Crispy Air Fryer Empanadas

Unleash a burst of flavor with our incredibly delicious air fryer empanadas with ground beef! These savory hand pies boast a perfectly crispy exterior and a rich, seasoned filling, making them an instant crowd-pleaser. Using convenient refrigerated pie crust, this recipe transforms into an effortless appetizer or a fantastic family dinner. Don’t forget to pair them with your favorite empanada dipping sauce for an elevated experience.

Achieving Perfection: How Long to Air Fry Empanadas?

Who can resist a warm, hearty, stuffed meal like this? Empanadas are a culinary delight across many cultures, and cooking them in an air fryer elevates their appeal, delivering a fantastic texture without the excess oil. Our air fryer ground beef empanadas cook to golden perfection in just 5-8 minutes, making them incredibly quick to prepare. While ground beef is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with spicy ground sausage or even ground turkey for a leaner option. Customization is key here – dice up some onions and bell peppers, and adjust the seasoning to make them as spicy or mild as you desire.

This recipe offers immense flexibility, allowing you to tailor it to your exact preferences. The simplicity of these “hand pies” makes them an ideal finger food, especially when you’re looking for fun and engaging dinner ideas for the family. Imagine the joy of kids (and adults!) picking up their own individual savory treats. It’s a fantastic way to make mealtime an adventure.

Pro Tip: For the crispiest results, always preheat your air fryer! This ensures that the food starts cooking immediately upon entering the hot basket, leading to a superior texture. Learn more about how to preheat your air fryer for optimal crispiness. Whether you’re using a Cosori, or one of the versatile Ninja Foodi models with an attached lid, this step is crucial. For quick reference, grab our printable free air fryer cooking time chart to keep on your fridge!

Cooking Empanadas in Your Ninja Foodi

Don’t have a dedicated air fryer? No problem! If you own a Ninja Foodi, you’re all set. This incredible multi-cooker functions perfectly for air crisping your empanadas. Simply use the attached lid, which typically features an “Air Crisp” button on the front, and follow the same temperature and time guidelines as you would for a standard air fryer. The Ninja Foodi offers a convenient all-in-one solution for achieving that desired golden-brown, crispy crust.

Selecting the Perfect Dough for Your Empanadas

For those who love quick and easy meals, refrigerated pie dough is an absolute game-changer for empanadas! It comes pre-made and rolled to a consistent thickness, eliminating the need for measuring and kneading. All you have to do is cut it into roughly 4-inch circles and fill them with your savory mixture. This convenience saves significant time and effort, making homemade empanadas accessible even on the busiest days.

While refrigerated pie crust is our top recommendation for its simplicity, you can certainly opt for a homemade empanada dough. A traditional empanada dough is typically similar to a pie crust but often slightly less dry and more pliable, designed to be rolled thin and hold its shape around the filling. If you’re feeling ambitious and prefer a scratch-made crust, you can follow recipes for a tender, flaky dough that will perfectly complement your filling. Remember to allow refrigerated dough to come to room temperature for about 30-60 minutes before working with it, as this makes it much easier to roll and shape without cracking.

Essential Ingredient Notes & Flavor Customization

The star of our empanada filling is, of course, ground beef. Not only is it incredibly versatile, adapting well to a myriad of seasonings, but it’s also a budget-friendly option, especially when you’re feeding a large family or a crowd. When selecting ground beef, consider the fat content – a ratio like 80/20 or 85/15 offers good flavor and moisture. You can even precook slow cooker Mexican shredded chicken beforehand or use spicy ground sausage for delicious alternatives.

As mentioned, refrigerated pie dough is our preference for its ultimate ease. It saves so much time and effort, allowing you to get these tasty treats on the table faster. Just remember to let it sit out at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour before use; this makes it pliable and prevents tearing when you’re cutting and filling. For those who insist on homemade, our pot pie crust recipe can be adapted for a delicious scratch-made option.

For the filling, we love adding diced bell peppers (any color works beautifully), a packet of taco seasoning for authentic flavor (or your own homemade blend!), plenty of shredded cheese for melty goodness, and finely diced onions. A splash of beef broth can create a slightly wetter, more “Sloppy Joe” like texture, enhancing the juiciness of the filling. Feel free to adjust these quantities to suit your taste – more spice, extra cheese, or different vegetables like corn or black beans can all be wonderful additions!

Air Fryer Empanadas Recipe

By
Justine

These air fryer empanadas, featuring savory ground beef and a convenient refrigerated pie crust, are bursting with flavor and boast an irresistibly crispy exterior. They’re a perfect choice for an easy appetizer or a delightful family dinner that everyone will adore.

Prep:

20 mins

Cook:

7 mins

Servings:
8

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Equipment

• 1 air fryer
• 1 pan

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small bell pepper, we chose 1/2 of 2 different colors, diced
• 1 packet taco seasoning, 1 oz.
• 1/4 cup beef broth, or water
• 1 pkg refrigerated pie crusts, 2 crusts total, bring to room temperature
• 1/2 cup cheese, shredded
• 1/2 small onion, diced
• 1 large egg, whisked

Instructions

1. In a medium pan over medium heat, cook the ground beef, diced green peppers, red peppers, and onions. Sauté until the ground beef is thoroughly browned and the onions become translucent. Drain any excess grease.
2. Stir in the taco seasoning and beef broth (or water). Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the liquid is mostly absorbed and the flavors meld. Remove the pan from heat and allow the mixture to cool completely. This prevents the pie crust from becoming soggy.
3. Unroll one refrigerated pie crust onto a lightly floured, non-stick surface. Using a round cutter, cookie cutter, or even the rim of a 5-inch diameter bowl or cup, cut out three circles from the crust.
4. Gather the remaining dough scraps from the first crust and gently form them into a ball. Roll this dough out with a rolling pin to a thickness similar to the original crust, then cut out a fourth circle. Repeat this entire process with the second pie crust, yielding a total of 8 empanada pieces.
5. Once the beef mixture has cooled, spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the filling onto one half of each dough circle. Top the filling with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to create a crescent shape. Lightly moisten the edges with a bit of water (or egg wash) and press them together to seal. For a decorative and secure seal, use the tines of a fork to press firmly around the entire edge of each empanada.
6. In a small bowl, whisk the large egg until well combined. Lightly brush the top surface of each empanada with the egg wash; this will give them a beautiful golden-brown color and crispy finish. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes. Carefully place 4 empanadas at a time into the greased air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded to allow for even cooking.
7. Cook the empanadas at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. Monitor them closely, checking at the 5-minute mark, and continue cooking until the tops are golden brown and crispy to your liking. Serve immediately with your favorite accompaniments such as sour cream, salsa, guacamole, fresh lettuce, or diced tomatoes. Enjoy!

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 3oz,
Calories: 189kcal,
Carbohydrates: 2g,
Protein: 13g,
Fat: 14g,
Saturated Fat: 6g,
Cholesterol: 68mg,
Sodium: 129mg,
Potassium: 209mg,
Fiber: 1g,
Sugar: 1g,
Vitamin A: 578IU,
Vitamin C: 20mg,
Calcium: 66mg,
Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course:
Appetizer, Entree, Snack

Cuisine:
Mexican

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Repurposing Leftovers: Making Empanadas with Leftover Ground Beef

One of the fantastic aspects of this recipe is its versatility, especially when it comes to using up leftovers. If you have extra taco meat from last night’s dinner, these empanadas serve as a brilliant leftover taco meat recipe! It’s a creative and delicious way to prevent food waste and whip up a quick meal.

When cooking from scratch, understanding ground beef types can enhance your empanada experience. According to the Idaho Beef Council, the four primary types to consider are regular ground beef, ground chuck, ground round, and ground sirloin. Each offers a different fat-to-lean ratio, impacting flavor and texture. Ground chuck, for instance, is often favored for its rich flavor due to a slightly higher fat content, while ground sirloin is leaner. Choose what best suits your dietary preferences and taste!

Air Fryer vs. Traditional Methods: Bake or Fry Empanadas?

For years, the debate raged: is it better to bake or deep fry empanadas? Traditionally, these delightful parcels were either baked in an oven for a softer, bread-like crust or deep-fried for an intensely crispy, golden exterior. While deep-frying offers an undeniable crunch, it comes with the downside of excess oil absorption, leading to a heavier feel and potential health concerns. Baking, on the other hand, can sometimes result in a less crispy crust.

Enter the air fryer – a game-changer for empanada enthusiasts! This modern method offers the best of both worlds. By circulating hot air rapidly around the food, an air fryer creates that coveted fried crispy texture on the outside, but without the heavy, oily aftertaste. You achieve a beautifully golden, crunchy crust that’s significantly lighter and healthier than deep-fried versions, all while avoiding the mess and health issues associated with submerging food in oil. It’s a clear win for flavor, texture, and convenience!

More Fantastic Finger Foods You’ll Love

While making homemade empanadas might be a bit more involved than simply cooking frozen taquitos in an air fryer, the reward of fresh, flavorful results is absolutely worth the effort. These empanadas are essentially a type of Ground Beef Hand Pies, and their filling can be endlessly customized. Don’t hesitate to tweak the ingredients to suit your palate or theme, especially if you’re serving them for a party or special gathering. Experiment with different cheeses, spices, or even a touch of smoky chipotle for an extra kick! The possibilities for customization are part of the fun.

Storing & Freezing Leftover Empanadas

Proper storage ensures your delicious empanadas remain fresh for later enjoyment, much like you would handle an air fryer chimichanga. Once cooked, leftover empanadas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For reheating, simply pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy again.

Want to get ahead? These empanadas are perfect for meal prepping and freezing! Make a double batch, cook half, and freeze the other half for a super busy evening. This simple strategy ensures you always have a delicious, homemade meal ready to go. The cooking time for frozen empanadas will vary slightly, but generally, you’ll cook them for a few minutes longer than fresh ones. The goal is to achieve that lovely golden-brown finish.

• To Freeze Unbaked Empanadas:
  • After assembling and sealing your empanadas (but before brushing with egg wash or cooking), lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they don’t touch each other.
  • Freeze until completely solid (this usually takes 1-2 hours).
  • Once frozen solid, transfer the empanadas from the baking sheet into a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. This prevents them from sticking together and allows you to grab just a few at a time.
  • They will keep beautifully in the freezer for up to three months!

Reheating Frozen Empanadas: Quick & Easy

When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen empanadas, there are a couple of ways to reheat them for optimal crispiness and flavor:

• From Frozen (for maximum crispness): You can cook them directly from frozen. Preheat your air fryer to 325-350°F (160-175°C). Place the frozen empanadas in a single layer in the air fryer basket (no need to defrost). Cook for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and heated all the way through. Cooking from frozen might slightly affect the texture of the crust compared to baking fresh, but it’s still a fantastic quick option.
• Defrost then Air Fry (recommended for best texture): For the best results, it’s ideal to defrost the empanadas first. Place them on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they don’t touch, and allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight or for several hours. Once defrosted, brush them with egg wash if you hadn’t done so before freezing, and then air fry as directed in the recipe below (350°F for 5-7 minutes). This method is similar to how you would reheat air fryer flautas, ensuring a perfectly crispy outcome.

Craving more delicious ground beef recipes? You’re in luck! Explore a variety of mouthwatering options, including our popular air fryer stuffed peppers and many others. We believe in making mealtime exciting and easy for everyone!

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