Can You Put Empanadas In An Air Fryer? (read this first)

What tasty treats empanadas are, that delicious meat, vegetables and seasoning all wrapped in a shortcrust pastry shell. They’re called different things in different parts of the world; In Latin countries they’re empanadas, in the Caribbean they’re patties and in the UK they’re pasties.

Whatever you like to call them, cooking empanadas in an air fryer is a great healthy way to cook them.

Why You’ll Love Air Fried Empanadas

We’re sure you’ll love air fried empanadas because they’re;

• Easy to make
• Easy to cook
• Healthy
• Tasty
• Nutritious

How To Cook Empanadas In An Air Fryer

This recipe uses shortcrust pastry to wrap the meat and vegetable filling which is then cooked in the air fryer. You can either;

1. Make your own shortcrust pastry
2. Use premade shortcrust pastry
3. Use Empanada Discos

Ingredients

• 225g (8 ounce) Premade Shortcrust Pastry
• 454g (1lb) Minced Beef
• 1 Red Pepper
• 1 Green Pepper
• 1 Onion
• 1 teaspoon of Oregano
• 1 teaspoon of Cumin
• ½ teaspoon of Paprika
• ½ teaspoon of Salt
• ½ teaspoon of Minced Garlic

Method

1. Place the minced beef in a large frying pan and fry over a medium heat (no need to add any oil or fat)
2. When the minced beef is around halfway cooked, add the chopped peppers and onion, cook for 5 more minutes
3. Add the herbs and spices and garlic and cook for 2 more minutes
4. Remove from the heat and allow to cool
5. Preheat the air fryer to 180 C (350 F)
6. Roll out the premade shortcrust pastry into 6 pieces of around 3 mm (⅛ of an inch) thickness
7. Place around 2 tablespoons of the cooled meat mixture onto one side of the pastry shape
8. Fold the pastry onto itself
9. Seal the edge using a fork
10. Spray the air fryer basket with oil
11. Arrange the empanadas in a single layer in the air fryer basket ensuring there is a space around each one
12. Spray the empanadas with oil
13. Air fry for 8 minutes or until the pastry is golden

Air Fryer Empanadas Cooking Tips

• All air fryers are different which means cooking times may vary
• You can substitute any minced meat like; minced chicken, turkey, pork or even minced lamb
• You could even use leftover chilli
• Don’t overfill the empanadas as it will be difficult to seal the edge if they are too full
• You can use any herbs or spices of your choice
• After the meat has finished cooking in the pan, drain the fat
• You could brush an egg wash over the empanadas to help them get that golden glow

Air Fryer Empanadas Serving Suggestions

These empanadas are great for a main meal, snack or appetiser and they can be served with;

• Sour Cream
• Salsa
• Guacamole
• Your Favourite Dip

Can You Freeze Homemade Air Fryer Empanadas

Once you have made the empanadas and cooked them in the air fryer they can be frozen and will last for about 6 months in the freezer. Just allow them to cool down naturally before freezing.

There is no need to thaw the empanadas before use after freezing. All you need to do is place them into the air fryer basket and air fry at 135 C (275 F) for 7 to 10 minutes.

Easy Shortcrust Pastry Recipe

Many people get nervous around making their own shortcrust pastry and yet it’s so simple to do.

Ingredients

• 175g (6 ounces) Plain Flour
• 85g (3 ounces) Butter cut into cubes
• 3 tablespoons of Cold Water

Method

1. Place the flour into a large bowl and add the butter cubes
2. Using the tips of your fingers rub the butter into the flour until it looks like breadcrumbs
3. Using a knife, stir in just enough cold water to turn the breadcrumb-like mixture into a dough
4. Knead the pastry on a lightly floured surface gently until it forms a smooth dough
5. Wrap the dough in cling film and refrigerate for 30 minutes before using

Shortcrust Pastry Tips

• Work as fast as you possibly can to prevent the dough becoming too greasy
• Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to work with
• You could mix the flour and butter in a mixer adding water gradually until the dough forms, only add just enough water to get the dough to form then discard any excess water

What’s an empanada’s favourite type of music?
Wrap! 😂

SEE ALSO:

• Can You Put Gammon In An Air Fryer?
• Can You Put Gammon Steaks In An Air Fryer?
• Can You Put Liver In An Air Fryer?
• Can You Put Kebabs In An Air Fryer?

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