Air-Fried British Fish Pie – A Crispy & Comforting Classic 🐟

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Air-Fried British Fish Pie – A Crispy & Comforting Classic

A traditional British favorite with a modern air-fried twist! This creamy, cheesy, and satisfying Fish Pie is packed with flaky hake fillets, a rich white sauce with peas, and a fluffy mashed potato topping—all finished to golden perfection in the air fryer.

This dish brings together simple, budget-friendly ingredients in a way that’s both easy to prepare and absolutely delicious. If you love comfort food with a crispy, cheesy top, this is your go-to recipe!

Ingredients (Serves 4):

For the Fish:

  • 2 cups (500ml) full cream milk
  • 1 medium onion, peeled and sliced
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 6 medium hake fillets (or any white fish)

For the Sauce:

  • 3 Tbsp butter
  • 2 Tbsp flour
  • ⅔ cup frozen peas
  • The reserved milk from poaching the fish
  • Salt and white pepper to taste

For the Mashed Potatoes:

  • 6 medium to large potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 3 Tbsp butter
  • 3 Tbsp full cream milk
  • ½ cup cheddar cheese, grated
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

  1. Boil the potatoes in salted water until soft (15-20 minutes).
  2. Drain and mash the potatoes with butter, milk, salt, and pepper.
  3. Stir in two-thirds of the grated cheese, reserving the rest for topping.

Step 2: Poach the Fish

  1. In a large pan, heat the milk, onion, bay leaves, salt, and white pepper.
  2. Add the fish fillets and let them gently poach for 2 minutes without boiling.
  3. Remove from heat and let the fish sit for 20 minutes to absorb flavors.
  4. Strain the milk into a jug (for the sauce), discard the bay leaves, and keep the onions.

Step 3: Make the White Sauce

  1. Melt butter in a pan, stir in flour, and cook for 1 minute.
  2. Slowly add the reserved poaching milk, stirring constantly, until smooth and thickened.
  3. Stir in peas, cooked onions, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2 minutes.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

  1. Butter an oven-safe dish that fits in your air fryer.
  2. Layer half the sauce, three fish fillets, then repeat with the remaining sauce and fish.
  3. Spread mashed potatoes on top, piping for a fancy touch if desired.
  4. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top.

Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 160°C (320°F).

Bake for 20 minutes. If needed, increase the heat to 180°C (356°F) for another 5 minutes to get a golden, cheesy crust

Serve & Enjoy!

Let the pie rest for a few minutes before serving. Dig in and enjoy the crispy, creamy, cheesy goodness! 😍

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