Crispy Beef Empanadas in Air Fryer – Quick Recipe
Crispy empanadas with seasoned beef filling, quickly cooked in an air fryer. Perfect as an appetizer or snack.
Steps
- 1
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with diced bell pepper and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent.
- 2
Add the taco seasoning packet and beef broth, stir well, and remove from heat. Let the mixture cool slightly.
- 3
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pie crust sheets. Cut 3 circles (about 5 inches diameter) from each sheet, making 8 circles total.
- 4
Place 2-3 tablespoons of the meat filling in the center of each dough circle. Sprinkle a little shredded cheese on top. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon, seal the edges with a little water, and press with a fork to crimp.
- 5
Brush the top of each empanada with the beaten egg.
- 6
Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
- 7
Place 4 empanadas in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, until golden and crispy. Repeat with the remaining empanadas.
- 8
Serve warm with sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or your favorite sauces.
Shopping list
450g (1 lb) ground beef, 1 small bell pepper (diced), 1 packet (28g/1 oz) taco seasoning, 1/4 cup (60ml) beef broth, 1 package refrigerated pie crust, 1/2 cup (60g) shredded cheese, 1/2 small onion (chopped), 1 large egg (beaten)
Recipe story
Empanadas originated in the Galicia region of Spain, where they were prepared by pilgrims as easy-to-carry food. In the 16th century, Spanish explorers brought the recipe to Latin America, where it was embraced and adapted with local ingredients. Over time, empanadas became a symbol of Latin American cuisine, with variations in almost every country.
Ingredient Secrets
Black pepper
Known as 'black gold' in antiquity, pepper was so valuable that it served as currency and tribute. In the Middle Ages, Venetian merchants controlled the pepper trade, and individual peppercorns were often counted. Legend has it that when Alaric, king of the Visigoths, demanded tribute from Rome, he included 3,000 pounds of pepper.
Onion
Probably originating in Central or West Asia, onions were cultivated in ancient Egypt, where they were considered a symbol of eternity and placed in tombs. In ancient Greece, athletes ate them to balance their blood, and in Rome, they were a staple food for soldiers. During the Middle Ages, onions were believed to protect against arrows and the plague.
