Oh, the joy of whipping up a quick snack when hunger strikes! There’s something magical about the smell of fresh empanadas wafting through the kitchen. These air fryer beef empanadas are a go-to for me, especially when I’m craving something crispy and flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen. I remember the first time I made these little pockets of joy; I was juggling a busy week and thought, why not try making empanadas in my air fryer? It was a game-changer! The crispiness you get from the air fryer is just out of this world!
As I took my first bite, the golden, flaky crust gave way to a savory filling of seasoned beef, onion, and garlic that burst with flavor. Each empanada was like a warm hug, perfect for sharing with family or enjoying solo with my favorite dipping sauce. Whether it’s a quick lunch or a tasty appetizer for game night, these empanadas always hit the spot. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be dreaming about these crispy delights long after the last one has disappeared!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a quick and delicious snack, look no further! These air fryer beef empanadas check all the boxes for flavor and convenience. Here’s why you’ll love making them:
- Quick Preparation: With just 20 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking, you can have these tasty treats ready in no time!
- Flavorful Filling: The combination of seasoned ground beef, onion, and garlic creates a mouthwatering filling that’s sure to impress.
- Healthier Option: Cooking them in the air fryer gives you that crispy texture without the extra oil, making them a lighter alternative to traditional frying.
- Versatile Snack: Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a quick lunch, a party appetizer, or a late-night snack!
Once you try these, you’ll want to make them again and again!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Beef Empanadas
To make these flavorful air fryer beef empanadas, you’ll need a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of your dough, giving it that satisfying structure.
- 1/2 cup cold cubed butter: Cold butter is key for a flaky crust, so don’t skimp on this one!
- 1/4 cup ice cold water: This helps bind the dough together without making it too wet.
- 1 lb ground beef: The star of the show! Choose a good-quality beef for the best flavor.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the filling.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Because everything’s better with garlic, right?
- 1 tsp cumin: This spice adds a warm, earthy flavor that complements the beef.
- 1 tsp paprika: For a touch of smokiness and color in the filling.
- 1 beaten egg: This will be used to seal the empanadas and give them a lovely golden finish.
Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be all set to create something delicious!
How to Prepare Air Fryer Beef Empanadas
Getting these air fryer beef empanadas ready is a fun and straightforward process! Don’t worry, I’ll guide you through each step. Just follow along, and you’ll have delicious empanadas in no time!
Making the Dough
Start by grabbing a mixing bowl and combine the 2 cups of all-purpose flour with the 1/2 cup of cold cubed butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix them until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs – it should look a bit like sand! Next, add in the 1/4 cup of ice-cold water a little at a time, mixing until a dough forms. Once it comes together, wrap it in plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This chilling time is essential for keeping that dough nice and flaky!
Preparing the Filling
While the dough chills, you can prepare the filling. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the 1 lb of ground beef. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks. Once the beef starts to brown, toss in the 1 small chopped onion and 1 minced clove of garlic. Cook everything together until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Don’t forget to stir in 1 tsp of cumin and 1 tsp of paprika for that delicious flavor! Once it’s all cooked through, remove it from the heat and let it cool a bit before using it in your empanadas.
Assembling the Empanadas
Now comes the fun part! Take your chilled dough out of the fridge and roll it out on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cutter (or a glass) to cut out circles, about 4-5 inches in diameter. Place a spoonful of the cooled beef filling in the center of each circle. Then, fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal, and use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch. Finally, brush the tops with the beaten egg to give them a beautiful golden finish when they bake!
Cooking in the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Once it’s nice and hot, place the empanadas in the basket, being careful not to overcrowd them. Cook for about 15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. You might want to flip them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. The aroma will be irresistible! Once they’re done, let them cool for a minute before serving, so you don’t burn your mouth on that delicious filling!
Tips for Success
Want to make sure your air fryer beef empanadas turn out perfectly every time? Here are some tried-and-true tips that I swear by!
- Keep the Dough Cold: Chilling your dough is crucial for a flaky texture. Make sure your butter is nice and cold when you mix it in!
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ground beef, onions, and spices make a world of difference in flavor. Don’t settle for anything less!
- Adjust Spices to Your Taste: Feel free to tweak the cumin and paprika to suit your palate. Maybe add a pinch of chili powder for some heat!
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Cook in batches if needed. This ensures even cooking and that crispy finish we all love!
- Let Them Cool Slightly: After cooking, allow your empanadas to cool for a minute before diving in. Trust me, that filling is hot!
With these tips, you’ll be on your way to empanada perfection in no time!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to tasty treats like these air fryer beef empanadas, knowing the nutritional information can help you enjoy them guilt-free! Here’s an estimate of what you can expect per empanada:
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoying these empanadas as part of a balanced diet is a delightful way to satisfy your snack cravings!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying your air fryer beef empanadas, the right accompaniments can take them to the next level! Here are some delicious ideas to consider:
- Dipping Sauces: A zesty salsa or a creamy avocado sauce pairs beautifully with the savory filling. You can also try a tangy chimichurri or a classic sour cream to add a refreshing touch!
- Fresh Salad: Serve your empanadas alongside a light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette. It adds a nice crunch and balances the richness of the empanadas.
- Mexican Street Corn: For a fun twist, whip up some elote (Mexican street corn) to serve on the side. The sweet corn with spices complements the flavors of the empanadas perfectly.
- Pickled Vegetables: A small bowl of pickled jalapeños or carrots can add a delightful zing that contrasts wonderfully with the beef filling.
Whatever you choose, these empanadas are sure to be a hit at any gathering!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making the best air fryer beef empanadas? No worries! Here are some common queries I often get, along with my answers to help you out:
Q1: Can I use a different type of meat for the filling?
Absolutely! While ground beef is classic, you can swap it out for ground turkey, chicken, or even a mix of veggies for a tasty vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time slightly based on the meat you choose!
Q2: How do I store leftover empanadas?
To keep your empanadas fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain that crispy texture!
Q3: Can I freeze the empanadas before cooking?
Yes! You can freeze the assembled empanadas on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to cook, just pop them in the air fryer from frozen and add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
Q4: What dipping sauces work best with these empanadas?
Some of my favorites are spicy salsa, creamy avocado sauce, or tangy sour cream. They complement the savory filling beautifully and add an extra layer of flavor!
Q5: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and keep it wrapped in the fridge. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling it out!
For more delicious recipes and inspiration, check out my Pinterest page!
Air Fryer Beef Empanadas
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup butter cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup water ice cold
For the Filling
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 egg beaten for sealing
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and butter until crumbly. Add cold water and mix until a dough forms. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until beef is browned. Stir in cumin and paprika. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Roll out dough and cut into circles. Place a spoonful of filling in the center, fold, and seal with beaten egg.
- Place empanadas in the air fryer basket and cook for 15 minutes, or until golden brown.