Air-Fried Empanadas: A Tasty, Healthy Treat?

Empanadas are a popular snack with roots in Spain and Latin America. They are made by wrapping a soft dough around a filling and then deep-frying them. However, you can also make them in an air fryer, which is healthier and less messy. Air-fried empanadas are just as tasty and crispy as their deep-fried counterparts, without the grease. You can use store-bought empanada dough or make your own, and fill them with anything from beef to chicken, cheese, or vegetables.

How to make empanadas in an air fryer

Ingredients

To make empanadas in an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:

• Empanada dough (store-bought or homemade)
• Filling of your choice (e.g. beef, chicken, cheese, vegetables, beans)
• Egg (for egg wash)
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Other seasonings (e.g. cumin, garlic powder, paprika)

Steps to Make:

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine your chosen filling with any seasonings. If you're using meat, cook it beforehand and let it cool slightly before filling the empanadas.

Step 2: Prepare the Egg Wash

Whisk together an egg and a small amount of water to create an egg wash. This will give your empanadas a golden colour.

Step 3: Assemble the Empanadas

Place a spoonful of filling in the centre of each empanada disc. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause them to burst during cooking. Fold the dough over the filling and seal the edges by pressing them together with your fingers or using a fork.

Step 4: Brush with Egg Wash

Turn the empanadas over and brush the bottoms with the egg wash. Place the empanadas in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. Brush the tops with egg wash as well.

Step 5: Cook the Empanadas

Set your air fryer to between 325-400°F and cook for around 8 minutes, flipping the empanadas halfway through. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Tips:

• Seal the edges of the empanadas carefully to avoid any filling leaking out during cooking.
• You can use various fillings, such as chicken, beef, cheese, vegetables, or beans. Get creative and experiment with different combinations!
• If using store-bought empanada dough, look for frozen "discos" in the Latin foods section of your supermarket. You can choose between large or small discs and white or yellow dough.
• If you prefer a gluten-free or dairy-free option, use gluten-free empanada dough or skip the cheese.
• You can also make dessert empanadas by filling the dough with cream cheese, fruit, and powdered sugar.

Filling options for empanadas

Empanadas are native to South America and are now popular in Latin American cuisine. They can be baked or fried and are usually made with a soft dough that is wrapped around a variety of savoury or sweet fillings. Here are some ideas for empanada fillings:

Beef

You can make beef empanadas with ground beef, or beef mince, and add in some chorizo for a flavour punch. You can also add in spices like cumin, paprika, cayenne, oregano, and thyme. For a more authentic South American flavour, add in some chopped olives and hard-boiled egg.

Chicken

Chicken empanadas can be made with leftover chicken and salsa, or chicken with onions and bell peppers for a fajita flavour.

Vegetarian

Veggie empanadas can be made with sautéed cabbage, melty cheese, or black beans and corn with salsa. You can also make squash and kohlrabi empanadas, or creamy corn empanadas, which are popular in Argentina and Chile.

Other fillings

Other fillings include ground turkey, shredded salsa chicken, leftover chilli, pizza sauce and mozzarella, taco meat, lobster, or plantains, which are used in Nicaraguan plantain empanadas.

You can also experiment with other combinations of ingredients, such as potatoes, peas, garlic, beef broth, tomato paste, potato, scallions, monterey jack cheese, and more.

Gluten-free and dairy-free empanadas

Empanadas are a delicious Latin American dish that can be made gluten-free and dairy-free! Here's a step-by-step guide to making gluten-free and dairy-free empanadas in an air fryer:

Ingredients:

For the gluten-free, dairy-free empanada dough, you will need:

• Gluten-free flour blend (preferably Cup4Cup or a similar blend containing milk powder).
• Granulated sugar
• Salt (preferably kosher)
• Dairy-free/vegan butter or vegan shortening
• Egg or egg substitute (e.g., aquafaba)
• Ice water
• White vinegar or lemon juice

For the filling, you can choose from a variety of options, such as:

• Ground beef or ground turkey
• Onions
• Garlic
• Spices (oregano, cumin, paprika)
• Ketchup or tomato paste
• Cheese (shredded cheddar and Colby Jack, or dairy-free alternatives)
• Vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, squash)
• Refried beans
• Ground sausage, ground beef, or ground chicken

Instructions:

• Start by preparing the gluten-free pastry dough. In a bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour blend, salt, and sugar.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the dairy-free/vegan butter or shortening with the egg or egg substitute, ice water, and white vinegar/lemon juice.
• Slowly add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid to achieve the right consistency.
• Wrap the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
• While the dough is chilling, prepare your chosen filling by cooking the ingredients on a stovetop until they are well combined and slightly cooled.
• Preheat your air fryer to 325°F-350°F.
• Remove the dough from the refrigerator and cut it in half. Keep the unused half chilled.
• Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
• Use a drinking glass or a round cutter (3-inch diameter for small empanadas, 6-inch for larger ones) to cut circles in the dough.
• Place a small amount of filling (about 1-2 tablespoons) in the center of each dough circle, slightly off-center.
• Brush the edges of the dough with water or an egg wash (egg beaten with water) to help seal the empanadas.
• Fold the dough over the filling, creating a half-circle shape, and press the edges together to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
• Using a small knife, make a small slit (about 1/4-inch) on the top center of each empanada to allow steam to escape during cooking.
• Brush the empanadas with an egg wash or dairy-free milk to give them a golden color when baked.
• Place the empanadas in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap. You may need to cook them in batches.
• Air fry the empanadas for 8-10 minutes at 325°F-350°F, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
• Repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling.
• Serve the empanadas warm with your favorite dipping sauces, such as chimichurri, sofrito, tomato-based sauce, or cilantro lime sauce.

Tips:

• If you are making the empanadas ahead of time, you can freeze them before or after cooking. To freeze uncooked empanadas, place them on a baking sheet and freeze them. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container and store them for up to 3 months.
• When sealing the empanadas, make sure the filling doesn't come out by pressing the edges together firmly and crimping them with a fork.
• If you are using a gluten-free flour blend that doesn't contain milk powder, you may need to adjust the amount of liquid in the dough to achieve the right consistency.
• For a dairy-free option, use vegan butter or shortening instead of regular butter, and substitute dairy-free milk and yogurt for buttermilk.

Reheating and storing empanadas

Empanadas can be reheated in an air fryer, oven, or microwave. Reheating them in an air fryer or oven will help retain their crispy texture, while microwaving may cause the pastry shells to soften.

Reheating Empanadas in an Air Fryer:

• Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
• Place 2-4 empanadas in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
• Lightly brush the empanadas with oil for extra crunch (optional).
• Cook for 7-10 minutes for reheated empanadas, and 10-12 minutes for frozen empanadas, until heated through and crispy.
• Check frequently and flip halfway for even cooking.
• Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Reheating Empanadas in the Oven:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F.
• Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, leaving space between each one.
• Bake for 10-15 minutes for reheated empanadas, and 20-25 minutes for frozen empanadas, until heated through and crispy.
• Brush the tops with oil or egg wash before baking for an extra golden crust.
• Add a rack below the baking sheet to crisp the bottom crust.
• Check frequently to avoid overbaking, as the filling can burn.
• Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Reheating Empanadas in the Microwave:

• Place 1-2 empanadas on a microwave-safe plate.
• Microwave on high in 30-second intervals until heated through, about 1-2 minutes total.
• Cover the empanadas with a paper towel to prevent splattering.
• Check frequently and do not overheat, as the filling can boil over.
• Allow to stand for 1 minute before eating, as the filling will be very hot.
• Finish by crisping in the oven or air fryer if desired.

Storing Empanadas:

To store leftover empanadas, let them cool to room temperature, then place them in an airtight container lined with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture and keep them crispy. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Empanadas:

To freeze empanadas, first, freeze them individually by placing them on a parchment-paper-lined baking sheet and freezing for about an hour. Then, transfer the semi-frozen empanadas to a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Serving suggestions for empanadas

Empanadas are a delicious and versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your empanada experience:

Dips and Sauces

Empanadas can be served with a variety of dips and sauces to enhance their flavour. Traditional options include chimichurri sauce, sour cream, hot sauce, salsa, and guacamole. For a unique twist, try honey mustard or strawberry salsa. These dips and sauces add a refreshing contrast to the savoury empanada filling.

Side Dishes

Empanadas can be paired with side dishes to make a more substantial meal. Some options include:

• Rice and Beans: Try Mexican rice, cilantro lime rice, or black beans and rice. The rice is cooked in a savoury broth and flavoured with tomato paste, while the beans add protein and fibre to the meal.
• Salads: Mexican street corn salad, Mexican potato salad, avocado tomato salad, or a simple green salad. These salads add a fresh and colourful element to the meal.
• Plantains: Sweet, ripe plantains fried until golden brown. The sweetness of the plantains pairs well with the savoury empanadas.
• Corn: Air fryer corn on the cob or Mexican sweet corn cakes. Corn adds a crunchy and juicy element to the meal.

Drinks

To complete the meal, consider serving drinks such as margaritas or sangria. For a non-alcoholic option, horchata, a rice-based drink with almonds, brown sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon, is a perfect choice.

Desserts

For a sweet ending to your meal, try desserts such as:

• Dulce de leche cheesecake: A creamy cheesecake with a chocolate chip cookie crust and a thick, sweet sauce.
• Caramel custard: A creamy and decadent dessert that can be flavoured with coffee, coconut, or chocolate.
• Tres leches cake: A moist and fluffy cake soaked in three types of milk.

With these serving suggestions, you can create a well-rounded and memorable meal centred around empanadas.

Frequently asked questions