Okay, friends, let’s talk about something amazing.Air fryer empanadas.! These little pockets of deliciousness are seriously addictive. I remember my Abuela making empanadas for every family gathering – the aroma of the dough frying in the oven. Oil, filling the whole house with warmth and anticipation. While I cherish those memories (and the taste!) ), sometimes I just don’t have the time – or honestly, the desire – to deal with all that oil. What is an air fryer? Think of these as a cross between savory hand pie and crispy taco, but about one million times more delicious. Is it more satisfying I know some people who have tried these recipes, but they are not. I am sure you will be hooked!

What is an air fryer empanada?

Empanadas, at their heart, are stuffed pastries. They’re popular in Latin American and Spanish cuisine, and there are as many variations as there is. What are the cooks who make them? Think of it as a savory hand pie, where the flavorful filling is enveloped in .Dough pocket, then topped with whipped cream. What is the best way to cook a chicken until it is golden brown?Air fryer empanadas.What is the magic of an air fryer? What is the difference between traditional frying and extra oil? What is the best way to enjoy a classic comfort food?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What are some of the reasons to love these books?Air fryer empanadas.What are some of the key ones that I should be highlighting?

Flavor Bomb!I’m using seasoned ground beef in this recipe, but I don’t like the taste of it. What are the possibilities? ) with the perfectly crispy dough is seriously addictive. What’s the kind of flavor that keeps you coming back for more?
So easy, it’s almost cheating!What are some of the best recipes for a busy weeknight? How do I make an empanada using pre-made ingredients? What is the air fryer?
Budget-Friendly FWhat are the basic ingredients for ground beef? What are some creative ways to use leftover chicken, beans, or veggies to keep costs down?
Totally CustomizWhere does the fun start? Can you substitute shredded chicken, black beans and corn for this recipe? seasoned potatoes, even sweet fillings like guava and cheese. What I love about this recipe is how versatile it is. I can make a batch with different fillings to satisfy everyone in the family. Plus, using the air fryer means I don’t have to feel guilty about indulging in a fried treat. Is it the perfect balance of flavor, convenience, and (relative) health? What’s better than a frozen burrito?

How do you make an air fryer empanada?

Quick Overview

Making these Air fryer empanadas.is surprisingly simple! How do I prepare ground beef? Then, you’ll simply spoon the filling onto pre-made empanada discs, fold them over, crimp the edges, and serve. What are some good ways to fry a potato in an air fryer? In just a few minutes, you’ll have perfectly golden and crispy empanadas, ready to devour. The air fryer gets the crust perfectly crispy without all the extra oil of deep frying, and it’s so good to eat. Is baking faster than cooking?

Ingredients

For the Filling:

1 pound ground beef is a good size.
1/2 onion, chopped.
1 clove of garlic, minced.
1 packet taco seasoning (or your favorite blend of chili powder, cumin, oregano, etc.)
1/2 cup tomato sauce. 1 tsp.
1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional) (recipe)
Salt and pepper to taste.

For the Empanadas:

1 package (14-16 count) pre-made empanada discs (look for them in the frozen section of your grocery store). Store, usually near the Latin food) or a supermarket.
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

What are the steps to

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). I always like to give the basket a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the empanadas from sticking. This isn’t strictly necessary, but it makes things easier later on!

Step 2: Cook the Beef

In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease. Nobody likes greasy food. EvenAir fryer empanadas.!

Step 3: Add Aromatics & Seasoning

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the taco seasoning and tomato sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine beautifully.

Step 4: Finish the Filling

Stir in the chopped cilantro and season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside to cool. Do empanadas need to be filled with piping hot filling? How do you handle them?

Step 5: Assemble the Empanadas

Lay out the empanada discs on a clean surface. What is the best way to make beef filling? Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons into the center of each disc. If you overfill a tin, it will be difficult to seal it. What is the shape of a half moon? This is crucial to prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking!

Step 6: Egg Wash

Brush the tops of empanadas with the beaten egg. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color and slight sheen.

Step 7: Air Fry

Place empanadas in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer. If you have an air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through.

Step 8: Cool & Serve

Carefully remove the air fryer empanadas from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm!

What to Serve It With

These air fryer empanadas are fantastic on their own as a snack or light meal, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of sides and toppings. Here are a few ideas:

For a Quick Lunch: Serve with a side of fresh salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for dipping. A simple green salad adds a touch of freshness.
For a Fiesta Feast: Add some Mexican rice, black beans, and a side of corn on the cob for a complete and satisfying meal.
For a Casual Appetizer: Cut the empanadas into smaller pieces and serve them with a variety of dipping sauces, such as chipotle mayo, queso dip, or even a sweet chili sauce.
My Family’s Tradition: My family always had them with a vinegary coleslaw, the tartness cuts the richness perfectly!

We always had them at family parties, and I can’t make them without thinking of everyone together laughing and eating! These make me so happy to make!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Air Fryer Empanadas

Want to make sure your air fryer empanadas turn out perfectly every time? Here are a few of my top tips:

Don’t Overfill: I know it’s tempting to stuff as much filling as possible into each empanada, but trust me, it’s not worth it! Overfilled empanadas are difficult to seal, and the filling is likely to leak out during cooking. Stick to 2-3 tablespoons of filling per disc for best results.
Seal Tightly: Speaking of sealing, make sure to crimp the edges of the empanadas tightly with a fork. This will prevent the filling from leaking out and ensure that the empanadas hold their shape during cooking.
Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Place the empanadas in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they’re not touching each other. Overcrowding the air fryer will prevent the empanadas from cooking evenly and getting crispy.
Adjust Cooking Time as Needed: Air fryers can vary in temperature and cooking time, so keep an eye on your empanadas and adjust the cooking time as needed. They’re done when they’re golden brown and crispy.
Get Creative with Fillings: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fillings! You can use leftover cooked chicken, ground turkey, shredded pork, beans, vegetables, or even sweet fillings like guava and cheese.
My lesson learned? Don’t use a filling that’s too wet! This always made them soggy, and nobody wants that!

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you happen to have any leftover air fryer empanadas (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat them:

Room Temperature: You can store cooked empanadas at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, they should be refrigerated.
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze cooked empanadas. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Let them thaw out in the fridge for at least 2 hours before reheating
Reheating: To reheat, pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes, until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat them in the oven or microwave, but they won’t be as crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Look for gluten-free empanada discs in the freezer section of your grocery store. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as gluten-free dough can sometimes be a bit more delicate.

Can I bake these instead of air frying?

Absolutely! Bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

What other fillings can I use?

The possibilities are endless! Try shredded chicken, ground turkey, seasoned potatoes, black beans and corn, or even sweet fillings like guava and cheese.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the empanadas ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before air frying. Just be sure to cover them tightly to prevent them from drying out.

My empanadas are leaking filling! What am I doing wrong?

Make sure you’re not overfilling the empanadas and that you’re crimping the edges tightly with a fork. Also, avoid using a filling that’s too wet.

Final Thoughts

These air fryer empanadas are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! They’re easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and totally customizable. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, a fun appetizer for a party, or a delicious snack to satisfy your cravings, this recipe has got you covered. And the best part? The air fryer makes them healthier and less messy than traditional frying. If you love easy and delicious recipes, you should check out my recipe for crispy air fryer mozzarella sticks. They’re a winner, too! I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Please leave a comment below and let me know what fillings you tried and how you liked them! Happy air frying!