Air-Fried Empanadas: A Tasty, Quick Treat

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 or baking them. While baking and deep-frying are common methods, using an air fryer is a healthier alternative that produces a crispy, golden crust without the extra grease. Air-fried empanadas are also less time-consuming and easier to make, with the added convenience of less mess and no oil smell in the kitchen.

Filling options: beef, chicken, vegetarian, cheese, or even pumpkin

Empanadas can be filled with anything from meat to cheese to vegetables. Here are some ideas for filling options:

Beef

A popular choice for empanadas is ground beef, especially with a spicy beef picadillo filling. You can also add in a splash of red wine vinegar, finely chopped capers and green olives, and a good squeeze of yellow mustard.

Chicken

For chicken empanadas, you can use shredded salsa chicken or chicken with onions and bell peppers for a fajita flavor.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian empanadas can be made with sautéed cabbage, black beans and corn with salsa, or your favourite melty cheese.

Cheese

Cheese is often used in empanadas, especially shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar. You can also make pizza empanadas with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.

Pumpkin

For a sweet option, you can try making pumpkin empanadas.

Sealing the empanadas

• Avoid overstuffing the empanadas with filling. Although it may be tempting to add extra filling, this can lead to filling blow-outs when frying. Aim for around 2-3 tablespoons of filling for each empanada.
• 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.
• Fold the dough over the filling and use your fingers to press the edges together firmly. You can also use a fork to crimp and seal the edges, which will help ensure a strong seal and give the empanadas a pretty finish.
• For an even tighter seal, moisten the edges of the dough with a little water before pressing them together.
• After sealing, pick up the empanada and, with your other hand, crimp the bottom corner of the dough in on itself, then make another fold that overlaps it. Continue folding and crimping all along the edge.
• Finally, brush the empanadas with an egg wash (a mixture of beaten egg and a little water) before placing them in the air fryer. This will help to seal them shut and give them a golden colour.

The egg wash

To make the egg wash, crack an egg into a bowl and beat it thoroughly. You can use just the egg white or the whole egg, depending on your preference. Then, add a small amount of liquid. You can use water or milk, but milk will make the egg wash darker. Add less liquid for a darker egg wash. Stir the mixture until it is well combined.

Once your empanadas are filled and sealed, brush the egg wash onto the surface of each one. Make sure to get a nice, even coating. The egg wash will help to ensure that your empanadas come out golden and delicious!

It is important to note that egg wash carries a risk of transmitting salmonella, so be sure to clean your dishes and brushes thoroughly after making and applying the egg wash.

Air fryer temperature and timing

For beef empanadas, cook at 350°F for 8 minutes, turning halfway or until golden. For chicken empanadas, cook at 325°F for 8 minutes. You can also make vegetarian empanadas with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and cheese, or sweet empanadas with a fruit filling.

If you are using frozen empanadas, cook for about 12 minutes at 350°F, turning halfway until golden and hot. You can also cook frozen empanadas for about 9 minutes at 400°F, shaking the basket once at 5 minutes.

It is important to note that different brands of air fryers may require slightly different cooking times and temperatures, so it is recommended to monitor the empanadas while they are cooking and adjust the time and temperature as needed.

Reheating and storage

Empanadas can be reheated in an air fryer at 350°F (180°C) for 4 to 6 minutes, depending on their size. They can be placed in a single layer in the fryer basket and spritzed with cooking spray to give them a 'just fried' taste. This method works well for fried empanadas, but baked empanadas may turn out slightly drier.

Another option is to reheat empanadas in the oven. Place them uncovered on a wire rack and heat them at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes, depending on their size. This method works well for both fried and baked empanadas, but the fried variety may not be as crispy.

Empanadas can also be reheated by frying them. Heat a few inches of oil in a pan or deep fryer to 350°F (180°C) and fry the empanadas for 3-4 minutes, flipping them halfway if needed. This method is only suitable for fried empanadas and will make baked empanadas greasy.

The microwave is another option for reheating empanadas, but it will not give them a crisp texture. Place the empanadas on a microwave-safe plate and heat them for 20 seconds, then check and return to the microwave for another 10 seconds or until they are piping hot. Allow them to cool for 30 seconds before serving.

Leftover empanadas can be stored in an airtight container lined with a paper towel and kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. The paper towel helps to absorb excess moisture and keep the empanadas crispy. To freeze empanadas, first, spread them on a parchment-paper-lined baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour. Then, place the semi-frozen empanadas in a freezer bag and remove as much air as possible. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat frozen empanadas in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for around 20 minutes or in an air fryer at 350°F (180°C) for 10 to 12 minutes.

Frequently asked questions