Air-Fried Empanadas: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Empanadas are a popular snack with roots in Spain and Latin America. They are made by wrapping a soft dough around a variety of fillings, from chicken to beef, and even vegetarian options. The traditional method of cooking empanadas is deep-frying, but this can be messy and unhealthy. Air fryers offer a convenient alternative that produces crispy, golden empanadas without the grease. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of using an air fryer to cook empanadas, as well as provide a step-by-step guide on how to make them.

Choosing the right empanada dough

Empanadas are a delicious snack, but choosing the right dough is essential to ensure they turn out perfectly. You can make your own empanada dough from scratch, or you can opt for store-bought options. Here are some tips to help you choose the right empanada dough:

Making Your Own Dough

If you want to make your own dough from scratch, you can follow a traditional empanada dough recipe, which is similar to a savory pie crust. It typically includes flour, butter, and salt. However, you can also experiment with other types of dough, such as Greek yogurt dough. Making your own dough allows you to control the ingredients and create a unique flavor and texture.

Store-Bought Empanada Dough

If you prefer convenience, you can opt for store-bought empanada dough, which is typically found in the freezer section of supermarkets. These pre-made "discos" are already rolled out to the perfect thickness, saving you time and effort. Look for Goya empanada discs, which are a popular choice and come in two sizes: regular and mini. You can also find them in yellow or white varieties, with the yellow dough having a subtle earthy flavor due to the addition of annatto.

Choosing the Right Size

When selecting store-bought empanada dough, consider the size of the discs. Large discs are perfect for meal-sized empanadas, while small discs are ideal for appetizers, snacks, or dessert empanadas. Choose the size that best suits your intended use.

Dough Flavor and Color

In addition to size, you can choose between white dough or dough with annatto, which adds a golden yellow color and a nutty, warm flavor similar to paprika or turmeric. This choice depends on your personal preference and the type of filling you plan to use.

Defrosting Tips

Keep in mind that uncooked empanada discs don't defrost well in the refrigerator and can get gummy. It's best to take them out of the freezer a few hours before you plan to use them to ensure they defrost properly.

Alternative Dough Options

If you can't find store-bought empanada dough or prefer a different option, you can use pre-rolled pie crust dough, premade biscuit dough, or crescent roll dough. These alternatives will result in a slightly sweeter or flakier texture than traditional empanada dough, but they can still work well for your air fryer empanadas.

Filling options

Empanadas are a versatile dish that can be filled with a variety of savoury or sweet ingredients. Here are some ideas for filling options to get you started:

Savoury Options:

• Beef: One popular option is to fill empanadas with beef picadillo, a mixture of ground beef, onion, garlic, olives, and raisins. You can also add spices like cumin and cayenne pepper to taste.
• Chicken: Shredded chicken with salsa, or chicken with onions and bell peppers for a fajita flavour, are both tasty options.
• Turkey: Ground turkey can be used instead of beef for a different flavour profile.
• Chili: Use leftover chili as a filling for a hearty option.
• Cheese: Fill your empanadas with melty cheese, or combine with other ingredients like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and cheese for a vegetarian option.
• Beans and Vegetables: Try black beans and corn with salsa, or sautéed cabbage.

Sweet Options:

Fruit: Try a dessert version with a fruit filling such as apples or peaches with cinnamon.

Other Options:

• Pizza: Fill your empanadas with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese for a pizza-inspired treat.
• Taco: Use homemade taco meat as a filling for a familiar flavour.
• Lobster: For a luxurious option, try making lobster empanadas.

Sealing the empanadas

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Place your chosen filling in the centre of the empanada disc. It is recommended to use about 2 tablespoons of filling for a large empanada and a few teaspoons for a smaller one. Avoid overfilling, as this will make sealing difficult. Keep the filling towards one side of the dough to make shaping easier.

Step 2: Fold and Seal

Gently 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 carefully. You can also use a fork to crimp and seal the edges, which will ensure a stronger seal and create a pretty pattern.

Step 3: Egg Wash (Optional)

In a small bowl, whisk together an egg and a tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush this mixture over the sealed empanadas. This step is optional but helps to create a golden colour and a crispy texture.

Step 4: Chill (Optional)

Chilling the empanadas for about 30 minutes after sealing and brushing with the egg wash is optional but can help the dough retain its shape during air frying.

Tips for Sealing:

• Make sure to seal the edges of the empanadas tightly to avoid any leakage during cooking.
• Don't overfill the empanadas, as this will make sealing more challenging and increase the risk of leakage.
• If you're making a large batch, seal all the empanadas before placing them in the air fryer to ensure consistency.

Egg wash

The egg wash is an important step in achieving the perfect golden brown crust and shine on your empanadas. It also helps to seal the empanadas shut, ensuring that the filling doesn't leak out during cooking.

To make the egg wash, simply whisk together an egg and a small amount of water (roughly one tablespoon) in a small bowl. You can use either a whole egg or just the egg whites, depending on your preference. This mixture will be brushed onto the empanadas before air frying.

After assembling and sealing your empanadas, use a pastry brush to apply the egg wash to the tops of the empanadas. Be sure to coat them evenly for the best results. Then, place the empanadas in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches. Finally, brush the tops of the empanadas with the egg wash as well.

The egg wash will give your empanadas a beautiful golden colour and a crispy texture. It is a key step in achieving the perfect air-fried empanada!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for empanadas in an air fryer will depend on the type of filling and the size of the empanadas.

For regular-sized empanadas, filled with beef, cook at 325°F for 8 minutes. You can also try cooking at 330°F or 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes. If you are cooking in batches, you may need to cook for an additional 2 minutes.

For smaller empanadas, used as an appetizer or snack, the cooking time will be shorter. Cook these at 330°F for 5 to 8 minutes.

If you are cooking frozen empanadas, add a couple of minutes to the cooking time.

It is recommended that you preheat your air fryer for 1-2 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking.

Frequently asked questions