Cooking cheese and onion pasties in an air fryer is a quick and delightful way to enjoy this classic British snack. Start by preheating your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for about 5 minutes. While that’s warming up, prepare your pasties. You can either use ready-made pastry or make your own using flour, butter, and a dash of water.
For the filling, sauté finely chopped onions in a bit of oil until they’re soft and golden. Add grated cheese—strong cheddar works wonderfully—and season with salt and pepper to taste. Once your pastry is ready, cut it into circles or squares, spoon a generous amount of the cheese and onion mixture onto one side, and fold the pastry over to create a pocket. Seal the edges with a fork and make a few small slits on top to allow steam to escape.
Next, lightly brush the pasties with an egg wash to give them a lovely golden colour. Arrange them in your air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they aren’t overcrowded. Cook for about 12-15 minutes, or until they’re puffed up and beautifully golden brown.
Once done, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your deliciously crispy cheese and onion pasties with a side of chutney or simply on their own!

