Description
These delicious Air Fryer Empanadas feature a flavorful ground beef and vegetable filling wrapped in flaky premade pie crusts. Ready in just 40 minutes, they are perfect as a snack or appetizer with a crispy, golden finish thanks to air frying.
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 Egg Wash
- 2 premade pie crusts
- 2 egg whites
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Boil Potatoes: Boil 4 ounces diced potato until they are 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 yellow onion until the beef is evenly browned. Add ½ red bell pepper and ⅓ cup frozen peas; 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. Cook and stir until the liquid reduces. Remove from heat.
- Prepare Dough Circles: Roll out the 2 premade pie crusts. Use a cookie cutter or rimmed cup to cut 4-inch circles. Gather scraps, roll out, and cut more circles to make at least 10 pieces.
- 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, add about 2 tablespoons filling in the center. Brush one edge of the dough circle with egg wash, fold dough over filling creating a half-circle, and press edges with a fork to seal.
- Brush and Air Fry: Brush the top of each empanada with egg wash. Air fry at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes, turning halfway through. Work in batches leaving space between empanadas.
Notes
- If premade pie crust is unavailable, homemade dough can be used as a substitute.
- Ensure potatoes are well drained to prevent soggy filling.
- Do not overfill empanadas to avoid bursting during cooking.
- Work in batches while air frying to maintain crispiness and proper cooking.
- For a spicier filling, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
- The egg wash gives a golden, glossy finish but can be skipped for a dairy-free option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 empanada
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
