ahead?
Yes. Assemble the pie up to 24 hours ahead, keep it covered in the fridge and brush it with egg just before cooking. Leftover baked pie keeps for 2 days, and reheats at 160°C for 5–6 minutes until steaming hot.
What size air fryer do you need?
A basket of 4–5.5 litres will fit a pie about 17 x 20cm. If your basket is smaller, trim the pastry or make two smaller pies, and cook each for about 15 minutes.
How did you like the recipe?
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