Perfectly crisp and flaky Air Fryer Cheese and Onion Pasty, made entirely from scratch. Filled with delicious cheddar cheese and perfectly caramelized onions, this is the ultimate British savory pastry!
Nothing beats a piping hot, flaky Cheese and Onion Pasty! This British classic savory pastry is super easy to make with only a few simple ingredients.
Made with lots of cheddar cheese and perfectly sweet onion, this pasty is guaranteed to have you coming back for more! Not only is it delicious, but this Air Fryer Cheese and Onion Pasty is very easy to make.
Baked in the air fryer, this British Pasty comes out perfectly crisp and golden every time. So if you’re craving a good old fashioned British Cheese and Onion Pastry, you can make it at home in under half an hour.
If you love easy Air Fryer Recipes, try my recipe for Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs, Air Fryer Babybel Cheese, Air Fryer Homemade Doritos Chips, or Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips.
Why you’ll love this Air Fryer Cheese and Onion Pasty
- Quick and Easy: This Air Fryer Cheese and Onion Pasty uses only a handful of ingredients and is ready in under 30 minutes. The air fryer also speeds things up, cooking each pasty to golden perfection in just 12-15 minutes.
- Classic British Flavors: Cheese and onion is a traditional favorite British pastry, and now you can make it at home! It has a very comforting and cozy flavor, perfect for cold days!
- Perfectly Crisp Crust: Air frying ensures a light, crispy crust that also has a flaky texture without the greasiness. You can also easily reheat it in the air fryer to keep it crisp and flaky.
- Easy to Customize: This recipe can be easily switched up to fit your flavor, by adding different cheeses, onions and fresh herbs and spices!
Ingredient round-up
- All-purpose flour – Used for the pastry base, and it’s perfect for a light, flaky crust. Self-rising flour cannot be used for this recipe.
- Butter – Cold, cubed butter creates layers in the pastry, making it tender and flaky. Extra cold butter is crucial, as it prevents the dough from becoming greasy and tough.
- Cold water – Cold water is added gradually to bring the dough together smoothly without overworking it. I recommend adding some ice in it to keep it extra cold.
- Cheese – Sharp Cheddar is a classic choice, adding richness and melting perfectly in the filling. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Red Leicester or even Gruyere for a bolder flavor.
- Onion – Finely chopped onion brings mild sweetness that complements the cheese. I recommend regular yellow or white onion, but you can also use red onion of green onion for a different flavor.
How to Make Air Fryer Cheese and Onion Pasty
Prepare the Dough: Start by rubbing the cold cubed butter into the flour with your fingers until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Gradually add cold water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Wrap in plastic and chill for 30 minutes to make the dough easier to roll.
Make the Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, add the finely chopped onion and saute until softened and caramelized. Let it cool slightly, then mix in the grated cheese and season.
Assemble the Pasties: Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface. Using a large cookie cutter or bowl, cut out 6-inch circles. Place a spoonful of the cheese and onion filling in the center of each circle, making sure not to overfill.
Seal the Edges: Fold each pastry circle over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together, then use a fork to crimp for a decorative touch and to seal the pasty. Brush with egg wash.
Air Fry the Pasties: Preheat your air the place the pastries in the basket, ensuring they don’t touch each other. Cook for 12-15 minutes, checking halfway through. The pasties are done when the crust is golden brown and crispy.
Flavor Variations
- Mustard: Add a small amount of Dijon or English mustard to the cheese and onion filling for a hint of tangy spice. This gives the cheese a lovely flavor.
- Garlic: When caramelizing the onions, add a bit of garlic for a stronger kick. Use as little or as much as you like.
- Potato: Grate a little cooked potato into the filling for added texture. This makes the pasty even creamier in texture.
- Chili Flakes: Sprinkle in some chili flakes with the cheese and onion mixture. The mild heat balances the richness of the cheese.
Tips & Tricks
- Cold Ingredients: Keeping the butter and water cold is key to a flaky, tender pastry. Warm ingredients can make the dough dense and chewy instead of light and flaky.
- Egg Wash: Brush the pasties with egg wash before air frying. This gives them a shiny crust, just like traditional British pasties.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat any leftover pasties in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F. This makes the crispy and hot, without softening the crust.
- Choosing the Cheese: Sharp Cheddar is the traditional choice, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyere or Red Leicester.
FAQ’s
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can make the dough up to 2 days in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before rolling out.
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover pasties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F (180°C).
Can I freeze the pasties? You can freeze them before or after cooking. To freeze before cooking, place the finished Air Fryer Cheese and Onion Pasties on a tray and freeze individually. Then wrap in aluminium foil or store in a freezer bag. If freezing after cooking, let them cool completely and then freeze them.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Breakfast Empanadas
- Air Fryer Frozen Empanadas
- Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Calzone
- Air Fryer Philly Cheesesteak Calzones
- Air Fryer The Best Pepperoni Calzone
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Air Fryer Cheese and Onion Pasty
Description
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3-4 tablespoons cold water
- 1 cup grated cheese, e.g., Cheddar or your favorite cheese
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cubed butter and rub it into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Gradually add cold water, mixing until the dough comes together. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Mix in the grated cheese and season with salt and pepper.
- On a floured surface, roll out the pastry dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut out circles using a large cookie cutter or a bowl (approximately 6 inches in diameter).
- Place a spoonful of the cheese and onion filling in the center of each pastry circle. Fold the pastry over to create a half-moon shape and press the edges together to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the filled pastries in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching. Cook for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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