Baking a tasty meat pie quickly is a breeze with an air fryer. Using this popular kitchen appliance to bake a Pukka pie allows you to enjoy a hot, delicious pie in no time. An air fryer circulates super-heated air around the pie, cooking it evenly and sealing in juices in minutes.
Key Takeaways:
- Air frying takes much less time than traditional oven baking for Pukka pies
- Pukka pies come out crispy on the outside and tender inside when cooked in an air fryer
- Adjust air fryer temperature and time for best results
- Use baking paper or a silicone cupcake holder to avoid mess
- Let the pie rest before serving for juices to absorb into the filling
What Is Pukka Pie?
Pukka pie is a popular brand of frozen meat pie originating from the UK. The traditional Pukka pie consists of cubed steak and gravy wrapped in hot water crust pastry. Other Pukka pie fillings include chicken and mushroom, steak and kidney, minced beef and onion, and more.
Pukka pies are found in the freezer section of grocery stores in the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. They make a quick and hearty lunch, dinner or snack when baked according to package instructions.
Fun fact: The name Pukka comes from a Hindi word meaning “first-class” or “superior.”
Benefits of Cooking Pukka Pie in an Air Fryer
Cooking frozen Pukka pies in an air fryer has many benefits:
- Cooks much faster than traditional oven. Pukka pies take only 15-18 minutes in an air fryer vs 45-60 minutes baked in the oven.
- Crispier pastry. The circulating hot air crisps up the pie crust beautifully.
- Juicy filling. The air fryer seals in moisture.
- More convenient. Air fryer preheats in just 3 minutes so you can bake a pie quickly any time.
- Versatile. Most air fryer models easily fit a standard Pukka pie.
- Energy efficient. Air fryers use less energy than a big oven.
- Healthier. Pukka pies have fewer calories when air fried vs deep fried.
How to Cook Pukka Pie in an Air Fryer
Cooking Pukka pies in an air fryer takes just a few easy steps:
- Preheat air fryer to 180C/350F. This takes about 3 minutes in most models.
- Remove pie from packaging. Check that foil pie dish is intact with no holes.
- Prick pie crust several times with a fork. This prevents puffing up.
- Brush pie crust lightly with oil or egg wash for golden crispness.
- Cook pie in air fryer at 180C/350F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Check doneness. Insert a knife or toothpick in center of pie to test.
- Let pie rest for 5 minutes before serving so filling can absorb into crust.
- Enjoy hot with your favorite condiments like ketchup, Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce.
Tips
- Use cooking spray or aluminum foil in the air fryer basket to avoid messes if the pie pan leaks.
- For more even browning, rotate the pie pan 180 degrees halfway through cooking.
- If crust is browning too quickly, tent with foil.
- Add 3-5 minutes to cook time for extra crispy crust or larger pies.
- Frozen meat pies like Pukka work best. Do not air fry pies with moist fillings.
Pukka Pie Cooking Chart
Use this handy air fryer Pukka pie cooking chart for perfect results:
| Pukka Pie Type | Weight | Time | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Individual Pie | 190g | 15-18 minutes | 180C/350F |
| Jumbo Pie | 260g | 18-22 minutes | 180C/350F |
| Pie Sandwich | 320g | 20-25 minutes | 180C/350F |
| Sausage Roll | 75g | 8-10 minutes | 200C/400F |
- Note: Always check internal pie temperature before removing from air fryer.
Why Air Fry Pukka Pie?
There are many good reasons to use your air fryer instead of the oven when cooking Pukka pies:
- Quicker cook time – Pukka pies are done in 15-25 minutes in an air fryer vs 45-60 minutes in a standard oven. This saves you time preheating and waiting for your meal.
- Crispier crust – The air fryer’s circulated hot air crisps up the pie crust beautifully. Oven baking can sometimes result in a softer crust.
- Juicier filling – The air fryer’s hot air seals in moisture, while the oven can dry out a pie.
- Better flavor – Many people find the filling has a better, meatier flavor when air fried.
- Energy efficient – Air fryers use less electricity than heating up a full-size oven.
- Healthier – Using just circulating hot air rather than oil, air fryers have fewer calories than deep frying.
- Convenient – Air fryers are countertop appliances that preheat quickly, perfect for quick meals any time of day.
So for fast, delicious Pukka pies with perfect pastry, air frying is clearly the way to go! Ditch the oven and use your air fryer instead.
FAQs About Cooking Pukka Pie in an Air Fryer
Get answers to common questions about baking Pukka pies in an air fryer:
What temperature should I cook Pukka pie at in an air fryer?
- The best temperature for air frying Pukka pies is 350°F/180°C. This ensures the filling is piping hot and the pastry becomes crisp.
How long does it take to cook a Pukka pie in an air fryer?
- Cooking times range from 15-25 minutes depending on the size of the pie. Standard pies take 15-18 minutes, larger pies up to 22-25 minutes.
What happens if I overcook Pukka pie in the air fryer?
- Overcooking will dry out the filling and make the crust too hard. Follow recommended times and check doneness with a knife test.
Should I flip or rotate the Pukka pie during air frying?
- Yes, flip or rotate the pie halfway during cooking for even browning and heating.
Is foil or paper needed when air frying a Pukka pie?
- Lining the air fryer with foil or using a silicone pie holder prevents mess if the pie pan leaks.
Can I cook any frozen pie in the air fryer?
- Air fryers work best for meat pies with pastry crusts like Pukka. Do not air fry pies with moist fillings like apple or pumpkin pie.
How do I reheat a Pukka pie in the air fryer?
- Reheat leftover pies at 300°F for 4-5 minutes until hot. Use foil to prevent over-browning.
Delicious Pukka Pie Recipe Combinations
Pukka pies aren’t just limited to basic beef and gravy. Get creative with these tasty flavor combos:
- Chicken Tikka Masala – Chicken, onions, garlic, curry, tomatoes, cream, coriander
- Cheeseburger – Beef, pickles, onion, cheese, mustard
- Chicken Pot Pie – Chicken, peas, carrots, celery, onion, cream sauce
- Philly Cheesesteak – Steak, peppers, onions, cheese
- Shepherd’s Pie – Lamb, carrots, peas, onions, mashed potato topping
- Pork and Apple – Pork, apples, sage, onion
- Mexican Chicken – Chicken, beans, corn, peppers, salsa, cheese
- Pulled Pork – Pork shoulder, bbq sauce, coleslaw topping
- Beef Bourguignon – Beef, red wine, mushrooms, onions, bacon
- Chicken Alfredo – Chicken, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, alfredo sauce
- Steak and Stilton – Steak, stilton cheese, mushrooms
The possibilities are endless when making your own custom Pukka pie fillings to bake in the air fryer!
Top Tips for Air Frying Pukka Pies
Use these pro tips for outstanding air fried Pukka pies every time:
- Preheat the air fryer fully before cooking.
- Brush the pie crust with oil or egg wash for gorgeous browning.
- Use a silicone pie mold or baking paper to contain any leaks.
- Allow 5 minutes of resting time before eating so juices can absorb into the crust.
- Flip or rotate the pie midway through cooking for even browning.
- Follow the package instructions for oven cooking time and adjust air fryer time accordingly.
- For frozen pies like Pukka, increase air fry temperature to 380°F/190°C for super crispy crust.
- If pie crust is browning too quickly, tent with aluminum foil.
- Let the filling cool slightly before placing in the pie crust to prevent a soggy bottom.
- Experiment with your own pie fillings like tikka chicken or philly cheesesteak.
- Enjoy Pukka pies hot with condiments like ketchup, hot sauce or ranch dressing.
Is Pukka Pie Healthy When Air Fried?
Pukka pies are often criticized for being highly processed and unhealthy. However, enjoying them in moderation air fried rather than deep fried makes them a better option. Here is the nutrition breakdown:
- Low fat – Air frying eliminates oil, unlike deep frying.
- High protein – A good source of protein from meat.
- Some vitamins – Provides B vitamins including B12, zinc, selenium and iron.
- Low carb – Under 20 grams net carbs when crust removed. Good for keto diets.
- Calories – Up to 300 calories for a standard pie, less than deep fried.
While not the healthiest meal option, an occasional Pukka pie air fried in the air fryer can be part of a balanced diet. accompany it with a side salad or veggies to make a more nutritious meal.
Best Air Fryers for Cooking Pukka Pies
Not sure which is the best air fryer for baking perfect Pukka pies? Here are top-rated models:
- Instant Vortex Air Fryer – Large capacity, even heat distribution.
- Ninja Foodi Dual Zone Air Fryer – Independent zones for multiple items.
- Cosori Air Fryer – 11 one-touch cooking presets.
- Innsky Air Fryer – Streamlined design, easy to operate.
- GoWise Air Fryer – Affordable, good for small households.
- Ultrean Air Fryer – Digital touchscreen, dishwasher safe basket.
- Chefman TurboFry – Taller design fits more food.
Look for an air fryer with at least 3 quart/ 3 liter capacity, adjustable temperature up to 400°F/200°C, cooking timer and dishwasher safe parts. Investing in a quality air fryer ensures perfect pie results every time.
Is Air Frying Pukka Pie Worth It?
Air frying makes enjoying Pukka pie so much quicker and convenient than firing up the big oven. Here’s why it’s worth using your air fryer:
Speed – Freshly baked pie in just 15-25 minutes! No more waiting around for oven to preheat either.
Convenience – Air fryers are small appliances that sit right on your countertop ready anytime.
Taste – Hot crispy crust and juicy filling full of flavor beats soggy oven pie.
Energy efficient – Uses up to 80% less electricity than an oven.
Healthier – Eliminates oil used in deep frying for a lighter meal.
Versatile – Make sweet or savory pies with endless filling combinations.
Easy cleanup – Removable nonstick air fryer baskets clean up in a snap. No big oven to scrub down.
For quick and delicious Pukka pies bursting with flavor, air frying is absolutely worth it. Your freezer pies will never go unloved again collecting ice crystals when you can bake to perfection in the air fryer any night of the week!
5 Easy Pukka Pie Recipes to Air Fry
Try out these delicious flavor-packed Pukka pie recipes cooked to perfection in your air fryer:
1. Thai Red Curry Chicken Pie
This pie combines tender chicken in a creamy red curry coconut sauce with peppers and spinach.
2. Cheesy Bacon and Potato Pie
Crispy bacon and cheddar cheese makes this hearty potato-topped pie a crowd favorite.
3. Mexican Beef Pie
Spicy beef filling with beans, corn, and peppers topped with crushed tortilla chips and cheese makes for an amazing Tex-Mex pie.
4. Italian Sausage Ragu Pie
Italian sausage and vegetables in a rich tomato ragu sauce baked under a crispy crust.
5. Steak and Ale Pie
Tender steak and mushrooms simmered in a brown ale gravy guarantees a winning steak pie.
With an air fryer, you can easily make these and many other unique flavor-packed pies for your family. Use homemade or store-bought pastry for an easy meal any night of the week.
Get Perfectly Baked Pukka Pies with an Air Fryer
An air fryer revolutionizes cooking convenience foods like Pukka pies. No need to wait nearly an hour for the oven when the air fryer can bake up hot, delicious pies in just 15-25 minutes.
Crisp, golden pastry and juicy, flavorful fillings are so easy to achieve with an air fryer. Follow proper temperature and times to ensure your pies come out cooked to perfection.
Experiment with different meat and vegetable pie fillings to give weeknight dinners an exciting twist. With an air fryer, you can quickly cook frozen, homemade or store-bought pies to crispy, gravy-oozing perfection any time.
