Welcome to the ultimate guide for crafting the most delectable Air Fryer Empanadas! Forget deep-frying and embrace the crispy, golden perfection that only an air fryer can deliver. These delightful pockets, brimming with a savory, seasoned ground beef filling, are incredibly easy to make and perfect for a quick snack, a satisfying lunch, or a hearty appetizer for any gathering. Get ready to impress your taste buds and simplify your kitchen routine with this fantastic recipe.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Beef Empanadas
There are countless reasons to fall head over heels for this air fryer empanada recipe. It’s not just about the convenience; it’s about the superior results and the sheer versatility these savory pastries offer. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, you’ll find joy in every step of this culinary adventure.
- Unrivaled Crispy Texture, Healthier Approach: The air fryer truly shines here, transforming simple empanada dough into a beautifully light and wonderfully crisp crust. You achieve all the satisfying crunch and golden-brown texture of traditional deep-fried empanadas, but without the mess, the excessive oil, or the added calories. It’s a game-changer for anyone looking for a healthier alternative without compromising on flavor or texture.
- Effortless Preparation for Busy Lives: You might think making empanadas from scratch is a daunting task, but this recipe makes it incredibly easy. The filling comes together with minimal effort, similar to preparing your favorite sloppy Joe or taco meat. Once your flavorful beef filling is ready and the empanadas are neatly formed, the air fryer does most of the heavy lifting. In just 8-9 minutes, you’ll have perfectly cooked, golden empanadas ready to enjoy.
- Your Go-To Freezer-Friendly Meal Solution: Planning ahead is a breeze with air fryer empanadas, making them an ideal choice for meal prep. You have two fantastic options for freezing:
- Freeze the Filling: Prepare a large batch of the savory ground beef filling and freeze it in portions. When you’re ready to make empanadas, simply thaw the filling, assemble, and air fry.
- Freeze Formed Empanadas: My personal favorite method! After mixing the filling and shaping your empanadas, freeze them uncooked on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can grab one or two directly from the freezer and pop them straight into the air fryer. They cook beautifully from frozen, offering an instant, hearty snack or meal whenever a craving strikes. These pre-made delights will maintain their quality in the freezer for up to 6 months, ensuring you always have a delicious option on hand.
- Incredible Versatility: While our recipe highlights a classic ground beef filling, empanadas are incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt the filling to suit various dietary preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Explore options like shredded chicken, spiced black beans, or a medley of roasted vegetables for endless culinary possibilities.
Key Ingredients for Perfect Empanadas
Creating sensational air fryer empanadas begins with understanding the core ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture.
Empanada Dough: The foundation of any great empanada! For ultimate convenience, we highly recommend using store-bought empanada discs. These can typically be found in the frozen section of most grocery stores, often alongside pie crusts or puff pastry. They are pre-cut into perfect circles, saving you a significant amount of time and effort. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can certainly make your own dough from scratch for a truly homemade touch. If empanada discs are difficult to locate, a good alternative is thinly rolled pie dough cut into similar-sized discs. While pie dough will yield a slightly different, perhaps flakier, texture compared to traditional empanada dough, it will still work wonderfully to encase your savory filling.
Ground Beef: Since this recipe focuses on classic beef empanadas, ground beef is essential. We recommend using an 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio ground beef. This specific ratio ensures that your filling remains juicy and flavorful throughout the cooking process, as it will first be cooked on the stovetop and then again in the air fryer. The fat content prevents the filling from drying out, contributing to a richer taste and more satisfying bite. For those seeking alternatives, ground chicken or ground turkey can be substituted, but aim for a similar 15% fat content to maintain moisture and flavor. You can also experiment with ground pork for a different, equally delicious profile.
Aromatic Vegetables: Minced garlic, chopped yellow onion, and diced red bell pepper form the aromatic base of our filling. These ingredients not only add depth of flavor but also contribute to the filling’s texture. Sautéing them until fragrant mellows their raw bite and brings out their natural sweetness, creating a more complex and appealing taste.
Signature Spices: Cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and chili powder are the stars that give our ground beef filling its characteristic savory, slightly smoky, and mildly spicy notes. Cumin offers earthy warmth, paprika provides a sweet and peppery undertone, and chili powder ties it all together with a balanced heat. Don’t be afraid to adjust these spices to your personal preference – add a pinch of cayenne for extra kick or a dash of oregano for a more herbaceous flavor.
Beef Broth: This ingredient is crucial for developing a rich, deeply flavored filling. Simmering the ground beef and aromatics in beef broth allows the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures a moist, tender filling. The broth reduces, concentrating the savory essence and creating a truly irresistible core for your empanadas.
Egg Wash: A simple mixture of one egg and a tablespoon of water, the egg wash serves several important purposes. Brushing it onto the exterior of your empanadas before air frying helps them achieve that beautiful, glossy golden-brown finish. It also aids in creating a perfectly crisp crust and helps seal the edges of the dough, preventing any precious filling from escaping during cooking.
Chef’s Expert Tips for Air Frying Empanadas
Mastering the air fryer for empanadas is simple with a few insider tips. Follow these guidelines to ensure your empanadas turn out perfectly golden, crispy, and cooked evenly every single time.
- Always Use Air-Fryer-Safe Spray Oil: When lightly coating your air fryer basket or the empanadas themselves, it’s crucial to use an air-fryer-safe cooking spray. These sprays are formulated to be non-aerosol, which means they won’t damage the non-stick coating of your air fryer basket over time. Regular aerosol sprays often contain propellants and harsh chemicals that can degrade the surface, leading to flaking and reduced performance. A good quality pump-style oil mister filled with your preferred cooking oil (like avocado, olive, or grapeseed oil) is an excellent investment. If you’re cooking multiple batches, a quick, light spray between each batch will prevent sticking and promote even crisping.
- Ensure Proper Air Circulation: The secret to the air fryer’s efficiency is its circulating hot air. For your empanadas to cook evenly and achieve that coveted crisp exterior, they must not touch or overlap in the air fryer basket. Arrange them in a single layer, leaving a small space between each one. If the basket is overcrowded, the hot air won’t be able to reach all surfaces, resulting in some parts being less cooked or less crispy. Don’t rush the process; work in batches to ensure perfect results for every empanada.
- Monitor and Adjust Cook Time & Temperature: Just like conventional ovens, every air fryer is unique. Different brands and models can vary significantly in their heating elements and airflow patterns. The cooking times and temperatures provided in recipes are excellent starting points, but it’s vital to treat them as guidelines. The first time you cook these empanadas (or any new recipe in your air fryer), keep a close eye on them. Check for doneness and browning around the 6-minute mark. If they’re browning too quickly, slightly reduce the temperature. If they’re not crisping up enough, add a minute or two to the cooking time. A little observation goes a long way in perfecting your air frying technique.
- Perfecting the Seal: A well-sealed empanada keeps all that delicious filling locked inside. After placing the filling, fold the dough and pinch the edges firmly with your fingers. For a classic look and extra security, use the tines of a fork to press down around the sealed edge. This creates a beautiful crimped pattern and ensures the dough is completely closed, preventing any leakage during cooking.
- Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to pack your empanadas with as much filling as possible, overfilling can lead to bursting during cooking or difficulty in sealing the dough properly. Aim for about 2-3 tablespoons of filling per disc, leaving enough space around the edges to create a secure seal.
- Cool the Filling: Before assembling your empanadas, ensure the ground beef filling has cooled down. Hot filling can make the dough soft and difficult to handle, and it can also prematurely cook the dough, making it harder to seal effectively. Letting it cool to room temperature or even chilling it slightly makes assembly much smoother.
The Rich History and Versatility of Empanadas
Empanadas are a beloved culinary staple with a rich history, deeply ingrained in the traditions of Spanish, Portuguese, Latin American, and Filipino cultures. The name “empanada” itself comes from the Spanish verb “empanar,” meaning to wrap or coat in bread. Essentially, an empanada is a baked or fried pastry turnover, often filled with a variety of savory or sweet ingredients.
Originally from Galicia, Spain, where they were large savory pies cut into pieces, the concept spread across the globe with colonial expansion, evolving into the smaller, individual handheld pastries we know today. Each region and country has developed its own unique take, from the spicy beef and potato fillings of Argentina to the cheese and onion varieties of Chile, or the sweet guava and cream cheese versions found in the Caribbean. Our air fryer method brings a modern, healthier twist to this ancient and delicious tradition, making it accessible for today’s kitchens.
Serving Suggestions for Your Empanadas
These air fryer empanadas are fantastic on their own, but they truly shine when paired with the right accompaniments. Here are some ideas to elevate your dining experience:
- Classic Dipping Sauces: A simple hot sauce or a creamy cilantro-lime crema can add a wonderful kick. A fresh pico de gallo or a vibrant chimichurri sauce would also be excellent choices.
- Side Dishes: Serve them alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal. Yellow rice and black beans are also traditional and complementary pairings.
- Soup and Salad Combo: For a heartier lunch, enjoy your empanadas with a cup of your favorite soup, like a black bean soup or a light tortilla soup.
- Appetizer Platter: Cut larger empanadas in half and arrange them on a platter with various dips for an impressive appetizer spread when entertaining guests.
Other Delicious Air Fryer Recipes You’ll Enjoy
If you love the convenience and crispy results of cooking with your air fryer, you’re in for a treat! Discover more fantastic air fryer recipes that are easy to make and packed with flavor:
- Air Fryer Corn Dogs: A quick and fun classic, perfectly crispy.
- Frozen Mozzarella Sticks in the Air Fryer: Achieve gooey cheese and golden breading with ease.
- Sausage in the Air Fryer: Effortlessly cook juicy sausages for any meal.
- Air Fryer Garlic Bread: Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, with perfect garlic flavor.
- Air Fryer Grilled Cheese: The ultimate crispy, cheesy sandwich, made simple.
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Air Fryer Empanadas
10 minutes
35 minutes
45 minutes
Cheryl Malik
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Saved!
10
empanadas
Ingredients
-
1
tablespoon
butter -
1
pound
ground beef -
2
cloves
garlic
minced -
½
of one
yellow onion
chopped -
½
of one
red bell pepper
chopped -
1
teaspoon
cumin -
½
teaspoon
paprika -
½
teaspoon
salt -
½
teaspoon
black pepper -
1
teaspoon
chili powder -
¾
cup
beef broth -
1
egg -
1
tablespoon
water -
10
empanada dough discs
Equipment
- Large skillet
- medium bowl
- Small bowl
- Fork (optional)
- Brush (for egg wash)
- Air Fryer
- Air-Fryer-Safe Cooking Spray
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the ground beef and cook until it is fully browned, which should take approximately 5 to 6 minutes. Once browned, remove the ground beef from the skillet and carefully drain any excess fat.
- Return the skillet to the heat (if necessary, add a tiny bit more butter or oil if the pan is completely dry) and add the minced garlic, chopped onion, and diced bell pepper. Sauté these vegetables, stirring occasionally, until they become fragrant and slightly softened, typically 1 to 2 minutes.
- Stir in the cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and chili powder. Continue to cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently to toast the spices and enhance their flavor, ensuring they are well combined with the vegetables.
- Pour in the beef broth, then return the previously cooked ground beef to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook, uncovered, for approximately 10 minutes, or until most of the liquid has evaporated and the filling has thickened. This allows the flavors to deepen and meld.
- Transfer the delicious beef mixture to a medium bowl and allow it to cool completely to room temperature. This step is crucial for easy handling of the dough and preventing it from becoming soggy or tearing during assembly.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg and water until they are well combined. This will create your egg wash, which will give the empanadas their beautiful golden crust.
- Lay the empanada dough discs on a clean, flat surface, such as a cutting board or a lightly floured countertop. Work with a few discs at a time if needed to avoid them drying out or sticking.
- Form Empanadas: Place approximately 3 tablespoons of the cooled filling mixture into the center of each empanada disc. Be careful not to overfill. Moisten the edges of the dough lightly with water or a little egg wash. Fold the dough in half, carefully bringing one edge over the filling to meet the other edge, forming a crescent shape. Pinch the edges firmly together with your fingers to seal, or use the tines of a fork to press and crimp the edges, creating a decorative and secure seal. Lightly brush the outside of each formed empanada with the egg wash. Repeat this process until all empanadas are formed.
- Preheat your air fryer to 330° Fahrenheit (165° Celsius). Allowing the air fryer to preheat ensures even cooking and helps achieve that desirable crispy exterior from the start.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with an air-fryer-safe cooking spray. Carefully place the formed empanadas into the basket in a single, even layer, ensuring they do not touch or overlap. This is crucial for proper air circulation and even crisping. You will likely need to work in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Cook the empanadas at 330° Fahrenheit (165° Celsius) for 8 to 9 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown and thoroughly warmed through. The exact time may vary slightly with different air fryer models, so keep an eye on them during the first batch. Repeat the cooking process for any remaining batches. Serve your delicious air fryer empanadas hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Make it Vegetarian: Easily adapt this recipe by substituting the ground beef with a plant-based ground beef substitute and using vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Storage: Leftover cooked empanadas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply place them back in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again.
Recipe yields 10 empanadas. Nutritional values shown reflect information for one empanada, using 85/15 ground beef and Goya brand empanada discs. Macros may vary slightly based on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
Nutrition Information
Serving:
1
empanada
|
Calories:
248
kcal
|
Protein:
13
g
|
Fat:
12
g
|
Saturated Fat:
5
g
|
Trans Fat:
1
g
|
Total Carbs:
22
g
|
Fiber:
1
g
|
Sugar:
2
g
|
Net Carbs:
21
g
|
Vitamin C:
1
mg
|
Cholesterol:
50
mg
|
Sodium:
358
mg
|
Potassium:
164
mg
|
Calcium:
15
mg
|
Iron:
1
mg
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Cheryl Malik