Air-Fried Empanadas: A Quick, Easy, And Delicious Treat

Empanadas are a popular Latin American snack, often sold as street food. They are made by wrapping a soft dough around a variety of fillings, such as chicken, beef, or cheese, and then frying them. Air-fried empanadas are a healthier alternative to deep-fried ones, as they require less oil and are therefore less greasy. They are also quicker and easier to make, taking less than 30 minutes to prepare and cook.

Choosing the right dough

The type of dough you use for your empanadas will depend on the desired texture and taste. Empanada dough is typically similar to a savoury pie crust, made with flour, butter, and salt. Here are some options to consider:

Store-Bought Empanada Dough

This is a convenient option, and you can find it in the frozen section of most supermarkets. Look for "discos" or "discs" of empanada dough, which are already rolled out to the perfect thickness. You can choose between large or small discs, depending on whether you want to make meal-sized or snack-sized empanadas. You can also choose between white dough or dough with annatto, which has a golden yellow colour and a nutty, warm flavour similar to paprika or turmeric.

Homemade Empanada Dough

If you want to make your own dough from scratch, you can follow a recipe like the one provided by Delish. Their recipe includes all-purpose flour, cold unsalted butter, an egg, water, salt, and baking powder. This dough will result in a flaky, golden crust for your empanadas. However, making your own dough will add some time and effort to the overall recipe.

Alternative Dough Options

If you're unable to find store-bought empanada dough or want to try something different, there are a few alternatives you can use. Pre-rolled pie crust or pie dough can be used, although it may be slightly sweeter than traditional empanada dough. Premade biscuit dough or crescent roll dough are also options, and for a flakier result, you can roll out the dough thinner before filling and cooking. For a low-carb version, you can substitute the traditional dough with an almond flour-based dough.

Filling options

Empanadas can be filled with anything from chicken to beef, cheese, or vegetables. Here are some ideas for filling options:

Beef Empanadas

For beef empanadas, you can use a filling of ground beef, onion, garlic, cumin, olives, and raisins. 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 Empanadas

For chicken empanadas, you can fill them with shredded chicken, salsa, sauteed cabbage, or cheese. You can also add in onions and bell peppers for a fajita flavor.

Vegetarian Empanadas

For vegetarian empanadas, you can use sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and cheese. You can also fill them with scrambled eggs, cooked bacon or sausage, or even just cheese and vegetables.

Sweet Empanadas

For a dessert option, you can try using a fruit filling like apples or peaches with cinnamon.

Other Options

You can also get creative and experiment with different fillings such as ground turkey, chili, taco meat, lobster, or pizza toppings.

Sealing the empanadas

Start by placing an empanada disc on a flat surface in front of you. You can use store-bought frozen empanada discs or make your own dough from scratch. If you're making your own dough, it should be similar to a savory pie crust made with flour, butter, and salt.

Add your desired filling to the centre of the disc. For a meal-sized empanada, use about 2 tablespoons of filling. If you're making smaller empanadas, a few teaspoons will be enough. Avoid overfilling, as this will make it difficult to seal the empanada. Keep the filling towards one side of the dough to make shaping easier.

Next, carefully fold the dough over the filling to form a half circle, encasing the filling inside. Use your fingers to press the edges of the dough together and seal it closed. You can also use a fork to crimp and seal the edges, which will give it a pretty finish. This step is crucial to ensure the empanada is well-sealed.

To further strengthen the seal, you can create an egg wash by whisking together an egg and a small amount of water. Brush this mixture over the sealed edges of the empanada. The egg wash will also give the empanada a golden colour when cooked.

Finally, place the empanadas in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Air fry at a temperature between 325°F and 400°F for around 8 to 10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crisp.

Egg wash

An egg wash is a crucial step in the process of making empanadas, as it helps seal the edges of the pastry and gives the crust a beautiful golden sheen. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare and apply an egg wash for your air-fried empanadas.

Preparing the Egg Wash

Start by cracking an egg into a bowl. You can use the entire egg or just the egg whites, depending on your preference. If you are unable to consume eggs, you can substitute with olive oil. Beat the egg thoroughly with a fork until it is well combined. Next, add a small amount of liquid to the beaten egg. Typically, water or milk is used, and a pinch of salt can be added for flavour. Stir the mixture until everything is well combined.

Applying the Egg Wash

Before applying the egg wash, ensure your empanadas are assembled and ready for baking. Brush a small amount of the egg wash lightly over the edges of the empanada pastry. This will help seal the edges together and prevent them from opening during the baking process. Once sealed, you can brush the egg wash over the entire surface of the empanadas. This will give them a glossy finish and a golden brown colour when baked.

Baking the Empanadas

After applying the egg wash, your empanadas are ready to be baked in the air fryer. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, and cook in batches if necessary. Air fry at a temperature between 325-350 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they achieve a golden brown colour. Remember to turn them halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

Tips and Tricks

• If you want to add some spice to your empanadas, you can include jalapeño in the meat filling.
• For a vegetarian option, you can fill your empanadas with black beans, corn, and salsa.
• If you don't consume eggs, you can simply spray or brush your empanadas with olive oil before air frying.
• Empanadas can be frozen and cooked directly from frozen in the air fryer. Adjust the cooking time to about 12 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for empanadas in an air fryer will depend on the type of filling you use and the number of empanadas you cook at once.

For beef empanadas, cook at 325°F for 8 minutes. You can also cook them at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes, turning halfway or until golden.

For chicken empanadas, cook at 400°F for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through.

If you are cooking a large batch of empanadas, you may need to cook them for a few minutes longer. It is important to ensure that the empanadas do not overcrowd the air fryer, as this can affect the cooking time and temperature.

Additionally, different air fryers may vary in terms of cooking time and temperature, so it is always a good idea to check on your empanadas a minute or two before the suggested cooking time is up to ensure they don't overcook.

Frequently asked questions