Air-Fried Empanadas: Beefy, Crispy, And Quick!

Empanadas are a popular handheld meal or snack, with roots tracing back to Spain, but are now mostly associated with Latin American cuisine. They are made with a soft dough, similar to pie crust dough, that is wrapped around a variety of fillings and then deep-fried or air-fried. Air-fried empanadas are a healthier alternative to deep-fried ones, as they use less oil and are therefore less greasy. They are also quicker and easier to make, with a cooking time of around 8-10 minutes, and can be filled with anything from beef to chicken, cheese, or vegetables.

Choosing the right dough

The dough you choose for your beef empanadas will play a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture and taste. While you can opt for store-bought dough or make your own from scratch, it's important to select a type that complements the filling and cooking method. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right dough for your air fryer beef empanadas:

Type of Dough

Empanada dough is typically similar to a savoury pie crust, made with flour, butter, and salt. However, you can also use other types of dough such as puff pastry, pizza dough, or even pie crust in a pinch. It's important to note that while puff pastry may be too light and flaky, and pizza dough may be too bready, these options can still work if you adjust the thickness and rolling technique.

Store-Bought vs. Homemade

When it comes to convenience, store-bought empanada dough is a great option. It is widely available in the frozen section of most supermarkets, already rolled out to the perfect thickness. This saves you time and ensures consistency in the size and shape of your empanadas. However, if you prefer a more customised dough or want to avoid preservatives, making your own dough from scratch is a viable alternative.

Disc Size and Colour

Empanada discs come in different sizes, including large and small. Large discs are perfect for meal-sized empanadas, while small discs are ideal for appetisers or snacks. You can also find discs in yellow or white colours. The yellow dough typically contains annatto, which adds a nutty, warm flavour similar to paprika or turmeric. Choose the disc colour that best complements your filling and personal taste preferences.

Dough Preparation

Whether you opt for store-bought or homemade dough, proper preparation is key. For store-bought dough, pull the discs out of the freezer a few hours before use to allow them to defrost. For homemade dough, prepare the dough by mixing the dry ingredients, cutting in the butter, and adding the liquid ingredients. Knead the dough until smooth and refrigerate it for at least an hour to let it rest before rolling it out.

Customisation

If you want to add a unique twist to your empanadas, consider customising your dough. You can experiment with different spices and herbs, such as paprika, turmeric, or even chopped fresh cilantro, to enhance the flavour and colour of the dough. Additionally, if you're making your own dough, you can adjust the thickness by rolling it out to your desired size. Thicker dough will result in a heartier empanada, while thinner dough will create a flakier texture.

In conclusion, choosing the right dough for your air fryer beef empanadas involves considering the type of dough, convenience, disc size and colour, proper preparation, and customisation options. By selecting the best dough for your needs, you can elevate the taste and texture of your empanadas, making them a delicious treat for any occasion.

Making the filling

The filling is the star of these beef empanadas, so it's important to get it just right. Here's a detailed guide on how to make a delicious and flavourful filling:

Ingredients

Firstly, gather your ingredients. For a classic beef empanada filling, you'll need:

• Lean ground beef
• Olive oil
• Diced tomatoes
• Diced onion
• Minced garlic
• Spices: cumin, chili powder, dried oregano, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper
• Diced potatoes
• Diced carrots
• Frozen peas

You can also add some chopped pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick. If you want to amp up the flavour even more, add a splash of red wine vinegar, finely chopped capers, green olives, and a squeeze of yellow mustard.

Cooking the Filling

• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
• Add the diced onion and cook until softened, stirring occasionally (about 5-7 minutes).
• Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
• Put in the ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat and cook until it's no longer pink, about 5-10 minutes. Don't forget to drain the fat!
• Return the pan to medium heat and stir in tomato paste (if using) and all the spices. Give it a good mix so that everything is well combined.
• Add the diced potatoes and carrots, and don't forget to season with salt and pepper. You can also add the chopped jalapeños at this point if you're using them. Give everything a good stir and let it cook until the vegetables are soft and tender, about 10 minutes.
• Finally, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the frozen peas. The residual heat will thaw and warm them up nicely.

And there you have it—a delicious, flavourful filling for your beef empanadas! This filling is super versatile, so feel free to adjust the spices and ingredients to your taste. You can even substitute the beef with ground turkey or chicken for a different twist.

Assembling the empanadas

Now that you have your empanada dough and filling ready, it's time to assemble the empanadas!

First, you'll want to place one empanada disc in front of you on a flat surface. For large empanadas, you'll need about 2 tablespoons of filling, placed in the centre of the disc. For smaller empanadas, a few teaspoons should be enough. Be careful not to overfill, as this will make it difficult to seal your empanada. Keeping the filling towards one side of the disc will make shaping easier.

Next, fold the disc over to form a half-circle, encasing the filling inside. You can use your fingers to press the edges of the disc together to seal, and then crimp with a fork. This will ensure the empanada is well-sealed and will also create a pretty pattern.

At this point, you can brush the empanada with an egg wash. This will give it a golden colour and help the pastry crisp up. Simply beat an egg with a little water and brush the mixture over the empanadas.

Finally, place your assembled empanadas in the air fryer in a single layer, cooking them in batches if necessary. Make sure they are not overcrowded in the air fryer.

Now they are ready to be cooked!

Cooking in the air fryer

Now that you've gathered your ingredients, it's time to cook your beef empanadas in the air fryer! Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine your filling ingredients. For a savoury beef filling, try cooking ground beef with spices, onion, garlic, and tomato. You can also add vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and peas. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper!
• Make the egg wash: In a separate small bowl, whisk together an egg and a tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. This will give your empanadas a golden crust.
• Assemble the empanadas: Place your empanada dough discs on a flat surface. Add 2-3 tablespoons of filling to the centre of each disc. Use your finger to run some egg wash around the edge of the dough to help seal it. Then, fold the dough over the filling and press the edges to seal.
• Crimp the edges: Use a fork to carefully crimp the edges of the empanadas, ensuring they are well sealed. This will prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking.
• Brush with egg wash: Turn the empanadas over and brush the bottoms with the egg wash. This will give them a golden colour and help with crisping.
• Place in the air fryer basket: Place the empanadas into the air fryer basket, making sure they don't touch. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Cook the empanadas: Set your air fryer to 350-400°F and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping the empanadas halfway through. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
• Serve and enjoy: Remove the empanadas from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. They are best served fresh, but you can also store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Some additional tips for cooking beef empanadas in the air fryer:

• Seal the empanadas well to avoid any filling leakage.
• You can use store-bought empanada dough discs or make your own dough from scratch. If you're short on time, puff pastry or pre-rolled pie crust can be used, but the texture may be slightly different.
• Get creative with your fillings! While beef is a popular choice, you can also use chicken, cheese, vegetables, or even a sweet filling like fruit with cinnamon.
• If you want to freeze your uncooked empanadas for later, flash freeze them on a sheet pan first. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. You can cook them directly from frozen in the air fryer, increasing the cooking time by a few minutes.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer beef empanadas are a versatile dish that can be served as a snack, appetiser, or main course. They can be paired with various sides and dips to enhance their flavour and make them even more enjoyable.

For a hearty meal, serve the empanadas with a side of rice and beans or a simple green salad dressed with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. If you're looking for something more filling, a bowl of vegetable soup goes well with the empanadas.

For dipping, salsa is a great option, especially if you want some extra spice. Guacamole and sour cream are also delicious choices for adding creaminess and a tangy flavour. If you want something with a kick, serve them with hot sauce or spicy aioli.

Empanadas can also be served as part of a larger spread, such as with crunchy air fryer shrimp, frozen egg rolls, or air fryer French fries. They make a great addition to any party or gathering, offering a tasty handheld option for your guests.

Lastly, don't forget that empanadas can be customised to your taste. You can experiment with different fillings, such as chicken, vegetarian options, or even sweet fillings like apples or peaches with cinnamon for a dessert version.

Frequently asked questions