If you’re looking for a delicious, easy-to-make snack that’s perfect for parties or a cozy night in, look no further than these Air Fryer Beef Empanadas. Packed with a savory filling of ground beef, cheese, and spices, these empanadas are not only flavorful but also lightened up by cooking in an air fryer. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or a main dish, they’re sure to be a hit!
Why This Recipe Is Reliable
This recipe for Air Fryer Beef Empanadas combines tried-and-true techniques with simple, accessible ingredients. The flaky crust is easy to work with, while the filling is bursting with flavor thanks to the combination of spices and fresh ingredients. Plus, cooking them in an air fryer ensures that they come out perfectly crispy without the excess oil, making them a healthier option compared to traditional frying.
The Ingredient Lineup
To whip up these mouthwatering empanadas, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour plus more for the surface
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup cold butter cut into cubes
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 yellow onion chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Kosher salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1/2 cup diced green chiles
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack
- Egg wash for brushing
- Freshly chopped cilantro for garnish
- Sour cream for dipping
Tools of the Trade
Before you start your cooking adventure, make sure you have these tools handy:
- Mixing bowl – For combining your dough and filling.
- Rolling pin – To roll out the dough to the perfect thickness.
- Air fryer – The star of the show for cooking your empanadas to crispy perfection.
- Baking sheet – To hold the empanadas before they go in the air fryer.
- Pastry brush – For applying the egg wash to give your empanadas a golden finish.
Air Fryer Beef Empanadas: How It’s Done
Time to roll up your sleeves and get cooking! Follow these simple steps for the ultimate Air Fryer Beef Empanadas.
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, kosher salt, and baking powder. Add the cold butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add water, mixing until a dough forms. Don’t overwork it! Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
While the dough chills, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned. Stir in the tomato paste, oregano, parsley, cumin, smoked paprika, and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Finally, mix in the chopped tomatoes and diced green chiles. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 3: Assemble the Empanadas
On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cutter or a small bowl to cut out circles of dough. Place a spoonful of the beef filling in the center of each circle, followed by a sprinkle of shredded Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and press the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for an extra touch.
Step 4: Egg Wash and Air Fry
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the empanadas in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Brush the tops with egg wash for that beautiful golden color. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once cooked, remove the empanadas from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with sour cream for dipping. Enjoy your flavorful Air Fryer Beef Empanadas!
Make It Fit Your Plan
These empanadas are versatile and can be customized to fit your dietary preferences or what you have on hand. Consider the following options:
- Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Add your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers or corn, to the filling.
- For a spicy kick, include jalapeños or switch to pepper jack cheese.
- Make them vegetarian by using black beans or lentils instead of meat.
Troubles You Can Avoid
Making empanadas can seem intimidating, but here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
- Don’t skip chilling the dough; it makes rolling easier and improves texture.
- Ensure the filling is not too hot when assembling, or it will make the dough tough.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer; cook in batches for even cooking.
- Seal the empanadas well to prevent leaking during cooking.
Store, Freeze & Reheat
If you have leftovers (which is unlikely because they’re so delicious), here’s how to handle them:
- Store: Keep empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze uncooked empanadas on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: For cooked empanadas, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
Quick Q&A
Can I make empanada dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough a day in advance. Just keep it wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.
What can I use if I don’t have an air fryer?
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the empanadas in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.
Can I customize the filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with the filling by adding different meats, vegetables, or cheeses to suit your taste.
How do I know when the empanadas are done?
Your empanadas are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (70°C) for meat fillings.
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Let’s Eat
Now that you have the complete guide to making Air Fryer Beef Empanadas, it’s time to gather your family and friends and enjoy this delightful dish. Whether you’re celebrating, snacking, or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these empanadas are sure to bring smiles all around. So roll up your sleeves, get cooking, and dig into the deliciousness of these homemade empanadas!
Air Fryer Beef Empanadas
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour plus more for the surface
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup cold butter cut into cubes
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
For the Filling:
- 1 medium yellow onion chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Kosher salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1/2 cup diced green chiles
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack
- Egg wash for brushing
- Freshly chopped cilantro for garnish
- Sour cream for dipping
Instructions
Air Fryer Beef Empanadas: How It’s Done
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, kosher salt, and baking powder. Add the cold butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add water, mixing until a dough forms. Don’t overwork it! Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- While the dough chills, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned. Stir in the tomato paste, oregano, parsley, cumin, smoked paprika, and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Finally, mix in the chopped tomatoes and diced green chiles. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cutter or a small bowl to cut out circles of dough. Place a spoonful of the beef filling in the center of each circle, followed by a sprinkle of shredded Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and press the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for an extra touch.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the empanadas in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Brush the tops with egg wash for that beautiful golden color. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy.
- Once cooked, remove the empanadas from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with sour cream for dipping. Enjoy your flavorful Air Fryer Beef Empanadas!
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Rolling Pin
- Air Fryer
- Baking Sheet
- Pastry Brush
Notes
- Chill the dough for better texture and ease of rolling.
- Customize the filling with your favorite meats or vegetables.
- Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.
