Tillie Doyle
Empanadas are a delicious snack or meal, and they can be made in an air fryer! This method of cooking them is quick, easy, and healthy, and it results in a crispy, golden crust without the grease of deep-frying. You can fill your empanadas with almost anything, from ground beef to chicken, turkey, or vegetables, and experiment with different types of dough, such as store-bought pie crust, puff pastry, or pre-made empanada dough. Air-fried empanadas are a convenient and tasty option for anyone looking to make a quick snack or meal with a fun twist.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken to cook | 8-15 minutes |
| Type of dough | Store-bought, homemade, or pre-made |
| Filling | Beef, chicken, turkey, cheese, vegetables, etc. |
| Temperature | 325-375°F |
| Number of empanadas | 2-6 per batch |
| Freezer-friendly | Yes |
| Reheating time | 3-6 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Empanada fillings: beef, chicken, turkey, vegetarian, and more
Empanadas are a versatile dish that can be filled with almost anything. The fillings can be savoury, sweet, or spicy, and you can use either homemade or store-bought dough. Here are some ideas for empanada fillings:
Beef
For beef empanadas, you can use ground beef or shredded beef. Season the beef with cumin and other spices, and cook it with onions and garlic until browned. You can also add vegetables, such as peppers, to the filling.
Chicken
Chicken empanadas can be made with shredded chicken, cooked chicken, or leftover roasted chicken. You can season the chicken with various spices, such as cumin, oregano, and cayenne, and add vegetables like onions, peppers, and garlic.
Turkey
Turkey empanadas can be made with leftover shredded turkey or raw ground turkey. If using raw ground turkey, be sure to increase the cooking time for the filling. Season the turkey with spices like cumin, oregano, and balsamic vinegar, and add vegetables such as onions, peppers, and garlic.
Vegetarian
For a vegetarian option, you can fill your empanadas with black beans, corn, salsa, or a mixture of vegetables. You can also get creative and experiment with different ingredients, such as falafel or plant-based proteins.
Other Options
In addition to the fillings mentioned above, you can also try ham and cheese empanadas, which can be made keto and gluten-free. You can also experiment with different types of dough, such as puff pastry or pie crust, to create unique flavour profiles.
No matter what filling you choose, the key to a great empanada is a flavorful and generous filling. Don't be afraid to experiment and create your own unique combinations!
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How to make empanada dough
Empanadas are a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of fillings, both savoury and sweet. While you can use store-bought pastry or pie dough, making your own empanada dough allows you to customise the flavour and add spices or herbs that complement your chosen filling.
To make empanada dough, you will need:
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
- Butter or lard
- Water or milk
- Egg
The exact quantities of each ingredient will depend on how much dough you want to make. You can mix the flour and salt in a food processor, or by hand in a bowl. Add the butter or lard, and mix until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Next, add the egg and water or milk, and continue mixing until a clumpy dough forms.
Once the dough is made, split it into two large balls and flatten them slightly into disk shapes. The dough can now be used immediately, or it can be refrigerated for up to two days. When you are ready to use the dough, roll it out into a thin sheet and cut out round disc shapes for your empanadas. You can use a small plate or round moulds as a guide.
Now that you have your empanada dough, you can fill and shape them before cooking in an air fryer. Brush the empanadas with an egg wash (a mixture of egg and water) to give them a golden crust, and cook in batches in your air fryer at 325°F for 8 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
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How to cook empanadas in an air fryer
Empanadas are delicious snacks or appetizers that can be made in an air fryer. They are versatile, and you can fill them with almost anything. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook empanadas in an air fryer:
Prepare the filling
First, prepare the filling. You can use ground beef, chicken, or turkey for the filling. In a skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and cook until translucent, which should take around 4-5 minutes. Then, add your choice of meat and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spatula or spoon. For beef, you can add spices like cumin, garlic powder, black pepper, and chili powder. You can also add other ingredients like tomato sauce, raisins, green olives, and chopped hard-boiled eggs.
Prepare the dough
You can use store-bought pie dough, puff pastry, or pre-made empanada dough for this step. If using pie dough or puff pastry, roll it out on a floured surface and cut circles using a cookie cutter or glass. The circles should be around 4 inches in diameter. If using pre-made empanada dough, simply separate the discs.
Assemble the empanadas
Place a couple of teaspoons of filling onto one half of each dough circle. You can also add shredded cheese at this step. Fold the dough over the filling and press the edges together with a fork to seal the empanadas. Ensure there are no gaps, or the filling may ooze out during cooking.
Cook the empanadas in the air fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 325°F-330°F. Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray or olive oil, depending on the manufacturer's instructions. Place the empanadas in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook the empanadas in batches if necessary. Air fry for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the dough is cooked and slightly browned.
Serve and store
Remove the empanadas from the air fryer with tongs and serve warm. You can serve them with sour cream and salsa. Any leftover empanadas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 6 months. To reheat, air fry at 375°F for 3 minutes from chilled or 5-6 minutes from frozen, brushing with butter or egg wash for a golden crust.
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How to store and reheat empanadas
Empanadas can be stored in a sealed container or freezer bag and frozen for up to six months. When you're ready to eat them, they can be reheated in an air fryer in a few minutes.
To reheat empanadas in an air fryer, first, preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Place 2-4 empanadas in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd them. You can spray a little oil on the basket or line it with parchment paper or aluminum foil to prevent sticking. Reheat for 7-10 minutes, or until they are warmed through and the shells are crispy.
You can also reheat empanadas in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F and place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Be sure to leave space between each one. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the crust is crispy. For frozen empanadas, extend the baking time to 20-25 minutes.
Another option is to reheat empanadas in the microwave. Place 1-2 empanadas on a microwave-safe plate and microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through, about 1-2 minutes total. The pastry may soften, so finish by crisping in the oven or air fryer if desired.
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![Top 50 Most Delicious Empanada Recipes: A Cookbook with Beef, Pork, Chicken, Turkey and more - Vol. 2 [Books on Meat Pies, Samosas, Calzones and Turnovers] (T50MD 2)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71-Ype3YgJL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Empanada dough and filling alternatives
Empanadas are a versatile food that can be made and customised in many ways. Here are some alternatives for the dough and filling:
Dough Alternatives
Empanada dough can be made from scratch or bought pre-made. If making it from scratch, the dough typically includes flour, butter, water, and salt. An egg and water mixture can be brushed onto the empanadas to create a golden brown crust and shine. The dough can also be customised by adding spices or herbs to complement the filling.
For a quicker alternative, pre-made empanada discs can be purchased and used immediately or refrigerated for later use. These discs can be found in the freezer section of grocery stores, with brands like Goya offering discs in regular and mini sizes and in yellow or white.
The type of dough used can also vary depending on the region. For instance, empanadas in the US are typically made with wheat flour dough, while those in Brazil use crisp, flaky, and thin dough that is deep-fried. Empanadas in Argentina are usually baked or fried, while Cuban empanadas are hard and smooth like bread, and Colombian empanadas are fried and made with corn flour.
Filling Alternatives
Empanadas can be filled with a variety of ingredients, including meat, cheese, fish, or vegetables. Popular meat options include ground beef, chicken, and pulled pork. For vegetarians, black beans, corn, salsa, and potatoes are tasty alternatives.
For cheese lovers, empanadas can be filled with cheddar, parmesan, or pepper jack cheese. Sweet alternatives include homemade apple empanadas with a spiced cinnamon dough and chocolate empanadas with a chocolate empanada dough and a creamy dulce de leche or caramel filling.
Empanadas can also be customised to individual tastes, such as adding raisins or olives for a unique twist. They are a great way to use leftovers, ensuring that every meal is different and exciting.
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Frequently asked questions
Empanadas should be cooked at 325°F for 8 minutes.
Empanadas can be filled with anything from ground beef, chicken or turkey, to black beans and corn with salsa.
You can use store-bought pie dough, puff pastry, or pre-made empanada dough.
After filling, fold the dough over and use a fork to press and seal the edges.
![Top 100 Most Delicious Empanada Recipes: A Cookbook with Beef, Pork, Chicken, Turkey and more - [Books on Meat Pies, Samosas, Calzones and Turnovers] (T100MD 1)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71id5Ar0zXL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
