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, such as chicken, beef, or cheese, and then deep-frying them. However, you can also make them in an air fryer, which is healthier and less greasy. To make empanadas in an air fryer, you will need empanada dough, either store-bought or homemade, and your desired filling. You can fill the empanadas with anything from ground beef to leftover chilli. First, defrost the frozen dough and add your desired filling. Then, seal the empanadas by folding the dough in half and using a fork to press down on the edges. You can then brush the empanadas with an egg wash to help them turn golden brown. Finally, air fry the empanadas in a single layer at 325°F to 390°F for 8 to 10 minutes, turning them halfway through.

Choosing the right empanada dough

Empanada dough is similar to a savoury pie crust and is usually made with flour, butter and salt. You can make your own dough from scratch or buy it pre-made.

If you're making your own, you can use a Greek yogurt dough or a more traditional dough made with flour, butter and salt.

If you're buying pre-made dough, you can find frozen empanada "discos" at most major supermarkets, usually in the same section as other Latin foods. You can also use pre-rolled pie crust or pie dough, but this will be slightly sweeter. Another option is premade biscuit dough or crescent roll dough.

When buying empanada dough, you'll have a few options:

• First, decide if you want large or small discs. Large discs are perfect for meal-sized empanadas, while small discs are better for appetisers or snacks.
• Next, choose between white dough or dough with annatto added, which has a golden yellow colour and a nutty, warm flavour similar to paprika or turmeric.

Filling options

Empanadas can be filled with anything from chicken to cheese to vegetables. Here are some ideas for fillings:

Beef

For beef empanadas, cook ground beef with onions and garlic until browned. Then add cumin, green olives, and raisins. You can also add in other spices like chili powder and cayenne pepper. This filling can be used to make empanadas with a spicy beef picadillo.

Chicken

Chicken empanadas can be made with shredded chicken and salsa, or chicken with scallions and cheese. You can also add in spices like cumin, black pepper, and garlic powder.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian empanadas can be made with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and cheese. You can also fill them with black beans, corn, and salsa, or even just cheese.

Other Options

Other filling options include ground turkey, shredded salsa chicken, leftover chili, pizza sauce and mozzarella cheese, taco meat, lobster, or scrambled eggs with bacon or sausage. For a sweet option, you can fill them with fruit like apples or peaches and cinnamon.

Sealing the empanadas

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Before you start sealing, make sure you have your desired filling ready. This could be anything from beef picadillo to leftover chilli, shredded chicken, or even cheese and vegetables. Once you have your filling prepared, you can move on to the next step.

Step 2: Fill and Seal

Place one empanada disc on a flat surface in front of you. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of your chosen filling onto the disc, slightly off-centre. Be careful not to overfill, as this will make sealing difficult. Fold the disc in half, encasing the filling inside. Use your fingers to pinch the edges of the dough together, sealing them tightly. This will help ensure that the filling doesn't leak out during cooking.

Step 3: Crimp the Edges

Once you've sealed the empanada with your fingers, it's time to crimp the edges for added security and a pretty finish. Use a fork to carefully crimp the edges of the dough. This will create a tight seal and also give your empanadas a nice, decorative touch. Repeat this process for all your empanadas.

Step 4: Egg Wash (Optional)

Although not necessary, an egg wash can help give your empanadas a golden colour and a crispy texture. In a small bowl, whisk together an egg and a tablespoon of water to create the egg wash. Brush this mixture over the sealed empanadas. This step is especially useful if you're not using oil or frying your empanadas.

Step 5: Chill (Optional)

Chilling your empanadas for about 30 minutes after sealing can help the dough maintain its shape and make it easier to work with. This step is optional but can be beneficial if you find that your dough is getting soft or difficult to handle.

Tips for Successful Sealing:

• Avoid overfilling your empanadas. This is a common mistake that can lead to leakage during cooking.
• Use your fingers to pinch the edges of the dough together firmly before crimping with a fork.
• If you're making a large batch, seal each empanada as you fill it, rather than filling multiple empanadas and sealing them all at once.
• If you're having trouble with your empanadas staying sealed, you can try chilling the filled and sealed empanadas before cooking to help set the seal.

Brushing with egg wash

To prepare the egg wash, whisk together one large egg and one tablespoon of water in a small bowl. You can also just use egg whites if you prefer. Brush this mixture over the tops of the empanadas before placing them in the air fryer.

If you are making a large batch of empanadas, you may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer. Make sure to brush each batch with the egg wash before placing them in the air fryer.

If you don't eat eggs, you can simply spray the empanadas with some olive oil before air frying.

Air fryer settings

• Temperature: Set your air fryer to the right temperature to ensure your empanadas are cooked thoroughly and attain a desirable golden colour. The ideal temperature range is between 325°F and 400°F. Depending on your air fryer model and filling, you may need to adjust the temperature slightly.
• Cooking Time: Empanadas typically require 8 to 10 minutes of cooking time in the air fryer. However, it is important to keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking. Flip them halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking on both sides.
• Batches: Depending on the size of your air fryer and the empanadas, you may need to cook them in batches. Place them in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. This allows for even cooking and prevents them from sticking together.
• Preheating: Although not all air fryer manuals recommend preheating, it is beneficial to let the air fryer heat up for about 1-2 minutes. This helps to ensure even cooking and crispiness for your empanadas.
• Freezing and Reheating: You can freeze leftover empanadas for future meals. Simply place them in an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months. When ready to eat, pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F for about 12 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy again.
• Egg Wash: Before placing your empanadas in the air fryer, brush them with an egg wash. This gives them a beautiful golden colour and helps seal them shut. You can use a whole egg or just the egg whites, depending on your preference. If you're avoiding eggs, a light spritz of olive oil will do the trick!
• Non-stick Spray: To prevent your empanadas from sticking to the air fryer basket, it is essential to use a non-stick cooking spray or line the basket with air fryer parchment paper. This ensures that your empanadas release easily and maintains the integrity of the air fryer.

Frequently asked questions