Homemade Cornish Pasties Cooked to Perfection

Delicious homemade Cornish pasties crafted from scratch and cooked to perfection in the air fryer. These pasties are filled with a classic mix of beef, onion, swede, and potatoes for a hearty and satisfying meal.

You’ll love how simple it is to prepare Cornish pasties at home using an air fryer. Plus, you can easily customize them with various fillings to suit your taste.

We originally shared our Cornish pasty recipe back in 2016, and today we’re revisiting it with updated photos and fresh ideas to inspire your next batch.

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Air Fryer Cornish Pasties

A Nostalgic Recipe with a Modern Twist

During our time living in Portugal, we often reminisced about the British bakery treats we missed, especially the Cornish pasties from Couplands. After returning to the UK following 13 years abroad, one of our first outings was to visit Couplands.

Excitedly, I walked into the bakery to order a Cornish pasty. To my surprise, the staff informed me they couldn’t call them “Cornish pasties” anymore unless they were made in Cornwall. Instead, they offered me a “traditional pasty,” which was essentially the same thing.

With a chuckle, I ordered two traditional pasties for Dominic and me. It was a delightful moment that reminded me how much I love these baked goods—and how perfect they are for air fryer cooking.

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Can You Cook a Pasty in an Air Fryer?

Absolutely! Any homemade pasty recipe works wonderfully in the air fryer. You can experiment with your favorite fillings and even create lighter versions using Weight Watchers wraps.

Whether sweet or savory, air fryers handle pasties like a dream. Apple pasties, for instance, are just as delightful as traditional Cornish pasties.

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Do You Cook Cornish Pasty Filling First?

This depends on your preference. Pre-cooking the filling allows you to use less expensive cuts of beef, such as braising steak, instead of sirloin. Alternatively, you can place raw sirloin and vegetables directly into the pastry.

Personally, I like to make pasties the day after cooking a batch of instant pot beef stew and dumplings. Leftover stew makes a fantastic filling when mashed and loaded into homemade pastry.

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What Is the Best Pastry for Pasties?

Shortcrust pastry is the ideal choice for pasties. Using high-quality flour ensures the best results. Homemade pasty dough is surprisingly easy to prepare—I’ve made it so many times that I know the recipe by heart.

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How to Make Cornish Pasty Pastry

Making Cornish pasty pastry is straightforward, involving just four steps:

1. Combine flour and butter in a mixing bowl.
2. Rub the mixture with your fingertips until it resembles breadcrumbs.
3. Add enough water to form a dough.
4. Roll out the dough, ready for the pasty maker.

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What Was the Original Filling of a Cornish Pasty?

Traditional Cornish pasties are made with just four simple ingredients, reflecting the resourcefulness of rationing days:

• Beef: Typically braising steak, though sirloin is now popular.
• Potatoes: Diced white potatoes add a hearty texture.
• Onion: White onion is a classic choice for its affordability and flavor.
• Swede: Known as rutabaga in some regions, it provides a sweet, earthy balance.

Our air fryer Cornish pasties stick to these traditional ingredients, often using leftover stew for the filling. This approach keeps it authentic while minimizing food waste.

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Essential Tools for Air Fryer Pasties

The only kitchen gadgets needed for this recipe are an air fryer and a pasty maker. We use this air fryer, which is excellent for achieving golden, crisp pastry.

A pasty maker is a handy tool for shaping and sealing the dough. Simply flour the dough, press it into the maker, and you’ll achieve the perfect pasty shape every time.

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How to Cook Cornish Pasties in the Air Fryer

1. Prepare the Filling: Mash leftover stew in a bowl, cutting any large chunks into smaller pieces for even distribution.
2. Make the Dough: Combine butter and flour, rubbing them together to form breadcrumbs. Add water to create a dough, then roll it out using the pasty maker.
3. Assemble: Place the rolled dough in the pasty maker. Add the filling to one side, brush the edges with egg wash, and seal the pasty.
4. Cook: Place two pasties in the air fryer on foil, brush with egg wash, and cook until golden.

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How Long to Cook Pasties in an Air Fryer

Homemade pasties cook perfectly in just eight minutes. For even browning, flip them halfway through, cooking four minutes on each side. Always use an egg wash to achieve a golden finish.

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What to Serve with Cornish Pasties

Cornish pasties are quite filling on their own, making them a perfect snack or brunch option. For a more substantial meal, pair them with chips and gravy—a nostalgic combination that takes me back to my childhood visits to Couplands.

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With these simple steps, you’ll be enjoying delicious, homemade Cornish pasties cooked in your air fryer. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with new fillings, this is a recipe you’ll return to time and again.