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Air Fryer Empanadas are crunchy and rich and savory with every bite. This is a delicious empanada recipe that has a juicy ground meat filling.
When you use a store-bought dough, these are super easy to make. In just a short period of time they will be on a serving plate ready to be eaten up in no time.
Empanadas in the Air Fryer
You will love this beef empanada recipe because they taste like the ones at your go to Mexican restaurant. Also, because they are cooked in an air fryer makes them a much healthier version so you can feel a little less guilt when you go for a second helping.
Let’s face it everyone likes tacos, don’t they? These are a great alternative to tacos and mix up taco night in your home. If you are looking for more easy beef recipes, you will love these Air Fryer Cheeseburger Bombs and Taco Bombs.
Ingredients:
- refrigerated pie crust dough– like Pillsbury Pie Crust
- lean ground beef
- yellow onion, chopped
- shredded or sliced carrot
- canned or frozen green peas
- Italian seasoning
- kosher salt
- black pepper
Optional Additional Flavors: Garlic powder, teaspoon chili powder, roasted cloves garlic, taco seasoning, Mexican cheese, ancho chili powder, dried oregano or Italian seasoning.
Egg Wash:
- egg
- water
How to Make Empanadas in Air Fryer:
- In a medium pan, over medium-high heat, use a wooden spoon to break up and brown the ground beef, then drain the grease through a strainer.
- Transfer ground beef mixture to a medium bowl, then add in onion, carrots, peas, and Italian seasoning, salt and black pepper. Stir together to fully combine, then set aside.
- Roll out empanada dough on a cutting board and cut circles, about 5-6 inches in diameter. Use a cookie cutter, pastry cutter or biscuit cutter if needed to make the dough rounds the same size.
- Spoon a small amount of the seasoned ground beef mixture onto one side of the circle. Fold dough over the meat filling, sealing in the mixture, then pinch, or use a fork to seal edges.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and a tablespoon of water. Use a pastry brush and brush the top of each empanada with egg wash.
- Place them in the air fryer basket, in a single layer on parchment paper liner, or spritzed with olive oil spray. Air fry at 350 degrees F for 8-10 minutes, until the dough is golden brown.
Optional Favorite Dipping Sauce: Mango habanero salsa, corn relish, hot sauce, fresh salsa Verde, cheesy bean dip, sweet and spicy salsa, blue cheese dressing, bell pepper sauce, or pizza sauce.
I make this recipe in my Cosori 5.8 qt. air fryer. Depending on your air fryer, size and wattages cooking times may need to be adjusted 1-2 minutes.
FAQ’s
Because the recipe is so versatile, you can make savory and sweet empanadas. A few savory ones are cheese empanadas, beef empanadas, chicken empanadas, fajita flavored with braised beef, creamed corn or shredded pork with mozzarella cheese will all be super tasty.
Store them in an airtight container or resealable storage bag in your refrigerator for up to 4 days. These freeze really well after they are wrapped in a piece of wax paper and placed in a freezer safe container or freezer-friendly container for up to 3 months.
Depending on if they are frozen uncooked empanadas or previously cooked the time to air fry them will be a few minutes different. Previously cooked frozen empanadas will take a little less time to cook.
Homemade dough is always a great option. You can also use are store-bought empanada dough, homemade pie crust, or rolled out crescent roll dough.
MORE AIR FRYER RECIPES:
- Grilled cheese sandwich
- Grilled Ham and cheese sandwich
- Ham and cheese sliders
- Peanut butter and jelly
- How to reheat pizza
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Air Fryer Empanadas
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 refrigerated pie crust dough
- 1/2 pound lean ground beef
- 1/4 cup yellow onion, chopped
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables, like peas, carrots, and corn
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg, whisked
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- In a medium pan, over medium-high heat, use a wooden spoon to break up and brown the ground beef, then drain the grease through a strainer.
- Transfer ground beef mixture to a medium bowl, then add in onion, mixed vegetables, and Italian seasoning, salt and black pepper. Stir together to fully combine, then set aside.
- Roll out empanada dough on a cutting board and cut circles, about 5-6 inches in diameter. Use a cookie cutter, pastry cutter or biscuit cutter if needed to make the dough rounds the same size.
- Spoon a small amount of the seasoned ground beef mixture onto one side of the circle. Fold dough over the meat filling, sealing in the mixture, then pinch, or use a fork to seal edges.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and a tablespoon of water. Use a pastry brush and brush the top of each empanada with egg wash.
- Place them in the air fryer basket, in a single layer on parchment paper liner, or spritzed with olive oil spray. Air fry at 350 degrees F for 8-10 minutes, until the dough is golden brown.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
