Name: Air Fryer Beef Empanadas
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for the surface); 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 cup cold butter (cut into cubes); 3/4 cup water (cold); 1 large egg; 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion (chopped); 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1 lb. ground beef; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; to taste kosher salt (and freshly ground black pepper); 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes; 1/2 cup diced green chiles; 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese; 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 1 egg egg wash (for brushing); to taste freshly chopped cilantro (for garnish); to taste sour cream (for dipping)

If you’re looking for a delicious, satisfying treat that’s perfect for any occasion, look no further than these homemade Air Fryer Beef Empanadas. With their flaky crust and savory filling, these empanadas are sure to impress your family and friends. Not only are they easy to make, but using an air fryer means you can enjoy them with less oil and in less time than traditional frying. Get ready to bite into golden, crispy pockets filled with a flavorful beef mixture that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Reasons to Love Air Fryer Beef Empanadas

There are so many reasons to adore these Air Fryer Beef Empanadas! Here are just a few:

Healthier Option: Cooking in an air fryer uses significantly less oil than deep frying, making these empanadas a lighter choice.
Quick and Easy: The air fryer cooks the empanadas quickly, so you can have a delicious snack or meal ready in no time.
Versatile Filling: The filling can be easily customized to suit your tastes; swap in different proteins or vegetables as desired.
Perfect for Meal Prep: These empanadas freeze well, making them a great option for meal prep or easy weeknight dinners.
Fun to Make: Making empanadas can be a fun activity for the whole family, allowing everyone to get involved in the kitchen!

Your Shopping Guide

Before you get started, make sure you have all the ingredients on hand. Here’s what you’ll need for your Air Fryer Beef Empanadas:

3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for the surface
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup cold butter, cut into cubes
3/4 cup water
1 large egg
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 yellow onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb. ground beef
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
1/2 cup diced green chiles
1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Egg wash for brushing
Freshly chopped cilantro for garnish
Sour cream for dipping

Recommended Tools

To make your Air Fryer Beef Empanadas, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools:

Air Fryer: The star of the show! Choose one with enough capacity to fit your empanadas.
Mixing Bowls: For mixing your dough and filling.
Rolling Pin: Essential for rolling out the dough to the right thickness.
Pastry Brush: For applying the egg wash to give your empanadas a beautiful golden finish.
Cutting Board: A clean surface for assembling your empanadas.

Stepwise Method: Air Fryer Beef Empanadas

Step 1: Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Add in the 1/2 cup of cold butter, cutting it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add in 3/4 cup of cold water, mixing until a dough forms. Knead gently on a floured surface until smooth. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent. Add the 1 lb. of ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once browned, stir in 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried parsley, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add in the 1/2 cup of chopped tomatoes and 1/2 cup of diced green chiles, mixing until well combined. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. Stir in the shredded Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.

Step 3: Assemble the Empanadas

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a round cutter or a bowl to cut out circles of dough, approximately 4-5 inches in diameter. Place a generous tablespoon of filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape, pressing the edges together to seal. For an extra secure seal, crimp the edges with a fork.

Step 4: Air Fry the Empanadas

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the empanadas in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Brush the tops with an egg wash made from 1 beaten egg. Cook for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once cooked, remove the empanadas from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with sour cream for dipping.

Better Choices & Swaps

If you want to customize your Air Fryer Beef Empanadas, consider these swaps:

Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a leaner protein option, ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of beef.
Vegetarian Filling: Swap the meat for black beans, lentils, or a medley of sautéed vegetables for a delightful vegetarian version.
Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese like pepper jack for a spicy kick or feta for a Mediterranean twist.
Gluten-Free Flour: If you need a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

Pro Tips & Notes

For the best texture, ensure your butter is very cold before cutting it into the flour.
You can make the dough a day in advance and keep it refrigerated until you are ready to use it.
Don’t skip the egg wash! It helps to achieve that beautiful golden color and adds a nice sheen.
Be mindful not to overfill the empanadas, as this can cause them to burst open while cooking.

Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat

These Air Fryer Beef Empanadas are perfect for meal prep and can be stored in various ways:

Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze: To freeze, place uncooked empanadas in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheat: To reheat frozen empanadas, cook them directly from frozen in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes, or until heated through.

The Last Word

Air Fryer Beef Empanadas are a fantastic way to enjoy a delicious, homemade snack or meal. They are versatile, easy to make, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving something special, these empanadas will surely hit the spot. With a flaky crust and a savory filling, they are a delightful bite that everyone will love. So, gather your ingredients, follow this recipe, and get ready to enjoy a taste of culinary joy right from your own kitchen!