Description
These Air Fryer Empanadas are a delicious and savory snack featuring a flavorful ground beef and vegetable filling seasoned with paprika, cumin, and chili powder. They are cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer for a crispy, healthier alternative to traditional fried empanadas.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 4 ounces diced potato
- ½ pound lean ground beef
- ⅓ cup yellow onion, minced
- ½ red bell pepper, finely diced
- ⅓ cup frozen peas
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ¼ cup beef broth
Dough and Finishing
- 2 premade pie crusts
- 2 egg whites
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Boil Potatoes: Boil 4 ounces diced potato until fork-tender. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Ground Beef and Vegetables: In a large frying pan, sauté ½ pound lean ground beef and ⅓ cup minced yellow onion until the beef is evenly browned. Add ½ red bell pepper and ⅓ cup frozen peas, and continue to sauté for 7 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Add Seasonings and Simmer: Add 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 teaspoon chili powder, cooked potatoes, 1 tablespoon tomato paste, and ¼ cup beef broth. Stir well and sauté until the liquid reduces. Remove from heat.
- Prepare Dough Circles: Roll out 2 premade pie crusts and cut into approximately 4-inch circles using a cookie cutter or rimmed cup. Gather scraps, reroll, and cut additional circles to make at least 10 circles.
- Make Egg Wash: Whisk together 2 egg whites and 2 tablespoons water in a small bowl to create egg wash.
- Assemble Empanadas: Place one dough circle on a work surface, spoon about 2 tablespoons of filling into the center, brush the edge with egg wash, then fold dough over to form a half circle. Crimp edges with a fork to seal. Repeat with remaining dough and filling.
- Brush and Air Fry: Brush each empanada with egg wash. Arrange in the air fryer basket with space between each. Air fry at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes, turning halfway through cooking. Cook in batches if necessary.
Notes
- Use premade pie crusts for convenience or make your own dough if desired.
- Ensure the filling is cooled slightly before assembling to prevent soggy dough.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches for even cooking.
- Adjust seasoning as per taste, adding more chili powder for extra heat.
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for variations.
- Brush with egg wash for a golden, shiny crust; use milk for a lighter color if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 empanada
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
