Skip the grease and make tasty empanadas healthier by cooking them in an air fryer.
Empanadas come in all shapes and sizes, filled with a variety of delicious ingredients. My Colombian mother often made them for special occasions, like New Year’s Eve, my dad’s birthday, and the Fourth of July family gathering. It’s probably a very good thing that they were a rare treat because stopping at just one was never an option! With their golden, crispy crust and rich, savory filling, empanadas are nearly impossible to resist. I can easily devour four in a row without blinking an eye. My poor waistline!
Fortunately, there are ways to make them a bit healthier. Take air frying, for example. Traditional empanadas are deep-fried, and from a flavor standpoint, this preparation is hard to beat. But using an air fryer significantly reduces the fat while still delivering that irresistible taste and crispy bite. These air-fried empanadas are filled with a hearty mix of ground beef, cheddar cheese, and diced bell peppers, but you can easily customize the recipe to your liking. If you’re a fan of empanadas, try them in the air fryer. You won’t be disappointed.
Tasty fillings (and perfectly filled empanadas!)
Beef empanadas are a classic, but these tasty, edible parcels can be endlessly customized. I love filling them with tuna, diced potatoes, green onions, and finely chopped red chili. They’re also delicious with a mixture of feta, spinach, and lemon zest. Another great option is shredded chicken with sun-dried tomatoes and mozzarella. For plant-based variations, try spicy bean fillings, finely chopped mushrooms, or crumbled tofu or tempeh.
When assembling empanadas, it’s important not to overfill the dough discs. Lightly dab the edges with water or milk, then crimp them with a fork to seal. This not only helps secure the filling but also adds a nice decorative touch. Lastly, don’t forget to brush the tops with beaten egg for a beautifully golden finish.
How do I store leftovers?
Cooked empanadas can be cooled and stored in the fridge in an airtight container. They will stay good for 3-4 days and can be reheated in the air fryer at a lower temperature for slightly longer (300°F for 12 minutes). They can also be frozen for up to 4 months.
Serving suggestions
One thing I always have with empanadas is a sauce or condiment for dipping. The most obvious choice is salsa, such as this Roasted Tomato Salsa or something spicier, like this Kansas City BBQ Sauce. I would also recommend trying the Best Guacamole Recipe Ever (Really!) with your next batch of empanadas. You can use sriracha or another type of hot sauce on empanadas as well, although for a milder flavor, I would suggest a velvety Mexican Crema.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked and seasoned ground beef
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 10 empanada discs thawed
- 1 large egg beaten
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Mix the ground beef, cheddar cheese, and bell peppers in a bowl.
- Place a spoonful of the beef mixture onto each empanada disc, fold over, and seal edges with a fork.
- Brush the empanadas with a mixture of beaten egg and water. Air-fry at 350°F for 10 minutes or until golden brown.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
Leave a Comment