As a chef, I have encountered this question many times; can you cook a pukka pie in an air fryer? The simplest answer would be yes; you can cook a raw chilled pie, a pre-cooked processed pie, or even a frozen pie in the air fryer. All you need to do is follow specific directions, and it won’t take you more than 20 minutes; so dive right in to know more about how to do so.
Pukka Pie In Air Fryer
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Parchment paper or air fryer basket liner.
Ingredients
- 4 pukka pies
- egg wash
- seasoning of your choice
Instructions
- Start the recipe by removing the pies from the packaging and preheat the air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes to 320 degrees Fahrenheit or 160 degrees Celsius.
- Once the air fryer is heated, transfer the pies into the air fryer and spread them out in a way that they are not on top of each other and have considerable distance between them. It is essential for the convection to do its part properly.
- Cook the pies for at least 10 to 15 minutes at 360 degrees Fahrenheit or 180 degrees Celsius.
- Once the time is over, brush the top of the pukka pie with egg wash and they should be mostly cooked at this time. After this, just cook them for another 5 minutes, keeping the temperature the same.
- Finally, the pukka pie is ready. Transfer them to the serving plate and enjoy with the dip of your choice.
Notes
- You can always mix and match the different flavors of the pukka pie. I generally like the mixture of three different pies, including bacon and chicken, vegetable and chicken, and potato and meat.
- Not all air fryers are the same, and so is their temperature range. So, when you are cooking the pukka pie in the fryer, you may need to adjust the time and temperature, depending on the specific model. Typically, the estimated time I have given is for a medium-sized air fryer.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer. Always spread the pukka pies far from each other, so the air can circulate between the pieces effectively, giving you perfectly cooked pies.
- Please note that this recipe has used pre-cooked meat pies you can easily find in the supermarket, as generally, they come in this form. Simply put, you are just reheating them to keep a crispy texture, which is why it is important to not extend the cooking time.
Nutritional Value of Air Fryer Pukka Pie
Pukka pies are typically made up of minced beef kidney, noodles, rich gravy, and beefsteak, and this source of protein keeps you fuller for the longest time. Traditionally, a single serving of pukka pie in the air fryer consists of 353 calories, 30g carbs, 12g protein, and 2.1g fiber.
FAQs
Can You Cook Frozen Pukka Pie in the Air Fryer?
Though many people use pukka pies directly from the freezer in the air fryer, I would not recommend it. I have tried it many times and there are always some parts that turn out colder than others. But if you still insist on using frozen pukka pies, here is how to approach them.
First, defrost the pukka pies in the fridge or using a microwave.
Next, cook them in the air fryer for around 25 minutes at 360 degrees Fahrenheit or 160 degrees Celsius. Spread them apart, so you get the perfect crispy texture.
How Long Do You Cook a Pukka Pie in the Air Fryer?
I highly recommend cooking a pukka pie in the air fryer for 20 minutes at 360 degrees Fahrenheit or 160 degrees Celsius, and not more than that. Add 5 minutes only if you are using frozen pukka pies. It is also better to coat the pies with egg wash after 15 minutes in the air fryer and then cook for another 5 minutes.
Do These Timings Work for All Fresh Pies?
Well, timings tend to vary depending on individual pies and air fryer models. However, more and less, it is anywhere between 15 and 20 minutes for all meat pies. The vegan ones may have a little less time.
Can You Put Pie Tin in the Air Fryer?
Yes, of course; you can put a pie tin in the air fryer without worrying about its safety. Typically, the tin material is foil, which works well in the air fryer. Plus, these tins come in different sizes, so you can always choose the one that goes with your specific fryer model.
Reheating a processed pukka pie from the supermarket is possible with an air fryer. It is an excellent mid-meal snack that keeps you fuller for a long time. So, give it a shot, serve it piping hot, and enjoy.
