Using an air fryer to make a pie will help create perfectly crispy pastry (Image: Getty Images)
Celeb Bake Off is set to return to our screens this month, meaning more at will be having a go at some new recipes. Martin Senders, the in-house Chef, has shared how to avoid a nightmare – and he says it’s simpler than you may think.
The expert has revealed how award-winning bakes are just a step away with the help of one kitchen cupboard staple. There’s nothing more comforting than a homemade pie, but getting that crisp, golden crust can be a challenge. You can ensure a crisp, perfectly baked crust by using your – with the help of one simple kitchen cupboard staple.
The chef says adding finely ground almonds to your pasty will elevate your pie (Image: Getty Images)
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The expert says adding finely ground almonds to your dough could help you achieve a better pie.
The ensures an even bake, a flaky crust, and no risk of undercooking. Plus, it’s a great way to achieve bakery-quality results at home, with no need to preheat a full-sized oven.
Martin has shared his best pie-making secret. He said: “One of the best hacks for achieving a crisp and golden pie crust is to add a handful of finely ground almonds to your pastry dough.
“This magic ingredient absorbs excess moisture while adding a subtle nuttiness, ensuring a perfectly baked base every time.”
He says you can also enhance the texture further by using a small amount of cornstarch in the filling, which helps prevent excess liquid from seeping into the crust during baking.
To make the , you should mix flour, salt, sugar, and ground almonds into a large mixing bowl.
Making the perfect pie can be hard – you don’t want it to be soggy (Image: Getty Images)
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Then you should add cold butter cubes and rub them into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Next, gradually add ice water, stirring until the dough comes together before shaping the dough into a disc and wrapping it in cling film. Make sure to then refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes.
Once it’s ready, roll out the chilled dough and press it into a pie dish and preheat the air fryer to 180C. Place the dough into the pie dish on a perforated liner or wire rack inside the air fryer basket.
If blind-baking, line the pastry with parchment paper, filling it with baking beans, and air fry for around eight minutes before adding your filling.
Continue as per your until golden and crisp and you’ll be left with the perfect pie.