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Shake up mealtime and satisfy your cravings with crispy Air Fryer Beef Empanadas! A flavorful blend of seasoned beef encased in a golden, crunchy crust.
Discover the Ultimate Beef Empanadas Recipe for Your Air Fryer
Are you craving a crispy and savory snack that’s bursting with flavor? Look no further than our mouthwatering beef empanadas recipe, specially crafted for your air fryer!
With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy homemade empanadas that are crispy on the outside and filled with delicious beefy goodness on the inside.
Why Choose Air Fryer Empanadas?
Air fryer empanadas offer a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried versions without sacrificing the irresistible crunch and taste. By using hot air circulation technology, the air fryer ensures that your empanadas are perfectly cooked to golden perfection, with less oil and fewer calories.
Recipes of Empanadas: A Versatile Delight
Empanadas are a popular dish in many cultures, known for their versatility and mouthwatering fillings. From classic beef empanadas to creative variations like chicken, cheese, or vegetarian options, there’s a recipe to suit every taste preference.
Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a quick and satisfying meal, or simply craving a delicious snack, empanadas are sure to hit the spot.
Beef Empanadas Recipe: A Flavorful Journey
Our beef empanadas recipe takes traditional flavors to the next level with a blend of spices, tender ground beef, and savory seasonings. Each bite is packed with smoky, spicy, and tangy notes, making it an irresistible treat for your taste buds.
Plus, with the convenience of the air fryer, you can enjoy crispy empanadas in just minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous cravings.
Beef empanadas cooked in an air fryer are a delicious and convenient option for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice cook, our easy-to-follow recipe will have you whipping up homemade empanadas like a pro.
So fire up your air fryer, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in a culinary delight that’s sure to impress!
Air Fryer Beef Empanadas: Ingredients & Equipment
To make Beef Empanadas, you will need …
Ingredients
- ground beef – Instead of ground beef, you can use ground turkey, chicken, pork, or lamb for a different flavor profile.
- onion, garlic cloves, and tomatoes – Experiment with different vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or diced zucchini to customize the filling to your liking.
- tomato paste
- cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika – Try adding fresh or dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or cilantro for a fragrant twist. Experiment with spices such as coriander, turmeric, or curry powder for a unique flavor profile. If you enjoy spicy food, add chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapenos for an extra kick. Incorporate sauces like Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, or hot sauce to enhance the depth of flavor.
- salt and ground black pepper
- beef broth – Swap beef broth for chicken or vegetable broth to cater to dietary preferences or add a different flavor dimension.
- empanada discs – If frozen empanada discs are unavailable, you can substitute them with puff pastry dough for a flakier texture.
- water
- large egg
Equipment
- air fryer
- skillet and utensil for cooking beef mixture
- pastry brush
- small bowl
- tongs
How to make Air Fryer Beef Empanadas
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Beef Empanadas
- Dipping Sauces: Pair your empanadas with classic salsa, tangy chimichurri, or creamy guacamole for an extra burst of flavor.
- Side Salad: Serve alongside a fresh green salad with vinaigrette dressing to balance the richness of the empanadas.
- Rice and Beans: Create a complete meal by serving empanadas with a side of fluffy rice and hearty beans for a satisfying Latin-inspired feast.
- Pickled Vegetables: Add a crunchy and tangy element to your plate with pickled onions, jalapenos, or carrots for a vibrant contrast.
- Avocado Slices: Garnish with creamy avocado slices or a dollop of avocado crema for a creamy and indulgent touch.
- Cilantro Lime Crema: Drizzle homemade cilantro lime crema over the empanadas for a refreshing and zesty flavor.
- Corn and Black Bean Salsa: Serve a side of corn and black bean salsa for a sweet and savory accompaniment that complements the beef filling perfectly.
- Mexican Street Corn: Enjoy elote-style corn on the cob with a sprinkle of cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice for a flavorful and satisfying side dish. Or even better – Mexican Street Corn Salad!
- Fruit Salsa: Create a refreshing fruit salsa with diced mango, pineapple, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice to add a burst of tropical sweetness to your meal.
- Cabbage Slaw: Toss shredded cabbage with a tangy dressing of lime juice, vinegar, and a hint of honey for a crisp and refreshing side dish.
- Mexican Rice: Cook fluffy Mexican rice seasoned with tomatoes, onions, and spices to serve as a flavorful and comforting base for your empanadas.
Beef Empanadas: FAQs
Can I freeze leftover empanadas?
Yes, you can freeze cooked empanadas for later enjoyment. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to three months. Reheat in the air fryer or oven until warmed through.
How do I prevent my empanadas from sticking to the air fryer basket?
To prevent sticking, lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper before placing the empanadas inside.
Can I reheat frozen empanadas in the air fryer?
Absolutely! Reheat frozen empanadas in the air fryer at 350F (180C) for 8-10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
How do I know when the empanadas are done cooking?
Your empanadas are ready when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Check for an internal temperature of 165F (75C) for cooked ground beef filling.
Can I use store-bought empanada dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought empanada dough (usually found in the freezer section) can be used as a convenient shortcut. Thaw according to package instructions before using.
Are air fryer empanadas healthier than deep-fried ones?
Yes, air fryer empanadas typically require less oil than deep-frying, resulting in a healthier alternative with the same crispy texture.
How should I store leftover cooked empanadas?
Store leftover cooked empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven before serving.
Can I make mini empanadas with this recipe?
Yes, you can! Use smaller portions of filling and smaller empanada discs to create bite-sized mini empanadas perfect for appetizers or snacks.
Other recipes you may enjoy
Air Fryer Beef Empanadas
Yield:
8-10 empanadas
Prep Time:
40 minutes
Cook Time:
20 minutes
Total Time:
1 hour
Your family will love these Air Fryer Beef Empanadas! Deliciously seasoned beef wrapped in a golden, crunchy crust. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 large tomatoes ( diced small)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 package (10-12 count) of frozen empanada discs, thawed
- 1/4 cup of water
- 1 large egg
- sauces for serving – such as salsa, sour cream, chimichurri, or guacamole (optional)
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Add diced onion, minced garlic, tomato paste, tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, paprika salt, and pepper to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened.
- Add beef broth to the skillet and simmer until the liquid has reduced and thickened slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (190°C).
- Lay out the empanada discs on a clean surface. Place 2-3 tablespoons of the beef mixture in the center of each disc.
- With a brush or your clean finger, run some water along the edge of the disc. Fold the disc in half and press them firmly with your fingers. You can make a design around the edges by twisting the dough with your fingers or using a fork to crimp the edges together.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and 1 tablespoon of water to make an egg wash. Brush the egg wash on top of each empanada with a pastry brush.
- Place the empanadas in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching. You may need to cook in batches.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes or until the empanadas are golden brown and crispy.
- If desired, serve these empanadas with a dipping sauce, such as salsa, chimichurri, or even guacamole, for extra flavor.
Notes
- Make sure not to overfill the empanadas, as this can cause them to burst in the air fryer.
- Be sure to properly seal the edges of the empanadas to prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking. Use a fork to crimp the edges together, or fold the edges over and press them firmly with your fingers.
- You can make the beef filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble and cook the empanadas.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can also bake these empanadas in the oven at 400F for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Leftover cooked empanadas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat them in the air fryer or oven before serving.
- You can freeze cooked empanadas for later enjoyment. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to three months. Reheat in the air fryer or oven until warmed through.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Oversized Cutting Board, 3 Piece, Non-Slip, Extra Large Thick Chopping Boards, Dishwasher Safe, Non-Porous, Set of 3
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Chef Knife – 8 Inches
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Silicone Basting & Pastry Brush – Large
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Ground Meat Chopper
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HexClad 10 Inch Hybrid Stainless Steel Pan with Stay-Cool Handle – PFOA Free, Dishwasher and Oven Safe, Non Stick, Works with Induction Cooktop, Gas, Ceramic, and Electric Stove
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Silicone Kitchen Tongs 2 Pack (9-Inch & 12-Inch)
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Air Fryer
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 10
Serving Size: 1 empanada
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 242Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 66mgSodium: 418mgCarbohydrates: 12gFiber: 2gSugar: 3gProtein: 17g
Please note that the nutritional information listed on this page is an estimation based on the products I used. Ingredients and nutritional information can vary significantly between brands. Always be sure to read labels. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Nutrition info may contain errors, so please verify it independently. Likewise, recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them.