I love making these Air-Fryer Beef Curry Party Pies because they’re packed with bold flavors and wrapped in flaky golden pastry. They’re the perfect finger food for a crowd and come together quickly with the help of my trusty air fryer.

Footy Finals Snack: Air-Fryer Beef Curry Party Pies

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

These party pies are one of my favorite snacks to make during game season. I get all the richness of a curry with the convenience of bite-sized pies. The air fryer makes them crispy without extra oil, and they’re always a hit—especially when I need something fast, fun, and delicious.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

500 g ground beef (mince)
Frozen peas, carrots, corn and potato mix (about 2 cups)
1 onion, finely chopped
2 tbsp oil
Curry powder (or garam masala), turmeric, ground coriander, chili powder (to taste)
Salt, to taste
Fresh or frozen party-pie pastry shells (enough for filling; adjust as needed)
Beaten egg (for egg wash)

Directions

I heat oil in a pan over medium heat, then sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent.
I add the ground beef and cook it through, breaking it up with a spoon until browned.
I stir in the curry powder, turmeric, coriander, chili powder, and salt, and let the spices cook for a minute or two to bring out their flavor.
I mix in the frozen vegetables and cook until everything is heated through and slightly thickened.
I remove the mixture from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
I preheat the air fryer to 180 °C (360 °F).
I fill each pastry shell with the beef curry mixture, sealing the tops with a little egg wash.
I place them in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap, and cook for 15–20 minutes or until golden brown and crisp.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 to 8 party pies, depending on the size of the shells I use.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: Around 30–35 minutes

Variations

I sometimes switch out the beef for ground chicken or lamb to change up the flavor.
For a vegetarian version, I use curried lentils or mashed chickpeas with veggies—it’s just as hearty.
I like to experiment with spices too, adding extra chili for more heat or a touch of cinnamon for a warm, unique twist.

storage/reheating

After letting the pies cool, I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When I want to reheat them, I pop them back in the air fryer for 5–10 minutes until hot and crispy again. I avoid the microwave if I want to keep that flaky crust.

FAQs

What type of pastry should I use?

I usually go with puff pastry for a flaky finish, but shortcrust works well too if I want something a bit sturdier.

Can I freeze these party pies?

Yes, once they’re fully cooked and cooled, I wrap them individually and freeze. To reheat, I cook them straight from frozen in the air fryer until warmed through.

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Definitely. I just dice them small and cook them a bit longer in the filling until they’re tender.

Do I need to thaw the pastry shells before filling?

If I’m using frozen shells, I let them thaw just enough to handle without cracking. They’re easier to work with that way.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

I can bake these in a preheated oven at 180 °C for 25–30 minutes. They still come out beautifully crisp, just a bit slower.

Conclusion

These Air-Fryer Beef Curry Party Pies are my go-to when I want something fun, flavorful, and easy to make for a crowd. Whether it’s for the big game or a casual weekend snack, I know they’ll bring the flavor and crunch that makes everyone reach for seconds.