1. Prepare the Pastry:
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt.
- Add Butter: Add the cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Water: Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
- Chill: Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Filling:
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the diced potatoes, carrots, beef, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Mix well to combine.
3. Assemble the Pasties:
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ⅛-inch thickness. Use a round cutter or a bowl to cut out circles (about 6 inches in diameter).
- Fill the Pasties: Place a generous spoonful of the filling mixture in the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill.
- Seal the Pasties: Brush the edges of the dough circles with beaten egg. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape and press the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative finish.
- Brush with Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the pasties with the remaining beaten egg for a golden, shiny finish.
4. Cook the Pasties:
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Arrange in Basket: Place the pasties in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch.
- Air Fry: Cook the pasties at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the filling is cooked through. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
5. Serve:
- Cool Slightly: Allow the pasties to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the filling to set.
- Enjoy: Serve the pasties warm with your favorite condiments, such as ketchup, brown sauce, or a side salad.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Pasties:
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough ensures it stays firm and easy to work with, resulting in a flakier crust.
- Even Filling: Make sure the filling ingredients are diced uniformly for even cooking.
- Preheating: Preheating the air fryer helps achieve a crispier crust.
- Do Not Overfill: Overfilling can cause the pasties to burst open during cooking.
- Check Doneness: If the pasties are browning too quickly, cover them with foil to prevent burning while ensuring the filling cooks through.
Why This Recipe Will Keep You Engaged:
Making homemade pasties is a hands-on, rewarding experience. From creating the perfect pastry to mixing and seasoning the filling, each step is interactive and satisfying. The detailed instructions ensure even beginners can achieve excellent results, while the tips provide valuable insights for seasoned cooks. Watching the pasties turn golden brown in the air fryer and anticipating that first flaky, flavorful bite will keep you engaged throughout the cooking process.
Enjoy these delicious, flaky, and savory homemade pasties cooked to perfection in your air fryer. They’re perfect for any meal or occasion, sure to impress family and friends!