There are dishes that quietly earn their place at the family table, and this Air Fryer Vegan Lentil Shepherd’s Pie is one of them. It’s warm, hearty, and deeply comforting — the kind of meal that makes the house feel calm and full, even on the busiest days.
I started making this when I wanted a plant-based dinner that didn’t feel like a “compromise.” Something filling enough for my husband, nourishing enough for me, and comforting enough that no one asked, “Where’s the meat?” By the time I pulled it from the air fryer, golden mashed potatoes puffed and lightly crisped on top, the kitchen smelled like pure comfort. Plates were wiped clean, and there were no leftovers. That told me everything I needed to know.
This is one of those recipes that wraps you up like a warm blanket.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty, filling, and deeply satisfying
- Completely plant-based and dairy-free
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- Cozy enough for family dinners and special enough for guests
- Works beautifully in the air fryer
Ingredients
For the Lentil Filling
- 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed
- 2 ½ cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Mashed Potato Topping
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ¼ cup unsweetened plant-based milk
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter or olive oil
- Salt, to taste
Optional Add-ins
- Frozen peas or corn
- Mushrooms for extra depth
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes until lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain any excess liquid and set aside.
- While the lentils cook, boil the potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain well.
- Mash the potatoes with plant-based milk, vegan butter, and salt until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 6–8 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add tomato paste, soy sauce, thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Fold in the cooked lentils and any optional vegetables. Let simmer for 5 minutes until thick and flavorful.
- Transfer the lentil mixture to an air fryer–safe baking dish and spread evenly.
- Spoon the mashed potatoes on top and gently spread, creating soft peaks with the back of a spoon.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Air fry for 12–15 minutes until the top is lightly golden and the filling is bubbling.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Kitchen Notes From My Experience
The first time I made this, I smoothed the mashed potatoes perfectly flat. It looked nice, but I quickly learned that leaving little peaks and swirls helps the top crisp beautifully. Now I do it on purpose.
If your filling looks a bit thick before baking, that’s exactly what you want. It loosens slightly as it heats, but still holds together nicely on the plate.
This is also one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day — the flavors settle in and deepen overnight.
Gentle Variations
- Extra Veggie Version: Add mushrooms, peas, or corn to the lentil filling
- Garlic Mash Topping: Add roasted garlic to the potatoes for extra warmth
- Creamy Lentil Base: Stir in a splash of coconut milk or oat cream
- Herb-Forward: Finish with fresh thyme or parsley before serving
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a simple green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil.
Pair with crusty bread to scoop up every bite.
Perfect on its own for a comforting, complete meal.
When I serve this, I usually bring the dish right to the table and let everyone help themselves. There’s something very homey about that.
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes
- You can also freeze individual portions for up to 2 months
This makes it a lovely meal to prepare ahead when you know the week will be busy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned lentils?
Yes, just rinse and drain them well. You’ll need about 2 ½ cups cooked lentils.
Is this kid-friendly?
Very much so. The flavors are gentle and comforting.
Can I make this without an air fryer?
Absolutely. Bake in the oven at 400°F until the top is golden.
Final Thoughts
This Ultimate Vegan Lentil Shepherd’s Pie is one of those meals that reminds me why I love cooking. It’s not flashy. It doesn’t rush. It simply shows up warm, steady, and comforting — exactly what a good family meal should be.
I love watching my husband take that first bite, nod quietly, and go back for seconds. I love seeing the kids scrape the mashed potatoes from the corners of their plates. And I love knowing that a simple, plant-based dish can still feel like home.
This is the kind of recipe that doesn’t just feed bellies — it settles the room, slows the evening, and brings everyone a little closer together. 🌱💛
