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Air Fryer Cornish Pastry

Author: Laurie Fleming
Published: June 19, 2025

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Beautifully golden and flaky Air Fryer Cornish Pasty, filled with tender meat, earthy potatoes, and perfectly seasoned vegetables. This is the ultimate British hand-held pastry, perfect for a hearty snack on the go!

Golden, flaky Air Fryer Cornish Pastry with a savory meat and vegetable filling.

This Air Fryer Cornish Pasty is a wonderful take on the classic British pastry, but much quicker and easier to make. Filled with tender beef, potatoes, carrots and onions, it’s the perfect hearty meal or picnic snack.

I love this recipe because it’s a simple way to enjoy an iconic British dish. Baking these pasties in the air fryer gives them the perfect golden crust every time and cuts down on baking time.

So, whether you’re new to Cornish Pasties or a seasoned fan, this air fryer version is the way to go!

If you are looking for even more easy air fryer recipes, try my recipe for Copycat Wendy’s Taco Salad, Air Fryer Quick Beef Teriyaki, Air Fryer Beef Tenderloin, or Best One Hour Instant Pot Korean Beef Short Ribs.

Close-up of Air Fryer Cornish Pastry with a perfectly crisped crust.

Why you’ll love this Air Fryer Cornish Pasty

Quick and Easy: These Air Fryer Cornish Pasties can be whipped up in only a few minutes and baked to perfection in the air fryer in just 15-18 minutes.
Perfect for Picnics: Packed with hearty, comforting flavors, these Pastries are perfect for picnics or as a snack on the go.
Golden Crust: Air frying the Cornish Pasties gives them the perfect golden crust, flaky and buttery every time!
Hearty and Filling: Made with meat, potatoes, carrots and onions, this Air Fryer Cornish Pasty is the perfect hearty meal. Make it a full meal by enjoying it with a side of salad, beans or gravy!

Ingredient round-up

Ingredients needed for Air Fryer Cornish Pastry on on table.

Ready-made shortcrust pastry: Used to make the buttery, flaky crust with minimal prep. Pre-made pastry sheets make this recipe quick and easy.
Diced cooked meat: Traditional Cornish pasties use beef, but feel free to substitute with chicken or a vegetarian option. Make sure it’s slightly undercooked to finish cooking in the air fryer.
Potatoes: Add a hearty texture and absorbs the flavors beautifully. Diced small for even cooking.
Carrots: Adds a subtle sweetness and color. Carrots help balance the savory flavors.
Onions: Essential for depth and savory flavor. Diced finely to blend well with the other filling ingredients.

How to Make Air Fryer Cornish Pasty

Mixing the filling together in a small bowl.

Prepare the filling: In a large bowl combine the diced meat, potatoes, carrots, onions and thyme. Season with salt and pepper, and mix to combine.

Adding a meat and vegetable filling to the pastry for Cornish Pasties.

Shape the pasties: On a floured surface, roll out the shortcrust pastry. Use a large cookie cutter or bowl to cut the pastry into 6-inch circles.

Sealing the edges of the Cornish Pastry before air frying.

Assemble the pasties: Place a spoonful of the filling on one half of each pastry circle. Fold the other half over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal in the filling. Brush the top with egg wash.

Placing the prepared Cornish Pastries in the air fryer basket for cooking.

Air fry: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C). Place the pasties in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch. Bake until golden-brown and crispy.

Air Fryer Cornish Pastry, golden brown and ready to serve, with a hearty filling.

Flavor Variations

Mustard: Add a little Dijon mustard to the filling for a tangy flavor.
Cheese: Mix some grated cheddar cheese into the filling for a creamy twist.
Rosemary: Try substituting thyme with rosemary or chives for a different flavor.
Bell Peppers: Add a few finely diced bell peppers for extra sweetness.

Tips & Tricks

Use slightly undercooked meat: Make sure the meat is on the rare side, as it will continue cooking in the air fryer. This prevents it from drying out and becoming chewy.
Finely diced veggies: Small, even pieces ensure the vegetables cook through and evenly in the air fryer.
Don’t overfill: Overfilling can cause the pastry to burst. Aim for1-2 tablespoons of filling per pasty.
Seal well: To prevent any leaks, press the edges tightly together and crimp them with a fork.

Freshly cooked Air Fryer Cornish Pastry with a golden, flaky exterior.

FAQ’s

Can I make these Air Fryer Cornish Pasties ahead of time? Yes, you can make the pasties and store them in the fridge for up to a day before air frying. This is a great option if you’re prepping for a gathering or picnic and want to bake them fresh.

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 either before or after cooking. If freezing before, assemble the pasties and freeze individually on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag. If freezing them after cooking, let them cool down completely before freezing in a bag or container.

Can I use puff pastry instead of shortcrust pastry? You can, but the Cornish Pasties won’t be as authentic. Shortcrust pastry holds the heavy filling much better than puff pastry.

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