Air Fryer Frozen Pasty – Best Way To Cook Pasties – Crispy & Delicious!

Cooking a frozen pasty in the air fryer is the easiest way to get a perfectly crispy, golden-brown crust with a hot and savory filling. No need to turn on the oven or wait for it to defrost—just pop it in the air fryer and enjoy a delicious, flaky pasty in no time. Whether you’re craving a quick lunch or a hearty snack, this method of cooking pasties ensures the best results with minimal effort!

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Frozen Pasty

• Perfectly Crispy & Flaky – The air fryer creates a beautifully golden, crispy crust without making it greasy or soggy. Each bite is flaky, tender, and absolutely delicious!
• Quick & Easy – No need to preheat the oven or wait for the pasty to defrost. Just pop it in the air fryer, set the timer, and let it cook!
• Juicy, Flavorful Filling – The hot air circulation ensures the filling stays moist and flavorful while the outside gets perfectly crisp. Every bite is packed with savory goodness!
• Faster Than the Oven – Traditional baking takes much longer, but the air fryer speeds things up while still delivering great texture and taste.
• Great for Any Meal – Enjoy this as a quick lunch, an easy dinner, or even a hearty snack. It’s a satisfying and convenient option for any time of day!

What Is A Pasty?

A pasty is a traditional British pastry, most famously associated with Cornwall, that consists of a flaky, golden crust filled with a hearty mixture of meat, potatoes, and vegetables. Originally created as a portable meal for miners, pasties are designed to be both satisfying and easy to eat on the go. The edges are crimped to seal in the filling, creating a self-contained pocket of deliciousness. While the classic Cornish pasty is the most well-known, there are many variations, including vegetarian options and different meat fillings. Whether it is cooked in the air fryer or baked in the oven, pasties are a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for any time of day!

Ingredients

• Frozen pasty – A classic British pastry filled with meat and other savory ingredients. No need to thaw before cooking!

For the exact cooking time and temperature, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools

• Air fryer – Cooks the pasty to crispy perfection while keeping the inside hot and flavorful.
• Instant-read thermometer (optional) – Ensures the pasty is fully cooked by checking that the internal temperature reaches at least 160°F.
• Tongs – Helps flip the pasty safely and easily without damaging the flaky crust.

How To Cook Frozen Pasty In An Air Fryer

• Remove the frozen pasty from its packaging—there’s no need to defrost it.
• Place the pasty upside down in the air fryer basket for even cooking.
• Set the air fryer to 370°F and cook for 25 minutes.
• Halfway through, carefully flip the pasty to ensure even browning on both sides.
• Once done, check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer—it should be at least 160°F.
• If it’s not fully cooked, air fry for an additional 5 minutes and check again.
• Let it cool slightly before serving, then enjoy your crispy and flaky pasty!

Serving Suggestions

• Pair your crispy pasty with a green salad with tomatoes and grated parmesan for a balanced meal.
• Serve with ketchup, sweet and spicy sriracha chili sauce, or a side of homemade instant pot gravy for extra flavor.
• Enjoy alongside a warm bowl of tomato soup with tomato paste or homemade chickpea soup for a cozy meal.
• This air-fried pasty is perfect on its own for a simple and satisfying lunch or dinner.
• Turn it into a classic British-style meal by serving it with a side of crispy crinkle cut fries.

Tips For Success

• No Need to Preheat – Unlike an oven, the air fryer doesn’t require preheating. Just pop the pasty in and start cooking!
• Flip for Even Browning – While it’s not required, flipping the pasty halfway through helps it cook evenly on both sides. Otherwise, the top will be more golden than the bottom.
• Check the Internal Temperature – Since frozen pasties can vary in size, it’s best to use an instant-read thermometer to ensure it reaches at least 160°F inside. If needed, cook for a few extra minutes.
• Adjust Cooking Time as Needed – If your pasty is smaller, start checking for doneness around 20 minutes. If it’s extra large, it may need a few more minutes.
• Let It Cool Before Eating – The filling will be extremely hot right out of the air fryer. Let it cool for a few minutes before cutting into it to avoid burns.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer – If cooking multiple pasties, make sure they are in a single layer with space around them for proper air circulation.

Variations And Substitutions

• Different Fillings – While traditional pasties are filled with meat and vegetables, you can find varieties with chicken, cheese, or even vegetarian fillings. This method works for all types!
• Gluten-Free Option – Some brands offer gluten-free pasties. Just follow the same cooking instructions, but check the temperature as gluten-free pastry may cook a bit faster.
• Mini Pasties – If using smaller pasties, reduce the cooking time to about 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Always check the internal temperature to ensure they’re fully cooked.
• Vegan Pasties – Many supermarkets now offer plant-based pasties filled with vegetables or meat alternatives. The air fryer works great for these, and they often cook in the same amount of time as meat-based ones.
• Egg Wash for Extra Shine – If you want an extra golden crust, you can brush a little egg wash or milk on top before air frying (only if the pasty isn’t pre-sealed).

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers:

• Let the pasty cool completely before storing.
• Wrap it in foil or place it in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:

• Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F for 5–7 minutes until warmed through. This keeps the crust crispy.
• Oven: Place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat for 1–2 minutes, though the crust may become soft instead of crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook more than one pasty at a time?

Yes! As long as your air fryer basket is big enough, you can cook multiple pasties at once. Just make sure they are in a single layer with space between them for proper air circulation.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

No, there’s no need to preheat the air fryer for this recipe. Simply place the frozen pasty inside and start cooking.

What if my pasty isn’t fully cooked after 25 minutes?

If your pasty is still cold in the center, cook it for an additional 5 minutes and check again. The exact time can vary depending on the size and thickness of the pasty.

How do I know when the pasty is done?

The best way to check is by using an instant-read thermometer. The internal temperature should reach at least 160°F to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Can I cook a homemade pasty in the air fryer?

Yes! If you’re cooking a fresh (uncooked) pasty, the time may vary. Start with 15–20 minutes at 370°F, flipping halfway, and check for doneness.

Other Easy Pastry Recipes

Simple Apple Strudel with Frozen Puff Pastry – This easy apple strudel recipe uses frozen puff pastry to create a flaky, golden crust filled with warm, spiced apples in just minutes.

Chocolate Puff Pastry Rolls – Easy Dessert with Frozen Dough – These chocolate puff pastry rolls are irresistibly crispy, buttery, and filled with rich melted chocolate for the perfect quick dessert.

Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Appetizer – These cranberry brie puff pastry bites are a sweet and savory appetizer with gooey melted brie and tart cranberry sauce wrapped in flaky pastry.

No-Bake Dessert Pastry with Fruit, Nuts & Whipped Cream – This effortless no-bake dessert combines layers of fruit, crunchy nuts, and fluffy whipped cream for a light and refreshing treat.

Crispy Air Fryer Churros – These air fryer churros are perfectly crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and coated in cinnamon sugar for a deliciously easy homemade treat.

Air Fryer Apple Turnovers from Frozen – These frozen apple turnovers cook up beautifully in the air fryer, turning golden brown with a warm, cinnamon-spiced filling in just minutes.

Air Fryer Frozen Spanakopita – This easy air fryer method makes frozen spanakopita irresistibly crispy, flaky, and golden brown with a rich spinach and feta filling.

More Air Fryer Recipes

• Healthy Air Fryer Frozen Root Vegetable Fries
• Crispy Air Fryer Frozen Kati Rolls
• Air Fryer White Castle Cheeseburger Sliders