Frying Empanadas: Air Fryer Magic

Empanadas are a popular snack with roots in Spain and Latin America. They are made by wrapping a soft dough around a variety of fillings, such as chicken, beef, or cheese, and then frying them. Traditionally, empanadas are deep-fried, but using an air fryer is a healthier alternative that still yields crispy and golden results. Air-fried empanadas are also less greasy, easier to make, and more convenient as they don't require the use of oil.

Choosing the right empanada dough

Empanadas are a delicious handheld snack with roots in Spain and Latin America. The dough for empanadas is similar to pie crust dough, but less flaky and more tender. It typically includes flour, butter, salt, water, and sometimes egg.

When choosing the right empanada dough, there are a few things to consider:

Texture

You'll want a dough that is soft and pliable, but not too sticky or wet. This will ensure that it's easy to roll out and fill. The dough should also be chilled before rolling out, as this helps to create a lighter, flakier texture.

Taste

A good empanada dough should complement the filling without being too overpowering. It should have a slightly savoury taste, with a subtle nuttiness that enhances the flavour of the filling.

Ease of Use

When choosing an empanada dough, consider how easy it is to work with. Some doughs can be tricky to roll out and shape, so look for one that is forgiving and simple to handle. Pre-made empanada discs are a great option if you're short on time, as they are already rolled out to the perfect thickness.

Filling Options

Empanadas can be filled with a variety of savoury or sweet fillings. When choosing a dough, consider what type of filling you plan to use. A dough that works well with a savoury beef filling may not be the best choice for a sweet fruit filling.

Cooking Method

Finally, consider how you plan to cook your empanadas. Some doughs are better suited for baking, while others are designed for frying. If you're using an air fryer, look for a dough that is versatile and can be used in multiple cooking methods.

With these factors in mind, you can choose the perfect empanada dough for your needs and create delicious, crispy empanadas at home.

Filling options

Empanadas can be filled with anything from chicken to cheese to vegetables, but some popular options include:

Beef Empanadas

Filled with homemade beef picadillo, these empanadas are a tasty and healthier alternative to deep-fried options. You can also use ground beef or ground turkey in your picadillo.

Chicken Empanadas

Shredded salsa chicken is a great filling option for empanadas. You can also use shredded chicken with salsa or chicken with onions and bell peppers for a fajita flavor.

Chili Empanadas

Use leftover chili as a filling for your empanadas. This is a great way to use up leftovers and create a tasty and crispy snack or meal.

Pizza Empanadas

Get creative and use marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese to make pizza empanadas. You can also experiment with other cheese and sauce combinations.

Taco Empanadas

Fill your empanadas with homemade taco meat for a tasty and unique twist on traditional tacos.

Lobster Empanadas

For a more luxurious option, try making lobster empanadas. You can find recipes for this online.

Vegetarian Empanadas

For a meat-free option, fill your empanadas with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and cheese. You can also experiment with other vegetables, beans, and corn.

Breakfast Empanadas

Fill your empanadas with scrambled eggs, cheese, and cooked bacon or sausage for a breakfast-inspired twist.

Sweet Empanadas

For a dessert option, try using a fruit filling like apples or peaches with cinnamon.

Sealing the empanadas

Start with the Right Amount of Filling: It's tempting to overstuff the empanadas, but it's important to use just the right amount of filling. For large empanadas, use about 2 tablespoons of filling, and for small empanadas, a few teaspoons will be enough. This ensures that the empanadas can be sealed properly without the risk of filling leaking out.

Remove Air from the Pocket: Before sealing, try to remove as much air as possible from the pocket. Excess air can expand in the hot oil, making it difficult to turn and cook the empanadas evenly. Press the dough down close to the filling to eliminate gaps and reduce air pockets.

Fold and Crimp the Dough: Place the filling in the centre of the empanada disc and fold the dough over to form a half circle, encasing the filling inside. Use your fingers to press the edges of the dough together firmly, sealing in the filling. Then, use a fork to crimp the edges, creating a decorative pattern and ensuring a tight seal. This step is crucial to prevent leaks and ensure even cooking.

Brush with Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together an egg and a tablespoon of water. Brush this mixture over the sealed empanadas. This egg wash helps to seal the empanadas shut and gives them a golden colour when cooked. The fat from the egg yolk also contributes to a crispier dough without the need for additional oil.

By following these steps, you can effectively seal your empanadas before air frying. This ensures that your empanadas hold together during cooking and results in a beautiful, golden, crispy exterior.

The egg wash

To make the egg wash, simply whisk together an egg and a tablespoon of water. You can use a whole egg or just the egg whites, depending on your preference. Brush this mixture over the assembled empanadas—both the tops and bottoms—before placing them in the air fryer.

If you don't eat eggs, you can skip the egg wash and spritz the empanadas with some olive oil instead.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The ideal temperature and timing for cooking empanadas in an air fryer will depend on the type of empanadas you are cooking, the brand of your air fryer, and your personal preference for the crispiness of the pastry.

As a general guide, most sources recommend cooking empanadas at a temperature between 325°F and 400°F. The cooking time varies from 8 to 15 minutes.

For example, one source recommends cooking frozen store-bought empanadas at 350°F for 15 minutes, while another suggests cooking homemade beef empanadas at 330°F for 8 minutes.

If you are cooking frozen empanadas, it is recommended to keep them frozen until you are ready to cook them. It is also important to ensure that the empanadas are cooked in a single layer, without stacking them, to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

Additionally, it is a good idea to preheat your air fryer before adding the empanadas, especially if your air fryer does not have a built-in preheat function. Preheating can be done at the same temperature you will be cooking the empanadas at, for about 4 to 5 minutes.

If you prefer your empanadas to be extra crispy, you can increase the temperature to 380°F and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.

When cooking empanadas from frozen, it is recommended to cook them at 350°F for about 12 minutes, turning them halfway through.

For reheating leftover empanadas, preheat your air fryer to 350°F and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side.

It is worth noting that cooking times may vary depending on the type of empanadas, the brand of your air fryer, and your desired level of crispiness. It is always a good idea to monitor the empanadas during the cooking process and adjust the timing as needed.

Frequently asked questions