Tiffany Haney
Empanadas are a popular snack or meal that can be cooked in an air fryer. They are a type of savoury turnover with roots tracing back to Spain, but most people associate them with Latin American cuisine. They are made by wrapping soft dough around a filling and then frying or baking them. Air-fried empanadas are a healthier alternative to deep-fried ones and take much less time to cook. They are also very versatile, as you can fill them with beef, chicken, turkey, vegetables, or cheese. The cooking time for empanadas in an air fryer is usually around 8 minutes at 325°F to 350°F, but this can vary depending on the size and number of empanadas being cooked.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 325°F - 400°F |
| Cooking time | 8-15 minutes |
| Reheating time | 5-12 minutes |
| Filling | Beef, chicken, turkey, cheese, vegetables, etc. |
| Dough | Homemade, store-bought, biscuit dough, crescent roll dough, pie dough, etc. |
| Dough size | 1/8-inch thick, 4.5-inch diameter |
| Number of empanadas | 2-6 per batch |
| Preheat time | 1-2 minutes |
| Storage time | 3-4 days in the refrigerator, 3-5 months in the freezer |
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What You'll Learn
Empanada fillings
Empanadas are crescent-shaped pastries that can be filled with a variety of savoury or sweet fillings. They are popular in Latin America, and each country and region has its own variations. Here are some ideas for empanada fillings:
Beef
One of the most popular fillings for empanadas is beef. This can be made with ground beef, yellow onions, red bell peppers, and beef broth. The beef is cooked with seasonings such as kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. You can also add in some chopped green onions and shredded cheese.
Chicken
Chicken empanadas can be made with shredded chicken and salsa, or with onions and bell peppers for a fajita flavour. You can also experiment with more creative fillings, such as chicken pot pie.
Vegetarian
Vegetarian empanada fillings can include black beans and corn with salsa, sautéed cabbage, or your favourite melty cheese. You can also try a pumpkin and chorizo filling, or a simple cheese empanada.
Seafood
For seafood lovers, there are options such as shrimp and cheese (queso y camarones) or lobster empanadas.
Other options
You can also experiment with more unique fillings, such as leftover chilli, or even a dessert empanada like apple cheesecake.
The key to successful empanadas is to be creative and choose fillings that complement each other. You can also customise the dough to suit your filling, by using different types of flour or adding ingredients like vinegar or yogurt.
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Air fryer temperature and time
The temperature and time for cooking empanadas in an air fryer depend on several factors, including the type of empanada, the size of the air fryer, and the desired level of crispness. Here is a detailed guide to help you achieve the perfect air-fried empanadas:
Air Frying Frozen Empanadas:
If you're cooking frozen empanadas, it's best to cook them at a higher temperature to ensure they are heated through. Set your air fryer to 350°F (175-190°C) and cook for 12-15 minutes. You may need to adjust the time depending on your air fryer and the size of your empanadas. It is recommended to turn them halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning.
Air Frying Fresh Empanadas:
For freshly made empanadas, a lower temperature is suitable. Set your air fryer to 325-330°F (175°C) and cook for 8-10 minutes. Again, you may need to adjust the time based on your air fryer and the size of your empanadas. For even browning, flip the empanadas halfway through the cooking process.
Preheating the Air Fryer:
Some air fryer manuals recommend preheating, while others do not. Preheating your air fryer for 1-3 minutes at the desired temperature can ensure even cooking. Additionally, brushing the tops of the empanadas with an egg wash before placing them in the air fryer will give them a golden brown crust.
Cooking in Batches:
Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the empanadas in batches to avoid overcrowding. Arrange the empanadas in a single layer, leaving space between them to ensure even cooking and browning. If cooking in batches, repeat the air-frying process for the remaining empanadas.
Reheating Empanadas:
To reheat cooked empanadas, simply place them back in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes until thoroughly heated. You can also reheat frozen cooked empanadas in the air fryer, ensuring they are heated through and crispy.
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Empanada dough
Empanadas are a popular Latin American street food with roots in Spain. They are made by wrapping a soft dough around a flavorful filling, which can be savoury or sweet, and then frying or baking them.
If you want to make empanada dough from scratch, you will need the following basic ingredients:
- Flour
- Butter
- Salt
- Egg
- Water
Some recipes suggest using lard instead of butter for a more traditional dough, and milk instead of water. You can also experiment with adding annatto for an earthy flavour and a yellow colour.
To make the dough, combine the flour and salt in a large bowl. Add the melted butter, egg yolks, and water to the flour mixture. Mix the wet and dry ingredients together with your hands until a dough begins to form. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and continue to knead until a consistent ball of dough forms. If the dough feels too wet, add more flour a tablespoon at a time. Cover the dough and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Once chilled, divide the dough into quarters, eighths, or sixteenths, depending on how big you want your empanadas to be. Roll each piece of dough into a ball, then use a rolling pin to roll it into a flat circle.
Now your empanada dough is ready to be filled and cooked! Some recipes recommend sealing the edges of the empanadas with a fork, or by folding the dough over your finger in a specific way. You can brush the empanadas with an egg wash (a mixture of egg and water) before cooking to give them a golden colour.
If you don't want to make your own dough, you can buy frozen empanada discs or use store-bought pie dough.
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Reheating and storing
Empanadas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months and will keep well in the freezer. To freeze empanadas, let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet for 1-2 hours before transferring to a freezer bag or airtight container.
To reheat fresh empanadas, cook them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway. Reheating frozen empanadas requires a slightly higher temperature and longer cooking time: cook at 370°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until piping hot. You can also reheat frozen empanadas at 350°F for about 12 minutes, turning halfway until golden and hot.
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Sealing the empanadas
Sealing empanadas is considered the most difficult part of the cooking process. However, it is a crucial step to ensure your empanadas don't fall apart or leak filling during frying.
Firstly, it is important not to overstuff your empanadas. While it may seem like the filling is too small, 2-3 tablespoons of filling will be plenty. Overstuffing can cause the empanadas to burst open during frying. Additionally, you should try to remove as much air from the pocket as possible. Excess air will expand in the hot oil, causing a large bubble that will make it difficult to turn and cook the empanadas evenly.
To seal the empanadas, you can use a few different methods. One method is to fold the dough in half and use a fork to press and seal the edges together. Be careful not to puncture the dough. Another method is to pinch the bottom end of the dough disk to start the seal, then spoon in the filling and complete the seal by rolling the edge. You can also use your finger to moisten the outer edge of the dough with water to ensure a good seal. Once sealed, you can brush the empanadas with an egg wash (a mixture of egg and water) to help them brown and develop a crispy texture during frying.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you cook empanadas in an air fryer for 8 minutes at 325°F-330°F.
Brush the tops of the empanadas with egg wash before cooking. This will give them a nice golden brown crust and shine.
This depends on the size of your air fryer and the size of your empanadas. You can cook 2-6 large empanadas at once in a single layer.
Reheat the empanadas in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes.
Cook frozen empanadas at 350°F for about 12 minutes, turning halfway until golden and hot.
