Mini Air-Fried Empanadas are bite-sized delights filled with your choice of savory ingredients, encased in a flaky golden crust. Perfect as appetizers or snacks, these crispy empanadas pack flavor in every bite without the extra oil from traditional frying. They’re quick, easy to make, and customizable to suit any taste.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 package of empanada dough discs (store-bought or homemade, approx. 10 mini-sized)
- 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken, beef, or beans (for vegetarian option)
- ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
- ¼ cup diced bell peppers
- ¼ cup diced onions
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg, beaten (for brushing)
- Non-stick cooking spray
Instructions:
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken (or beans), cheese, diced vegetables, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Assemble the Empanadas:
- Lay out the empanada dough discs. Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each disc.
- Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together and crimp them with a fork to seal.
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Preheat for 3-5 minutes.
- Cook the Empanadas:
- Lightly brush each empanada with the beaten egg for a golden finish. Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray.
- Arrange the empanadas in a single layer in the basket. Do not overcrowd.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve:
- Remove from the air fryer and let cool slightly. Serve warm with salsa, guacamole, or a dipping sauce of your choice.
Time Required:
- Preparation: 15 minutes
- Cooking: 10 minutes per batch
- Total: 25 minutes
Serves: 4 people (2-3 mini empanadas per person)
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving):
- Calories: ~200
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
Key Notes:
- Filling Variations: Experiment with different fillings like spiced lentils, sautéed mushrooms, or ham and cheese.
- Make Ahead: Prepare and freeze uncooked empanadas for quick snacks later. Simply air-fry from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes.
- Dipping Sauces: Pair with sour cream, salsa verde, or spicy aioli for added flavor.
- Customization: Opt for gluten-free or whole-wheat dough for dietary preferences.