Air Fryer Beef Empanadas: A Deliciously Easy Weeknight Dinner!
Craving a taste of Latin America but short on time? These Air Fryer Beef Empanadas are the answer! Crispy on the outside, filled with flavorful seasoned ground beef, and ready in under 30 minutes, they’re perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. Plus, they’re a guaranteed hit with the whole family! Forget takeout – with this recipe, delicious homemade empanadas are just minutes away.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Beef Empanadas
- Super Quick: Ready in less than 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Crispy and Delicious: The air fryer creates perfectly golden and crispy empanadas.
- Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleasing dish that even picky eaters will love.
- Easy to Customize: Add your favorite spices and fillings to make them your own.
- Healthier than Fried: Enjoy the crispy texture without all the excess oil.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Beef Empanadas
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper (any color)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 package (14.1 ounces) refrigerated pie crusts
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional: shredded cheese, olives, or jalapeños
Substitutions: For a healthier option, use ground turkey or chicken. You can also use pre-made empanada dough instead of pie crusts. For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or black beans.
How to Make Air Fryer Beef Empanadas
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add Seasoning and Vegetables: Stir in the taco seasoning, chopped onion, and bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
- Simmer: Add the water and simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Prepare the Empanadas: Unroll the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Use a round cookie cutter or a small bowl to cut out circles of dough.
- Fill the Empanadas: Place a spoonful of the beef mixture in the center of each dough circle. If desired, add a sprinkle of shredded cheese, olives, or jalapeños.
- Seal the Empanadas: Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly to seal, using a fork to crimp the edges.
- Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the empanadas with the beaten egg. This will give them a beautiful golden color.
- Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the empanadas in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to cook them in batches.
- Cook: Air fry for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Pro Tips & Variations
- Don’t Overfill: Overfilling the empanadas can cause them to burst open during cooking.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheating ensures even cooking and crispy results.
- Single Layer: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket by cooking the empanadas in a single layer.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.
- Sweet Empanadas: Swap the beef filling for apple pie filling or Nutella for a sweet treat.
Variations: For Air Fry Recipes that cater to dietary needs, use gluten-free dough for a gluten-free version, or fill with beans and vegetables for a vegan option. You can also try different meats like shredded chicken or pork.
Serving Suggestions
These Air Fryer Beef Empanadas are delicious on their own, but here are a few serving suggestions to make it a complete meal:
- Guacamole and Salsa: Serve with fresh guacamole and your favorite salsa for dipping.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a cool and creamy touch.
- Mexican Rice and Beans: Pair with a side of Mexican rice and beans for a hearty meal.
- Corn Salad: A refreshing corn salad complements the richness of the empanadas.
- Simple Green Salad: A light green salad with a vinaigrette dressing.
Storage & Reheating
Storage: Leftover Air Fryer Beef Empanadas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat, simply place the empanadas back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them soggy.
FAQ about Air Fryer Beef Empanadas
Q: Can I use different fillings for these empanadas?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different fillings like chicken, pork, beans, or vegetables. These are also great options for Easy Healthy Dinner or Easy Weeknight Dinners.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the empanadas ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to air fry them. This is a great way to prepare Air Fryer Meals .
Q: Are these empanadas healthy?
A: Air frying is a healthier cooking method than deep frying, as it requires less oil. You can also make these empanadas healthier by using lean ground beef or ground turkey and loading them up with vegetables. These are a quick and tasty addition to your list of Healthy Dinner Ideas.
Q: What temperature should my air fryer be set to?
A: We recommend setting your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for these empanadas.
Final Thoughts on Air Fryer Beef Empanadas
These Air Fryer Beef Empanadas are a game-changer for busy weeknights! They’re quick, easy, and totally delicious. A perfect combination of crispy and savory, that will leave everyone happy. Plus, clean up is a breeze compared to traditional frying methods!
Don’t forget to pin this recipe to your Pinterest board for later and share it with your friends! And if you try this recipe, please leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Subscribe to my newsletter for more easy and delicious recipes!
Air Fryer Beef Empanadas
Equipment
- Air Fryer,
- skillet,
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper (any color)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 package (14.1 ounces) refrigerated pie crusts
- 1 egg beaten egg (for egg wash)
- shredded cheese, olives, or jalapeños optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add Seasoning and Vegetables: Stir in the taco seasoning, chopped onion, and bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
- Simmer: Add the water and simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Prepare the Empanadas: Unroll the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Use a round cookie cutter or a small bowl to cut out circles of dough.
- Fill the Empanadas: Place a spoonful of the beef mixture in the center of each dough circle. If desired, add a sprinkle of shredded cheese, olives, or jalapeños.
- Seal the Empanadas: Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly to seal, using a fork to crimp the edges.
- Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the empanadas with the beaten egg. This will give them a beautiful golden color.
- Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the empanadas in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to cook them in batches.
- Cook: Air fry for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
