Golden Crispy Air Fryer Empanadas

Experience a culinary delight with our incredible **Ninja Foodi air fryer empanadas with ground beef**! These handheld savory pastries boast an explosion of flavor encased in a perfectly crispy exterior, all achieved with remarkable ease. Utilizing convenient refrigerated pie crusts transforms this recipe into an ideal choice for a quick appetizer, a fun family dinner, or a crowd-pleasing party snack. Serve them alongside our recommended empanada dipping sauce for an unforgettable meal.

Achieving Perfection: How Long to Air Fry Empanadas?

Who can resist the allure of a warm, perfectly stuffed pastry like these empanadas? They are a staple among our favorite air fryer ground beef recipes, requiring just 5-8 minutes of cooking time to reach golden perfection. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. While ground beef is the classic choice, feel free to experiment with spicy ground sausage for an extra kick, or lean ground turkey for a lighter option. Customization doesn’t stop there; diced onions and bell peppers are fantastic additions, allowing you to tailor the flavor profile from mild and savory to delightfully spicy. This adaptable recipe encourages creativity, making it a joy to prepare exactly to your liking. Following our recent success with air fryer wontons, we were inspired to explore other delightful “hand pies.” Finger foods, especially those that are easy to eat and fun for kids, are always a hit at dinnertime, transforming mundane meals into exciting culinary adventures.

Pro Tip for Optimal Crispy Results: To ensure your empanadas achieve that coveted crispy exterior, always place food into a preheated air fryer basket. This crucial step is how to properly preheat your air fryer before adding your culinary creations, guaranteeing the best possible texture. For consistent results and to master air frying times for various dishes, download our printable free air fryer cooking time chart to keep handy on your fridge. My personal favorite air fryer models for consistently great results include the Cosori brand or specific Ninja Foodi recipes that leverage its integrated air crisp lid.

Unleashing the Power of the Ninja Foodi for Empanadas

You don’t necessarily need a dedicated single-function air fryer to enjoy these delicious empanadas. If you own a versatile Ninja Foodi, which often combines several cooking functions into one appliance, it performs just as admirably as other standalone air fryers. For these empanadas, you’ll utilize the appliance’s integrated lid for air crisping. Simply select the “Air Crisp” function button, typically located on the front panel, and let your Ninja Foodi work its magic, transforming your empanadas into perfectly golden and crunchy delights. The convenience of a multi-functional device like the Ninja Foodi makes preparing these tasty treats even easier, proving that you can achieve fantastic air-fried results with the equipment you already have.

The Foundation of Flavor: What Kind of Dough to Use for Empanadas?

For those who, like me, prioritize quick and easy meal preparation without compromising on taste, refrigerated pie dough is an absolute game-changer. Its convenience is unmatched; it comes pre-made and rolled out to an ideal thickness, saving you considerable time and effort. All that’s required is to cut the dough into approximately 4-inch circles, fill them with your chosen ingredients, and seal. If you prefer the homemade touch, you could certainly prepare your own dough. Aim for a consistency similar to pie crust – tender and flaky, but perhaps a touch less dry to ensure it holds its shape well and achieves that perfect empanada texture when air-fried. Allowing refrigerated dough to come to room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour before handling will also make it much more pliable and easier to work with, preventing cracks and ensuring a smooth sealing process.

Essential Ingredient Notes for Flavorful Empanadas

Let’s dive into the core components that make these empanadas truly shine. The star of our filling, and often the most versatile and budget-friendly option, is undoubtedly ground beef. Its rich flavor and ability to blend with various seasonings make it perfect for feeding a crowd or a hungry family without breaking the bank. For a different twist, you could even prepare slow cooker Mexican shredded chicken in advance, or opt for a zesty spicy ground sausage to infuse extra character into your empanadas.

Our go-to for the crust is, as mentioned, refrigerated pie dough. Its ease of use is unparalleled; it comes pre-made and perfectly rolled out, eliminating the need for complex pastry work. For best results, simply remove the box from the fridge about 30 minutes to an hour before you plan to start, allowing the dough to soften slightly, which makes it much easier to handle, cut, and seal. However, if you’re a purist who prefers everything from scratch, our homemade pot pie crust recipe offers a fantastic alternative that will yield a beautifully flaky result.

When it comes to the filling, we love to create a vibrant and flavorful mixture. Finely diced bell peppers (feel free to mix and match colors for visual appeal and flavor complexity) add a lovely crunch and sweetness. A packet of taco seasoning, or a homemade blend, provides that authentic, savory kick. Generous amounts of shredded cheese, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack, melt beautifully, adding creamy richness. Diced onions contribute a subtle pungency and aroma. Finally, a touch of beef broth ensures the filling remains moist and juicy, preventing it from drying out during cooking and giving it a texture akin to a savory Sloppy Joes recipe – perfectly saucy and satisfying.

★★★★☆
4.20 from 5 votes

Air Fryer Empanadas Recipe

By Justine

Air fryer empanadas with ground beef and refrigerated pie crust offer an abundance of flavor and a wonderfully crispy outside! These are the perfect appetizer or dinner idea that both you and your kids will adore.

Prep: 20 mins

Cook: 7 mins

Servings: 8

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Equipment

• 1 air fryer
• 1 pan

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small bell pepper (we chose 1/2 of 2 different colors, diced)
• 1 packet taco seasoning, 1 oz.
• 1/4 cup beef broth, or water
• 1 pkg refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts total, bring to room temperature)
• 1/2 cup cheese, shredded
• 1/2 small onion, diced
• 1 large egg, whisked

Instructions

1. In a medium pan over medium heat, cook ground beef, diced bell peppers, and onions until the ground beef is browned and the onions are translucent.
2. Stir in the taco seasoning and beef broth (or water). Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool completely.
3. Roll the refrigerated pie crusts out on a non-stick surface. Using a round bowl or cookie cutter (one with a 5-inch diameter works perfectly), cut out three circles from one of the pie crusts.
4. Gather the remaining dough scraps, gently re-roll them with a rolling pin to a similar thickness as the original crust, and cut out a fourth circle. Repeat this process with the second pie crust, yielding a total of 8 dough circles.
5. Once the beef mixture has cooled, spoon 2-3 tablespoons onto the center of each dough circle. Top the filling with a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
6. Fold each circle of dough in half to create a crescent shape. Lightly dampen the edges with a bit of water and press them firmly together to seal. For a decorative and secure edge, use the tines of a fork to press around the sealed border.
7. Whisk the large egg in a small bowl and use a pastry brush to lightly coat the tops of each empanada with the egg wash. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color and shine.
8. Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 5 minutes. Place the empanadas (working in batches of 4, or whatever fits comfortably without overcrowding) into the greased air fryer basket.
9. Cook at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 5-7 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and crispy to your desired doneness. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, salsa, guacamole, fresh lettuce, or diced tomatoes.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 3oz, Calories: 189kcal, Carbohydrates: 2g, Protein: 13g, Fat: 14g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Cholesterol: 68mg, Sodium: 129mg, Potassium: 209mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 578IU, Vitamin C: 20mg, Calcium: 66mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Appetizer, Entree, Snack

Cuisine: Mexican

Maximizing Convenience: Can You Make Empanadas with Leftover Ground Beef?

Absolutely! Empanadas are an ingenious way to breathe new life into existing ingredients. In fact, this recipe works splendidly as a leftover taco meat recipe. If you have any seasoned ground beef from a previous meal, you’re already halfway to a fresh batch of empanadas! For those starting from scratch, understanding the types of ground beef is helpful. According to the Idaho Beef Council, the four main types to consider are regular ground beef, ground chuck, ground round, and ground sirloin. Each offers a different fat-to-lean ratio, impacting flavor and texture. When selecting your ground beef, focus on: its color (bright red, indicating freshness), the fat content (choose based on your preference for richness or leanness), and the source (local butchers or reputable brands often provide higher quality). Utilizing leftovers not only saves time but also minimizes food waste, making these empanadas a smart and delicious choice for any meal.

Air Fryer Advantage: Is It Better to Bake or Fry Empanadas?

For generations, the debate over baking versus frying empanadas has raged on. Traditionally, home cooks had two primary methods: baking them in the oven for a softer crust or deep-frying them on the stovetop for ultimate crispiness. However, with the advent of the air fryer, there’s a revolutionary third option that arguably surpasses both! Personally, I adore the fried, intensely crispy texture that a traditional method provides, but I often find myself put off by the excessive oiliness and heavy aftertaste that accompanies deep-frying. The air fryer offers the perfect compromise: it delivers that coveted crunchy, golden-brown exterior without submerging your food in a pool of oil. By circulating hot air, the air fryer cooks food thoroughly and crisps it beautifully, eliminating the heavy, greasy sensation and the negative health implications often associated with deep-fried foods. This means you get all the delicious crunch and flavor you crave, with significantly less fat and a much cleaner finish. For a truly guilt-free indulgence, the air fryer is unequivocally the superior method for preparing empanadas.

Expand Your Repertoire: Other Delicious Finger Foods You’ll Love

While these homemade empanadas might require a little more effort than simply heating up frozen taquitos in an air fryer, the rewarding flavor and customizable nature make them absolutely worth it. Think of them as a gourmet take on Ground Beef Hand Pies, offering a more refined and personal touch. The filling is where your creativity can truly shine; experiment with different spices, cheeses, or even add some finely chopped olives or corn for a unique twist. If you’re planning to serve these for a party, consider making a variety of fillings to cater to different tastes, from spicy chorizo and potato to a milder chicken and vegetable mix. The versatility of empanadas makes them an excellent choice for entertaining, ensuring there’s something everyone will enjoy. They’re hearty enough to be a main dish but also perfectly portioned for appetizers, making them a fantastic addition to any gathering.

Smart Storage: How Do You Save Leftover Empanadas?

Saving leftover empanadas, much like air fryer chimichangas, is simple and incredibly convenient. The timing for cooking will always vary slightly based on your air fryer model and how deeply golden brown you prefer your crusts, but as you can see, 6 minutes generally works perfectly for us. If you’re looking to plan ahead, these empanadas are ideal for making in advance and cooking later. We highly recommend preparing a double batch – cook half for immediate enjoyment and freeze the other half for those super busy evenings when you need a quick, delicious meal!

To freeze your unbaked empanadas:

• Follow all the recipe directions up to the cooking steps.
• Lay the unbaked empanadas in a single layer, side by side, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Ensure they do not touch each other to prevent them from freezing together.
• Freeze until they are completely solid. This flash-freezing step is key.
• Once solid, transfer the frozen empanadas from the baking sheet into a freezer-safe bag or airtight container.
• Properly stored, they will keep beautifully for up to three months, ready to be air-fried whenever a craving strikes!

Bringing Them Back to Life: How to Reheat Frozen Empanadas

Reheating frozen empanadas is a breeze and maintains their fantastic texture. First, remove the desired number of empanadas from the freezer and place them on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they don’t touch. Allow them to defrost in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight until thawed. Once defrosted, they can be air-fried as directed in the recipe below. The same principles apply if you were to reheat air fryer flautas, which are rolled instead of folded over. The key is to start with a thawed product to ensure even cooking and a perfectly crispy finish. This method allows you to enjoy freshly air-fried empanadas any day of the week, with minimal effort!

Looking for more delicious and easy **ground beef recipes**? You can find a treasure trove of ideas here and below, including our popular air fryer stuffed peppers and many others to inspire your next meal: