Description
These crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Empanadas are filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, potatoes, vegetables, and spices. Perfectly cooked in the air fryer for a golden, flaky crust without the need for deep frying, they make a delicious appetizer or snack that is quick and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 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
Dough and Assembly
- 2 premade pie crusts
- 2 egg whites
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Boil Potatoes: Boil 4 ounces of diced potato until fork-tender, then drain and set aside to cool briefly.
- Cook Filling: In a large frying pan over medium heat, sauté ½ pound lean ground beef and ⅓ cup minced yellow onion until the beef is evenly browned. Add ½ red bell pepper and ⅓ cup frozen peas, and continue to sauté for 7 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 teaspoon chili powder, the cooked potatoes, 1 tablespoon tomato paste, and ¼ cup beef broth. Cook while stirring until the liquid reduces. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Prepare Dough Circles: Roll out the 2 premade pie crusts on a clean surface. Using a cookie cutter or rimmed cup about 4 inches in diameter, cut out at least 10 circles by gathering scraps, re-rolling, and cutting again.
- Make Egg Wash: Whisk together 2 egg whites and 2 tablespoons water in a small bowl to create an egg wash for sealing and brushing empanadas.
- Fill and Seal Empanadas: Place a dough circle on the work surface, spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of the cooled filling into the center. Brush the edge of one half of the dough with egg wash, fold the dough over to form a half circle, and crimp edges firmly with a fork to seal. Repeat for all empanadas.
- Brush and Air Fry: Brush each empanada with egg wash. Arrange empanadas in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overlapping. Air fry at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes, turning halfway through cooking for even browning. Work in batches if needed.
- Serve: Remove empanadas carefully and serve warm as a delicious snack or appetizer.
Notes
- Make sure not to overfill the empanadas to prevent leaking during cooking.
- Use premade pie crusts for convenience, or homemade dough if preferred.
- The egg wash helps achieve a shiny, golden crust but can be omitted for a dairy-free option.
- Allow the filling to cool slightly before assembling to avoid dough becoming soggy.
- Empanadas can be reheated in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 empanada
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
