Air Fryer French Shepherd’s Pie (Hachis Parmentier)
Easy Air Fryer Hachis Parmentier: A Delicious French Comfort Food Perfect as a Wine Pairing
Hachis Parmentier is a quintessential French comfort dish made with a base of savory minced meat topped with creamy mashed potatoes and a layer of melted cheese. The rich, juicy meat combined with the buttery, tender potatoes creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. When baked in an air fryer, it develops a delightful crispy crust, reminiscent of a croquette, making it an incredibly satisfying and impressive dish. Perfect for a cozy meal or an elegant appetizer with wine.
Main Ingredients- 500g potatoes
- 1 onion (approx. 160g)
- 160g carrots
- 400g ground beef
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by peeling and finely mincing 1 onion (about 160g). Using a food processor or chopper can make this step quicker and easier.
Step 2
Peel the 160g of carrots and grate them very finely or mince them into tiny pieces. This ensures they blend well with the meat mixture.
Step 3
Mince 1 clove of garlic finely.
Step 4
In a large skillet, melt 3 slices of butter (about 30g) over medium heat. Be careful not to let the butter burn.
Step 5
Once the butter has melted, add the minced onion and sauté until softened and translucent. This process, sometimes called ‘sweating the onions,’ brings out their natural sweetness.
Step 6
When the onions are tender, add the finely grated carrots to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the carrots to soften slightly.
Step 7
Stir in the minced garlic with the onions and carrots and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be mindful to prevent the garlic from burning.
Step 8
Add the 400g of ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and stir it into the vegetables, cooking until the beef is no longer pink.
Step 9
While the beef and vegetables are cooking, season the mixture with 1/2 Tbsp of salt, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
Step 10
Add freshly ground black pepper to taste. About 10 grinds is a good starting point.
Step 11
Continue to cook the meat and vegetable mixture. Create a well in the center of the pan. When liquid starts to pool in the well, increase the heat to medium-high and cook until most of the moisture has evaporated. This concentrates the flavors of the meat filling.
Step 12
Once the moisture has evaporated, reduce the heat to low and create a well in the center again. If liquid appears, return the heat to medium-high and cook until evaporated. Repeating this process helps achieve a desirable texture for the meat filling.
Step 13
Once the meat filling is cooked and the moisture has reduced, spread it evenly across the bottom of your air fryer-safe dish or ovenproof gratin dish.
Step 14
Now, prepare the mashed potato topping. Peel 500g of potatoes and cut them into roughly 2-3cm pieces for even cooking.
Step 15
Place the cut potatoes in a pot and cover them with cold water. Ensure the potatoes are fully submerged.
Step 16
Add 1/2 Tbsp of salt to the water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes. Test by piercing with a fork.
Step 17
Drain the cooked potatoes thoroughly in a colander. Transfer the hot potatoes to a large bowl. It’s best to mash them while they are still warm.
Step 18
Add 60g of butter to the warm mashed potatoes. Using unsalted butter gives you more control over the seasoning.
Step 19
Pour 60ml of milk into the bowl with the potatoes. The milk will help create a smooth and creamy texture.
Step 20
Add 1/2 tsp of nutmeg powder. Nutmeg enhances the flavor of the potatoes beautifully.
Step 21
Season with freshly ground black pepper to your liking. About 10 grinds will add a subtle warmth.
Step 22
Using a potato masher or a fork, mash the potatoes together with the butter, milk, nutmeg, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Avoid over-mashing, which can make them gummy. Aim for a light and fluffy consistency.
Step 23
Spoon the mashed potato mixture generously over the meat filling in the dish.
Step 24
Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meat layer, creating a smooth surface. This ensures an even bake and presentation.
Step 25
Sprinkle 4-5 Tbsp of grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the mashed potato topping. Then, dust 1 Tbsp of breadcrumbs over the cheese for added crispiness.
Step 26
Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F). Place the prepared dish in the air fryer basket and cook for approximately 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model, so adjust as needed.
Step 27
Once cooked, serve the Hachis Parmentier directly from the dish or portion it onto plates. For an elegant touch and an aromatic boost, garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary before serving. The rosemary’s fragrance will gently infuse into the dish as it rests.
