Air-Fryer Pastelillos: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Pastelillos are turnovers filled with a savoury filling and traditionally fried. This recipe will show you how to make a healthier version of this Puerto Rican dish using an air fryer.

Choosing the right dough

The dough you choose for your pastelillos will determine the texture of the finished product. Empanada dough is typically used for pastelillos, but you can also use pie crust, puff pastry, or pizza dough. Here are some things to consider when choosing the right dough for your pastelillos:

Empanada Dough

Empanada dough is the traditional choice for pastelillos and is similar to a savory pie crust made with flour, butter, and salt. It is typically thicker and sturdier than other types of dough, such as pastry dough. You can make your own empanada dough from scratch or opt for store-bought dough, which is typically sold as frozen "discos" and can be found in the Latin foods section of most supermarkets. Empanada dough comes in different sizes, including regular and mini, and in white or yellow. The yellow dough is coloured and flavoured with annatto, giving it a subtle earthy flavour similar to paprika or turmeric.

Pie Crust

If you're looking for a convenient option, store-bought refrigerated pie crust can be a good alternative to empanada dough. Simply unroll the pie crust and use a cookie cutter or cup to cut circles in the dough. This method is quick and easy, but the final product may be slightly sweeter than traditional pastelillos.

Puff Pastry

Puff pastry is a light and flaky dough that can be used as a substitute for empanada dough. However, it may be too delicate for pastelillos, as it is not as sturdy as empanada dough. If you choose to use puff pastry, look for pre-cut empanada dough or cut the pastry into circles using a biscuit cutter or ring.

Pizza Dough

Pizza dough is another option for making pastelillos, but it will give them a bready texture that differs from the traditional pastelillo. It may be better suited for other types of savoury turnovers or calzones.

When choosing the right dough for your pastelillos, consider the desired texture and flavour. Empanada dough is the traditional choice and will give you an authentic, sturdy pastelillo. Pie crust, puff pastry, and pizza dough can be used as substitutes, but they will yield different results. Experiment with different types of dough to find the one that best suits your taste and preferences.

Filling options

Pastelillos are a savoury turnover, and can be filled with anything from meat to cheese to vegetables. Here are some ideas for fillings to use in your air-fried pastelillos:

Beef

For a beef filling, you can use leftover chilli con carne, or make a Puerto Rican picadillo with ground beef, onions, garlic, and Adobo seasoning. You can also add cheese to your beef pastelillo, either shredded or sliced.

Chicken

Shredded chicken with salsa is a good option for a pastelillo filling. You could also make a chicken fajita filling by adding onions and bell peppers.

Turkey

You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey in any of the above options. You could also make a sweet and savoury filling by using turkey and mango.

Vegetarian

For a vegetarian option, you could fill your pastelillos with sautéed cabbage, black beans and corn with salsa, or your favourite melty cheese.

Sealing the pastelillos

Firstly, you will need to decide on your filling. This can be anything from beef picadillo to shredded chicken, salsa, cheese, or vegetables. It is important that your filling is not too wet, as this can make sealing the pastelillos more difficult and may cause them to leak during cooking. If your filling is looking a little wet, you can try draining off any excess liquid or adding some absorbent ingredients such as breadcrumbs or cheese.

Next, you will need to prepare your pastry discs. You can make your own pastry or use store-bought empanada discs, which are typically found in the frozen section of supermarkets. If using frozen discs, be sure to defrost them before use, but only remove them from the freezer a few hours before you need them as they can get gummy if left in the refrigerator for too long.

Now it's time to assemble your pastelillos. Take one disc and place it in front of you. Spoon your chosen filling onto the centre of the disc, using around 3-4 tablespoons of filling for a large pastelillo or a few teaspoons for a smaller one. Be careful not to overfill, as this will make sealing difficult. You can also try keeping the filling towards one side of the disc, as this can make shaping easier.

Once you have added your filling, it's time to seal the pastelillo. Fold the disc over the filling to form a half-circle, encasing the filling inside. Use your fingers to press the edges of the disc together and seal them tightly. You can then use the back of a fork to crimp the edges and ensure a secure seal. Some people also like to use an egg wash to help seal the edges, but this is not necessary. The egg wash is made by whisking together an egg and a small amount of water, which is then brushed onto the edges of the pastry.

Finally, if desired, you can brush the tops of the pastelillos with the egg wash. This will give them a golden brown crust and a shiny appearance.

Now your pastelillos are assembled and sealed, they are ready to be cooked in your air fryer!

Cooking temperature and time

The cooking temperature and time for pastelillos in an air fryer will depend on the type of dough and filling used, as well as the size of the air fryer.

For pastelillos made with store-bought empanada dough, such as Goya empanada discs, the air fryer should be set to between 325°F and 380°F. The pastelillos will take between 5 and 10 minutes to cook, depending on the desired level of crispiness.

For example, one source recommends cooking at 370°F for 7 minutes, then checking on the pastelillos and cooking for up to 3 minutes longer if needed. Another source recommends cooking at 330°F for 8 minutes, or until the pastelillos are golden brown and crisp.

If you are using a larger air fryer, you may be able to fit more pastelillos in a single layer, but this will also affect the cooking time.

It is also important to note that different air fryers may have different instructions for preheating, so be sure to refer to your air fryer's manual for specific instructions. However, preheating the air fryer for 1-2 minutes is generally recommended to ensure even cooking.

Additionally, if you are using frozen empanada discs, it is best to defrost them before using them. They can be defrosted by placing them in the fridge for a few hours or on the countertop for a shorter period of time.

Finally, if you are cooking frozen pastelillos, they can be cooked directly from frozen in the air fryer. The recommended temperature for this is 350°F, and the cooking time will be around 12 minutes, or until they are golden and hot.

Serving suggestions

Pastelillos are a versatile dish that can be served as a snack, appetiser, or main course. They can be paired with various sides or enjoyed on their own. Here are some ideas for serving your air-fried pastelillos:

• On their own: Pastelillos can be a meal on their own, especially if they are filled with a hearty filling such as meat and vegetables.
• With salsa: For a classic pairing, serve your pastelillos with a side of salsa for dunking. The salsa will add a fresh and spicy kick to your meal.
• With a side salad: For a lighter option, pair your pastelillos with a fresh side salad. This can include a variety of greens, vegetables, and a dressing of your choice.
• Rice and beans: For a heartier meal, serve your pastelillos with a side of rice and beans. This will add some extra protein and carbohydrates to your dish.
• Vegetable soup: If you're looking for a warm and comforting meal, pair your pastelillos with a bowl of vegetable soup. This can be a satisfying option during colder months.
• Guava and cheese pastelitos: For a sweet treat, serve your pastelillos with Cuban guava and cheese pastelitos. These are typically made with pastry dough that is crumbly and sweet.
• Leftovers: Pastelillos are also great for leftovers. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and reheat them in the air fryer when you're ready to eat.
• Freezer meals: You can also freeze your cooked pastelillos for later. Simply pop them back into the air fryer and cook at 350°F for about 12 minutes, or until they are heated through.

Frequently asked questions