In a medium bowl add prepared mashed potatoes, milk, melted butter and cheddar cheese (if using). Stir until well combined. Set aside.
Meat Filling
Combine beef or lamb, onion and garlic in a large skillet. Cook over medium high heat until no pink remains. Drain any fat.
Add frozen vegetables, gravy mix, Worcestershire sauce, thyme leaves, and 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil, and simmer at medium-high heat for 7-9 minutes or until thickened.
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
Place the beef mixture in the bottom of an air fryer/heat safe pan. Top with the potato mixture.
Place pan in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-15 minutes or until heated through and the top is golden.
Notes
Ensure your pan is heat safe before cooking in the air fryer. We use this round air fryer pan.Before adding the shepherd's pie to your pan, ensure the pan fits in the air fryer.Fresh vegetables can be used in place of frozen. Ensure they are finely diced. They may need a few minutes of extra cooking time.Traditional Shepard's pie uses lamb, cottage pie uses beef. TO MAKE MASHED POTATOES: Scrub 4 medium russet potatoes under running water and thoroughly dry. Poke potatoes with a fork and place in the air fryer. Bake the potatoes at 390°F for about 40-45 minutes or until tender. Remove the potatoes, scoop out the flesh (reserve the skins for potato skins if desired) and mash with a potato masher.Keep leftover Shepherd’s Pie in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or the microwave.