Air Fryer Beef Empanadas
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.
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!
Notes
Feel free to customize the filling to your liking, such as adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick or trying sweet fillings for a dessert version. This recipe makes a perfect quick dinner or snack.