Hey there, pie lovers!
Are you in the mood for a treat? I’ve got something special for you!
Today, I’m sharing my delicious puff pastry mince pies.
These little guys are flaky, sweet, and packed with that warm, festive flavor we all crave.
Perfect for holiday gatherings or just when you want to indulge a bit!
Let’s dive into this tasty recipe!
Possible Ingredient Alternatives
For the puff pastry, a gluten-free puff pastry can be used to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities. Alternatively, phyllo dough can be substituted, though it will result in a flakier texture. When using phyllo, brush each layer with melted butter and use multiple sheets to achieve the desired thickness.
Mincemeat can be replaced with a homemade mixture of finely chopped dried fruits, nuts, and spices for those who prefer to control the ingredients or avoid pre-made fillings. This allows for customization of flavors and can be adjusted to dietary preferences. Use about 2 cups of mixed dried fruits and nuts, combined with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
The brandy or rum can be substituted with non-alcoholic alternatives such as apple juice or additional orange juice for those avoiding alcohol. These will provide moisture and flavor without changing the overall profile of the pies significantly. Use the same amount as called for in the original recipe.
| Preparation Time | 20-30 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 22-27 minutes |
| Total Time | 42-57 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 1800-2100
- Protein: 20-25 g
- Fat: 100-120 g
- Carbohydrates: 200-220 g
Ingredients
- 250 grams jarred mincemeat
- 3 tablespoons cranberry sauce (or use marmalade)
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 tablespoon brandy or rum (or substitute with fresh orange juice if desired)
- 640 grams (2 packages) puff pastry
- 1 small egg, beaten with 1 teaspoon milk or water
- Demerara sugar, for sprinkling as desired
- Icing sugar, for dusting as needed
Step 1: Prepare Mincemeat Filling
Begin by combining the mincemeat, cranberry sauce, orange zest, and rum in a bowl.
Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed, creating a flavorful filling for your mince pies.
Step 2: Prepare and Cut the Pastry
Take the pastry out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about five minutes to soften slightly.
Unroll one pack of the pastry, keeping it on the paper it comes rolled in.
Use a small round cutter (3 inches / 7 cm) to cut out circles from the pastry sheet.
This will form the base and lids for the mince pies.
Step 3: Assemble the Mince Pies
Place a teaspoon of the prepared mincemeat filling on half of the pastry circles.
Brush the edges of these circles with beaten egg using a pastry brush.
Top with another pastry circle to form a lid, pressing the edges gently with your fingers to seal the pies.
Use scissors or a knife to cut a small hole in each pie to allow steam to escape.
Brush the tops with egg wash and sprinkle a little demerara sugar over them for added crunch and sweetness.
Step 4: Crimp and Trim
Crimp the edges of the mince pies with a fork for a decorative finish and to ensure the filling stays inside.
If you prefer perfectly round pies, use a round cutter to trim the edges.
Repeat the process with the second sheet of pastry to make more pies.
Step 5: Bake in the Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (350°F) on the Bake setting.
Lightly mist the basket with sunflower oil to prevent sticking.
Place the mince pies in the air fryer basket in a single layer and bake in batches for 10-12 minutes, or until the pastry is golden.
Check halfway through cooking as air fryer models may vary, and you may need to adjust the time or temperature slightly.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
If baking in batches, transfer the cooked mince pies onto a wire rack to cool slightly.
Once all pies are baked, dust them with icing sugar just before serving for a festive touch.
Enjoy your homemade air fryer mince pies warm or at room temperature!
