Make the most of your air fryer this Christmas with these easy vegan mince pies! So not only are they quick and simple to prepare, but they also come out beautifully crisp, golden, and utterly delicious – making them the perfect festive treat for sharing. The air fryer does an excellent job of giving these little pies a perfectly flaky crust in a fraction of the time it would take in a traditional oven. What’s more, by adding a splash of clementine juice and a sprinkle of zest to the pastry, you bring a subtle, fragrant twist that adds an extra festive touch. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference in flavour.
One of the best things about this recipe is how convenient it is. These mince pies freeze beautifully, so you can make a big batch ahead of time and have them ready to go whenever you need them. Simply freeze them uncooked, and when you’re ready, pop them straight into the air fryer from frozen for a freshly baked, warm treat in just minutes. Perfect for unexpected guests or last-minute cravings!
There’s something truly special about homemade mince pies. So The comforting aroma of spiced fruit filling paired with buttery, citrus-scented pastry is hard to beat. And with the help of your air fryer, you can achieve bakery-level results with hardly any fuss. Whether you follow a vegan diet or are just looking to try something a little lighter this year, this recipe proves that festive baking can be both easy and indulgent. Everyone will be coming back for seconds!
PREP 10 minutes
COOK 10 to 15 minutes
MAKES 6 mince pies
KIT you will need an air fryer, a pastry cutter, baking paper and a mixing bowl
Ingredients for air fryer mince pies
500g of short crust pastry – I use store bought ready rolled for ease
Flour for dusting
350g of mince meat
1 large egg
To serve:
Some brandy cream or double cream
Icing sugar for dusting
Clementine zest (optional)
Method
Depending on the type of pastry you’re using – whether it’s shortcrust or puff pastry. You’ll either need to roll it out to around half a centimetre thick, or, if it’s ready-rolled, simply unroll it onto a sheet of baking paper. I used a circular cutter about eight centimetres in diameter, and the goal is to cut out as many pastry discs as you can, trying to use up all of the dough with minimal waste. Re-roll any scraps if needed.
Next, take a teaspoon of mincemeat and spoon it into the centre of half of your pastry discs. These will be the bases. The remaining discs will become the lids. If you like, you can get creative with the tops. Use a small star- or snowflake-shaped cutter to make festive patterns in the lids. You could decorate half with stars and the other half with snowflakes, or simply keep some plain for variety.
Crack an egg into a bowl and whisk it to make a light egg wash. Brush the edges of the filled discs with the egg wash, then gently place the lids on top. Press around the edges and seal them firmly. Using a fork to crimp the sides helps ensure the filling stays neatly enclosed. Make a small hole in the top of each pie with a knife or skewer to allow steam to escape during cooking.
Chill the prepared mince pies in the fridge for about 30 to 40 minutes. Preheat your air fryer to 180°C. Line the basket with baking paper to prevent sticking, and cook the pies in batches if necessary. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flip, then cook for another 3–5 minutes until golden.
Let them cool slightly, dust with icing sugar and clementine zest, and serve with brandy cream or double cream.
Tips for Air Fryer Mince Pies
1. Use ready-made pastry
For convenience and consistent results, opt for ready-made shortcrust pastry. Ensure it’s chilled before working with it for easy handling and less shrinkage.
2. Roll the pastry thinly
Roll out the pastry to about 2-3mm thick. This ensures that the pies bake evenly, giving you a crisp, golden crust.
3. Choose the right filling
Use high-quality mincemeat or make your own for a homemade touch. If you prefer a little extra sweetness, you can add chopped dried fruits, a spoonful of brandy, or a pinch of cinnamon.
4. Grease the moulds
Lightly grease the pie moulds or use non-stick spray to prevent the pies from sticking, especially if you’re using a mini muffin tin.
5. Preheat the air fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for 3 minutes. This ensures the pies start baking right away, giving you a golden, crisp pastry.
5. Don’t overfill the pies
Spoon in just the right amount of mincemeat (about a teaspoon) into each pastry case. Overfilling can cause the mincemeat to spill over and burn during baking.
6. Seal the pies well
Use a fork to press the edges of the pastry together, ensuring the pies are properly sealed to prevent any filling from leaking out.
7. Bake in batches
Depending on the size of your basket, you may need to bake the pies in batches. Arrange in a single layer without overcrowding for even cooking.
8. Keep an eye on the pies
Air fryer baking times can vary, so check the mince pies after about 10 minutes. If needed, bake for another 2-3 minutes until perfectly crisp.
9. Let them cool
Allow the mince pies to cool before dusting with powdered sugar. This gives the filling time to set and prevents burning your mouth!
Similar recipes
So if you love these festive air fryer mince pies, then you might also like my easy air fryer strawberry tarts, or the air fryer flapjacks recipe.
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