Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these air fryer empanadas! They’re not just any snack; they’re a quick, delicious bite that’ll make your taste buds dance! I remember the first time I made them—my friends came over, and I wanted to whip up something special without spending all day in the kitchen. Enter the air fryer! It made these empanadas crispy on the outside and oh-so-flaky inside, and I couldn’t believe how easy it was! Seriously, with just a few ingredients and a little prep time, you can enjoy these Latin American delights in under 30 minutes. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked! Whether you’re having a cozy night in or hosting a gathering, these empanadas are the perfect snack to impress everyone!
Ingredients List
- 1 package of empanada dough: You can find this in the freezer section of your grocery store. It’s the perfect base for all your delicious fillings!
- 1 cup of cooked meat or vegetables: This can be anything from seasoned ground beef, shredded chicken, or even sautéed veggies like bell peppers and onions. Get creative!
- 1 cup of cheese: Use your favorite! Cheddar, mozzarella, or even a spicy pepper jack add a gooey, melty goodness that makes these empanadas irresistible.
- 1 egg, beaten: This will serve as your egg wash, giving the empanadas that beautiful golden color as they cook in the air fryer.
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat the Air Fryer
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This is super important because it ensures even cooking and that crispy exterior we all love. If you skip this step, your empanadas might not cook evenly, and we definitely don’t want that! Just a few minutes of preheating will set you up for empanada success!
Prepare the Filling
Now, let’s talk filling! You can really go wild here, but I recommend sticking to cooked meat or veggies for the best flavor. Think seasoned ground beef, tender chicken, or even a colorful mix of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and onions. Just make sure everything is cooked through before you add it to the dough. It keeps the empanadas from getting soggy and helps them crisp up beautifully!
Assemble the Empanadas
Alright, it’s time to assemble! Grab your empanada dough circles and place a generous spoonful of your filling in the center. Don’t overfill—less is more! Then, fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and press the edges together firmly to seal. I like to crimp the edges with a fork for a fun, decorative touch and to ensure they stay closed while cooking. Just a little tip: if the dough feels dry, a tiny bit of water around the edges can help seal them up tight!
Cook the Empanadas
Now for the best part—cooking! Place your assembled empanadas in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they’re not overcrowded. Cook them for about 10-12 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. You might want to check them halfway through to give them a little shake for even cooking. Just imagine the delicious aroma filling your kitchen—yum!
Nutritional Information Section
These air fryer empanadas are not only tasty but also fairly balanced for a snack! Each empanada contains approximately 200 calories, with 10 grams of fat and 6 grams of protein to keep you satisfied. They have 25 grams of carbohydrates and a touch of fiber at 2 grams. It’s a delightful treat that won’t break the calorie bank, making it perfect for a quick snack or a party platter. Just remember, the filling you choose can slightly change these values, so feel free to experiment!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Prep Time: You can whip these up in just about 20 minutes! Perfect for a last-minute snack or when you’re craving something delicious.
- Delicious Taste: The crispy exterior combined with your choice of savory filling makes every bite a burst of flavor. Seriously, you won’t be able to stop at just one!
- Versatile Fillings: Whether you prefer meat, cheese, or veggies, you can customize these empanadas to fit your taste. Try different combinations and make them your own!
- Healthier Option: Air frying gives you that crispy texture without all the oil, making these a guilt-free indulgence.
- Family-Friendly: Kids (and adults!) love these little pockets of goodness. They’re great for lunchboxes or as a fun dinner option!
- Perfect for Sharing: Hosting a get-together? These empanadas are an easy crowd-pleaser, and you can serve them with a variety of dips and sauces!
Tips for Success
To ensure your empanadas turn out perfectly, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t skimp on sealing the edges—make sure they’re tightly pressed to avoid any filling escaping during cooking. If you want extra flavor, season your filling well with spices or herbs; it makes a world of difference! Also, keep an eye on them as they cook; every air fryer is a little different, so check for that golden brown color around the 10-minute mark. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a sprinkle of cheese inside for an extra cheesy surprise!
Serving Suggestions
These air fryer empanadas shine when paired with the right dips and sides! I love serving them with a zesty homemade salsa or some creamy avocado dip for that perfect flavor combo. You could also whip up a tangy cilantro lime sauce or a simple sour cream with a dash of lime juice to elevate your snacking experience. If you’re feeling fancy, a fresh salad on the side can lighten up the meal. Trust me, these pairings will take your empanada enjoyment to the next level!
FAQ Section
Got questions about these delicious air fryer empanadas? I’ve got you covered! First up, how do I store them? If you have leftovers (which is rare!), just pop them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the air fryer for a couple of minutes to restore that crispy texture!
Can I make variations? Absolutely! You can swap out the fillings based on what you have on hand. Think black beans and corn for a vegetarian option or even sweet fillings like chocolate and banana for dessert empanadas. The possibilities are endless!
What if I don’t have empanada dough? No worries! You can use pie crust or puff pastry as a substitute. Just roll it out and cut it into circles, then follow the same steps. Trust me, they’ll still turn out amazing!
For more delicious recipes, check out Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta or Air Fryer Cookie Dough Bites.
Print
Air fryer empanadas recipe: 5 steps to a delicious snack
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 12 empanadas 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and easy recipe for delicious air fryer empanadas.
Ingredients
- 1 package of empanada dough
- 1 cup of cooked meat or vegetables
- 1 cup of cheese
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Fill each empanada dough circle with a spoonful of filling.
- Fold the dough over and press the edges to seal.
- Brush the tops with the beaten egg.
- Place empanadas in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Experiment with different fillings.
- Serve with salsa or dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Latin American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 empanada
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: air fryer empanadas recipe delicious snack
