Tiffany Haney
Empanadas are a delicious snack or meal, and cooking them in an air fryer is a great way to make them healthier without sacrificing taste or texture. Air-fried empanadas are just as tasty as their deep-fried counterparts, with much less grease. They're also quicker to cook, taking half the time of baking in the oven. You can use store-bought empanada dough or make your own, and fill them with your choice of meat, vegetables, and spices. The air fryer ensures they come out golden and crispy, and they're easy to reheat, too.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dough | Empanada dough, frozen or from scratch |
| Filling | Beef, chicken, turkey, vegetables, cheese |
| Temperature | 325°F-400°F |
| Time | 8-10 minutes |
| Preheat | 1-2 minutes-3 minutes |
| Layer | Single |
| Quantity | 2-6 per batch |
| Reheat | 350°F for 8-10 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right dough
Store-bought dough, such as the popular Goya empanada discs, offers convenience and a timesaving option. These discs are typically found in the freezer section and come in regular and mini sizes, with yellow or white dough options. The yellow dough contains annatto, imparting a subtle earthy flavour.
If you prefer to make your own dough from scratch, there are various recipes available, including a Greek yogurt dough mentioned by one source. Making your own dough allows you to customise the flavour and texture to your liking. However, it does require more time and effort.
Regardless of your choice, ensure that the dough is defrosted before use if it has been frozen. This step is crucial for achieving the desired texture and ensuring even cooking.
The type of dough you choose will depend on your personal preference, the amount of time you have, and the specific recipe you are following. Both store-bought and homemade doughs can deliver delicious results, so feel free to experiment and find the option that best suits your needs.
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Filling options
Empanadas are a beloved dish in many Latin American countries, with variations found in Spain, Portugal, and even the Philippines. They are typically made from dough that encases a variety of delicious fillings and are then sealed and cooked to perfection. The best part about empanadas is that they can be filled with just about anything! Here are some filling options to get you started:
Meat Options
Empanadas can be filled with a variety of meats such as ground beef, ground turkey, chicken, or sausage. You can also get creative and use leftover meat, such as chili or taco meat. For a more luxurious option, try making lobster empanadas.
Vegetarian Options
For a meatless option, fill your empanadas with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and cheese. You can also add black beans and corn, or scrambled eggs for a heartier option. If you're looking for a spicy kick, include diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
Sweet Options
For a sweet treat, fill your empanadas with fruit, chocolate, or sweet cheeses. You can also get creative and make apple cheesecake empanadas for a unique dessert option.
Customization
The beauty of empanadas is that they are highly customizable. You can switch up the protein, add different spices and vegetables, or even use store-bought pie dough instead of making your own. The options are endless, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite combinations!
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Cooking temperature and time
The cooking temperature and time for empanadas in an air fryer depend on whether they are fresh or frozen. Fresh empanadas should be cooked at 325°F to 350°F for 8 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even browning. Empanadas are ready when they are golden and crispy.
Some recipes suggest cooking at 400°F for 8 minutes, again flipping halfway through. However, this higher temperature may be too high for some air fryers. It is recommended to consult the air fryer's instruction manual to determine the optimal temperature and time.
If cooking frozen empanadas, it is best to cook them at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, or 370°F for 12-15 minutes, until they are heated through.
To reheat cooked empanadas, place them in the air fryer at 330°F for about 5 minutes, or 350°F for 8-10 minutes, until warmed through.
It is worth noting that the number of empanadas that can be cooked at once will depend on the size of the air fryer and the size of the empanadas. It is important to arrange them in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap, and cook in batches if necessary. Additionally, preheating the air fryer for 1-2 minutes can help ensure even cooking and crispiness, although this is not required by all air fryer manuals.
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Reheating and storing
Empanadas can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, although some sources suggest they will keep for only three to four days.
To keep the flaky texture of the empanadas, it is recommended to reheat them in an air fryer for about four to five minutes at 330°F to 350°F until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they may become soggy.
Empanadas can also be frozen. Let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They will keep for up to three months.
To reheat frozen empanadas, use the air fryer at 350°F to 370°F for about 8 to 12 minutes, or until piping hot.
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Air fryer alternatives
Empanadas are a popular Latin American snack, often deep-fried to achieve a crispy, golden texture. Air fryers are a great alternative to deep frying, as they require little to no oil and produce a similar texture. However, if you don't have an air fryer, there are other alternatives to cooking empanadas to achieve that desirable crispiness.
Baking
Baking empanadas in the oven is a good alternative to using an air fryer. While the empanadas may not have the same blistered, crispy texture, they will still be tasty. Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes.
Pan-Frying
Pan-frying empanadas is another option. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat, and cook the empanadas in batches until golden brown and crispy. This method allows you to have more control over the cooking process and ensures even browning.
Using a Different Cooking Spray
If you're looking for an alternative to the typical non-stick cooking spray used in air fryers, you can try using a different type of oil or cooking spray. Some alternatives include avocado oil, olive oil, or a flavoured cooking spray. These alternatives can add a subtle flavour to your empanadas while still providing the same non-stick properties.
Alternative Dough Options
While store-bought empanada dough, such as Goya empanada discs, is convenient, you can also experiment with alternative dough options. For example, Jiffy pie crust mix, crescent roll dough, or biscuit dough can be used to create a delicious and flaky empanada pastry.
Filling Variations
The beauty of empanadas is their versatility. While ground beef is a popular choice, you can easily switch it up with ground turkey, chicken, or sausage. For a vegetarian option, try a filling of black beans, corn, and salsa. You can also get creative with spices and vegetables to add extra flavour to your empanadas.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes 8 minutes to cook empanadas in an air fryer. However, if you are cooking from frozen, it will take 12-15 minutes.
Set your air fryer to 330°F or 325°F. Some sources suggest 400°F.
This depends on the size of your air fryer and the size of your empanadas. You can likely fit 2-6 large empanadas in a single layer.
Brush the empanadas with an egg wash before cooking. This will give them a nice golden brown crust and shine.
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