Air Fryer Shepherd’s Pie Stuffed Baked Potato

The air fryer gives the potato the crispy texture you love, while the traditional shepherd’s pie filling adds a rich and flavorful punch. If you are searching for more Jalapeno recipes, I have a few more you might want to try. 

What makes this dish special is its versatility and ease of preparation. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal after a busy day at work or a satisfying dish to impress guests, this recipe fits the bill. The air fryer cuts down on cooking time, so you can enjoy a homemade comfort food classic without the long process usually needed for shepherd’s pie.

If you are on the hunt for more baked potato recipes, I have a few more you might want to try out. For a simple classic, make oven baked potatoes with cheese and sour cream. Or for something a little different, try some baked sweet potatoes instead.

Still in the mood for more Air Fryer potato recipes? Try making these delicious roasted potatoes in your Air Fryer as well.

Why This Recipe Works

• Quick and Easy: The air fryer significantly reduces cooking time, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal without a lengthy preparation process.
• Versatile: This dish can be easily adapted to suit your taste. You can swap ground beef for turkey or use different vegetables based on what you have on hand. These shepherd’s pie stuffed baked potatoes can be used as a side or a complete meal.
• Comforting Flavors: The combination of seasoned meat, creamy mashed potatoes, and crispy potato skin offers a comforting and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.
• Perfect for Leftovers: If you have leftover shepherd’s pie filling, this recipe provides a creative and delicious way to utilize those ingredients, reducing food waste.

What Is Shepherd’s Pie?

Shepherd’s pie is a classic British dish traditionally made with minced lamb, although variations often substitute ground beef for a similar yet different flavor profile. The dish consists of a savory meat filling that is simmered with vegetables such as peas, carrots, and onions in a rich gravy. This flavorful filling is then topped with a generous layer of creamy mashed potatoes, which is browned to perfection in the oven or, in this recipe, the air fryer. 

The result is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors: the crispy, golden potato crust sitting atop a warm, hearty, and flavorful meat and vegetable base. It also works amazingly as a topping for baked potatoes.

What’s in This Shepherd’s Pie Baked Potato Recipe? 

• Baking Potatoes: Opt for large russet potatoes, known for their fluffy insides and sturdy skins that can hold up well to air frying and stuffing.
• Olive Oil: A light coating of olive oil helps to crisp up the potato skins beautifully while also adding a layer of rich flavor.
• Yellow Onion: Finely chopped yellow onion adds a sweet and savory base to the meat filling, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef to keep the dish hearty and flavorful without being overly greasy. It forms the core of the savory shepherd’s pie filling.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning, a pinch of salt brings out the natural flavors of the meat and vegetables.
• Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle heat and complexity to the dish, balancing the richness of the meat filling.
• Flour: A small amount of flour acts as a thickening agent for the gravy, ensuring a rich and smooth consistency.
• Beef Broth: Use a high-quality beef broth to create a savory and robust gravy that ties all the filling ingredients together.
• Peas: Bright and tender peas add a pop of color and a touch of sweetness, complementing the other savory elements.
• Carrots: Diced carrots provide a slight crunch and natural sweetness, contributing to the hearty texture of the filling.
• Butter: Rich and creamy, butter is used to enrich the mashed potatoes, giving them a velvety smooth texture.
• Half and Half: This blend of milk and cream is added to the mashed potatoes for extra creaminess and a luxurious taste.

Substitutions and Additions

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. This swap is lower in fat but still provides a hearty filling.
• Vegetarian Option: To make this dish vegetarian, use lentils or a plant-based ground meat substitute instead of ground beef. You can also add more vegetables, like mushrooms or zucchini, to enhance the flavors.
• Sweet Potatoes: Swap out russet potatoes for sweet potatoes to bring a different flavor profile. Sweet potatoes pair wonderfully with the savory filling, adding a touch of sweetness.
• Cheddar Cheese: For an extra layer of richness and flavor, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the mashed potatoes before air frying. The cheese will melt and create a deliciously crispy crust.
• Herbs and Spices: Add additional herbs and spices to customize the seasoning of the meat filling. Try adding rosemary, thyme, or Worcestershire sauce for added depth.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to switch out peas and carrots for other vegetables like corn, bell peppers, or green beans based on your preference or what you have on hand.
• Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes: Substitute the butter and half and half in the mashed potatoes with dairy-free alternatives like vegan butter and almond milk to suit dietary restrictions or preferences.

How to Make Air Fryer Shepherd’s Pie Baked Potato (step-by-step directions)

1. First, rinse your potatoes well. Then, grab a fork and poke them all over so they can breathe while cooking. Rub a tablespoon of oil on each potato, making sure it’s fully coated.
2. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and place the potatoes in the basket. Let them cook for about 30 minutes. (Photo 1)
3. Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of oil. Once it’s hot, toss in the chopped onion and sauté for about 6 minutes until it becomes nice and soft. (Photo 2)
4. Next, add the ground beef to a large hot skillet. Break it up and cook until it’s browned and fully cooked. Remember to drain any excess grease. (Photo 3)

1. Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, and flour, and mix it all up so the beef is well-coated. Pour in the beef broth and give it a good stir to thicken the mixture. Stir in the peas and carrots, then remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside. (Photos 4 & 5)
2. Check on your potatoes—stick a fork in them, and if it goes in easily, they’re done! If not, cook them in 5-minute intervals until they’re ready.
3. Once they’re cool enough to handle, cut a small top layer off each potato. Scoop out the inside, but leave a thick wall around the edges. Put the scooped potato in a large bowl and mash it up with butter, salt, pepper, and half and half until it’s super creamy. (Photos 6, 7 & 8)

1. Fill a piping bag with the mashed potatoes. Stuff the hollowed potato shell with the meat mixture, then pipe the mashed potatoes on top. (Photos 9 & 10)
2. Pop the potatoes back into the air fryer at 400°F for 5 minutes until the tops are golden and a little crispy. (Photo 11)
3. Finish by garnishing the top of each potato with parsley, green onions, or a dash of cracked pepper.

Recipe Tips

• Even Potato Sizes: Use roughly the same size potatoes to ensure even cooking.
• Fluffy Mashed Potatoes: You can use a potato ricer instead of a masher for extra fluffy mashed potatoes.
• Season to Taste: Taste the meat filling and mashed potatoes before stuffing the potatoes to adjust seasoning if necessary.
• Don’t Overstuff: To prevent the potatoes from falling apart, do not overstuff them with the meat filling.
• Piping Bag Alternative: If you don’t have a piping bag, use a zip-top plastic bag with a corner snipped off.
• Check Meat Doneness: Ensure the ground beef is fully cooked and no longer pink before adding the broth.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or chives can add freshness and color to the dish.
• Air Fryer Liner: Use an air fryer liner or parchment paper to make cleanup easier and prevent sticking, but ensure it doesn’t block airflow.

Storing Tips 

To store leftover Air Fryer Shepherd’s Pie Baked Potatoes, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap each potato tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. 

They can be frozen for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy them later without losing quality. Just store them in an airtight container to preserve their freshness.

To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, then warm in the air fryer at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave, but the air fryer will help retain the crispy texture.

Serving Suggestions 

Air Fryer Shepherd’s Pie Baked Potatoes make a hearty main dish, and they pair well with a variety of side dishes to create a balanced meal. Consider serving them with a crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast. Try a simple mix of arugula, baby spinach, and romaine with a light vinaigrette. 

Steamed or roasted vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, or green beans also make excellent accompaniments, adding both color and nutrition to your plate. 

For a more indulgent side, garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks can complement the savory flavors of the potatoes. If you’re looking for something lighter, a tangy coleslaw or a cucumber salad can provide a crunchy, acidic counterpoint to the rich filling.

Recipe FAQs

Need More Potato Recipes? Try These:

• Air Fryer Mashed Potato Bites with Bacon
• Cheesy Crash Hot Potatoes
• Instant Pot Potato and Leek Soup
• Easy Oven Roasted Baby Potatoes with Rosemary
• Instant Pot Potato Salad With Bacon
• See all our side dish recipes!