Air Fryer Empanadas

Discover the perfect way to make delicious and crispy empanadas with less oil using your air fryer! These Air Fryer Empanadas are packed with a flavorful beef filling, mixed with bell peppers, onions, and a blend of spices. Perfect for a quick snack or a tasty appetizer, this recipe provides a healthier twist on a classic favorite. Follow our step-by-step instructions to achieve golden, crispy empanadas every time. Enjoy the taste of traditional empanadas with a modern, healthier cooking method!

What are Empanadas?

An empanada is a type of baked or fried turnover consisting of pastry and filling, common in Spanish, other Southern European, Latin American, and the Philippine cultures. The name comes from the Spanish verb "empanar", and translates as "enbreaded", that is, wrapped or coated in bread.

Are empanadas the same as meat pies?

The main difference between the two is that an empanada is made with a fried pastry crust, usually in a circular shape, and a meat pie is made with a shortcrust pastry crust and baked in an oven.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?
- Yes, you can substitute ground beef with chicken, turkey, or even a vegetarian option like mushrooms or lentils.
What type of pastry should I use?
- Empanada pastry discs are recommended, but puff pastry or pie crust can also work.
Can I make the filling in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to use.
How long can the filling be stored?
- The filling can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze the empanadas?
- Yes, assembled but uncooked empanadas can be frozen for up to 3 months.
How do I reheat frozen empanadas?
- Air fry frozen empanadas at 325°F for about 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
- You can bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes.
Can I add cheese to the filling?
- Absolutely! Shredded cheddar or mozzarella works well.
How do I prevent the empanadas from bursting open?
- Ensure you don’t overfill them and seal the edges properly using a fork.
Can I brush the empanadas with something other than egg wash?
- Milk or a mixture of water and oil can be used as an alternative.
What dipping sauces go well with these empanadas?
- Salsa, guacamole, or a simple sour cream dip are great options.
Are these empanadas gluten-free?
- Use gluten-free pastry discs to make them gluten-free.
Can I add more vegetables to the filling?
- Yes, you can add corn, peas, or any other preferred vegetables.
What’s the best way to seal the empanadas?
- Use a fork to crimp the edges or fold and twist the edges for a traditional seal.
How do I store leftover cooked empanadas?
- Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Watch the video recipe

Air Fryer Empanadas

Ingredients:

1 packet of empanadas pastry disc (10 empanadas)

1 lb lean ground beef

1 small onion, diced

3 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced

1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced

1/4 cup Italian parsley, chopped

1 tsp salt or to taste

1/2 tsp black pepper or to taste

1 tsp oregano

1/2 tsp cumin

1 tsp paprika

1 tbsp tomato paste

1 cup of water

1 egg white

1 tbsp of water

Non-stick cooking spray

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

To begin in a skillet over medium-high heat add one pound of lean ground beef. Sautee for a few minutes until brown. Then add one small onion diced, and sautee the onion for a couple of minutes or until they become translucent.

Add in three cloves of garlic, minced. Sautee the garlic for about one minute or so, then add in one teaspoon of salt, about half a teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, or to taste. one teaspoon of oregano, half a teaspoon of ground cumin, one teaspoon of paprika, go ahead and toss that in and sautee for a couple of minutes then add in half a cup of green bell pepper, diced, half a cup of red bell pepper, diced as well, 1/4 of a cup of fresh Italian parsley, go ahead and incorporate the peppers and Italian parsley in.

If you'd like green olives at this point you can go ahead and add some green olives. However, someone in my house hates green olives, so I'm not putting them in.

Then add in one cup of water, followed by one tablespoon of tomato paste, ensure that the tomato paste gets dissolved in the water.

Now reduce the heat to medium-low and continue simmering for about 20 minutes.

After simmering for 20 minutes adjust salt and pepper to your liking. The ground beef is fully cooked. It is time to start assembling the empanadas.

Using a packet of Empanada discs, you can find them at any grocery store in the Latino frozen section. And for those of you who do not have a Latino grocery store nearby, I will have the link in the description box down below so you can get them online.

To each Empanada disc, we are adding about 2 tablespoons of ground beef, we're also adding shredded cheddar cheese. You may use any kind of cheese or no cheese at all, it is up to you.

To close the Empanada fold it over, and to ensure that the empanadas do not open up with a fork go around the edge and shut them closed. So easy to do anyone can do it!

Now in a small mixing bowl add the egg white from one large egg, followed by one tablespoon of water give that a whisk.

Now brush these empanadas with the egg wash, on both sides. Then spray the inside of your air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray.

Place your empanadas into the basket, I am doing three empanadas at a time. However, if your air fryer basket is bigger you can do more of course.

Set your air fryer temperature to 325 degrees F. and set the time to 15 minutes, go ahead and press start.

And after 8 minutes pull your Air Fry Basket out, and flip them over. Continue air frying for the remaining time, and after 15 minutes of total cooking time, your air-fried empanadas should look golden brown and cooked.

Enjoy your air fryer empanadas!

Get your empanadas pastry dough here: Empanadas Disc on Amazon

Explore More Tasty Recipes

Must-Try Recipes

Easy Cajun Stuffed Chicken Breast Dinner Recipe: Cajun-spiced chicken breasts stuffed with veggies and melted zesty pepper-jack cheese
Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta: This creamy shrimp Alfredo pasta is quick, delicious, and not to brag, but better than most restaurants.
Stuffed Bell Peppers Rice and Beef: These stuffed bell peppers are so easy to make, and they don't require a lot of time and effort.

Dive Into More Deliciousness

Looking for more inspiration? Check out our Recipe Collection for endless culinary adventures.