Easter is just around the corner, and we’ve got a tasty and super easy idea to bring to the table during the holidays: mini Easter pies in a smart version, cooked in the air fryer!
This air fryer version of the recipe comes from the creativity of food blogger Papilla Monella, and it’s perfect for those looking for a dish that nods to tradition while also being vegetarian – an ideal alternative to the classic meat-based Easter menu.
The Perfect Idea for a Traditional Yet Modern Menu
Did you know? The torta pasqualina has its roots in Ligurian tradition and was originally made to celebrate Easter with a rich yet meatless dish, using fresh garden vegetables. Traditionally, it was prepared with as many as 33 layers of pastry—one for each year of Christ!
Today, we’re bringing it to you in a mini, modern, and super quick version.
Mini Easter pies are convenient, single-serve, and delicious: perfect as a starter for Easter lunch or to pack in your picnic basket for Easter Monday. They come together in just a few steps, even if you’re not very experienced in the kitchen, and thanks to the Friggisano G3Ferrari air fryer, they cook faster than in a traditional oven.
And as the saying goes: “Christmas with family, Easter with whoever you want…” So why not host a fun buffet lunch with friends, where everyone brings something? You bring these, and you’ll definitely impress!
📝 Ingredients for 6 Mini Easter Pies
- Puff pastry 460 g (2 rectangular rolls)
- Swiss chard (to be cleaned) 540 g
- Cow’s milk ricotta 250 g
- 4 hard-boiled eggs + 1 egg for brushing
- 30 g grated cheese (pecorino or parmesan, your choice)
- Extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons
- Nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste
👩🍳 How to Make Them
Let’s start with the greens: wash them thoroughly and remove any tough stems. After a quick dip in salted boiling water (3–4 minutes is enough), drain, cool under cold water, and squeeze them well to remove all excess moisture. At this point, blend them finely – if you’re in a hurry, we recommend the Samurai chopper by G3 Ferrari: with its set of 3 stainless steel blades, it chops everything in seconds.
Meanwhile, boil the 6 eggs. Once the water starts boiling, count 8–9 minutes for perfectly hard-boiled eggs. When they’re ready, cool them under cold water and peel them gently.
Now for the fun part: in a large bowl, mix the chopped greens, ricotta, grated cheese, a grating of nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir until you get a creamy, flavorful mixture.
Take the two puff pastry sheets and cut out discs about 10 cm in diameter (you can use a round cutter or a large glass, then roll the dough out a bit more if needed). Set aside the leftover pastry – you’ll use it for decoration.
Place a generous spoonful of filling on each disc, then gently set a whole boiled egg on top and cover with a bit more filling. Close with another pastry disc and seal the edges well – press with your fingers or a fork to keep the filling from leaking during cooking.
Now get creative with the leftover pastry: a little braid around the edge? A bunny-shaped cutout on top? Let your Easter imagination run wild! Finally, beat the egg yolk and brush the tops of your pies for a beautiful golden finish.
And now, the final touch: cook your mini Easter pies in the Friggisano EVO 13L G10187 air fryer at 170°C (338°F) for about 15 minutes, until golden brown.
The result? A crispy shell, a creamy filling, and a guaranteed wow effect when you cut into them – with that whole egg right in the center. A recipe that smells like spring, perfect to share… or to enjoy all by yourself – maybe with a slice of colomba cake and a toast with friends!
