Tired of takeout and craving something flavorful and satisfying? These air fryer empanadas are the perfect solution! This recipe delivers all the deliciousness of traditional empanadas, but with a fraction of the oil and significantly less mess. Get ready to enjoy crispy, golden-brown pastries filled with savory goodness, all made in the comfort of your own kitchen. This recipe offers a quick dinner idea, perfect for busy weeknights, and a healthy meal option that the whole family will love. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shortening, chilled and cubed
- ½ cup ice water
For the Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
Making the Dough:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in shortening: Add the chilled shortening and use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the shortening into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add water gradually: Slowly add the ice water, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing.
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent shrinkage during cooking.
Preparing the Filling:
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Simmer the filling: Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese.
Assembling and Air Frying the Empanadas:
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ⅛ inch thickness.
- Cut out circles: Use a 4-inch cookie cutter or a knife to cut out circles.
- Fill the empanadas: Place a spoonful of the beef filling in the center of each circle.
- Fold and seal: Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape, pressing the edges firmly to seal. You can crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative touch.
- Air fry: Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (190°C). Place the empanadas in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Tips and Variations:
- For a crispier crust: Brush the empanadas with a little bit of olive oil before air frying.
- Experiment with fillings: Get creative with your fillings! Try chicken, vegetables, or even a spicy chorizo filling.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time and assemble the empanadas just before air frying.
- Freeze for later: Assembled empanadas can be frozen before air frying. Just add a few minutes to the cooking time when you're ready to enjoy them.
Nutritional Information (per empanada, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 250-300 Fat: 15-20g Protein: 10-15g Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This easy and delicious air fryer empanadas recipe is a fantastic addition to your homemade cooking repertoire. The quick cooking time, combined with the satisfying flavor and texture, makes this a recipe you'll want to revisit again and again. Enjoy!