1. Prepare the Pastry:
1.1. Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.
1.2. Cut in Butter:
- Add the chilled butter cubes to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
1.3. Add Water:
- Gradually add cold water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. You may need more or less water, so add it slowly.
1.4. Chill Dough:
- Divide the dough into two portions, flatten each into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Filling:
2.1. Cook Vegetables:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened.
2.2. Add Beef:
- Add the diced beef to the skillet, cooking until browned on all sides.
2.3. Combine Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked beef and onions with the diced potatoes, swede, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and beef stock. Stir to combine thoroughly.
3. Assemble the Pasties:
3.1. Roll Out Dough:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cutter or a large bowl to cut out circles of dough (about 6-8 inches in diameter).
3.2. Fill and Seal:
- Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal, crimping the edges with a fork or by pinching the dough.
3.3. Brush with Egg Wash:
- Place the assembled pasties on a parchment-lined tray or plate. Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
4. Air Fry the Pasties:
4.1. Preheat Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C) for about 5 minutes.
4.2. Cook in Batches:
- Arrange the pasties in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding; cook in batches if necessary.
4.3. Air Fry:
- Air fry the pasties for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Flip halfway through the cooking time for even browning.
5. Serve:
5.1. Cool Slightly:
- Let the pasties cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly.
5.2. Enjoy:
- Serve warm as a hearty meal or snack. They pair well with a side salad, pickles, or a simple gravy.
Tips for Perfect Cornish Pasties:
- Use Cold Ingredients: Keep the butter and water cold to ensure a flaky pastry.
- Don’t Overfill: Overfilling can cause the pasties to burst open. Keep the filling amount moderate.
- Seal Edges Well: Properly sealing the edges helps prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking.
These air fryer Cornish pasties offer a delightful twist on a traditional recipe, with a crisp, golden exterior and a savory, hearty filling. Enjoy making these delicious pasties and savor each bite of flaky pastry and flavorful beef filling.