Imagine biting into a pocket of pure joy—gooey cheese melding with savory beef, all wrapped in a crispy, golden shell. These easy cheesy air fryer beef empanadas are that kind of magic. It’s like finding a new favorite song on a random Spotify playlist—unexpectedly delightful and begging for an encore.
Steps
- Begin by thawing the frozen empanada dough. If you prefer, you can make the dough from scratch or use alternative dough options like Greek yogurt dough.
- Spoon about 2 tablespoons of your chosen meat filling, such as beef picadillo, into the center of each dough disc.
- Fold the dough in half over the filling and seal the edges with a fork to prevent the filling from leaking out. Repeat this process for all remaining dough discs.
- Prepare an egg wash by whisking egg whites with a bit of water and brush it over the empanadas. If you cannot use eggs, lightly spray them with olive oil instead.
- Place the empanadas in a single layer in your air fryer basket, cooking at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes. Turn them halfway through the cooking time until they are golden brown.
- If baking in the oven, preheat to 400°F and place the empanadas on a nonstick baking sheet. Bake for approximately 18 to 20 minutes until golden, though they will not be as crisp as air-fried ones.
- To freeze, arrange uncooked empanadas on a sheet pan and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container for up to three months. You can air fry frozen empanadas at 350°F for about 12 minutes, turning halfway until golden.
Ingredients
- 8 thawed Goya empanada discs (found in the frozen section)
- 1 cup of picadillo
- 1 egg white, whisked
- 1 teaspoon of water
- Olive oil spray for air fryer basket
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1464 kcal | Carbohydrates: 176 g | Protein: 88 g | Fat: 40 g | Saturated Fat: 8 g | Cholesterol: 128 mg | Sodium: 1568 mg | Fiber: 8 g | Sugar: 20 g
FAQ
- Can I use different fillings for the empanadas?
- Yes, you can fill empanadas with a variety of ingredients. Options include ground turkey, shredded salsa chicken, leftover chili, taco meat, or even a combination of marinara sauce and mozzarella for a pizza twist.
- What if I don’t have an air fryer? Can I still make these empanadas?
- Absolutely! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the empanadas in a pre-heated oven at 400°F for around 18 to 20 minutes until they are golden. They won’t be quite as crisp as those made in an air fryer but will still be delicious.
- Can I freeze the empanadas for later use?
- Yes, you can flash freeze uncooked empanadas on a sheet pan. Once they are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container and store them for up to three months. You can then cook them directly from frozen in the air fryer at 350°F for about 12 minutes, turning halfway through.
- What alternatives do I have if I can’t find frozen empanada dough?
- If frozen empanada dough is unavailable, you can make homemade dough or use store-bought pie dough as a substitute for a similar result.
- Is there a way to make the empanadas without using eggs?
- Yes, if you prefer not to use eggs, you can skip the egg wash step and instead lightly spray the empanadas with olive oil to help achieve a golden finish.
Tips
- Defrost and Prepare the Dough: Ensure your frozen empanada dough is fully defrosted before starting. This makes it easier to handle and ensures a more even cook. If you prefer homemade dough, you can use empanada or Greek yogurt dough as alternatives.
- Seal Empanadas Properly: After adding the filling, fold the dough in half and use a fork to crimp the edges securely. This prevents the filling from leaking during cooking.
- Egg Wash for Golden Color: Brushing the empanadas with an egg wash before air frying gives them a beautiful golden color and enhances the texture. If you prefer not to use eggs, a light spray of olive oil can work as a substitute.
- Cook in Batches: Place the empanadas in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior.
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Air fryer parchment paper (optional, for lining the air fryer basket)
