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Instant Pot Coq Au Vin

October 16, 2024 by Neena Panicker 31 Comments

Coq au vin blanc in a white dish

This Hearty Instant Pot Coq Au Vin is classic comfort food and a French traditional recipe. This coq au vin pressure cooker recipe is made with dry white wine, but red wine can be substituted. It pairs so well with heavenly Instant Pot mashed potatoes and parsnips.

Coq au vin blanc - chicken and carrots in gravy in a large white pot with thyme sprigs sprinkled on top - Paint the Kitchen Red

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the disclosure.

This Instant Pot Coq au Vin recipe is a comforting recipe that fills my kitchen with delightful aromas. My family asks me to make this recipe all the time!

This French rustic stew recipe, which is translated as ‘rooster in wine’, is characterized by tender chicken pieces, typically a whole chicken, cut into pieces and cooked until tender. I prefer to use just chicken thighs.

The original recipe for this classic French dish was popularized in the US by the iconic chef Julia Child.

I prefer the white wine version of coq au vin to the red wine version. However, you can use either.

As with most of my Instant Pot recipes, this pressure cooker recipe is an adaptation of my stove-top version. I give you directions for both versions in the recipe card.

I love this coq au vin recipe for its rich, creamy sauce from simmering chicken with bacon, mushrooms, and aromatic vegetables.

If you like hearty recipes like this one, you might like Instant Pot short ribs made with red wine and Guinness!

Pressure cooking this French chicken stew involves the following steps:

  1. Searing: Chicken pieces are first browned in bacon fat, which imparts a smoky flavor.
  2. Sauteing: Aromatics like onions and garlic are sautéed until soft, followed by mushrooms that absorb the flavors from the pan.
  3. Deglazing: Brandy is added to deglaze the pan, lifting all those flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.
  4. Braising: The chicken is returned to the pot with wine, broth, and herbs, then pressure cooked until tender.
  5. Finishing: A final touch of butter and flour enriches the sauce before serving.

Serve it with sides that can soak up the delicious sauce, like creamy mashed potatoes and parsnips (they go together so well!), a crusty baguette, or even a healthy arugula salad to balance the richness.

➡ Looking for other stew recipes? Try my Instant Pot chicken stew, beef curry stew, or African peanut stew. These are all family favorites that my readers love!

Ingredients and Tips


🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need for Instant Pot Coq au Vin

Instant Pot Coq au Vin Blanc Ingredients - bacon, pearl onions, garlic chicken, leeks, mushrooms, brandy, tomato paste, butter, thyme, flour, salt, carrots, broth, white wine, black pepper

💡 Recipe and Ingredient Tips


Here are some tips that will help you make this coq au vin a success.

🍷 Wine: I love the flavor of white wine (especially sauvignon blanc) in this dish, but you could use red. Avoid sweet wines like rieslings. Dry vermouth is also a decent substitute. If you don’t want to use wine, substitute chicken broth.

🍾 Brandy: Traditional recipe calls for cognac, but brandy is cheaper and works well. A substitute for brandy can be white wine or broth. The alcohol does add a unique flavor to the dish!

🍗 Chicken: Use bone-in skin-on or skinless thighs and legs. It is essential to pat the chicken dry before browning. Chicken thighs work best if you’re making this recipe in the Instant Pot.

🧅 Pearl Onions: I love using pearl onions for this recipe, and I usually find them in the freezer aisle of the grocery store. Substitute shallots or yellow onions and saute them with the vegetables.


🥓 Browning: It takes time, but it is worth it. Brown in batches. It’s important to pat chicken dry before browning. After browning, deglaze the pot with liquid, scraping up browned bits.

🍲 Broth: Homemade chicken broth enhances flavor. Store-bought works fine too.

🥕 Leeks: Wash leeks thoroughly. Cut, soak in water, then rinse in a sieve to remove dirt.

🧈 Beurre Manie: (Pronounced burr mahn-yay) It’s a great flavor enhancer! Mix softened butter and flour. Add gradually to thicken the sauce without clumps.

🍵 Healthier Options: Use cornstarch to thicken, reduce/omit bacon, or use olive oil instead of bacon fat. Note: These changes will affect flavor.

❓FAQs


Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh thyme?

You can substitute ¾ teaspoon dried herbs for the fresh herbs.

Can I substitute boneless chicken?

This dish is traditionally made with whole chicken pieces. You can use boneless chicken (whole or pieces) and cook for less time. You can also decrease the liquid since the chicken will cook much faster.

How to Make Coq au Vin

♨️ Instant Pot Method

Pat chicken dry and rub with salt and pepper. Set aside until needed.

Coq au vin blanc Instructions - saute bacon, brown chicken, saute vegetables, add broth.
  1. In Saute mode, cook bacon until crisp. Set aside.
  2. Brown chicken in batches on both sides and set aside. This step can be done on the stovetop, which is quicker!
  3. Sweat the leeks, carrots, and mushrooms in the bacon drippings.
  4. Stir in tomato paste and garlic and cook until the tomato paste changes color and/or sticks to the bottom of the pan, about 2 minutes. Deglaze with brandy and make sure there’s nothing stuck on the bottom of the Instant Pot. Add reserved chicken, wine, broth, pearl onions, and thyme. Close the Instant Pot.

Program the Instant Pot and release pressure

Instant Pot pressure cook instructions collage: close lid, program, float valve up, float valve down
  1. Close the lid.
  2. Select Pressure Cook mode and cook on high pressure for 12 minutes.
  3. The display will go from On to 12:00. The float valve will go up after a few minutes. The display will count down to 00:00.
  4. Do a 10 minute natural release of pressure or a quick release. Once the float valve goes down, the lid can be opened.
Coq au vin blanc Instructions collage - make beurre manie, add butter and flour to chicken, heat through.
  1. While the chicken is cooking, make the beurre manie by mixing together softened butter and flour. Set aside.
  2. Open the Instant Pot and drop the butter and flour mixture into the pot using a teaspoon.
  3. Stir the chicken coq au vin and simmer in Saute mode until thickened.
  4. Top each serving with bacon and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

⏲️ Stovetop Method

  1. Rub chicken with salt and pepper
  2. Saute bacon and set aside
  3. Saute chicken and set aside
  4. Saute the vegetables
  5. Add tomato paste and garlic
  6. Deglaze and add remaining ingredients
  7. Simmer till chicken is cooked
  8. Add beurre manie
  9. Simmer to thicken

Recipe card below has detailed instructions!

✅ Why Trust Neena at Paint the Kitchen Red?

Neena in red sweater slight smiling with white cabinets in background

I’m Neena, and I’ve spent a lifetime perfecting the recipes I share. My years of practice have honed my skills, resulting in consistently delicious and easy meals. My experience (including hits and misses!) enables me to provide valuable insights, troubleshooting advice, and innovative recipe ideas. Every recipe is tested multiple times, so you can be sure it works the first time!

Coq au vin blanc in a white dish
Print Recipe
4.08 from 13 votes

Instant Pot Coq au Vin

This hearty Coq au Vin is a classic French recipe that's comfort food at its best. A twist on the traditional Coq au Vin, this dish pairs so well with heavenly Instant Pot mashed potatoes and parsnips. Use red wine instead of white wine if desired.
Prep Time15 minutes mins
Cook Time50 minutes mins
Total Time1 hour hr 5 minutes mins
Course: Main Dishes
Cuisine: French
Main Ingredient: chicken
Method: Non Instant Pot
Servings: 6
Calories: 445kcal
Author: Paint the Kitchen Red

Ingredients

  • 6 chicken thighs or drumsticks bone-in, skinless
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper powder to taste
  • 4 bacon strips – diced
  • 2 cups leeks cleaned well and diced
  • 1 ½ cups baby carrots or thickly sliced
  • 2 cups mushrooms sliced or quartered
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon garlic minced
  • ¼ cup brandy
  • 1 cup dry white wine [See Note 1]
  • 1 cup low sodium chicken broth preferably homemade
  • 1 cup frozen pearl onions
  • 4 springs fresh thyme or ¾ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 tablespoon butter softened
  • 1½ tablespoon all purpose flour

Instructions

Instant Pot Instructions

  • Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel, and sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper.
  • Select Saute and cook bacon until crisp. Press Cancel and remove bacon; set aside.
  • Select Saute and brown the chicken in batches. Remove and set aside.
    (You can also brown the chicken in a skillet. This may allow you to do it in one batch since there's more room.)
  • Saute mushrooms and set aside.
  • Cook leeks and carrots till leeks are soft, about 1 minute.
  • Stir in tomato paste and garlic and cook till tomato paste begins to change color and/or begins to stick to the bottom of the pan, about 1 to 2 minutes.
  • Press Cancel and deglaze with brandy, until almost evaporated, stirring often.
  • Stir in chicken, wine, broth, pearl onions and thyme and close the Instant Pot.
  • Pressure cook on High Pressure for 12 minutes.
  • While Chicken is cooking, mix together the softened butter and flour.
  • Do a Quick Release of pressure and open the Instant Pot. [Read More: The Different Pressure Release Methods]
  • Stir in the sauteed mushrooms.
  • Select Saute and drop the butter and flour mixture into the Instant Pot using a teaspoon. *
  • Stir the coq au vin and simmer until thickened. Press Cancel.
  • Top each serving with bacon.

Stovetop Instructions [See Note 2]

  • Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel, and sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper.
  • Cook bacon in a large pot over medium heat. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
  • Increase heat to medium-high, brown the chicken in batches on both sides and set aside.
  • Cook the leeks, carrots, and mushrooms in the drippings until leeks are soft, about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Add the tomato paste and garlic. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes.
  • Turn off the heat and deglaze the pot with brandy, stirring frequently, until brandy has almost evaporated.
  • Add back the reserved chicken, wine, broth, pearl onions, and thyme. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer the stew, partially covered, for about 20 minutes or until the chicken is done.
  • While the chicken is cooking, mix the softened butter and flour in a small bowl. Stir mixture into the chicken stew and simmer until thickened. Serve in individual bowls and top with bacon.

Video

Notes

  • Note 1: Substitute red wine for white wine if desired.
  • Note 2: To make this recipe on the stovetop, use:
    8 pieces of chicken, ½ cup brandy, 2 cups of white wine, 2 cups of chicken broth, 4 tablespoon butter, 3 tablespoon flour. All other quantities remain the same.

Nutrition

Serving: 1piece of chicken and 1 cup stew | Calories: 445kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 103mg | Sodium: 315mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g

I am not a certified nutritionist.  I provide my best estimate of nutritional information merely as a courtesy to my readers.  If you depend on nutritional information for dietary or health reasons,  I suggest using your favorite online nutrition calculator to confirm the nutritional value of this recipe based on the actual ingredients that you use.

Did you know that the best way to support your favorite bloggers is to comment and rate recipes, and share on social media? If you loved this recipe, please comment and give it a five ⭐ rating in the comment section below. If you’re a pinner, pin this post using the Pin buttons at the top and bottom of this post and in the recipe card above. Thank you for your support!

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Instant Pot Cajun Recipes

September 28, 2024 by Neena Panicker Leave a Comment

Instant Pot Cajun Recipes with collage of gumbo, etouffee, jambalaya and red beans and rice

Instant Pot Cajun Recipes are perfect for Mardi Gras or a weeknight! From red beans and rice to shrimp etouffee, this collection of Cajun and Creole spicy, aromatic, and easy Instant Pot Mardi Gras Recipes has the perfect one-pot meals for a busy weeknight or to serve at a dinner party!

Easy Mardi gras Cajun and Creole Recipes collage and text

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the disclosure.

Louisiana and New Orleans cuisine has become hugely popular due to restaurants like Pappadeaux, but it can be daunting to cook at home. But creating restaurant-quality Cajun and Creole recipes is super easy with these recipes.

This Instant Pot New Orleans recipe collection takes advantage of the pressure cooking function to cook recipes in a fraction of the time it would take on the stovetop.

This collection includes the most popular dishes, including gumbo, a hearty stew made with andouille sausage, shrimp, and okra; jambalaya, a flavorful one-pot meal packed with chicken, sausage, shrimp and rice; shrimp étouffée, a creamy dish made with succulent shrimp in a rich and flavorful sauce; red beans and rice, a comforting staple made with ham hocks, often enjoyed on Mondays; and Cajun chicken and sausage pasta, a spicy fusion of pasta and jambalaya.

Make these recipes for a special occasion like a dinner party to celebrate Fat Tuesday, or for a quiet romantic dinner. These recipes are easy to make and sure to please! Each recipe has been adapted to the Instant Pot but can also be made on the stovetop!

1
Instant Pot Red Beans and Sausage served on rice in a black bowl on a white wooden background with multicolor napkins. Garnished with parsley and green onions - Paint the Kitchen Red
Authentic Ham Hock Red Beans and Rice
Red Beans and Rice is an authentic New Orleans recipe that will be very popular at your next gathering.  It tastes as though you've cooked it for hours, and tastes even better the next day.  Perfect for feeding a crowd, this recipe is so simple.  I've given instructions for using dried beans if you don't have time to soak.
INSTANT POT RED BEANS AND RICE
2
Instant Pot Shrimp Etouffee garnished with green onions and chopped parsley in black bowl on a wood slat background - Paint the Kitchen Red
New Orleans Instant Pot Shrimp Etouffee
This Instant Pot Shrimp Étouffée is a classic New Orleans recipe made with Creole spices and plenty of shrimp in a spicy tomato-based sauce.  This rich and delicious stew tastes great over rice. This recipe is perfect for Mardi Gras but is so easy that you could make a regular weekday meal extra special. [Stovetop instructions also included.]
INSTANT POT SHRIMP ETOUFFEE
3
Instant Pot Gumbo with rice in white bowl on black background - Paint the Kitchen Red
Delicious New Orleans Instant Pot Gumbo
This Delicious Instant Pot Louisiana Gumbo is a quintessential New Orleans dish that is hearty, satisfying, flavorful and perfect for a crowd.  Made with chicken, sausage and shrimp, it tastes amazing when served over rice. 
INSTANT POT GUMBO
4
Instant Pot Jambalaya in orange bowl with shrimp, sausage and rice - Paint the Kitchen Red
Easy Instant Pot Jambalaya
This Instant Pot Jambalaya was adapted from an authentic Creole Jambalaya recipe and has andouille sausage, chicken and shrimp combined with rice, is flavored with Cajun spices and cooked to perfection.
INSTANT POT JAMBALAYA
5
Red bowl with pasta, sausage, chicken, garnished with parsley.
Creamy Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta with Sausage
Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is a delicious and easy one-pot meal that can be made in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe combines Cajun spices, chicken, and pasta in a creamy tomato sauce, making it a family-friendly favorite.
INSTANT POT CAJUN CHICKEN PASTA

If you loved this recipe collection, please share it on social media using the social media share buttons at the top and bottom of this post. Thank you so much!

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Indian Shepherds Pie

July 23, 2024 by Neena Panicker 4 Comments

Indian Shepherd's Pie in a serving dish.

This recipe for Indian shepherds pie is the perfect fusion of British comfort food and Indian spice. Fragrant ground meat is nestled below a blanket of spiced mashed potatoes, both having the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine. This fusion dish combines the best of two worlds, offering comfort and flavor in every bite.

Indian Shepherd's Pie in a serving dish.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the disclosure.

Table of Contents


  1. Introduction
  2. Tips
  3. FAQS
  4. Ingredients
  5. Step by Step Instructions
  6. Recipe Card – Printable
  7. Related Recipes and Guides

ℹ️ Introduction

This Indian shepherd’s pie puts a spicy twist on the classic shepherds pie recipe, and I think you’ll love it! My delicious Indian fusion recipe combines the heartiness of traditional shepherd’s pie with the bold flavors of South Asian cuisine.

My kids love classic shepherd’s pie, and I make it often. One day, I had leftover keema (Indian spiced minced meat) and potato bhaji (Indian spiced potatoes). I had this wild idea to bake the two together to create a new take on shepherds pie! It turned out so well, and now I make this spicy shepherds pie more often than my old recipe.

❤️ WHY YOU SHOULD TRY THIS RECIPE!

  • If you love the flavors of Indian-spiced ground beef (keema) and Indian-spiced potatoes (like potato bhaji), you’ll love this recipe, which combines the two. It is the best of both worlds: classic Western comfort food with Eastern flavor.
  • Every time I serve it, I get oohs and aahs – everyone loves the recipe – and you will, too.
  • Kids love the recipe! If they aren’t into spice, substitute the chili powder with paprika and omit the green chilis.
  • It’s an easy recipe to make ahead, so it’s perfect for entertaining.
  • It’s a meal-in-one because you really don’t need a side dish.
  • You can customize the spice level to make it more or less spicy, depending on your tastes.

This dish is actually called cottage pie if you make it with ground beef and shepherd’s pie if you make it with ground lamb. But most people call it shepherd’s pie either way!

I have used both lamb and beef; they are equally good. The ground meat is simmered with aromatic spices such as garam masala, cumin, turmeric, and red chili powder.

Frozen peas and cilantro add color and freshness to the savory meat. The minced meat mixture is then topped with spiced, creamy mashed potatoes. The potato topping is very similar to the potato filling used in Indian potato cutlets or masala dosa.

And don’t be intimidated by the lengthy ingredient list, it’s mostly spices.

Feel free to use Yukon gold potatoes or russet potatoes. Cook the potatoes in an Instant Pot or boil them in water. I prefer the Instant Pot because I can set it and forget it.

➡ If you like hearty recipes like this one, check out my Instant Pot short ribs made with red wine and Guinness, adapted from Ina Garten’s recipe!

💡 Tips for Indian-Spiced Shepherds Pie


  • Drain the fat from the meat after browning the beef or lamb mince. Use lean ground beef to make the dish healthier.
  • Use ground turkey. If you don’t eat beef or lamb, use ground chicken or ground turkey instead.
  • Use good quality, fresh spices. If your spice powders have been sitting in your cabinet for years, do yourself a favor and toss them. Fresh ingredients make a better dish. I toast whole coriander and cumin seeds and grind them in a spice grinder.
  • Taste the meat and potatoes and adjust seasonings as needed.
  • Use green chili for more spice. I prefer to use serrano peppers rather than jalapenos because they are more consistent in their spice. Jalapenos can be hit or miss, with some being spicy and others mild.
  • Brown the onions for the kheema (beef filling) really well. Properly browning the onions caramelizes their natural sugars and adds color and flavor to the dish. Cook over medium heat till the onions turn a rich golden brown. If you know you’ll be short on time, brown the onions ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to make the filling.
  • Use a potato ricer to make the mashed potatoes. I recently got a potato ricer, which has been a game-changer for mashed potatoes; I can’t believe I missed out on this tool all these years—the potatoes are so smooth! It looks like a very large garlic press! You put the potato pieces into the ricer and squeeze, resulting in mashed potatoes with no lumps. Of course, you can use a potato masher, which will give the potatoes a more rustic texture.
  • You can customize the spice levels by varying the amount of chili powder or substituting all or some of the Kashmiri chilli powder with paprika. You can also add more chopped green chilies to give the curried shepherd’s pie more heat.
  • Use freshly ground garam masala. My recipe for garam masala is so fragrant and flavorful. You can use prepared garam masala too.
  • Make sweet potato mash for a change. Swap out the potatoes for sweet potatoes. They have a very different flavor profile and are delicious with the keema—not to mention healthier!
  • Use a large enough pan. If you use a pan that is too small, the meat could bubble up and drip down the sides of the dish.
  • If you want to save time, make the meat and potatoes ahead of time. You can even assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate it. Bake right before serving.
  • Allow the shepherd’s pie to cool slightly before serving.

✅ Why Trust Neena at Paint the Kitchen Red?

Neena in red sweater slight smiling with white cabinets in background

I’m Neena, and I’ve spent a lifetime perfecting the recipes I share. My years of practice have honed my skills, resulting in consistently delicious and easy meals. My experience (including hits and misses!) enables me to provide valuable insights, troubleshooting advice, and innovative recipe ideas. Every recipe is tested multiple times, so you can be sure it works the first time!

❓ FAQS


Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, this recipe is suitable for freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

What side dishes go with spicy shepherds pie?

Because it’s so hearty, you really don’t need to have a side dish, but a salad would go well with it.

What other vegetables can I add to this recipe?

You can add carrots, corn, and bell peppers with the peas.

How can I make it vegetarian?

You can make this recipe vegetarian by substituting the meat with lentils or a plant-based ground meat substitute like Beyond or Impossible.

Can I use curry powder?

If you wish to substitute curry powder, omit the coriander, cumin, turmeric, chili powder, and fennel powder.

🧂 Minced Meat and Potato Mash Ingredients

Indian Shepherds Pie kheema (meat filling) ingredients part 1
  • Use yellow onions or red onions. Red onions have a more robust flavor.
  • Ginger garlic paste can be used instead of minced ginger and garlic.
  • Tomato paste can be substituted with two medium finely chopped tomatoes (you can also coarsely blend them). Cook them until they break down.
  • Either vegetable oil or olive oil works well.
  • You can use ground beef or ground lamb. Make sure you drain the fat.
  • Chopped cilantro can be added to the filling and topping, to taste.
  • Serrano peppers or jalapeno peppers work well. I prefer to use serrano because I feel their spice level is more consistent.
Indian Shepherds Pie kheema (meat filling) ingredients part 2
  • I like to roast and freshly grind whole coriander and cumin, but you can also use store-bought ground coriander and cumin.
  • Ground turmeric is essential to Indian cooking and is also good for you.
  • Kashmiri chili powder is a milder Indian chili powder. Substitute any part of the chili powder with paprika to make the dish even milder.
  • Fennel is a common spice in Kerala cuisine, which I grew up with. You can use whole fennel seeds or fennel powder or choose to omit it.
  • I also prefer to use homemade garam masala from my mom’s recipe, but you can use store-bought garam masala. I prefer to use one without coriander or cumin.
Ingredients for Indian shepherd's pie potatoes.
  • I like to use russet potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes for mashed potatoes. I prefer to cook them in the Instant Pot, but you can also boil them.
  • I don’t add any cream or butter to the potatoes, but if you like them rich and creamy, add two tablespoons cream to the potato mixture.
  • I like to dot the potatoes with small pieces of butter before baking. (Not pictured above)

Quantities and details are provided in the recipe card at the bottom of this post

📝 How to Make Indian-Inspired Shepherds Pie

  • Saute onions, tomatoes and beef
  • Add peas, make the potato topping
  • Assemble the pie and bake.

Saute Onions, Tomatoes, and Beef

Indian Shepherds Pie instructions collage of steps - part 1
  1. Heat a skillet, large saute pan, or dutch oven over medium high heat and add oil. Once the oil is hot, add the onion, minced garlic, minced or grated ginger (or ginger-garlic paste), and green chili (if using). Stir frequently. Lower the heat if necessary to ensure onions caramelize and don’t burn. Fry well until golden brown. This process can take up to 20 mins. See tip below.
  2. Once the onions have browned, add tomato paste and a tablespoon of hot water. Cook the tomato paste, stirring frequently, until the oil separates, about 5 minutes. Add some more hot water if the mixture starts sticking to the bottom of the pan.
  3. Add the coriander, cumin, turmeric, chili powder, fennel powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well, till fragrant, about 20 to 30 seconds.
  4. Add the ground beef. Cook and stir, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until the meat is browned.

✏️ PRO TIP FOR BROWNING ONIONS QUICKLY

  • Increase the heat to medium-high to speed up the browning of the onions. When the onions start sticking to the bottom and getting brown, deglaze with a tablespoon or two of water or chicken broth.
  • Scrape up the brown bits (fond) and incorporate them back into the onion mixture.
  • Keep doing this until the onions are a deep golden brown but not burnt! You need to watch them closely because they can burn easily at higher temperatures.

Add Peas, Make the Perfectly Spiced Potato Topping

Indian Shepherds Pie instructions collage of steps - part 2
  1. Once the beef is cooked, stir in the frozen peas, reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir in garam masala and heat briefly. Stir in cilantro.
  2. Cook the potatoes in the Instant Pot or boil them in a saucepan. Use a potato ricer to rice the potatoes into small pieces. If you don’t have a ricer (I highly recommend getting one — it’s a game-changer!), mash with a potato masher until smooth.
  3. Heat a small pan and add oil. When the oil heats up, saute onion, garlic, ginger, and green chili (if using). Add turmeric, chili powder, salt, and pepper, and saute briefly.
  4. Add onion mixture to the mashed potatoes.

Assemble the pie

Indian Shepherds Pie instructions collage of steps - part 3
  1. Stir the spices into the mashed potatoes, mixing thoroughly. If the potatoes are too thick or you prefer a rich, creamy potato topping, add some butter or heavy cream. We will be dotting the potatoes with butter.
  2. Transfer the beef filling to a large casserole dish.
  3. Spread the mashed potatoes over the top of the ground beef.
  4. Use a spoon or fork to make designs across the top to create texture. This also allows the potatoes to have some peaks and valleys that brown. Dot the potatoes with butter. Bake in a preheated oven until done. Garnish with cilantro, if desired.

More Indian-Inspired Recipes

  • Curry pasta is my Indian spin on pasta. The one-pot pasta recipe has the flavors of chicken tikka masala and is a must-try!
  • Chicken curry soup is sure to be a hit. This coconut curried chicken soup is easy to make and full of flavor!
  • Coconut curried risotto is another delicious fusion dish. The vegetarian risotto is my take on Italian risotto with Indian spices.
Indian Shepherd's Pie in a serving dish.
Print Recipe
5 from 3 votes

Indian Style Shepherds Pie Recipe

This delicious Indian-inspired shepherds pie with a spicy mashed potato topping is a perfect pairing of English comfort food and Indian spices.
Prep Time15 minutes mins
Cook Time50 minutes mins
Total Time1 hour hr 5 minutes mins
Course: Main Dishes
Cuisine: Indian
Main Ingredient: beef
Method: Non Instant Pot
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 405kcal
Author: Paint the Kitchen Red

Equipment

  • Instant Pot Pressure Cooker
  • Dutch oven
  • Potato ricer or potato masher
  • Saucepan

Ingredients

Ground Meat Filling

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 ½ cups onions chopped
  • 1 tablespoon garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger minced or grated
  • ½ jalapeno pepper or serrano pepper, chopped
  • 2 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon coriander powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • ½ teaspoon Kashmiri chili powder
  • ¼ teaspoon fennel powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 ¼ lb ground beef 90% lean – or ground lamb (557 grams)
  • 12 oz frozen peas (340 grams)
  • ½ teaspoon garam masala (Try my homemade garam masala)
  • ¼ cup cilantro chopped

Potato Topping

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • ½ cup onion finely chopped
  • 2 teaspoon garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger minced or grated
  • ½ jalapeno pepper or serrano pepper, chopped
  • ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • ¼ teaspoon Kashmiri chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper powder
  • 1 ½ lbs Yukon gold potatoes or russet potatoes (680 grams) – peeled and cut into 1 ½ inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoon heavy cream or to taste (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon butter cut into small cubes

Instructions

Ground Meat Filling

  • Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large saucepan or dutch oven.
  • When oil is very hot, add 1 ½ cups onions, 1 tablespoon garlic, 1 tablespoon ginger, and ½ jalapeno pepper; fry well until deep golden brown. Lower the heat if necessary, to make sure onions caramelize and don’t burn. Stir frequently.
  • Add 2 tablespoon tomato paste mixed with a tablespoon of water or broth and fry, stirring frequently.
  • Cook until the oil separates and the mixture becomes paste-like, about 5 minutes. If the mixture starts sticking to the bottom of the pan, add a bit of hot water to deglaze. Reduce heat to medium low.
  • Stir in 1 tablespoon coriander powder, 1 teaspoon cumin powder, ½ teaspoon turmeric powder, ½ teaspoon Kashmiri chili powder, ¼ teaspoon fennel powder (if using), ½ teaspoon black pepper powder, 1 teaspoon salt. Saute briefly till fragrant, about 20 seconds.
  • Increase heat to medium-high and add beef. Saute the 1 ¼ lb ground beef until the beef is no longer pink. If needed, stir in a few tablespoons of hot water to keep the food from burning or sticking to the bottom.
  • Add the 12 oz frozen peas, lower heat to medium low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Stir in ½ teaspoon garam masala and heat through.
  • Remove from heat and stir in ¼ cup cilantro.

Potato Topping

  • Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a small saucepan.
  • When the oil is very hot, add the ½ cup onion, 2 teaspoon garlic, 1 teaspoon ginger, and ½ jalapeno pepper. Saute until the onions are softened. Lower the heat to medium-low.
  • Stir in the ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder, ¼ teaspoon Kashmiri chili powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper powder. Saute briefly till fragrant, about 20 seconds. Set aside.
  • To cook the potatoes in the Instant Pot: Add 1 cup water to the Instant Pot. Place a steamer basket in the Instant Pot, and add the 1 ½ lbs Yukon gold potatoes to the basket. Close the lid and pressure cook on high pressure for 5 minutes with a 10 minute natural release.
  • To cook the potatoes on the stove: Add them to a large saucepan and add enough cold water to cover them by an inch. Heat the pan on high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and cook for about 15 minutes or until the potatoes are fork tender. Drain the potatoes.
  • Place the potatoes in a large bowl and mash the potatoes with a potato masher until smooth, or use a potato ricer.
  • Add the reserved spices to the potatoes and mix well. Add 1 to 2 tablespoon heavy cream (or butter) if the potatoes are too thick.

Assemble the Dish

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius).
  • Spread the meat mixture in a large casserole dish. Spread the potatoes over the meat in an even layer. Use a large enough dish to make sure the meat doesn't overflow.
  • Using a fork, make swirly designs on the potatoes to create texture and allow the potatoes to brown in parts. Dot the potatoes with pieces of the 1 tablespoon butter.
  • Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or just until the potatoes begin to brown. Transfer to a cooling rack for at least 10 minutes before serving. See Note 1.

Video

Notes

  • Note 1: Place the dish on a baking sheet to prevent the meat from bubbling up and dripping.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tablespoon | Calories: 405kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 783mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 7g

I am not a certified nutritionist.  I provide my best estimate of nutritional information merely as a courtesy to my readers.  If you depend on nutritional information for dietary or health reasons,  I suggest using your favorite online nutrition calculator to confirm the nutritional value of this recipe based on the actual ingredients that you use.

Did you know that the best way to support your favorite bloggers is to comment and rate recipes, and share on social media? If you loved this recipe, please comment and give it a five ⭐ rating in the comment section below. If you’re a pinner, pin this post using the Pin buttons at the top and bottom of this post and in the recipe card above. Thank you for your support!

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Sour Cream Coffee Cake with Pecans

June 24, 2024 by Neena Panicker Leave a Comment

Plate with coffee cake slice and cup of coffee in background

This Sour Cream Coffee Cake with Pecans is perfect as a breakfast cake, dessert, or mid-day treat. Not too sweet or rich, this classic cinnamon streusel cake has simple ingredients and tastes delicious. It’s a moist old-fashioned cake that has air fryer and oven instructions.

Sour cream coffee cake slice and cup of coffee in background

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the disclosure.

I’m on a quest to make all my favorite cakes in the air fryer. This moist coffee cake with brown sugar-pecan streusel is part of my series of family-favorite cakes adapted to the air fryer.

Maria Tavares and her sister Bella were two elderly widows who lived next door to me in the Boston area. Mary often made this cake. She lived to be almost 100 years old! I still have her handwritten recipe in my recipe collection, and I think of her every time I make it.

Coffee cakes usually contain a filling, the most popular of which is cinnamon. This pecan sour cream coffee cake has cinnamon pecan streusel for the filling and topping.

❤️ WHY YOU SHOULD TRY THIS HOMEMADE SOUR CREAM COFFEE CAKE RECIPE

  • You can customize the pecan coffee cake by adding more or less of the streusel filling.
  • You can use yogurt to make it healthier, and it tastes just as good.
  • It’s a simple cake that’s great for a tea party or as an everyday snack.
  • You can make a small cake in the air fryer, which is excellent for one or two people, or you can bake it in the oven for more servings.
  • It’s budget-friendly and made with simple ingredients.

This recipe has instructions for both the oven and the air fryer. Making it in the air fryer is faster than making it in the oven, but the disadvantage is that the cake is pretty small.

Because of my air fryer’s size limitations, I can only fit a 7 to 8-inch cake pan. If you want to make a larger quantity, you may want to follow the oven directions, which are also included below.

➡ Looking for more tea cake recipes? Try my Swedish visiting cake, air fryer pound cake, or pear tart. You’ll love them as much as I do! Or for something different, try these melt-in-your-mouth cardamom cookies.

🧂 Pecan Sour Cream Coffee Cake Ingredients

Sour Cream Coffee Cake Ingredients on wood counter with labels
  • The pecan coffee cake uses dry ingredients of all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, which are mixed together and set aside.
  • For best results, use eggs and butter at room temperature.
  • The recipe uses two types of sugar: granulated sugar for the cake and brown sugar for the streusel topping. Depending on your tastes, you can use light or dark brown sugar in the topping.
  • I like to use cinnamon and nutmeg in the streusel, but you may omit the nutmeg if you wish.
  • Pecans can be substituted with walnuts, or they can be omitted.

Quantities and details are provided in the recipe card at the bottom of this post

💡 Tips for the best coffee cake


  • I generally use sour cream because of its thickness and creaminess, but I have substituted whole milk yogurt for sour cream. That makes the cake slightly healthier.
  • Use room-temperature unsalted butter. I love Kerrygold and Land ‘O Lakes brand, but you can use your favorite brand.
  • My favorite brand of flour is King Arthur all-purpose flour. If you’re not weighing the ingredients, spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level off with a straight edge spatula or butter knife. Don’t scoop the flour directly from the container.
  • Some people love extra crumb coffee cake. I’ve already doubled the quantity of streusel that my neighbor Mary used to use, but you can increase it further by doubling my recommended quantity!
  • This recipe was tested in the Cosori basket-style air fryer. If the cake browns too quickly in your air fryer, reduce the temperature by 10 degrees and bake it for a bit longer.
  • I use my handheld mixer (which I highly recommend and is the best one I’ve ever owned because it doesn’t splatter and it’s cordless!) You can also use a whisk to beat the batter.

If making it in the oven, use a standard 9-inch cake pan or a loaf pan. If using an air fryer, you can’t use a full-size baking pan. However, you can try one of these out. Just measure the compartment of the air fryer to make sure it won’t fit too snugly; you need about ¼ inch to allow air to circulate freely:

  • 7-inch Fat Daddio push pan
  • 7.5-inch springform pan
  • 8-inch Fat Daddio push pan

❓ FAQS


Why is it called coffee cake if it doesn’t have coffee?

Coffee cake is meant to be eaten with coffee or tea and doesn’t usually have coffee as an ingredient.

How do I make sure the cake is cooked through?

Use a toothpick to poke the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done. Let it bake for a few minutes if it comes out wet. The longer you wait, the drier it becomes, so stop the baking as soon as the toothpick comes out clean.

Why is the cake dark brown on the top?

Each air fryer is different. If you find the cake too brown on top, reduce the temperature next time. You may need to increase the cooking time by 2 to 5 minutes.

Why is the cake undercooked?

The temperature may be too low, or you may need to increase the baking time. Since every air fryer is different, yours may just run hotter or cooler than mine.

📝 How to Make Sour Cream Coffee Cake in Air Fryer (Step by Step Instructions)

  1. Line pan and make batter
  2. Layer streusel and batter in the prepared pan
  3. Bake the cake and allow to cool
Collage of Sour Cream Coffee Cake Instructions - prepare pan and mix batter
  1. Grease and flour a 7-inch cake pan. I like to line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper.
  2. Stir together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt and set aside.
  3. Use a hand mixer to beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a silicone spatula. Add egg and vanilla extract and beat on low speed until incorporated. Don’t overmix.
  4. Working in batches, add half the flour mixture, the sour cream, and the remaining flour, mixing after each addition. Make sure you scrape the sides of the mixing bowl periodically while beating. The batter should be thick and creamy.
Collage of sour cream coffee cake instructions - streusel, cake layers
  1. Stir together brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and nuts in a small bowl and set aside.
  2. Add half of the batter to the lined baking pan.
  3. Sprinkle half the streusel over the batter.
  4. Add the remaining batter over the streusel and sprinkle the remaining streusel over the top of the cake batter.
Collage of Sour Cream Coffee Cake Instructions - baking and cooling
  1. Preheat air fryer to 330 degrees for 4 minutes. Place the baking pan in the center of the air fryer.
  2. Bake until the cake feels firm to the touch, 30 to 35 minutes. Check on the cake a few minutes before the time is up to make sure it’s not overcooked. If a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, with little to no crumbs, it’s ready! Note that streusel may cling to tester, and that’s okay.
  3. Cool cake in pan on wire rack for about 5 to 10 minutes.
  4. Loosen the edges of the cake with a butter knife and remove the cake from the pan to cool completely on the wire rack.

♨️ Oven Instructions for Coffee Cake

Double the ingredient quantities! You can use a stand mixer instead of a hand mixer.

  1. Prepare the sugar and cinnamon streusel and set aside.
  2. Prepare the pan.
  3. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  4. Combine the dry ingredients.
  5. Make the batter.
  6. Add batter and streusel to the pan alternately, with the final layer being streusel on top.
  7. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes or until done.
  8. Cool the cake completely.

See the recipe card below for detailed instructions.

Plate with coffee cake slice and cup of coffee in background
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Pecan Coffee Cake With Brown Sugar Topping

This old-fashioned Sour Cream Coffee Cake with Pecans is perfect as a breakfast cake, dessert, or mid-day treat. Not too sweet or rich, this classic cinnamon streusel cake has simple ingredients and tastes delicious. Cinnamon Pecan Coffee Cake a moist old-fashioned cake that has air fryer and oven instructions.
Prep Time20 minutes mins
Cook Time40 minutes mins
Total Time1 hour hr
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Method: Air Fryer
Servings: 8 pieces
Calories: 238kcal
Author: Paint the Kitchen Red

Equipment

  • Small Bowl
  • Cake Pan (7-inch)
  • Medium Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Large Bowl
  • Handheld Mixer
  • Sifter
  • Silicone Spatula
  • Cooling Rack
  • Air Fryer

Ingredients

Streusel Ingredients (See NOTE 1)

  • ¼ cup brown sugar (53 grams)
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ¼ cup pecans (28 grams) finely chopped

Coffee Cake Ingredients

  • 1 cup all purpose flour (120 grams)
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • pinch salt
  • ½ stick butter unsalted (½ stick = ¼ cup = 57 grams), room temperature
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
  • 1 egg room temperature
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup sour cream (114 grams) or whole milk yogurt

Instructions

Streusel Instructions

  • Make the streusel by mixing together the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pecans in a small bowl. Set the topping aside.

Air Fryer Coffee Cake Instructions

  • Generously grease and flour a 7-inch cake pan. Use a round of parchment paper to line the bottom of the pan if desired.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  • Use a handheld mixer to beat the butter and sugar in a large bowl on medium speed until light and airy, for about 2 minutes. Do not use high speed. Periodically scrape the sides of the bowl using a silicone spatula.
  • Beat in the egg on medium speed until just combined. Don't overmix.
  • Beat in vanilla until just incorporated.
  • Use a sieve or flour sifter to sift in half the flour mixture. Beat until just combined.
  • Beat in the sour cream until just combined.
  • Add the remaining flour mixture and mix to combine. Use a silicone spatula to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl periodically.
  • Pour half the batter into the prepared cake pan. Use a spatula to gently even out the batter. Sprinkle half the streusel over the batter. Pour in the remaining batter over the streusel, using the spatula to spread the batter evenly. Finally, sprinkle the remaining streusel over the top.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 330 degrees Fahrenheit (165 degrees Celsius) for 4 minutes. Place the cake pan in the middle of the air fryer basket and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Test the cake with a toothpick about 2 minutes before the time is up to make sure it's not overcooking. If the toothpick comes out wet or has crumbs on it, bake for another 3 to 5 minutes. (See NOTE 2)
  • Transfer the cake from the air fryer onto a cooling rack and allow to cool for 7 to 10 minutes.
  • Turn the cake out onto a cake rack, streusel side up, and allow it to cool completely before serving.

To Make Coffee Cake in the Oven, Follow Air Fryer Instructions Except:

  • Double all ingredients.
  • Use a 9 inch cake pan, bundt pan, or loaf pan.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius).
  • Bake for 50 to 55 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Video

Notes

  • NOTE 1: For an extra-crumb coffee cake, increase the quantity of each streusel ingredient by the same percentage. e.g. To add 50% more, add an extra two tablespoons brown sugar, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg, and two tablespoons chopped pecans. To double the streusel, double the quantity of brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pecans.
  • NOTE 2: Every air fryer is different, and yours may run hotter than mine. Please check on the cake a few minutes before the time is up.
  • See the blog post for more detailed recipe tips, including some pro tips for success!

Nutrition

Serving: 1piece | Calories: 238kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 46mg | Sodium: 150mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 19g

I am not a certified nutritionist.  I provide my best estimate of nutritional information merely as a courtesy to my readers.  If you depend on nutritional information for dietary or health reasons,  I suggest using your favorite online nutrition calculator to confirm the nutritional value of this recipe based on the actual ingredients that you use.

Did you know that the best way to support your favorite bloggers is to comment and rate recipes, and share on social media? If you loved this recipe, please comment and give it a five ⭐ rating in the comment section below. If you’re a pinner, pin this post using the Pin buttons at the top and bottom of this post and in the recipe card above. Thank you for your support!

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✅ Why Trust Neena at Paint the Kitchen Red?

Neena in red sweater slight smiling with white cabinets in background

I’m Neena, and I’ve spent a lifetime perfecting the recipes I share. My years of practice have honed my skills, resulting in consistently delicious and easy meals. My experience (including hits and misses!) enables me to provide valuable insights, troubleshooting advice, and innovative recipe ideas. Every recipe is tested multiple times, so you can be sure it works the first time!

Air Fryer Crinkle Cut Fries

May 24, 2024 by Neena Panicker 2 Comments

Air Fryer Frozen Crinkle Cut Fries with ketchup and mayo in bowls.

Air fryer crinkle cut fries turn out crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside. The air fryer does such a great job that it’s my favorite way to cook frozen crinkle fries!

Air Fryer Frozen Crinkle Cut Fries with ketchup and mayo in bowls.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the disclosure.

One of the best things an air fryer does is to cook frozen foods. Some foods turn out better in the air fryer than the oven! These include popcorn chicken, tater tots, samosas, falafels, and so much more.

Crinkle-cut fries are no exception. The rapid air circulation within the small compartment of the air fryer crisps the fries up perfectly without the mess of frying in oil.

The air fryer is also great for cooking smaller quantities of frozen fries, so you don’t have to heat up the big ‘ole oven.

Be sure to check out my post that has all the cooking times for the air fryer, organized by type of food.

💡 Tips for Making Crispy Air Fryer Frozen Crinkle Cut Fries


  • Preheat the air fryer. Don’t just put the frozen fries into a cold air fryer basket. Allowing the air fryer to fully preheat ensures the fries start crisping up immediately. Most models take 3-5 minutes to preheat.
  • Keep the crinkle cut fries frozen until you’re ready to stick them in the air fryer.
  • Use a single layer. Overcrowding the basket will result in steamed fries instead of crispy ones. The fries need room to allow hot air to circulate around each one. Work in batches if necessary, depending on your air fryer’s capacity.
  • Shaking the basket halfway through cooking or every 5 minutes helps cook the fries evenly instead of just crisping on one side. Use a silicone spatula or silicone tongs to toss the fries.
  • It’s best to add any seasonings like salt, pepper, roasting seasoning, etc. after the fries are cooked, but I don’t find it necessary since I usually eat them with ketchup.
  • Your air fryer’s times may vary due to wattage and capacity. Check on the fries a few minutes before the cooking time is up. They can go from perfect to burnt in a matter of a minute.

❓FAQS


What brand of frozen crinkle fries was used in this recipe?

I used Ore-Ida crinkle-cut fries, but you can use any brand, including store brands. Just keep an eye on the fries while they’re cooking to make sure they don’t burn.

Why are my air fried frozen crinkle fries soggy instead of crispy?

Overcrowding the air fryer basket, which prevents the hot air from circulating freely, can cause soggy fries.

What dips or sauces are good with air fried crinkle fries?

Ketchup, aioli, sriracha mayonnaise, honey mustard, fry sauce and Chick Fil A sauce pair perfectly with crispy air fried crinkle fries.

📝 How to Cook Frozen Crinkle Cut Fries in Air Fryer

Air Fryer Frozen Crinkle Cut Fries bag.
Bag of Ore-Ida frozen crinkles french fried potatoes
Air Fryer Frozen Crinkle Cut Fries Instructions collage
Left: frozen crinkle-cut fries | Right: cooked fries
  1. Keep fries frozen until ready to use. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F (205 degrees C) and place the frozen crinkle cut fries in the air fryer basket.
  2. Air fry crinkle fries at 400 degrees for 13 minutes, till crispy and golden, tossing them halfway through the cooking time, or every 5 minutes, so the fries cook evenly. Serve with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce.

See recipe card below for details

You can air fry other frozen potatoes such as shoestring fries, steak fries, potato skins, and tater tots. Or for a healthier option, try air fryer frozen sweet potato fries.

1
Four images of frozen foods cooked - the best air fryer frozen foods
Air Fryer Frozen Foods
With air fryer snacks from egg rolls to french fries, and chicken nuggets to frozen pizza, you may have a hard time deciding what to make from this collection of quick and easy air fryer recipes.
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Evo oil sprayer for air fryer

EVO oil sprayer is great for spraying oil on food. This is the best I’ve tried.

Red digital thermometer Thermopop

An instant-read thermometer is invaluable when air frying meats or frozen foods.

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Perforated parchment sheets come in handy when making messy foods.

Air Fryer Frozen Crinkle Cut Fries with ketchup and mayo in bowls.
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Frozen Crinkle Cut Fries in Air Fryer

Cooking frozen crinkle cut fries in the air fryer gets them crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. And you can make them in less time than it takes to bake them in the oven or deep-fry them. You can use a traditional air fryer or an Instant Pot air fryer.
Prep Time5 minutes mins
Cook Time13 minutes mins
Total Time18 minutes mins
Course: Sides
Cuisine: American
Main Ingredient: vegetarian
Method: Air Fryer
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 120kcal
Author: Paint the Kitchen Red

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Silicone tongs

Ingredients

  • 1 bag frozen crinkle cut fries (22 oz.) or 623 grams *

Instructions

Air Fryer Instructions

  • Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F (205 degrees C) for 5 minutes.
  • Add half a bag of frozen fries to the air fryer basket and make sure they're evenly spread out.
  • Close the air fryer and air fry for 13 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (205 degrees Celsius).
  • At the halfway mark, open the lid and use tongs or shake the basket so the fries are tossed well. Close the lid and continue cooking.
  • When the cooking time is up, open the lid and check to make sure the fries are cooked to your liking. Toss the fries again and air fry for another 2 minutes, if desired.

Oven Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Spread fries in a single layer on a baking sheet.
  • Bake for 30 to 34 minutes or until the crinkle fries are golden in color.

Notes

  • * A bag of Ore Ida golden crinkles were used in this recipe.
  • Every air fryer is different. Check on the fries 2 minutes before time is up.

Nutrition

Serving: 12pieces | Calories: 120kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 4.5g | Saturated Fat: 0.5g | Sodium: 310mg | Fiber: 1g

I am not a certified nutritionist.  I provide my best estimate of nutritional information merely as a courtesy to my readers.  If you depend on nutritional information for dietary or health reasons,  I suggest using your favorite online nutrition calculator to confirm the nutritional value of this recipe based on the actual ingredients that you use.

Did you know that the best way to support your favorite bloggers is to comment and rate recipes, and share on social media? If you loved this recipe, please comment and give it a five ⭐ rating in the comment section below. If you’re a pinner, pin this post using the Pin buttons at the top and bottom of this post and in the recipe card above. Thank you for your support!

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Air Fryer red potatoes stacked in plate
Air Fryer Red Potatoes
Air fryer red potatoes go with just about anything! These air fried potatoes are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside and they cook in much less time than in the oven. They make a great side dish for dinner or you can serve them as breakfast potatoes!
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Lebanese Spicy Potatoes – Batata Harra
Batata harra is a popular Middle Eastern dish made with crispy, spicy potatoes, flavored with garlic, chili, and cilantro. This Lebanese dish is perfect as a vegetarian appetizer, a side dish, or as part of a mezze platter. This recipe can be made in the oven or the air fryer.
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French fries with sea salt and parsley wrapped in white parchment and a glass bowl with ketchup
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There’s no need to turn on the oven to cook frozen french fries anymore! Air fryer frozen french fries turn out crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. And you can make them in less time than it takes to cook them in the oven or deep-fry them.  If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can also use a traditional air fryer or bake them in the oven.
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Frozen Texas Toast in Air Fryer

May 19, 2024 by Neena Panicker Leave a Comment

Air Fryer Frozen Texas Toast pieces stacked.

You can make Air Fryer Texas toast in less than 15 minutes. When cooked in the air fryer, these delicious slices of buttery bread have an extra crispy exterior and fluffy interior. They’re great with soups, salads, pasta dishes and more.

Air Fryer Frozen Texas Toast pieces stacked.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the disclosure.

One of the best things an air fryer does is cook frozen foods. I actually prefer to use the air fryer instead of the oven for many foods such as air fryer crinkle fries, tater tots, samosas, falafels, and so much more.

I also like to make sandwiches with Texas toast slices. The air fryer garlic bread Texas toast, in particular, adds so much flavor compared to plain bread.

Be sure to check out my post that has all the cooking times for the air fryer, organized by type of food.

💡 Tips for Making Air Fryer Frozen Texas Toast


  • Keep the Texas toast frozen till ready to air fryer.
  • For best results, arrange the slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer.
  • Flip the slices about halfway through the cooking time for even cooking.
  • Preheat the air fryer for about 4 minutes.
  • Your air fryer’s times may vary due to wattage and capacity. Check on the Texas toast a few minutes before the cooking time is up. They can go from perfect to burnt in a matter of a minute.

❓FAQS


What is Texas toast?

Texas toast is extra-thick white bread slices that are buttered. You can get butter, garlic butter, or cheese Texas toast. It’s found in the frozen food aisle.

How to reheat Texas toast?

The air fryer can be used to reheat leftover Texas toast. Air fry at 350°F (177°C) for a minute or two, flipping once halfway through.

What are some ways to serve Texas Toast?

Serve it with pasta or soups as an easy side dish. Frozen garlic bread can be made in the air fryer and used to make sandwiches. You can add mozzarella and your choice of toppings, such as pepperoni, to make Texas toast pizza. The bread can also be used for grilled cheese sandwiches or sloppy joes.

What brand of Texas toast was used in this recipe?

Pepperidge Farm and New York Bakery are the most common brands. I used New York Bakery to test this recipe.

📝 How to Make Frozen Texas Toast in Air Fryer

Air Fryer Frozen Texas Toast box.
Box of New York bakery Texas toast with real garlic
Air Fryer Frozen Texas Toast Instructions collage
Top left: frozen Texas toast | Top right: Flip Texas toast
Bottom: cooked Texas toast
  1. Keep bread frozen until ready to use. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F (205 degrees C) and place the frozen Texas toast in the air fryer basket.
  2. Air fry toast at 400 degrees for 5 to 7 minutes, till crispy and golden brown, flipping them halfway through the cooking time so the toast cooks evenly.

See recipe card below for details

You can air fry other types of frozen foods such as empanadas, potato skins, chicken patties, breaded chicken breast, and more!

1
Four images of frozen foods cooked - the best air fryer frozen foods
Air Fryer Frozen Foods
With air fryer snacks from egg rolls to french fries, and chicken nuggets to frozen pizza, you may have a hard time deciding what to make from this collection of quick and easy air fryer recipes.
FROZEN FOODS IN AIR FRYER

✅ MY FAVORITE AIR FRYER ACCESSORIES

Evo oil sprayer for air fryer

EVO oil sprayer is great for spraying oil on food. This is the best I’ve tried.

Red digital thermometer Thermopop

An instant-read thermometer is invaluable when air frying meats or frozen foods.

White parchment sheets for air fryer

Perforated parchment sheets come in handy when making messy foods.

Air Fryer Frozen Texas Toast pieces stacked.
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Frozen Texas Toast in Air Fryer

Get perfectly crispy and fluffy air fryer texas toast in just minutes! Try cooking your favorite frozen toast in the air fryer for a quick and delicious side dish. They turn out crispy on the outside and soft inside, and can even be used to make a flavorful sandwich.
Prep Time3 minutes mins
Cook Time12 minutes mins
Total Time15 minutes mins
Course: Sides
Cuisine: American
Main Ingredient: vegetarian
Method: Air Fryer
Servings: 6
Calories: 160kcal
Author: Paint the Kitchen Red

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Silicone tongs or
  • Spatula turner (nonstick)

Ingredients

  • 6 frozen texas toast

Instructions

Air Fryer Instructions (See Note!)

  • Place the empty air fryer basket in the air fryer and preheat at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (205 degrees Celsius) for 4 minutes. **
  • Add the Texas toast to the air fryer in a single layer, without overcrowding.
  • Air fry for 5 to 7 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Turn the slices using a spatula or tongs at the halfway mark (3 minute mark).

Notes

  • * New York Bakery Texas Toast with garlic was used in this recipe. However, the same timings can be used for different brands. Nutrition information is for New York Bakery Texas Toast.
  • Keep the slices frozen until you’re ready to air fry.
  • Note: Every air fryer will vary due to wattage and capacity. The first time you make this recipe, monitor the toast and adjust the air frying time as needed. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1slice | Calories: 160kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 270mg | Fiber: 1g

I am not a certified nutritionist.  I provide my best estimate of nutritional information merely as a courtesy to my readers.  If you depend on nutritional information for dietary or health reasons,  I suggest using your favorite online nutrition calculator to confirm the nutritional value of this recipe based on the actual ingredients that you use.

Did you know that the best way to support your favorite bloggers is to comment and rate recipes, and share on social media? If you loved this recipe, please comment and give it a five ⭐ rating in the comment section below. If you’re a pinner, pin this post using the Pin buttons at the top and bottom of this post and in the recipe card above. Thank you for your support!

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Air Fryer Recipes To Go With Texas Toast

2
Air Fryer Frozen Burger - 2 patties on bun with lettuce, cheese, and tomato.
Frozen Burgers in the Air Fryer
Air fryer frozen burgers are quick and easy to make, so you can have a kid-friendly, tasty fast food favorite in no time.
FROZEN BURGERS
3
Air fryer frozen chicken patty in a sandwich with french fries.
Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Patties
Air fryer frozen chicken patties is quick and easy to make, so you can have a tasty and healthy meal in no time. The chicken has a crispy texture on the outside and is juicy on the inside, giving it a satisfying crunch with every bite. Use the chicken in salads, sandwiches, or wraps.
FROZEN CHICKEN PATTIES
4
chicken tenders arranged on dark background
Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders
Air fryer chicken tenders cook up perfectly crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. And you can make them in less time than it takes to bake them in the oven or deep-fry them.
FROZEN CHICKEN STRIPS

Instant Pot Broccoli – Steamed

May 18, 2024 by Neena Panicker Leave a Comment

Bowl of steamed Instant pot broccoli

Cook this easy Instant Pot broccoli for a perfect side dish on busy weeknights when you need something quick! In less than a minute, you get broccoli that’s bright green and crispy tender to complete any main dish.

Bowl of steamed Instant pot broccoli

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the disclosure.

Broccoli is such a healthy side dish, and the Instant Pot is the perfect way to cook it because it retains its vibrant color, crisp texture, and nutritional value.

The Instant Pot uses steam to cook the broccoli quickly and evenly without having to watch over it. Within a few minutes, you have perfectly steamed broccoli and a nutritious side dish.

Serve broccoli with your favorite spices, butter, a squeeze of lemon, garlic, parmesan cheese, or any other flavor you love. This Instant Pot broccoli recipe enhances pasta, stir fries, soups, and salads.

Another delicious and easy way to cook broccoli is to use your air fryer. Make roasted air fryer broccoli or air fryer frozen broccoli in minutes. For a delicious recipe using broccoli, try shrimp broccoli mushroom pasta!

💡 Tips for the Best Instant Pot Broccoli


  • Cut the broccoli into florets that are the same size to ensure even cooking.
  • If you wish to, season with salt, pepper, or garlic powder before cooking. You could even try my roasting seasoning, which is a mix of different spices.
  • Doing a quick release of pressure and taking the broccoli out of the Instant Pot immediately stops the broccoli from overcooking.
  • If you want the broccoli to be more tender, leave it in the Instant Pot for a minute before removing it.
  • If you want to use frozen broccoli, keep the same cooking time. Frozen broccoli will be softer and not as crisp and fresh.

How to Steam Broccoli in the Instant Pot

Instant Pot broccoli on cutting board
Instant Pot broccoli stages of cooking
  1. Add 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot.
  2. Place a steamer basket in the water. The water level should be below the steamer basket.
  3. Place the broccoli on the steam rack.
  4. Close the Instant Pot lid and pressure cook for 0 minutes. Release the pressure using the quick release method and remove the broccoli from the Instant Pot immediately. *

* Some Instant Pot models allow you to pressure cook for 0 minutes. If your Instant Pot doesn’t have this option, set the pressure cooking time to 1 minute. As soon as it comes to pressure and the display changes from On to counting down, press Cancel.

See the recipe card below on how to cook broccoli in the Instant Pot

Bowl of steamed Instant pot broccoli
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Instant Pot Broccoli

If you want to make simple steamed broccoli as a side dish, here’s how to cook this healthy vegetable in the Instant Pot.
Prep Time5 minutes mins
Cook Time10 minutes mins
Total Time15 minutes mins
Course: Sides
Cuisine: Miscellaneous
Main Ingredient: broccoli
Servings: 6
Calories: 15kcal
Author: Paint the Kitchen Red

Equipment

  • Instant Pot Pressure Cooker
  • Steamer Basket
  • Silicone mitts

Ingredients

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 lb. broccoli florets

Instructions

  • Add water to the inner pot of the Instant Pot.
  • Place a steamer basket in the inner pot. The water level should be below the steamer basket's level.
  • Add the broccoli to the steamer basket. Close the lid and pressure cook for 0 minutes * at High pressure. (If your Instant Pot doesn't have the option to pressure cook for 0 minutes, program it for 1 minute. As soon as the Instant Pot reaches pressure and the display changes from On to counting down from 1 minute, press Cancel.)
  • Once pressure cooking is complete, do a quick release of pressure (QR). Open the lid.  [Read More: The Different Pressure Release Methods]
  • Carefully remove the steamer basket using silicone mitts.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5cup | Calories: 15kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 1g | Cholesterol: 227mg | Sodium: 15mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g

I am not a certified nutritionist.  I provide my best estimate of nutritional information merely as a courtesy to my readers.  If you depend on nutritional information for dietary or health reasons,  I suggest using your favorite online nutrition calculator to confirm the nutritional value of this recipe based on the actual ingredients that you use.

Did you know that the best way to support your favorite bloggers is to comment and rate recipes, and share on social media? If you loved this recipe, please comment and give it a five ⭐ rating in the comment section below. If you’re a pinner, pin this post using the Pin buttons at the top and bottom of this post and in the recipe card above. Thank you for your support!

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Instant Pot Recipes to Serve with Broccoli

1
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese heaped in white bowl.
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese Recipe
Instant Pot mac and cheese is a delicious one pot dinner. Cook the macaroni and cheese sauce together in the Instant Pot for a perfect pressure cooker pasta recipe on a busy weeknight.
Mac and Cheese
2
Instant Pot Shrimp Pasta with Garlic, parmesan, broccoli with lemon wedges in orange bowl - Paint the Kitchen Red
Instant Pot Shrimp Pasta with Garlic
Instant Pot Shrimp Pasta with Garlic is an easy one-pot meal that is perfect for a quick dinner idea. The angel hair pasta, shrimp, garlic and all the ingredients are cooked in the Instant Pot together. Make the recipe spicy by adding some extra crushed red pepper!

Shrimp Pasta
3
Instant Pot Lo Mein with Beef and Broccoli in black bowl on straw mat with chopsticks laid across bowl - Paint the Kitchen Red
Instant Pot Lo Mein Noodles with Beef and Broccoli
This hearty Chinese-inspired Instant Pot Lo Mein noodles recipe features an umami-rich blend of oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, and red chili flakes. The tender beef is tossed together with noodles and broccoli to make a healthy one-pot meal that’s quick and requires minimal cleanup!
Beef Lo Mein

Air Fryer Impossible Burgers

May 17, 2024 by Neena Panicker 2 Comments

Air Fryer Frozen Impossible Burger on bun with lettuce, cheese, and tomato and fries on a plate.

Impossible burgers in the air fryer are delicious and easy. Air frying is the quickest way to cook these plant-based burgers. When made in the air fryer, these juicy, meaty vegan patties have crispy exteriors and tender interiors.

Air Fryer Frozen Impossible Burger on bun with lettuce, cheese, and tomato and fries on a plate.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the disclosure.

The Impossible burger is a remarkable plant-based patty that mimics the taste and texture of real beef so well that it’s become a hit with not just vegetarians and vegans but also meat-eaters.

If you want to cut back on meat without sacrificing flavor, the Impossible burger is a game-changer. Air frying is an easy way to cook these delicious plant-based burgers.

An air fryer Impossible burger has a seared exterior while the inside stays juicy. The air flow inside the air fryer gives the burgers a grill-like char and caramelization without using a grill.

You can top the meatless burger with all your favorite toppings, such as sliced cheese or vegan cheese, lettuce, tomato, and ketchup.

Be sure to check out my post that has all the cooking times for the air fryer, organized by type of food. Also, try some frozen crinkle-cut fries, crispy air fryer red potatoes, or frozen biscuits in the air fryer.

💡 Tips for Making Air Fryer Impossible Burgers


  • Preheat the air fryer to make sure the burgers start cooking right away.
  • Don’t thaw the vegan burger patties.
  • Place the Impossible burgers in the basket in a single layer; don’t overcrowd. The patties need room for the hot air to circulate around them for even crisping.
  • Flip halfway through the cooking time for even cooking.
  • Check the patty’s internal temperature with a digital meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked through. According to the Impossible website, the burgers should be at 160° F (71° C).
  • For extra browning, spray a little oil over the patty before cooking.
  • Serve burgers in buns with toppings like lettuce, tomato, bacon, ketchup, or your favorite sauce, with a side of frozen steak fries, french fries or frozen sweet potato fries in air fryer.
  • Your air fryer’s times may vary due to wattage and capacity.

❓FAQS


How can I make an Impossible cheeseburger?

Once the burgers are cooked, turn off the air fryer and place a slice of cheese (or vegan cheese slices) over the cooked burger patties. Close the air fryer and let the cheese melt in the residual heat.

Do you need to season the burgers?

The Impossible burgers come pre-seasoned, so you don’t need to season them. However, you can always add some salt and pepper to taste or try my roasting seasoning. Sprinkle a pinch before flipping the burger.

📝 How to Cook Frozen Impossible Burger Patties

Air Fryer Frozen Impossible Burger 2 patties in sealed container.
Impossible burger patties in sealed container
Air Fryer Frozen Impossible Burger Instructions collage
Top left: Frozen burgers | Top right: burgers being flipped | Bottom: cooked impossible burger patties
  1. Preheat the air fryer. Place frozen plant-based burgers in the air fryer.
  2. Cook burgers, flipping once halfway through the cooking process.
  3. Air fry until golden brown and internal temperature registers at 160 degrees F (71 degrees C).

See recipe card below for details

You can air fry all kinds of frozen foods like air fryer frozen broccoli, frozen biscuits, sweet potato fries, and empanadas.

1
Four images of frozen foods cooked - the best air fryer frozen foods
Air Fryer Frozen Foods
With air fryer snacks from egg rolls to french fries, and chicken nuggets to frozen pizza, you may have a hard time deciding what to make from this collection of quick and easy air fryer recipes.
FROZEN FOODS IN AIR FRYER

✅ MY FAVORITE AIR FRYER ACCESSORIES

Evo oil sprayer for air fryer

EVO oil sprayer is great for spraying oil on food. This is the best I’ve tried.

Red digital thermometer Thermopop

An instant-read thermometer is invaluable when air frying meats or frozen foods.

White parchment sheets for air fryer

Perforated parchment sheets come in handy when making messy foods.

Air Fryer Frozen Impossible Burger on bun with lettuce, cheese, and tomato and fries on a plate.
Print Recipe
5 from 2 votes

How to Air Fry Frozen Impossible Burgers

Air fryer impossible burgers are quick and easy to make, so you can have a healthy, tasty fast food favorite in no time.
Prep Time4 minutes mins
Cook Time10 minutes mins
Total Time14 minutes mins
Course: Main Dishes
Cuisine: American
Main Ingredient: vegetarian
Method: Air Fryer
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 230kcal
Author: Paint the Kitchen Red

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Silicone Spatula

Ingredients

  • 2 frozen impossible burgers

Instructions

Air Fryer Instructions (See Note!)

  • Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees F (193 degrees C) for 4 minutes.
  • Add the frozen burger patties to the air fryer basket.
  • Air fry for 9 to 12 minutes at 380 degrees Fahrenheit (193 degrees Celsius). At the 5-minute mark, flip the burgers with a spatula and continue air frying.
  • Check the internal temperature periodically till a meat thermometer registers at 160 degrees F (71 degrees C).
    For cheeseburgers, add a cheese slice to the patties when they reach 155 degrees F (68 degrees C) and let them sit in the air fryer for a minute.

Notes

  • Don’t defrost the frozen Impossible patties before air frying.
  • Note: Every air fryer’s cooking time will vary due to wattage and capacity. The first time you make this recipe, monitor the burgers and check on them 2 to 3 minutes before the time is up. Adjust the air frying time as needed.

Nutrition

Serving: 1burger | Calories: 230kcal | Protein: 19g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Sodium: 370mg

I am not a certified nutritionist.  I provide my best estimate of nutritional information merely as a courtesy to my readers.  If you depend on nutritional information for dietary or health reasons,  I suggest using your favorite online nutrition calculator to confirm the nutritional value of this recipe based on the actual ingredients that you use.

Did you know that the best way to support your favorite bloggers is to comment and rate recipes, and share on social media? If you loved this recipe, please comment and give it a five ⭐ rating in the comment section below. If you’re a pinner, pin this post using the Pin buttons at the top and bottom of this post and in the recipe card above. Thank you for your support!

BACK TO TOP

More Vegetarian Air Fryer Recipes From Frozen

2
Golden brown, crunchy falafel stacked on a plate with lettuce tomato, white sauce and lemon in background
Air Fryer Frozen Falafel
Trader Joe’s falafel in the air fryer are seriously amazing. They’re pillowy soft on the inside and crispy crunchy on the outside. They’re also so delicious, healthy and can be a super easy snack, appetizer, or main dish.
FALAFEL
3
Black plate with steak fries garnished with parsley and bowl of red sauce
Frozen Steak Fries in Air Fryer
Cooking frozen steak fries in the air fryer gets them crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. And you can make them in less time than it takes to bake them in the oven or deep-fry them. You can use a traditional air fryer or an Instant Pot air fryer.
STEAK FRIES
4
mozzarella sticks stacked on each other on dark surface
Air Fryer Frozen Mozzarella Sticks
Mozzarella sticks are a classic party food. They are cheesy, crispy, and crunchy – the perfect combination of flavors and textures. Frozen mozzarella sticks can be served as a no-mess appetizer or snack with marinara sauce for dipping. 
FROZEN CHEESE STICKS

Frozen Burgers in Air Fryer

May 15, 2024 by Neena Panicker Leave a Comment

Air Fryer Frozen Burger - 2 patties on bun with lettuce, cheese, and tomato.

Making frozen burgers in the air fryer is the answer for those nights when you need to get dinner on the table fast. Simply cook frozen burgers straight from the freezer in your air fryer for a quick and easy meal. Add some air fryer frozen steak fries to complete the meal.

Air Fryer Frozen Burger - 2 patties on bun with lettuce, cheese, and tomato.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the disclosure.

Frozen hamburgers in the air fryer may not result in the same texture or taste as cooking a burger from scratch, but when you’re short on time and can’t wait for meat to thaw, a frozen burger in the air fryer is a perfect option.

Air frying frozen burgers is a game-changer for busy weeknights. Not just because the hamburgers are cooked in a matter of minutes, but there’s less cleanup around the stove and countertops.

The air fryer is like a mini oven. Hot air circulates around the frozen hamburger patties for evenly cooked meat.

There’s also no need to thaw the frozen burger. Preheat the air fryer, arrange the burger patties in a single layer, and air fry.

Be sure to check out my post that has all the cooking times for the air fryer, organized by type of food. And for a vegetarian option, try the easy Impossible Burger air fryer recipe. Frozen crinkle cut fries would be an quick and easy accompaniment.

💡 Tips for Making Frozen Burgers in an Air Fryer


  • Preheat the air fryer to make sure the burgers start cooking right away.
  • Place the beef burgers in the basket in a single layer; don’t overcrowd. The patties need room for the hot air to circulate around them for even crisping.
  • For easy cleanup, you can make a shallow tray out of aluminum foil to catch the juices. The tray should be small enough to allow air to circulate around it.
  • Flip halfway through the cooking time for even cooking.
  • Check the internal temperature of the burger patties with a digital meat thermometer to ensure they’re cooked through. The USDA recommends cooking ground beef to 160° F (71° C).
  • Remove cooked patties from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to settle.
  • Work in batches if cooking a large quantity.
  • Cooking times will vary depending on the size of the burger patty. My Cosori air fryer takes about 10 to 12 minutes to cook 4 ounce burger patties, and it takes closer to 15 minutes for 6 ounce patties. Your air fryer’s times may vary due to wattage and capacity.
  • Serve burgers in buns with toppings like lettuce, tomato, bacon, ketchup, or your favorite sauce, with a side of frozen steak fries or french fries.

❓FAQS


Should I season the burger?

Some frozen hamburger patties come preseasoned. I like to season burgers with my roasting seasoning mix. A little goes a long way, so lightly sprinkle the top of each patty with a pinch of seasoning after you’ve flipped them. You can also just use any or all of the following individual spices: onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

How can I prevent the air fryer from smoking?

If you’re getting flare-ups, add a tiny bit of water (a tablespoon or two) to the bottom of the air fryer before adding the frozen burgers. Some people place slices of white bread at the bottom, but I haven’t tried that.

How long to cook thawed burgers?

Cook thawed burgers for 10 to 12 minutes, and check the internal temperature to make sure it’s at 160 degrees F (71 degrees C).

How can I make a cheeseburger?

After the burgers reach an internal temperature of 155 degrees F (68 degrees C), turn off the air fryer and place a slice of cheese over the cooked beef burger. Close the air fryer and leave the patties in the air fryer for about a minute, letting the cheese melt in the residual heat.

📝 How to Cook Frozen Hamburger Patty

Air Fryer Frozen Burger bag.
Air Fryer Frozen Burger Instructions collage
Top left: Frozen burgers | Top right: burgers being flipped | Bottom: cooked burger patties
  1. Preheat the air fryer. Place frozen burgers in air fryer, leaving plenty of room for air to circulate.
  2. Cook burgers, flipping once halfway through cooking process. Sprinkle a bit of salt and pepper or your favorite burger seasonings.
  3. Air fry until internal temperature registers at 160 degrees F (71 degrees C).

See recipe card below for details

You can air fry all kinds of frozen foods like air fryer chicken breasts, chicken pot pie, pizza rolls, chicken fries, chicken tenders, and more.

1
Four images of frozen foods cooked - the best air fryer frozen foods
Air Fryer Frozen Foods
With air fryer snacks from egg rolls to french fries, and chicken nuggets to frozen pizza, you may have a hard time deciding what to make from this collection of quick and easy air fryer recipes.
FROZEN FOODS IN AIR FRYER

✅ MY FAVORITE AIR FRYER ACCESSORIES

Evo oil sprayer for air fryer

EVO oil sprayer is great for spraying oil on food. This is the best I’ve tried.

Red digital thermometer Thermopop

An instant-read thermometer is invaluable when air frying meats or frozen foods.

White parchment sheets for air fryer

Perforated parchment sheets come in handy when making messy foods.

Air Fryer Frozen Burger - 2 patties on bun with lettuce, cheese, and tomato.
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Frozen Burgers in the Air Fryer

Air fryer frozen burgers are quick and easy to make, so you can have a kid-friendly, tasty fast food favorite in no time.
Prep Time4 minutes mins
Cook Time10 minutes mins
Total Time14 minutes mins
Course: Main Dishes
Cuisine: American
Main Ingredient: beef
Method: Air Fryer
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 290kcal
Author: Paint the Kitchen Red

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Silicone Spatula

Ingredients

  • 2 frozen burgers 4 ounces each (¼ lb. or 113 grams) * See Note 1
  • pinch roasting seasoning or salt, pepper, onion powder, or garlic powder, to taste

Instructions

Air Fryer Instructions (See Note 2!)

  • Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees F (193 degrees C) for 4 minutes.
  • Add the frozen burger patties to the air fryer basket.
  • Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes at 380 degrees Fahrenheit (193 degrees Celsius). At the 5-minute mark, flip the burgers with a spatula, sprinkle salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, or my roasting seasoning to taste, and continue air frying.
  • Check the internal temperature periodically till a meat thermometer registers at 160 degrees F (71 degrees C).
    For cheeseburgers, add a cheese slice to the patties when they reach 155 degrees F (68 degrees C) and let them sit in the air fryer for a minute.

Notes

  • Don’t thaw the frozen beef patties before air frying.
  • Nutrition information is for a 4 ounce 80% lean / 20% fat burger, without seasoning.
  • Note 1: ⅓ lb. burgers such as Bubba Burger will take a few more minutes to cook.
  • Note 2: Every air fryer’s cooking time will vary due to wattage and capacity. The first time you make this recipe, monitor the burgers and check on them 2 to 3 minutes before the time is up. Adjust the air frying time as needed.

Nutrition

Serving: 1burger | Calories: 290kcal | Protein: 19g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 80mg | Sodium: 75mg

I am not a certified nutritionist.  I provide my best estimate of nutritional information merely as a courtesy to my readers.  If you depend on nutritional information for dietary or health reasons,  I suggest using your favorite online nutrition calculator to confirm the nutritional value of this recipe based on the actual ingredients that you use.

Did you know that the best way to support your favorite bloggers is to comment and rate recipes, and share on social media? If you loved this recipe, please comment and give it a five ⭐ rating in the comment section below. If you’re a pinner, pin this post using the Pin buttons at the top and bottom of this post and in the recipe card above. Thank you for your support!

BACK TO TOP

More Air Fryer Recipes From Frozen

2
Air fryer frozen chicken patty in a sandwich with french fries.
Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Patties
Air fryer frozen chicken patties is quick and easy to make, so you can have a tasty and healthy meal in no time. The chicken has a crispy texture on the outside and is juicy on the inside, giving it a satisfying crunch with every bite. Use the chicken in salads, sandwiches, or wraps.
FROZEN CHICKEN PATTIES
3
Air Fryer Chicken Pot Pie
Air Fryer Frozen Pot Pie
Use this easy air fryer frozen pot pie recipe to easily make a flaky chicken pot pie in a fraction of the time it takes in the oven.
CHICKEN POT PIE
4
mozzarella sticks stacked on each other on dark surface
Air Fryer Frozen Mozzarella Sticks
Mozzarella sticks are a classic party food. They are cheesy, crispy, and crunchy – the perfect combination of flavors and textures. Frozen mozzarella sticks can be served as a no-mess appetizer or snack with marinara sauce for dipping. 
FROZEN CHEESE STICKS

Frozen Pot Pie in Air Fryer

April 30, 2024 by Neena Panicker Leave a Comment

Air Fryer Chicken Pot Pie

Making frozen pot pie in the air fryer is so easy! With a golden crust and flaky top, these personal-size pies are the perfect answer for when you want something comforting but don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.

Air Fryer Chicken Pot Pie

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the disclosure.

With its ability to cook frozen foods to crispy perfection, the air fryer can transform a chicken pot pie from the freezer into a golden-crusted satisfying meal in a matter of minutes.

There’s something really comforting about a homemade flaky chicken pot pie. But that’s not usually an option for busy weeknights. So cooking a frozen pot pie is the perfect alternative.

Cooking a frozen pot pie can be hit or miss, depending on the method used. Using the microwave results in a soggy crust and undercooked filling, but cooking a frozen chicken pot pie in an air fryer gives much better results.

The hot circulating heat creates the perfect crispy crust while ensuring the filling stays piping hot and juicy.

➡ Get the complete list of best frozen foods for air fryer!

💡 Tips for Making Air Fryer Pot Pie From Frozen


  • Preheat your air fryer before adding the frozen pot pies. This helps get them crispier.
  • Keep the pot pies frozen until you’re ready to cook them.
  • Place the pot pies on a small piece of aluminum foil to catch any filling that spills out into the air fryer basket.
  • Protect the edge of the pot pie crust with aluminum foil.
  • Lightly spray or brush the top crust with olive oil or melted butter partway through air frying. This helps create a flaky, golden crust.
  • If you are cooking multiple pot pies, leave some space between them. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
  • It’s important to make sure you measure the internal temperature of the filling to make sure it’s at 165 degrees F (74 degrees C)
  • Let the cooked pot pies rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to cool down a bit and not fall out when you cut the crust. I usually leave them in the air fryer to stay crisp.

❓FAQs


📝 How to Cook a Frozen Pot Pie in an Air Fryer

Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Pot Pie - 2 boxes - Marie Callender's and Banquet.
Marie Callender’s Pot Pie and Banquet Pot Pie in a box
Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Pot Pie Instructions collage
  1. Use aluminum foil to make a tray to catch any spills.
  2. Make a pie crust shield with aluminum foil and wrap it around the frozen pie crust.
  3. Preheat the air fryer to 370 degrees F (188 degrees C) for 4 minutes. Place the aluminum foil tray in the air fryer basket, making sure there’s room for air to circulate around it. Place the pie on the foil tray. Air fry for 27 minutes. Remove the foil crust shield and brush the crust with melted butter or oil. *
  4. Air fry for another 5 to 7 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature registers 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

* NOTE: Every air fryer is different. You may need to adjust timing and temperature based on the capacity and wattage of your air fryer. Please check on the food 3 to 5 minutes before the air frying time is up to make sure it’s not burning.

See recipe card below for details

You can air fry all kinds of frozen food in the air fryer like chicken breasts, popcorn chicken, pizza rolls, chicken fries, chicken tenders, and more.

1
Four images of frozen foods cooked - the best air fryer frozen foods
Air Fryer Frozen Foods
With air fryer snacks from egg rolls to french fries, and chicken nuggets to frozen pizza, you may have a hard time deciding what to make from this collection of quick and easy air fryer recipes.
FROZEN FOODS IN AIR FRYER

✅ MY FAVORITE AIR FRYER ACCESSORIES

Evo oil sprayer for air fryer

EVO oil sprayer is great for spraying oil on food. This is the best I’ve tried.

Red digital thermometer Thermopop

An instant-read thermometer is invaluable when air frying meats or frozen foods.

White parchment sheets for air fryer

Perforated parchment sheets come in handy when making messy foods.

Air Fryer Chicken Pot Pie
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Air Fryer Frozen Pot Pie

Use this easy air fryer frozen pot pie recipe to easily make a flaky chicken pot pie in a fraction of the time it takes in the oven.
Prep Time4 minutes mins
Cook Time35 minutes mins
Total Time39 minutes mins
Course: Main Dishes
Cuisine: American
Main Ingredient: chicken
Method: Air Fryer
Servings: 1
Calories: 600kcal
Author: Paint the Kitchen Red

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Aluminum Foil
  • Digital thermometer

Ingredients

  • 1 chicken pot pie 10 oz.
  • 1 teaspoon vegetable oil or melted butter, for brushing

Instructions

Air Fryer Instructions

  • Place the empty air fryer basket in the air fryer and preheat at 370 degrees Fahrenheit for 4 minutes. **
  • Create a small tray out of aluminum foil to catch spills. Don't make it too big. You'll want air to freely circulate around it.
  • Make a pie crust shield to wrap around the edges of the pie crust to protect it from burning. See photos in blog post for more information.
  • Place the aluminum foil tray in the air fryer basket and place the frozen pie on the foil tray. Air fry for 27 minutes.
  • Remove the foil crust shield and brush the crust with melted butter or oil. Air fry for a further 5 to 7 minutes. Measure the internal temperature of the pie and make sure it's at 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). If not, air fryer for a few more minutes.

Video

Notes

  • This recipe used Marie Callender’s and Banquet pot pies. However, the same timings can be used for different brands. The nutrition information is for Marie Calenders.
  • Keep the pot pies frozen until you’re ready to air fry.
  • Every air fryer will vary. The first time you make this recipe, monitor the pies by checking their color and texture. You may need to adjust the air frying time if they’re not golden brown and crispy and the internal temperature hasn’t reached 165 degrees F. Remember, it’s better to check them too early than too late.  Use a digital thermometer.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pie | Calories: 600kcal | Carbohydrates: 61g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 960mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g

I am not a certified nutritionist.  I provide my best estimate of nutritional information merely as a courtesy to my readers.  If you depend on nutritional information for dietary or health reasons,  I suggest using your favorite online nutrition calculator to confirm the nutritional value of this recipe based on the actual ingredients that you use.

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I’m Neena, and I’ve spent a lifetime perfecting the recipes I share. My years of practice have honed my skills, resulting in consistently delicious and easy meals. My experience (including hits and misses!) enables me to provide valuable insights, troubleshooting advice, and innovative recipe ideas. Every recipe is tested multiple times, so you can be sure it works the first time!

Air Fryer Frozen Dinner Recipes

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If you're looking for a quick and easy meal, try these delicious air fryer frozen meatballs. With a quick cooking time, these meatballs turn out crispy outside and tender inside. They're perfect for a weeknight dinner with spaghetti and pasta sauce, in a meatball sub, or as an appetizer for your next party!
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Hi, I'm Neena Panicker, and welcome! I am the creator, photographer, and author of recipes and tips at Paint the Kitchen Red. I live in the glorious west in Salt Lake City, Utah with my family.

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