Description
Delicious homemade empanadas cooked to crispy perfection in an air fryer. These savory pastries are filled with a flavorful ground beef mixture combined with potatoes, vegetables, and spices, making for a quick and satisfying snack or appetizer.
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 sauté for another 7 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
- Add Spices and Finish Filling: Stir in 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 to combine and cook until liquid reduces. Remove from heat.
- Prepare Dough Circles: Roll out the 2 premade pie crusts. Using a cookie cutter or a large rimmed cup, cut out about 10 circles of approximately 4 inches diameter, re-rolling scraps as needed.
- Make Egg Wash: Whisk together 2 egg whites and 2 tablespoons water in a small bowl.
- Assemble Empanadas: Place one dough circle on a work surface. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of filling onto the center. Brush the edge of one side of the dough with egg wash. Fold the dough over to form a half circle and use a fork to crimp edges tightly. Repeat with remaining dough and filling.
- Air Fry Empanadas: Brush each empanada with egg wash. Preheat air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Arrange empanadas in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each. Cook for 10 minutes total, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy. Work in batches as necessary.
Notes
- Ensure the beef filling is well cooked and the liquid is reduced to prevent soggy empanadas.
- Use a pie crust that is suitable for savory fillings for best results.
- If you do not have an air fryer, these can be baked in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- To freeze, assemble empanadas but do not air fry. Freeze on a baking sheet then transfer to a bag. Air fry or bake from frozen, adding extra cooking time.
- Brush with egg wash for a glossy golden finish; substitute with milk or plant-based milk for a dairy-free option.
Nutrition
- Calories: 245 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
