Air Fryer Cottage Pie

This comforting air fryer cottage pie is made with a flavorful beef and vegetable filling, topped with creamy mashed potatoes and melty cheese. Instead of baking, it’s finished in the air fryer for a quick, cheesy crust—perfect for a cozy, no-fuss meal!

Many people use the terms Shepherd’s Pie and Cottage Pie interchangeably, but there’s a key difference:

• Shepherd’s pie is made with ground lamb (since shepherds tend sheep!).
• Cottage pie is made with ground beef or ground meat that isn’t lamb.

This version keeps things simple yet flavorful, with a cheesy mashed potato topping that crisps up beautifully in the air fryer. Whether you’re making it fresh or reheating leftovers, this air fryer method speeds up cooking time while still delivering a golden, bubbly finish.

The air fryer is an excellent choice for a hot day when you don’t want to heat up the kitchen. Also, since the air fryer is small, it uses less energy than a conventional oven. I used a 7-by-2-inch baking pan, and it worked perfectly. If you want to fill it a little more, use a 7-by-3-inch pan. Any heat-safe pan or baking dish that fits in your air fryer will work nicely.

What You’ll Like About This Recipe

• Faster than oven-baked cottage pie. Using the air fryer significantly shortens the cooking time while still giving you a deeply browned, cheesy topping. The compact cooking space means heat circulates efficiently, reducing total cook time without sacrificing texture.
• Small-batch friendly. This version is perfect for four servings, making it an excellent option for weeknight meals or smaller families. It delivers all the comfort of a casserole without creating a huge dish that takes up fridge space.
• Flavorful homemade gravy. The simple flour-and-stock gravy thickens quickly and binds the filling together beautifully. Tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce add depth and savory richness, giving the dish a well-rounded flavor.
• Customizable vegetable mix. The peas-and-carrots combination is classic, but you can easily incorporate corn, green beans, or mixed veggies you already have. Frozen vegetables make it even more convenient and budget-friendly.
• Great use for leftover mashed potatoes. This recipe is ideal when you have leftover potatoes from a previous meal. The topping reheats beautifully in the air fryer, and the added cheese creates an irresistible crust.

The Ingredients

• Ground beef: Use about 1 pound of lean or regular ground beef. It adds a rich, hearty base to the dish. You can swap in ground turkey or chicken if preferred.
• Onion and garlic: These add depth and a savory base to the meat layer. Garlic is optional but enhances the flavor.
• Tomato paste: Provides richness and a deeper, more concentrated flavor than ketchup.
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami and enhances the meatiness of the dish.
• Frozen vegetables: Peas and carrots add sweetness and color. Feel free to swap in corn or another veggie mix.
• Mashed potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are essential for the topping. Use leftovers or whip up a quick batch.
• Shredded cheese: Gruyere melts well and adds a sharp, savory finish. Feel free to use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or another melty cheese for variety.
• Optional toppings: A sprinkle of paprika or parsley adds vibrancy to the dish along with a bit of extra flavor and texture.

Steps to Make Air Fryer Cottage Pie

1. Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet. Once it’s golden on one side, stir in the onion and garlic and cook until the onions are translucent. Season with salt and pepper and set the mixture aside.
2. In the same skillet, melt the butter and whisk in the flour. Slowly add the beef stock, tomato paste, and Worcestershire, whisking until smooth and thickened. Stir in the peas and carrots and let them simmer briefly. Add the beef mixture back in and stir everything together.
3. Spoon the beef filling into a 7-by-2 or 7-by-3-inch baking dish. Top with mashed potatoes, spreading them evenly, and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Add a little paprika on top if you like.
4. Place the dish in your air fryer and cook until the top is lightly browned and the cheese is melted. Let it rest a few minutes before serving, and finish with a sprinkle of parsley if desired.

Pro Tips

• Brown the beef in an even layer first to develop deeper flavor before breaking it up.
• Simmer the gravy long enough for the flour to fully thicken and lose its raw taste.
• Spread the mashed potatoes from edge to edge to prevent bubbling over in the air fryer.
• Check the pie during the last few minutes since air fryers vary and browning may occur quickly.
• Rest the dish before serving so the filling settles and slices cleanly.

Recipe Variations

• Low Carb: Swap mashed potatoes for cauliflower mash or a blend of cauliflower and mashed turnips or rutabaga.
• Loaded Style: Add crispy crumbled bacon to the mashed potatoes, along with extra cheese and a dollop of sour cream.
• Turkey or Chicken: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a slightly leaner pie, and add a touch of sage or thyme to complement the flavors.
• Vegetarian: Replace the beef with mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based ground meat substitute.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with steamed green beans or broccoli to add freshness and color to the plate.
• Add a side salad with vinaigrette to balance the richness of the filling.
• Pair with crusty bread to soak up the savory gravy.
• Choose roasted carrots or parsnips for a cozy, cold-weather meal.

How to Store

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in a tightly sealed container for up to 3 days. The mashed potato topping maintains its texture well when stored properly.
• Freeze: Freeze fully cooled portions for up to 2 months. Wrap securely to prevent freezer burn and label with the date.
• Reheat: Warm in the air fryer or oven until heated through and lightly browned on top. If reheating in the microwave, finish in the air fryer for a minute to restore crispness.