Air Fryer Empanadas
The ultimate comfort food, Air Fryer Empanadas deliver crispy perfection with a savory filling that tantalizes your taste buds. Quick to prepare and packed with flavor, these empanadas are perfect for any occasion. Make them for an easy weeknight dinner or serve them at your next gathering!
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 4 ounces diced potato
- ½ pound lean ground beef
- ⅓ cup yellow onion minced
- ½ red bell pepper finely diced
- ⅓ cup frozen peas
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ¼ cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Start by boiling 4 ounces of diced potato until they are fork-tender. This usually takes about 10 to 12 minutes. Don’t forget to drain them well and set aside for later.
- In a large frying pan, heat it over medium heat and add ½ pound of lean ground beef and ⅓ cup of minced yellow onion. Cook until the beef is browned throughout, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once the beef is browned, add in ½ of a finely diced red bell pepper and ⅓ cup of frozen peas. Sauté everything together for about 5 to 7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and vibrant in color.
- Now it’s time to season the filling. Add in 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of pepper, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of oregano, and 1 teaspoon of chili powder. Mix well to ensure all the spices are evenly distributed.
- Next, stir in the cooked potatoes, 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, and ¼ cup of beef broth. Cook this mixture until everything is heated through and the liquid has reduced slightly. Remove the filling from heat and let it cool a bit.
- Roll out 2 premade pie crusts on a clean surface. Use a cookie cutter or a large enough rim to cut out circles about 4 inches in diameter. Gather any scraps, roll them out, and repeat until you have at least 10 circles.
- Now, let’s prepare the egg wash. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 egg whites and 2 tablespoons of water until well combined.
- Place one of the dough circles on your work surface and add about two tablespoons of the filling into the center. Brush the edge of one side of the dough with a little egg wash to help seal it.
- Carefully fold the dough over the filling, creating a half-moon shape. Use a fork to crimp the edges together, ensuring they are well sealed. Repeat this process with the remaining dough and filling.
- Once done, brush each empanada with the egg wash and preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Air fry the empanadas for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. Keep space between each empanada to allow for proper air circulation.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Freezing: These empanadas can be frozen before cooking for up to a month. Just pop them in the air fryer straight from the freezer!
- Pairing: Serve with fresh salsa or guacamole for dipping.
- Variations: Get creative with the fillings, using your favorite proteins or veggies.
- Serving: They make a great snack or meal for both lunch and dinner.