Air Fryer Empanadas

Name: Air Fryer Empanadas
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 56 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Argentinian
Ingredients: 12 oz ground beef (80/20); 12 store-bought empanada discs (thawed if frozen); 1 white onion, finely diced; 1/2 red bell pepper, finely diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/2 cup pimiento-stuffed green olives, sliced; 2 large hard-boiled eggs, peeled, chopped; 1 large egg, beaten; 2 tbsp olive oil

Golden, flaky empanadas filled with seasoned ground beef, green olives, and hard-boiled egg in the traditional Argentinian style, air-fried instead of deep-fried for an easy home version.

56 minMediumServes 4320 cal/serving

ArgentinianAppetizerAir FryerStandardPork-FreeAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

12 oz ground beef (80/20)
12 store-bought empanada discs (thawed if frozen)
1 white onion, finely diced
1/2 red bell pepper, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup pimiento-stuffed green olives, sliced
2 large hard-boiled eggs, peeled, chopped
1 large egg, beaten
2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1

Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 finely diced white onion and 1/2 finely diced red bell pepper and cook 4-5 minutes until softened.
2

Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook 1 minute. Add 12 oz ground beef (80/20) and cook, breaking up, until browned, about 6 minutes. Drain excess fat.
3

Season with 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Stir in 1/2 cup sliced pimiento-stuffed green olives and 2 peeled, chopped large hard-boiled eggs. Let filling cool to room temperature.
4

Working one at a time, place a heaping tablespoon of filling in the center of each store-bought empanada discs (thawed if frozen). Fold the disc in half and crimp the edges tightly with a fork to seal. Brush the top of each empanada with 1 beaten large egg.
5

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes. Place empanadas in a single layer in the basket (work in batches if needed). Cook at 375°F for 14-16 minutes until deep golden brown.
6

Let cool 2 minutes before serving. The internal temperature of the filling should be at least 160°F (71°C).

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Questions

How much time should I plan for Air Fryer Empanadas?

As written, 56 minutes: 40 of prep and 16 of cooking. The longest single stretch is step 5 (16 minutes): "Cook at 375°F for 14-16 minutes until deep golden brown."

What internal temperature should Air Fryer Empanadas reach?

For Air Fryer Empanadas, the air fryer is set to 375 F (about 190 C) in step 5. The longest stretch at that heat is 3 minutes, in step 5. Air fryers run hot or cool by model, so check two minutes early the first time. The target internal temperature is 160 F (about 70 C), given in step 6. A probe thermometer removes the guesswork.

What should Air Fryer Empanadas look like when it is ready?

Go by the cues in the method rather than the clock. Step 5: cook until deep golden brown. A reading of 160 F on a thermometer settles it.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in Air Fryer Empanadas?

Yes. Choose turkey that is not extra-lean and add a tablespoon of oil to the pan, because turkey has less fat and browns more slowly. Season it a little harder than you would beef. As written, the entry for Air Fryer Empanadas uses 12 oz ground beef (80/20).

Does Air Fryer Empanadas contain eggs?

Yes: 2 large hard-boiled eggs, peeled, chopped and 1 large egg, beaten. The full allergen list for this entry is eggs. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

How many calories are in Air Fryer Empanadas?

One serving (the recipe makes 4) is about 320 calories, with 12 g protein, 32 g carbohydrate and 14 g fat, plus 1 g fiber and 480 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list.

How long does Air Fryer Empanadas keep?

Refrigerate what is left of Air Fryer Empanadas within two hours and eat it within three days. Re-crisp leftovers in the air fryer at 350 F for three to four minutes; the microwave softens the coating.

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