Air-Fryer Pastelitos: A Healthy Twist On A Classic

Pastelillos, or Puerto Rican meat turnovers, are often confused with empanadas. However, they are quite different. In Puerto Rico, empanadas are thick fried chicken bread, whereas pastelillos use a thin dough, similar to pastry dough, with crimped edges that are then fried. You can make pastelillos in an air fryer, and they will turn out crispy and golden brown. They are healthier than deep-fried pastelillos, and you won't have to deal with the mess or uncertain timing of deep-frying.

How to make pastelillo dough from scratch

Making pastelillo dough from scratch is easy and only requires a few ingredients. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1 cup of ice-cold water
• Shortening (butter or vegetable shortening)
• Salt

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. The amount of salt you add can vary depending on your preference, but a good starting point is about 1 teaspoon.
• Cut in the shortening using a pastry cutter or a fork until the mixture resembles coarse sand. You can use butter or vegetable shortening, but make sure it is cold to help achieve a flaky texture.
• Create a well in the centre of the flour mixture and add the vinegar and about 3/4 cup of water. Stir with a fork until a shaggy dough starts to form.
• Gradually add the remaining water, a tablespoon at a time, until all the flour is moistened. You may not need to use all the water.
• Turn the dough out onto a clean surface and gently knead it until it becomes a smooth dough. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for this step.
• Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for 1-2 days if not using immediately. This step is optional but helps to relax the dough and improve its texture.
• When ready to use, divide the dough into manageable pieces (2-10 pieces depending on your preference) and roll it out to about 1/8-inch thickness.
• Cut the dough into rounds using a cookie cutter or the top of a glass.
• If not using the dough discs immediately, stack them on top of each other with a piece of parchment or wax paper in between. Place them in a Ziploc bag and refrigerate for up to 1 day or freeze for later use.

Tips:

• If using frozen dough discs, thaw them in the refrigerator for a few hours before using.
• When filling and shaping the pastelillos, be careful not to overfill them as this can cause them to leak or be difficult to seal.
• For a crispy crust when baking, brush the outside of the pastelillos with a beaten egg before baking.

Air fryer pastelillo recipe

Ingredients

• 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 pounds of lean ground beef
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• ½ tablespoon of Adobo seasoning
• 2 teaspoons of dried oregano
• 1 packet of sazon seasoning (optional)
• 2 tablespoons of cilantro, chopped
• ¼ cup of shredded cheese
• 15 slices of yellow cheese
• 1 egg, slightly beaten (optional)
• 2 tsp of baking powder
• ¼ cup of vegetable shortening
• 4 cups Puerto Rican picadillo
• Vegetable oil for frying (optional)

Method

Step 1: Make the Filling

In a large pan over medium-high heat, warm 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is warmed, add 2 pounds of lean ground beef, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and ½ tablespoon of Adobo seasoning. Brown the beef for about 6-7 minutes. Drain the ground beef and add the remaining ingredients: 2 teaspoons of dried oregano, 1 packet of sazon seasoning (optional), and 2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro. Cook the mixture for an additional minute. If you want a cheesier pastelillo, add ¼ cup of shredded cheese and cook until the cheese melts.

Step 2: Assemble the Pastelillos

Place a slice of yellow cheese on the center of each dough disc. Add 3-4 tablespoons of the meat mixture over the cheese slice. Fold the dough over to cover the mixture and use a fork to crimp the edges. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Pastelillos in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 370 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 minutes. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and place 3-4 pastelillos into the basket. Close the basket and cook for 7 minutes. Check the pastelillos and cook for an additional 3 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of crispness. Repeat until all pastelillos are cooked.

Tips:

• You can use either ground beef or ground turkey for the picadillo meat.
• You can substitute the simple picadillo recipe with a Cuban picadillo or a sweet and savory turkey mango picadillo.
• You can use store-bought dough discs or make your own dough from scratch. If using store-bought, look for frozen empanada "discos" at your local supermarket.
• You do not need to flip the pastelillos in the air fryer, but you may do so if desired.
• Air fryer pastelillos will not taste exactly like fried pastelillos, but they are a healthier alternative.
• You can freeze any leftover picadillo and use it later. Cooked picadillo will last up to three days in the fridge.
• You can bake the pastelillos in the oven if you don't have an air fryer. Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-15 minutes.

Differences between pastelillos and empanadas

Pastelillos and empanadas are both Latin American pastries that can be filled with various sweet or savoury ingredients. However, there are some differences between the two.

Dough

Empanadas are typically made with a thicker dough that can be either baked or fried. On the other hand, pastelillos use a lighter, flakier pastry dough and are usually baked. Empanadas typically use a flour-based dough, sometimes mixed with baking powder to achieve a slightly flaky texture. Pastelillos, meanwhile, use puff pastry dough, resulting in a flakier and more delicate crust.

Fillings

Both pastries offer a wide variety of fillings. Empanadas often contain meat, vegetables, cheese, or a combination of these. They may also include sweet ingredients like raisins. Pastelillos are commonly found with savoury fillings such as meat and cheese, but they are more frequently filled with sweet fruit jams or guava paste.

Cooking Methods

The cooking methods for empanadas and pastelillos also differ. Empanadas can be baked or fried, with frying being more common in certain regions. The dough for fried empanadas often contains more oil, resulting in a crispier texture. Pastelillos are typically baked, allowing the puff pastry to rise and create layers of flakiness. However, they can also be deep-fried to achieve a crispy, golden exterior.

Filling options for pastelillos

Pastelillos are small turnovers made with a thin dough and crimped edges. They are usually filled with savoury ingredients but can also be made into a sweet treat. Here are some ideas for fillings:

Savoury fillings:

• Ground beef, potatoes, olives, raisins, and a savoury sauce
• Ground beef with cheese
• Chicken and salsa
• Sauteed cabbage
• Crab
• Guava and cream cheese
• Ground turkey
• Shredded salsa chicken
• Leftover chilli
• Marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese
• Homemade taco meat
• Shredded chicken
• Spinach and feta cheese
• Ham and swiss cheese
• Guava paste and dusted with powdered sugar
• Ground pork and apple
• Nutella and strawberries
• Cheese and black beans
• Lamb curry
• Spinach and cheese
• Sweet cheese and a fruit filling, such as raspberry or apricot
• Veggies and cheese
• Ground beef, onions, and salsa
• Avocado, chicken, corn, and salsa
• Cream cheese, chicken, and green chillies
• Shredded seasoned chicken and a thinly sliced hard-boiled egg
• Portabello mushrooms
• Potatoes, onions, lamb, and gravy
• Ground beef, mushrooms, carrots, and peppers
• Sweet potatoes
• Cilantro and ground turkey
• Sausage and apples
• Ham, swiss cheese, and fried plantain
• Potatoes and ground beef
• Beans, rice, and ground meat
• Tuna, diced tomatoes, raisins, and olives
• Ground beef, corn, raisins, and walnuts
• Ground pork and rosemary
• Ground beef, mushrooms, onions, and peppers
• Chorizo and queso Oaxaca
• Carne desebrada (shredded meat)
• Pizza toppings
• Ground beef, onions, and Mexican cheese
• Ground beef, onions, and adobo seasoning
• Ground beef, oregano, garlic, and cilantro
• Ground beef, tomato sauce, and potatoes
• Ground beef, olives, sofrito, and sazón seasoning
• Ground beef, onions, tomato sauce, potatoes, raisins, and olives
• Ground beef, adobo seasoning, garlic, oregano, cilantro, and shredded cheese
• Ground beef, onions, adobo seasoning, and olive oil
• Ground beef, onions, garlic, oregano, sazón seasoning, and cilantro
• Ground beef, onions, adobo seasoning, olive oil, tomato sauce, and water

Sweet fillings:

• Guava and cheese
• Apple pie filling
• Guava paste and cream cheese
• Cinnamon apple
• Cheese
• Chicken, onion, and corn
• Raspberries and cream cheese

Cooking and serving instructions

Ingredients

• 1 to 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/2 tbsp of Adobo seasoning
• 1 packet of sazon seasoning
• 1/4 cup shredded cheese
• 15 slices of yellow cheese
• 2 pounds of lean ground beef
• 2 tsp of dried oregano
• 2 tbsp of cilantro, chopped
• 10 empanada dough discs (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 tbsp achiote oil
• 1/4 cup pimento-stuffed olives
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup bell pepper, chopped
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• Non-stick cooking spray

Method

• Place a large pan over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once the oil is warm, add the beef, Adobo seasoning, and onions into the pan.
• Brown the beef for about 6 to 7 minutes. Drain the ground beef.
• Add the rest of the ingredients to the pan. These include the remaining seasonings and cilantro.
• If you want to add an extra cheesy factor to your filling, you can add cheese to the pan. Cook until the cheese melts.
• Place a slice of cheese on the center of each dough disc.
• Add 3 to 4 tablespoons of the meat mixture over the slice of cheese.
• Fold over the dough to cover the mixture and use a fork to crimp the edges. Set aside.
• Preheat your air fryer to 370 degrees for 3 minutes.
• Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
• Place 3 to 4 pastelillos into the basket. Close the basket and cook for 7 minutes. Check afterward. You can cook it for another 3 minutes or until your desired level of crispness.
• Repeat until all the pastelillos are cooked.

Serving

Pastelillos are often served as a stand-alone dish or snack. They can also be served with rice and beans, green salad, potato salad, arroz con gandules, or arroz con pollo.

Frequently asked questions