Air Fryer Recipe: Sesame Chicken Goji Pie

Air Fryer Sesame Chicken Goji Pie

This recipe features a savoury and slightly sweet sesame-ginger chicken mince nestled in a unique, subtly tart and chewy goji berry-infused pastry cup, all cooked to golden perfection in your air fryer. It's a delightful blend of textures and Asian-inspired flavours.

Yields: Approximately 4 individual pies

Prep time: 40 minutes (plus chilling time for pastry)

Cook time: 15-20 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Goji Pastry Cups:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup dried goji berries
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
• 3-4 tablespoons ice water

For the Sesame Chicken Mince Filling:

• 1 lb ground chicken mince
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon honey or brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
• Pinch of white pepper
• 1/4 cup finely chopped scallions (green parts only)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for sprinkling)

Equipment:

• Food processor (optional, for pastry)
• Large mixing bowl
• Small mixing bowl
• Rolling pin
• 4 individual oven-safe ramekins or small pie dishes (around 4-inch diameter) that fit in your air fryer
• Fork
• Air fryer

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Goji Pastry:

• Using a Food Processor: Combine the flour, goji berries, and salt in the food processor. Pulse until the goji berries are finely chopped and incorporated into the flour. Add the cold butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. With the motor running on low, gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to over-process.
• By Hand: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, finely chopped goji berries (you might want to chop them beforehand with a knife), and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a¹ time, mixing gently until the dough just comes together.

Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes² to allow the gluten to relax.

2. Prepare the Sesame Chicken Mince Filling:

In a medium bowl, combine the ground chicken mince, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, honey or brown sugar, cornstarch, and white pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated. Stir in the finely chopped scallions.

3. Assemble the Pies:

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).

Lightly grease your ramekins or pie dishes.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled pastry dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cutter or a knife to cut out circles of dough large enough to line the ramekins with some overhang.

Gently press the pastry circles into the prepared ramekins, ensuring they fit snugly against the bottom and sides. Trim any excess dough, leaving about a 1/2-inch overhang.

Divide the sesame chicken mince filling evenly among the pastry-lined ramekins.

Fold the overhanging pastry edges inwards, partially covering the filling. You can crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative look.

Brush the tops of the pastry with a little water or a beaten egg white (optional, for extra browning). Sprinkle sesame seeds over the tops of the pies.

4. Air Fry the Pies:

Carefully place the filled ramekins into the preheated air fryer basket, ensuring there is enough space around each pie for even cooking. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Air fry for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy and the chicken filling is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).

5. Cool and Serve:

Carefully remove the pies from the air fryer and let them cool in the ramekins for a few minutes before serving. They can be enjoyed warm.

Tips for Success:

• Don't Overwork the Pastry: Overworking the dough will result in a tough pastry. Mix just until combined.
• Keep Ingredients Cold: Using cold butter and ice water is crucial for a flaky pastry.
• Finely Chop Goji Berries: Finely chopping the goji berries ensures they are evenly distributed in the pastry and don't create large chewy pockets. You can pulse them in a food processor with the flour.
• Pre-Cooking Filling (Optional): If you're concerned about the chicken cooking through evenly, you can briefly sauté the chicken mince in a pan until lightly browned before filling the pastry cups. This will reduce the air frying time.
• Even Air Frying: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and browning.
• Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken filling is fully cooked. The pastry should be golden brown and crispy.
• Pastry Variations: For a different flavour profile, you can experiment with adding other dried fruits or spices to the pastry.

Short Telling on Its Taste:

The Air Fryer Sesame Chicken Goji Pie offers a unique and delightful taste experience. The crispy pastry, with its subtle sweetness and chewy texture from the goji berries, provides a wonderful contrast to the savoury and tender sesame-ginger chicken mince filling. The filling is a harmonious blend of salty soy sauce, fragrant sesame oil and ginger, a touch of sweetness, and the fresh bite of scallions. The air frying method creates a beautifully browned and slightly flaky crust, making each bite a satisfying combination of textures and Asian-inspired flavours with a hint of fruity intrigue. It's a flavourful and slightly unexpected twist on a savoury pie.