Much like a culinary journey through the streets of Buenos Aires, making beef empanadas can transport you to a world of savory flavors and textures. You might think that creating these delicious treats requires a lot of time and effort, but with the air fryer, you can whip up five easy recipes that fit right into your busy schedule. Imagine biting into a perfectly crispy exterior, revealing a burst of seasoned beef within. Curious about how to achieve that? Let's explore these tempting recipes that could redefine your snack game.
Key Takeaways
- Classic Beef Empanadas: Combine ground beef, onions, spices, and optional ingredients like olives, then air fry at 375°F for a crispy treat.
- Taco Beef Empanadas: Mix ground beef with taco seasoning and cheese, fill dough discs, and air fry for 10-12 minutes for a fun twist.
- Spicy Beef and Cheese Empanadas: Use ground beef, cheese, and chili powder for heat; air fry for a crispy exterior and melty filling.
- BBQ Beef Empanadas: Blend cooked ground beef with BBQ sauce and onion, fill dough, and air fry for a flavorful, easy-to-make snack.
- Taco-Style Beef Empanadas: Season tender ground beef with taco spices, fill empanada dough, and air fry for a quick, crowd-pleasing option.
Classic Beef Empanadas
Classic Beef Empanadas are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, snack, or main course. These savory pastries are packed with a flavorful beef filling and have a golden-brown crust that's crispy and satisfying. Cooking them in an air fryer makes the process quicker and healthier without compromising the taste and texture.
Whether you're hosting a party or looking for a comforting meal, these empanadas are sure to impress.
The beauty of beef empanadas lies in their adaptability. You can customize the filling to suit your preferences by adding onions, bell peppers, olives, or spices. This recipe focuses on the classic version, which highlights the savory richness of beef combined with aromatic herbs and spices. Additionally, using an air fryer significantly lowers calorie intake compared to traditional frying methods.
Pair your empanadas with a tangy dipping sauce or a fresh salad for a complete meal that everyone will love.
Spicy Beef and Cheese Empanadas
Spicy Beef and Cheese Empanadas are a delicious and satisfying treat perfect for any occasion. The combination of seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and a hint of spice all wrapped in a flaky pastry makes these empanadas a crowd-pleaser. Cooking them in an air fryer gives them a delightful crispiness while reducing the amount of oil typically needed for frying, making them a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
These empanadas are versatile enough to be served as appetizers, snacks, or even as a main dish alongside a fresh salad. With the perfect blend of spices, gooey cheese, and savory beef, you can easily customize the level of heat to suit your taste. Whether you're hosting a party or just looking to spice up your dinner routine, these empanadas are sure to impress. Additionally, the air frying technique promotes healthier cooking methods that retain more nutrients compared to traditional frying.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or pepper jack)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 package of empanada dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Cooking spray or oil for air frying
To prepare the spicy beef and cheese empanadas, start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions are translucent.
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until the beef is browned, then stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
Once the beef is fully cooked, remove it from heat and stir in the shredded cheese until melted. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before proceeding.
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Take a round piece of empanada dough, and place a spoonful of the beef and cheese filling in the center.
Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and crimp the edges with a fork to seal them. Repeat this process with the remaining dough and filling.
Lightly brush the empanadas with egg wash and spray them with cooking spray. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they aren't overcrowded.
Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
Extra Tips: When making spicy beef and cheese empanadas, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese or add additional ingredients like black beans or diced jalapeños for extra flavor and texture.
Make sure to preheat your air fryer for the best results, and if you have leftover filling, consider using it as a topping for nachos or in tacos. Enjoy your delicious homemade empanadas!
BBQ Beef Empanadas
BBQ Beef Empanadas are a delightful twist on the traditional empanada, combining the savory flavors of slow-cooked BBQ beef with a crispy, golden crust. Perfect for a quick snack or a hearty meal, these empanadas are easy to prepare in an air fryer, giving them a healthier twist without sacrificing flavor. The smoky, tangy BBQ beef filling pairs beautifully with a simple dipping sauce, making them a crowd-pleaser at gatherings or a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Making BBQ Beef Empanadas is a straightforward process, ideal for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs. With pre-made dough and your favorite BBQ beef recipe, you can whip up a batch in no time. The air fryer guarantees that the empanadas come out crispy on the outside while keeping the filling moist and flavorful. Serve these empanadas with coleslaw or a fresh salad for a complete meal that everyone will love. Air frying reduces fat content compared to traditional frying, which makes these empanadas an excellent choice for health-conscious eaters.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 package of empanada dough discs (about 10-12)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
Begin by cooking the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the BBQ sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, confirming the flavors meld together. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Take an empanada disc and place a spoonful of the BBQ beef mixture in the center. Fold the disc in half to create a half-moon shape and press the edges together to seal. You can crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative touch. Repeat this process until all the filling is used.
Lightly spray the empanadas with cooking spray and arrange them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they're golden brown and crispy.
Extra Tips:
For added flavor, you can mix in some shredded cheese or diced jalapeños into the BBQ beef filling. If you prefer a sweeter BBQ sauce, choose one that has a honey or maple base. Additionally, allow the empanadas to cool slightly before serving; this will help them hold their shape better and enhance the flavor. Enjoy your BBQ Beef Empanadas with a side of extra BBQ sauce for dipping!
Taco-Style Beef Empanadas
Taco-style beef empanadas are a fun and delicious twist on the traditional Latin American pastry. By combining the savory flavors of taco seasoning with tender ground beef, these empanadas offer a delightful taste experience that's perfect for gatherings or simply enjoying at home.
The air fryer method guarantees that they come out crispy and golden brown without the need for deep frying, making them a healthier option while still being indulgent. This recipe isn't only quick to prepare but also customizable. Feel free to add your favorite taco toppings inside the empanadas or experiment with different types of cheese for an extra gooey filling.
With their appealing shape and flavors, taco-style beef empanadas are sure to be a hit among family and friends. Additionally, using an air fryer allows for a healthier version of traditional fried snacks, ensuring you can enjoy them without the added guilt.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 package empanada dough discs (store-bought)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Cooking spray
- Optional toppings: salsa, sour cream, guacamole
To begin, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent.
Drain excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning and a splash of water, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before mixing in the shredded cheese.
Once the filling is ready, take an empanada dough disc and spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture onto one half of the disc. Fold the other half over the filling to create a semicircle and press the edges together to seal.
You can use a fork to crimp the edges for an extra secure seal. Repeat until all the filling is used. Brush the tops of the empanadas with beaten egg and lightly spray them with cooking spray.
Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they're golden brown and crispy.
Extra Tips:
For an added flavor boost, consider adding chopped jalapeños or bell peppers to the beef mixture.
You can also prepare a batch of empanadas ahead of time and freeze them. Just pop them into the air fryer straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
Serve with a variety of dipping sauces to complement the flavors, and enjoy your taco-style beef empanadas!
Mediterranean Beef Empanadas
Mediterranean beef empanadas are a delightful twist on the traditional Latin American pastry. These savory hand pies are filled with a mixture of ground beef and Mediterranean flavors, creating a delicious fusion of taste and texture. The air fryer makes it incredibly easy to achieve a golden, crispy crust without the need for deep frying, making these empanadas a healthier option that doesn't compromise on flavor.
These empanadas are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as an appetizer for your next gathering. With a combination of aromatic spices, fresh herbs, and a flaky pastry, they're sure to impress your family and friends. Serve them with a side of tzatziki or a fresh salad for a complete meal that transports your taste buds to the Mediterranean coast. Air frying these empanadas not only enhances their crispiness while maintaining flavor but also promotes healthier cooking practices.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 package of empanada dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Olive oil spray
Cooking Instructions:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent. Then, add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned.
Stir in the cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper, allowing the spices to infuse the meat for about 2 minutes. Finally, fold in the chopped spinach and feta cheese, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until the spinach has wilted. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). On a clean surface, lay out the empanada dough rounds. Place a spoonful of the beef mixture in the center of each round, folding the dough over to create a half-moon shape.
Crimp the edges with a fork to seal. Lightly brush each empanada with the beaten egg and spray with olive oil. Arrange them in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Serve warm and enjoy!
Extra Tips:
For added flavor, consider mixing in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives into the beef filling. If you prefer a spicier kick, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Make sure to not overfill the empanadas, as this can cause them to burst while cooking. You can also prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator, making the assembly and cooking process quicker during busy days. Enjoy your Mediterranean beef empanadas with a revitalizing dip for an extra burst of flavor!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Pre-Made Dough for Empanadas?
"Don't put all your eggs in one basket." Yes, you can definitely use pre-made dough for empanadas. It saves time and effort, letting you focus on the delicious filling instead of making the dough from scratch.
How Do I Store Leftover Empanadas?
To store leftover empanadas, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to three days, or freeze for longer storage. Reheat in the oven or air fryer before enjoying!
What Dipping Sauces Pair Well With Beef Empanadas?
You take a bite, and suddenly, you crave that perfect dip. Try chimichurri for a zesty kick, or go classic with salsa. For something creamy, sour cream or guacamole won't disappoint either. Enjoy your flavors!
Can I Freeze Uncooked Empanadas for Later?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked empanadas for later. Just make sure they're tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container. When you're ready, bake or fry them directly from frozen.
How Long Do Empanadas Last in the Fridge?
Like a ticking clock, empanadas in the fridge last about three to four days. After that, their freshness fades. So, enjoy them while they're still delightful, and don't forget to check for any signs of spoilage!
