Ingredients:

For the Pastry:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1/2 cup cold water

For the Filling:

  • 1 pound ground beef or a mixture of beef and pork
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 small potato, peeled and diced into small cubes
  • 1 small rutabaga (swede), peeled and diced into small cubes
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: a pinch of dried thyme or rosemary

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Pastry:
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
    • Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to rub the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
    • Gradually add the cold water and mix until a dough forms. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
    • Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Prepare the Filling:
    • In a skillet, cook the ground meat over medium-high heat until it’s browned and cooked through. Remove any excess fat.
    • Add the chopped onion, diced potato, and rutabaga to the skillet. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
    • Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and optional herbs. Cook for a few more minutes until the vegetables are tender. Remove from heat and let it cool.
  3. Assemble the Pasties:
    • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
    • On a floured surface, roll out the pastry dough to about 1/8 inch thickness.
    • Cut out circles (usually 5-6 inches in diameter) from the dough, using a round cutter or a bowl as a guide.
    • Place a spoonful of the cooled filling onto one half of each pastry circle, leaving some space around the edges.
    • Fold the other half of the pastry circle over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
    • Use a fork to crimp the edges of the pasty to seal it shut.
  4. Air Fry the Pasties:
    • Place the assembled pasties in the preheated air fryer basket, leaving some space between them.
    • Air fry for about 18-20 minutes, or until the pasties are golden brown and crispy.
    • You may need to flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
  5. Serve:
    • Let the pasties cool for a few minutes before serving.
    • Enjoy your homemade air fryer Cornish pasties with some ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce.