1. Prepare the Meat Filling:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
- Stir in the tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, or until most of the liquid has evaporated and the filling is thick.
- Stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Pastry:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry or pie crust sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut out circles of dough using a large cookie cutter or a bowl (about 4-5 inches in diameter).
- Place a spoonful of the meat filling in the center of each dough circle.
3. Assemble the Meat Pies:
- Brush the edges of the dough circles with the beaten egg.
- Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape and press the edges together to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
- Brush the tops of the meat pies with more beaten egg.
4. Cook the Meat Pies:
- Place the meat pies in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the meat pies from the air fryer and let them cool slightly on a wire rack.
5. Serve:
- Serve the meat pies warm, with a side of your favorite dipping sauce or a simple salad.
Tips for Success:
- Cooling the Filling: Make sure the meat filling is slightly cooled before adding it to the pastry to prevent the dough from becoming soggy.
- Sealing the Edges: Ensure the edges of the dough are well-sealed to prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking.
- Batch Cooking: Cook the meat pies in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the air fryer, ensuring even cooking.
Conclusion: These Air Fryer Meat Pies are a perfect combination of crispy pastry and savory filling, making them an ideal comfort food for any occasion. Easy to prepare and quick to cook, they offer a delicious and satisfying meal that everyone will love. Enjoy the rich flavors and the delightful crunch of these meat pies straight from your air fryer!