Air-Fried Empanadas: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Empanadas are a popular snack with roots in Spain, but they are now commonly associated with Latin American cuisine. They are made by wrapping dough around a filling and then deep frying to achieve a crispy, golden texture. However, you can also cook empanadas in an air fryer, which is a healthier alternative to deep frying and can produce the same golden, crispy texture without the grease. You can use either fresh or frozen dough, and fill your empanadas with beef, chicken, or vegetables. The cooking time will depend on the type and size of your air fryer, but generally, it should take around 8-10 minutes to cook at a temperature of around 330-350°F.

Cooking times and temperatures for fresh and frozen empanadas

Empanadas can be cooked in an air fryer, and it's a great way to achieve a crispy, golden texture without deep-frying. You can cook fresh or frozen empanadas in an air fryer, and the cooking times and temperatures are similar for both.

Cooking Fresh Empanadas in an Air Fryer:

Before cooking fresh empanadas in an air fryer, it is recommended to let the air fryer heat up for 1-2 minutes, which helps the empanadas cook more evenly. The cooking temperature for fresh empanadas is 330°F for 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crisp.

Cooking Frozen Empanadas in an Air Fryer:

Frozen empanadas can be cooked in an air fryer straight from the freezer. The cooking temperature for frozen empanadas is between 350°F and 400°F for 8-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and hot throughout. For a crispier texture, increase the temperature to 380°F and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

It's important to note that cooking times and temperatures may vary slightly depending on the type and size of the empanadas, as well as the specific air fryer being used. It is recommended to follow the instructions on the empanada packaging and adjust the settings accordingly.

Filling options

Empanadas are savory turnovers with roots that trace back to Spain. These days, they are associated with Latin American cuisine and are a popular street food in areas with large Hispanic populations. The soft dough is wrapped around a flavorful filling and then deep-fried (or air-fried) to crispy, crunchy perfection.

Empanadas can be filled with anything from chicken to cheese to vegetables. You can fill them with ground beef, ground turkey, shredded salsa chicken, or leftover chili. You can also make pizza empanadas with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, or taco empanadas with homemade taco meat. For dessert, you can make apple cheesecake empanadas. If you like your food spicy, you can add jalapeño to the meat.

If you are making beef empanadas, you can fill them with beef picadillo. To make this, cook ground beef with onion, garlic, and cumin in a skillet until browned and cooked through. Then, stir in olives and raisins.

Lobster empanadas are another option. If you don't eat meat, you can fill your empanadas with sautéed cabbage or your favorite melty cheese.

Sealing the empanadas

Next, dip your finger into the egg wash and run it along the edge of the dough. You can also use a pastry brush for this step. Then, fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges of the dough together to seal them, and crimp with a fork to create a decorative look and ensure the filling is secure. Be careful not to puncture the dough.

If you want to be extra cautious about sealing, you can moisten the edges of the dough with water before applying the egg wash. This will guarantee a good seal.

Reheating and storing

Empanadas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes or until thoroughly reheated. You can also reheat frozen empanadas in the air fryer by cooking them at 350°F for 8-12 minutes.

If you want to freeze your empanadas, wrap them individually and store them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. You can also freeze uncooked empanadas by placing them on a sheet pan and then transferring them to a freezer-safe container once they are frozen. They will keep for up to 3 months this way.

When reheating frozen empanadas, it is best to cook them at 350°F for 8-12 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown. You can also cook them at 370°F for 12-15 minutes if you prefer.

Dough options

Empanadas are a popular snack or meal, and can be cooked in an air fryer for a healthier alternative to deep-fried empanadas.

There are several dough options to consider when making empanadas in an air fryer. Firstly, you can use store-bought empanada dough, which is a convenient option that saves time and effort in making dough from scratch. This dough is typically found in the freezer section of supermarkets and can be easily defrosted before use.

Another option is to make your own homemade empanada dough. This allows for more customization and control over the ingredients used. You can find recipes for empanada dough online or in cookbooks, and it typically involves mixing flour, water, and other ingredients to create a soft and pliable dough that can be rolled out and filled.

Additionally, you can use alternative types of dough as a base for your empanadas. Some options include pie dough, crescent roll dough, biscuit dough, or even Greek yogurt dough. These alternatives can be easily purchased or made at home and offer a unique twist to traditional empanada dough.

When using any type of dough, it is important to ensure that it is properly sealed before air frying. This can be done by brushing the edges of the dough with an egg wash, which is a mixture of beaten egg and water, or by using a fork to press and seal the edges together.

Finally, consider the cooking time and temperature for your empanadas based on the type of dough used. Store-bought and homemade doughs may have different cooking instructions, so refer to the package or recipe instructions for the best results.

Frequently asked questions