Easy Air Fryer Empanadas (made with Tortillas)

These quick and easy air fryer empanadas take under 10 minutes in the air fryer. I love how they turn out delicious, golden, and crispy on the outside with juicy filling inside – ground beef mixed with onions and herbs.

Here I put my spin on Empanadas and share my version of “Lazy Empanadas”. Traditionally, they are deep-fried and require a ton of oil, and a bit of effort and time to prepare. But you could get the same delicious results using an air fryer and store-bought tortillas. Welcome to the easy world of air fryer empanadas made with tortillas! This recipe is a great alternative if you want to enjoy the flavors of empanadas without the hassle of making homemade dough.

What Makes Air Fryer Empanadas a Game-Changer

• Quick and Convenient. Empanadas usually involve deep frying or baking, which can be time-consuming. With an air fryer, you can make crispy, golden empanadas in just a fraction of the time.
• Healthier Alternative. Unlike deep frying, air frying uses significantly less oil, making your empanadas a healthier choice. You’ll still get that delightful crunch without all the added calories and fat. If you’re watching your diet, air-fried empanadas are a win-win.
• Low-Carb Empanada. If you follow a keto diet plan, you can use Carb Balance tortillas for a low-carb version.
• Easy cleanup. Deep frying can leave a greasy mess, whereas air frying contains the mess within the appliance. This means less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your delicious empanadas.

How to Make Beef Empanadas in Air Fryer

Here I highlight my ingredient choices for my air-fried empanada recipe, alternatives, and tips and tricks. For exact quantities and nutritional info, please scroll down to the printable recipe card.

Ingredients

• Tortillas. For this recipe, I’m using store-bought tortillas as our empanada dough. They are easy to work with and provide the perfect crispy base. Soft flour tortillas work best, but you can experiment with corn tortillas for a different flavor.
• Fillings. I’m using seasoned ground beef with diced onion for my empanada. You can get creative with your fillings. Other popular options include seasoned ground pork, shredded chicken, or a vegetarian mix of beans and cheese. Whatever you choose, ensure your filling is cooked and seasoned to perfection before assembling your empanadas.
• Other ingredients. You’ll also need some basic ingredients like olive oil spray, egg wash for a golden finish, and any additional spices or herbs you love. These will enhance the flavor and texture of your empanadas.

Instructions

Prep the filling. Heat a large skillet with a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Add finely chopped onions and saute for 10 minutes until soft. Add ground beef and season with salt and pepper to taste and add a blend of spices: garlic powder, cumin, and paprika. Cook until the meat is fully browned and the onions are soft. Drain the grease, if any, and let the mixture cool slightly before using it as your filling.

Make Empanadas. Lay out your tortillas on a clean surface. If they are too stiff, microwave them for a few seconds to make them pliable. This will make folding and sealing much easier.

Fill the tortillas. Place a spoonful (a tablespoon and a half) of your prepared filling in the center of each tortilla. Be careful not to overfill them, as this will make sealing difficult and could cause your empanadas to burst open during cooking.

Fold and Seal. Fold the tortilla in half to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together with your fingers, then use a fork to crimp the edges. This helps to ensure a tight seal, preventing any filling from leaking out.

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 2-3 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Place the empanadas in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. Lightly brush each empanada with olive oil or spray them with cooking spray to help them crisp up in the air fryer.

Cook the empanadas for 6-8 minutes, flipping them halfway through. They should be golden brown and crispy when done.

Tips and Variations

• Don’t overfill. This can cause them to burst open during cooking. Stick to a tablespoon or so of filling to ensure they stay intact.
• Use an Egg wash. Instead of spraying with oil, brush the empanadas with an egg wash before cooking. This will help them achieve a beautiful golden color. Simply whisk an egg with a little water or milk and brush it over the top of each empanada.
• If you prefer chicken, shred some pre-cooked chicken breasts and mix them with sautéed onions, bell peppers, and your favorite spices. A hint of lime juice and cilantro can elevate the flavors even more. This filling is light yet satisfying.
• Dessert Empanadas. Fill the tortilla with cream cheese, fruit, and powdered sugar, roll it into a burrito shape, air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway. You’ll get an easy and crispy Blueberry Roll-Ups, Strawberry Chimichangas, or Apple Pie Roll-ups with a sprinkle of cinnamon. Dessert empanadas make for a delightful treat.
• Bake them in the oven. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake them in the oven. Use the same ingredients that are in the recipe card. Preheat the oven to 400F. Put the empanadas on the tray lined with parchment paper and bake them for 20 minutes, flipping halfway. They may not be as crispy as in the air fryer, but they turn out yummy.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They make for a quick and easy snack or meal.

Empanadas freeze well, making them great for meal prep. Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months.

To reheat, pop them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes. They’ll come out just as crispy as when they were first cooked.

Besides Empanadas, What Else can I make using Tortillas?

Tortillas are incredibly versatile, serving as a canvas for creativity that goes far beyond traditional empanadas.

• Try these Air Fryer Quesadillas, where the melted cheese mingles with cooked vegetables and chicken.
• Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza. Spread tomato sauce, then layer on cheese. Add your favorite ingredients, whether it’s pepperoni, colorful bell peppers, or fresh basil, and watch as the tortilla crisps up to provide that satisfying crunch with every bite.
• Air Fryer Homemade Tortilla Chips. Crispy tortilla chips in minutes and you can use a low-carb tortilla for a low-carb version.

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