For many, the taste of Christmas is encapsulated in a warm, spiced mince pie. However, the traditional method of baking them from scratch can be a lengthy process, often involving a long wait for the oven to heat up. Now, a clever recipe promises to slash that time dramatically, delivering perfect pies in a fraction of the usual duration.
The Speedy Festive Solution
Britain's leading organic flour brand, Doves Farm, has published a game-changing recipe for air fryer mince pies on its website. The brand describes them as "fantastic, closed air fryer mince pies" that will "hit that Christmas sweet spot." Remarkably, the festive treats require just 12 to 15 minutes in the air fryer, making them an ideal solution for busy bakers or unexpected holiday visitors.
Modern Twist on a Classic Treat
This contemporary take on the timeless favourite uses simple, classic ingredients but leverages the speed and efficiency of the modern air fryer. The recipe suggests baking the pies in mini pudding basins, dariole moulds, or foil dishes. Doves Farm assures that the results are "delicious served warm or cold at almost any time," offering maximum flexibility for festive entertaining.
How to Make Your Own Air Fryer Mince Pies
The method is straightforward but requires a few key steps for success. First, ensure your chosen mini moulds will fit inside your air fryer basket and grease them lightly with butter.
To make the pastry, rub 75g of butter into 125g of Doves Farm Organic Plain White Flour and 25g of icing sugar until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Add two to three tablespoons of cold water to form a soft dough, then roll it out to about 1.5mm thick.
Using pastry cutters that match the size of your basins, cut out circles for the bases and lids. Place the larger circles into the basins, add a teaspoon of mincemeat, then brush the smaller lid circles with milk and place them on top. A small snip in the top of each pie allows steam to escape.
After chilling the assembled pies for five minutes, preheat your air fryer to 170°C. Bake the pies for 12 to 15 minutes until golden, then tip them out to cool on a wire rack. They can be served simply or with a dollop of cream or ice cream.
This innovative approach from Doves Farm demonstrates how traditional Christmas baking can be adapted for modern, time-pressed lifestyles without sacrificing flavour or quality. The air fryer, already a kitchen staple for its efficiency, now proves its worth as an essential tool for the festive season.
