Fish pie in the air fryer, also known as fisherman’s pie. It’s a classic, warming dish that combines tender fish, a creamy sauce, and rich mashed potatoes. It’s especially well-known in Britain, but it has also started finding its way onto Danish dinner tables. That’s thanks to its simplicity, nourishing ingredients, and its ability to satisfy the whole family with its mild flavour and delicious texture.
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Fish pie in the air fryer is a perfect choice for dinner during the colder months, or whenever you need something easy and delicious that’s also healthy. It can easily be varied too, so you can adapt it with your favourite fish and vegetables. Here’s the recipe for how to make a delicious fish pie in the air fryer, so you can enjoy this classic in a quicker and more modern version.
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Table of Contents
What is fish pie?
Fish pie is essentially a pie made of fish in a creamy sauce, topped with mashed potatoes and then baked until golden and crispy on top. White fish like cod or pollock is typically used, but you can also use other types of fish, depending on what you prefer.
I recommend this crisp white wine for our fish pie
A delicious fish pie packed with flavour calls for a wine with good acidity and character. I can warmly recommend Wiltinger Riesling Trocken VDP Ortswein Saar, Mosel 2020 – it’s a fantastic match for fish and seafood. Cheers and enjoy!
This dish is a great example of comfort food, as it’s rich, creamy and mild. It’s also a family-friendly dish, since most children enjoy its mild flavour and the soft texture of both the fish and the mash.
The history of fisherman’s pie
The origins of fish pie
Fish pie has its roots in British fishing villages, where fishermen traditionally made this dish from whatever ingredients they had on hand. Historically, fish pie was often made from leftovers from other meals with fish added, since it was a cheap and readily available ingredient in coastal areas.
The dish has evolved over time, and today it’s one of the classic British dishes served both at home and in restaurants. It has also found its way to other countries, including Denmark, where fish is an important part of the diet. Many fish pies today also include vegetables like peas or leeks to make the dish even more nourishing and hearty.
Ingredients for the perfect fish pie in the air fryer
To make a perfect fisherman’s pie, you’ll need some basic ingredients that create a good balance of flavour and texture. Here’s what you’ll need for a version serving four:
Main ingredients in fish pie
- White fish (e.g. cod, pollock or haddock): Fresh or frozen. These types of fish are tender and have a mild flavour that pairs well with the other ingredients.
- Potatoes: Peeled and boiled, for mashed potatoes. Use potatoes from Denmark if possible, for an authentic taste.
Optional additions
- Prawns: If you want to add a bit of extra luxury to your fish pie, you can add some prawns along with the fish.
- Smoked fish: For a smokier, deeper flavour, you can replace some of the white fish with smoked fish, such as smoked haddock.
- Mustard: 1 tsp of mustard can be added to the sauce to give it a bit of an edge.
- Lemon juice: 1 tbsp to add freshness to the dish.
Try adding a small pinch of grated nutmeg to the mashed potatoes. It gives a subtle, warm flavour that perfectly complements the creamy sauce and the fish – a small detail that lifts the dish to new heights.
Tips and tricks from the author: Morten Jensen
Tips for making the perfect fish pie
Expert tricks and good advice
- Choose your fish carefully: It’s important to choose good-quality fresh or frozen fish. The fish should be firm and odour-free. In Denmark, you can choose Danish fish like cod or pollock to ensure a sustainable catch.
- Watch the sauce: Make sure the sauce isn’t too thin, as it will make the pie watery. If the sauce seems too thin, you can add a little more flour or let it simmer a bit longer to thicken.
- Vary the vegetables: In addition to peas, you can add other vegetables, such as leeks, spinach or carrots, for extra flavour and texture.
- Freeze the pie: If you want to make the dish in advance, you can freeze it unbaked for up to 3 months. Bake it straight from frozen and add 8-10 minutes to the cooking time. It’s an easy solution for busy days.
Serving suggestions
Fish pie can be served as a main course and doesn’t really need much on the side. But to make the meal even more exciting, you can serve it with:
- A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the creamy fish pie.
- Steamed vegetables like broccoli or carrots.
- Some crusty bread on the side to soak up the delicious sauce.
Why you should try fish pie in the air fryer
Fish pie in the air fryer is a wonderful and easy way to prepare a classic dish without compromising on flavour. This recipe is perfect for both families and anyone wanting a quick, healthy and delicious dinner solution. With just a few ingredients, you can create a creamy, hearty dish that brings joy and warmth to the dinner table.
So next time you’re short on inspiration for an easy and delicious dinner, why not try this fisherman’s pie and experience a taste of traditional comfort food?
FAQ
Yes, frozen cod fillets work well. Thaw them completely in the fridge and pat them dry with kitchen paper before cutting them into pieces, so the filling doesn’t turn watery. Then simply let them simmer for a few minutes in the sauce, as described in the recipe.
Yes, you can assemble the pie and keep it covered in the fridge until the next day. Brush it with egg just before baking and give it a few extra minutes at 180 °C, as it goes into the air fryer cold. You can also freeze it unbaked for up to 3 months and bake it straight from frozen with 8-10 extra minutes.
Use an ovenproof dish that fits in the basket with a little space around the edges, so the hot air can circulate. Measure the basket before choosing a dish, and make sure there is plenty of clearance below the heating element. If you have a small air fryer, you can divide the pie between two smaller dishes and bake them one after the other.
Recipe
Fish pie in the Air Fryer
Cooking Guide
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Airfryer size
All our recipes are tested in a Philips Airfryer 2000 Series NA230/00 – 6.2 L
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Ingredients
How to make it
Prepare the mashed potato:
- Peel the 500 g potatoes and boil until tender in salted water.
- Set aside.
Make the fish filling:
Add the fish:
- Cut the 500 g cod fillets into smaller pieces and add to the sauce along with the 100 g peas.
- Simmer for a couple of minutes, until the fish starts to flake.
Assemble the pie:
- Pour the fish mixture into an ovenproof dish, cover with the mashed potato, and smooth it out.
- Brush the surface with beaten 1 pcs egg.
Air Fry:
- Preheat the air fryer to 180°C. (Pre-programme it, or let it run for a few minutes before cooking)
- Bake the pie in the air fryer at 180 °C for 15-20 minutes, until the top is golden and crisp. Leave the pie to rest for 5 minutes before serving.Start the online kitchen timer here
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Nutrition per serving (Guideline)
Important about shelf life and nutrition
Nutrition per serving (guideline): Calculations are based on data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Shelf life (guideline): Shelf life data is provided, as far as possible, by public institutions, including national food authorities. Our information is therefore only indicative, and it is your responsibility to obtain and calculate accurate information about shelf life and nutrition for all recipes on airfryerkogebogen.dk
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