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Beef Enpanadas in the Air Fryer

plate of beef enpanadas in the air fryer.

Crispy Beef Enpanadas in an Air Fryer - A Match Made in Heaven!


I know, I know, I spelled it wrong. However, so do over 500 individuals each month when entering it into a search engine. So for this post, yes it's "enpanadas" haha.


Do you love beef enpanadas in the air fryer as much as we do? The crispy crust, the juicy filling, and the flavorful spices - everything about these delightful pockets of goodness makes them the perfect appetizer, snack, or even meal. And if you're lucky enough to own an air fryer, we've got some great news for you! Here's a quick and easy recipe for making crispy beef empanadas in an air fryer. Yes, you heard it right - your air fryer can deliver perfectly cooked empanadas with just a fraction of the oil and mess of deep-frying. But wait, can we really cook empanadas in an air fryer? Let's find out!



Can we Really Cook Beef Empanadas in an Air Fryer?

The short answer is absolutely, hands down - yes! Air fryers are great for cooking all sorts of foods, including empanadas. In fact, using an air fryer can make cooking empanadas healthier and more convenient, as you don't have to deal with hot oil, splatters, and lingering smells. Plus, air fryers use hot air circulation to cook the food evenly and quickly, resulting in a crispy exterior and a soft, juicy interior.



Ingredients for this misspelled Enpanadas in the air fryer:

  • For the empanada dough:

  • 2 cups of all-purpose flour

  • 1/2 tsp of salt

  • 1/4 cup of cold water

  • 1/4 cup of cold milk

  • 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces

  • 1 egg, lightly beaten


For the beef filling:

  • 1 lb of ground beef

  • 1 onion, chopped

  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced

  • 1 tsp of paprika

  • 1 tsp of cumin

  • 1/2 tsp of chili powder

  • 1/2 tsp of salt

  • 1/4 tsp of black pepper

  • 1/4 cup of tomato sauce

  • 1/4 cup of chopped green olives

  • 1/4 cup of raisins



Steps to Cook Beef Empanadas in an Air Fryer:

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut in the chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

  2. In a separate bowl, combine the cold water, cold milk, and beaten egg. Gradually pour the liquid mixture into the flour mixture, stirring with a fork until the dough comes together in a moist, shaggy ball.

  3. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it gently for a minute or two until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.

  4. Meanwhile, prepare the beef filling. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and crumbly. Add the onion, garlic, paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, and cook for another 5 minutes until the onion is translucent.

  5. Stir in the tomato sauce, green olives, and raisins, and cook for another 2 minutes until the flavors are well combined. Remove from heat and let the filling cool down.

  6. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Take the dough out of the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Using a round cookie cutter or a drinking glass, cut out circles of dough with a diameter of about 4-5 inches.

  7. Place about 1 tablespoon of the beef filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over into a half-moon shape and press the edges together with a fork to seal. Repeat until all the dough and filling are used up.

  8. Lightly brush the empanadas with beaten egg and place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, not touching each other. Cook for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crisp on the outside, and hot and juicy on the inside. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.


Pro Tips and Variations:

  • You can use any type of ground meat or vegetable filling for your empanadas, or even make sweet dessert empanadas with fruit, chocolate, or caramel fillings.

  • To save time, you can use store-bought empanada dough instead of making your own from scratch.

  • Feel free to experiment with different spices and seasonings to suit your taste. You can even add diced potatoes, carrots, or corn to your beef filling for extra texture and flavor.

  • Empanadas can be frozen before or after frying, and reheated in the air fryer for a quick snack or meal on the go.


Making beef empanadas in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy way to enjoy this classic Latin American snack. With a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create perfectly crisp and flavorful empanadas that will impress your guests, satisfy your cravings, and elevate your cooking game. So go ahead, try this recipe, and let us know how it turns out. And don't forget to share your own pro tips and variations in the comments below. Happy cooking!


For more delicious Beef options:  Beef Main Page

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