Easy Air Fryer Empanadas 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 meat mixed with onions and herbs.
Ingredients
- 4 soft flour tortillas I used Mission brand and Trader Joe’s brand. Can subtitute for a Mission Carb Balance tortillas for a keto-friendly version
- 1 pound Ground beef Or chicken, turkey
- 1/2 onion Yellow or sweet. finely chopped
- 1 Tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive oil Plus more for brushing
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 Tablespoon Seasoning I used Vegeta all-purpose seasoning. Or combine the following in 1 tablespoon: Garlic powder, cumin powder, smoked paprika.
- 1 Tablespoon Parsley finely chopped fresh parsley or parsley flakes
Optional
- 1 Egg This is optional: You can also use a beaten egg for brushing the empanadas (instead of spraying them with oil)
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 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 on air fry (air crisp) mode for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. They should be golden brown and crispy when done.
Notes
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 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.
Nutrition
Serving: 1pieceCalories: 438kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 24gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 121mgSodium: 637mgPotassium: 424mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 737IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 82mgIron: 4mg
Nutrition Disclaimer Nutritional information is an estimate and may change based on products used.
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