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I’ve been obsessed with Mexican food for as long as I can remember. TRUTHFULLY! Some of my earliest memories as a child were visiting a traditional Mexican restaurant. It was 45-minutes from where we lived. And we rarely (if ever) ate out. But this restaurant became my happy food space. And one of my favorite items were traditional empanadas (and papaya juice, but we’re not talking about that today). As much as I loved those traditional empanadas, I found them hard to duplicate at home. That is, until I made these air fryer beef empanadas.
What you’ll need
As you may know, I’m a big fan of using an air fryer. In fact, we use ours daily. If you haven’t yet purchased an air fryer, what are you waiting for?! My suggestions are this one for a big family and this one for 1-2 people.
Here’s what else you’ll need:
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1 ounce of taco seasoning
- 3 Tablespoon of beef broth
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts total, bring to room temperature)
- 1 egg, whisked
The ingredients are simple. And, if you’re looking for an amazing taco seasoning, I would suggest checking out Penzey’s Spices. Of all of the seasonings I’ve tried, Penzey’s are the best.
How to make Air Fryer Beef Empanadas
Air Fryer Beef Empanadas
Ingredients
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1 ounce of taco seasoning
- 3 Tablespoon of beef broth
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts total, bring to room temperature)
- 1 egg, whisked
Instructions
INGREDIENTS -
- Heat a large saucepan on medium heat, add your bell pepper and onions. Sauté for 3 to 5 minutes allowing the bell pepper to soften, and your onion to be translucent.
- Add your ground beef, taco seasoning, and broth. Mix everything together and brown your meat. Once completely cooked, set aside.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F for five minutes.
- On a lightly floured flat surface, add one of your pie crusts. Using a rolling pin roll your pie crust just a couple of times to thin out your pie crust slightly. Using a round bowl or cup that is 8 inches in diameter, cut out 4 circles.
- Repeat step four with your second pie crust.
- Optional (see fun tip): Take your remaining pie crust. Roll it into a ball and flatten out to cut more circles. You should be able to get at least two more 8-inch diameter circles.
- Add 2 tablespoons of your meat mixture to one side of your circles. Using your finger, line the circle with water. This helps with the adhesive of the folding process.
- Fold your circle half. Using a fork, pinch the sides of your empanada.
- Using your egg, wash the tops of your empanadas.
- Transfer your empanadas to your air fryer.
- Cook your empanadas for about five minutes or until golden brown at 350°F.
- Once they are finished cooking, remove and set aside. Repeat steps 10-11 until you have cooked all of your empanadas.
- ENJOY!
Notes
Fun tip: I use leftover pie crust to make mini cinnamon rolls. Roll out your dough in a rounded-out rectangle. Brush melted butter. Sprinkle on a little bit of cinnamon and sugar. Roll and cut into bite-size pieces. Bake in the oven at 350° for at least 10 minutes or until golden brown. The Cook time will differ based off of how much cinnamon roll is being baked.
The recipe is so easy and is sure to be a hit for the whole family.
PIN FOR LATER
Heck yes, these look incredible! They’d make a quick snack. I’d probably eat a ton 😉
These empanadas are perfection! What a fabulous family dinner. I’ll be making this one again.
air fryers are amazing! I bet they make these so good vs real fry or baking. I love that you used pre made pie crust, that keeps it easy! Im like “Even I could make these” Look very professional – I might have to try the local empanada place for lunch today!
I’ve been seeing so many great recipes that require an air fryer. I think it’s time to invest. Can’t wait to give this recipe a try!
I love empanadas! For a while I was putting a ton of different fillings in them. Now I’ve switched to a dough that’s more of a dinner roll type of dough and am filling and shaping the rolls.
OMG yes, they sound amazing! I need to make them asap
So, you’re doing a good job because my mouth started watering INSTANTLY on this one. 100% will be making this recipe this week, can’t wait. Think I’ll start adding some of my family recipes to my blog as well and start sharing the love like you… Thanks for the post 🙂
Wow I was looking for some good air fryer recipes my husband and I will both love and these are a must!!! Amazing! Crispy yet juicy and packed full of flavour:)
My friend always makes me empanadas but I should try making them this way for her!