Air Fryer Taco Empanadas
32 min
|
easy
Recipe by Eunice
Introduction
Crispy, golden air fryer taco empanadas bring that empanada-meets-taco magic with properly seasoned beef, melty cheddar, and just enough salsa to keep them juicy, not soggy.
Perfect for a kid's lunch, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or a game day snack, they cook fast with minimal oil and deliver big flavor in a tidy handheld.
Ingredients (5 servings)
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Ingredients for the Filling:
- ½ lb ground beef ground beef 0.5 lb
- 2 Tbsp taco seasoning mix taco seasoning mix 1 oz
- 2 Tbsp water water
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese shredded cheddar cheese 2.5 oz
- ¼ cup salsa medium chunky red salsa 2.12 oz
- 10 discs empanada dough empanada dough 10 discs
- 1 large egg, beaten (for sealing and brushing) large egg 1 ct
- olive oil cooking spray olive oil cooking spray 0.01 fl oz
How to Make Air Fryer Taco Empanadas
-
Season and brown the beef
Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat until it looks hot and a drop of water sizzles.
Add the ground beef and break it up with a spatula into small crumbles.
Cook until no pink remains and you see little browned bits on the bottom for flavor.
-
Bloom the taco seasoning
Stir in the taco seasoning and the water to coat every crumb of beef.
Let it simmer 1 to 2 minutes until the liquid reduces and the spices smell toasty.
Pull the pan off the heat and cool 5 to 10 minutes so the filling does not steam the dough.
-
Melt in the cheesy salsa
Stir in the shredded cheddar and salsa until the cheese just starts to melt and the mixture holds together.
If your salsa is watery, spoon it in without extra juices to keep the filling thick.
-
Prep the wrappers and egg wash
Lay out the empanada discs on a clean wooden board and keep them covered with a towel so they do not dry out.
Beat the egg in a small bowl and have a pastry brush ready.
-
Fill and seal tight
Add about 2 tablespoons of filling to the center of each disc.
Brush a thin ring of egg around the edge, fold into a half moon, and press to seal.
Push out any air pockets so they do not burst in the air fryer.
-
Crimp like you mean it
Crimp the edges with a fork for a quick, tight seal or pleat by hand if you want that classic look.
Brush the tops lightly with the remaining egg for color.
-
Preheat and set up the air fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 370 F for 3 to 5 minutes for even browning.
Lightly spray the basket with olive oil spray or use perforated parchment made for air fryers.
-
Air fry to golden
Arrange empanadas in a single layer with space between them.
Spray the tops lightly with olive oil spray for extra crunch.
Cook at 370 F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping at 6 minutes, until deeply golden and crisp.
-
Rest and serve
Let them rest 3 minutes so the cheese sets and the crust stays flaky.
Serve hot with extra salsa or a quick lime crema if you are feeling flirty.
Substitutions
- Ground beef -> Ground turkey or chicken
- Using 93 percent lean turkey or chicken keeps things lighter while still juicy if you add a teaspoon of olive oil, and the taco spices shine a bit brighter against the milder meat.
- Cheddar cheese -> Monterey Jack or Oaxaca
- These melt silkier than cheddar and give a stretchy pull that feels extra indulgent while keeping the flavor mellow and creamy.
- Empanada discs -> Refrigerated pie dough cut into 5 inch rounds
- Pie dough bakes up tender and flaky with a slightly buttery note, so the result is more delicate but still holds the taco filling nicely in the air fryer.
Tips
- Chill the filling slightly
- Warm filling steams the pastry and makes seams pop, so give it a few minutes to thicken before assembling.
- Measure the filling
- Use a 2 tablespoon scoop for even size, even cooking, and zero blowouts.
- Seal insurance
- A ring of egg wash inside the edge plus a firm fork crimp prevents leaks when the cheese melts.
- Do not crowd the basket
- Air needs room to circulate or you get pale, soft spots, so cook in batches and keep the first batch warm in a 200 F oven if needed.
- Use perforated air fryer parchment
- Lined baskets release cleanly and avoid sticking without blocking airflow, which keeps bottoms crisp.
- Color control
- A light egg wash under a mist of oil gives deep golden color without greasy vibes.
- Freeze for later
- Assemble, freeze on a sheet tray until solid, then bag; air fry from frozen at 360 F for 14 to 16 minutes, flipping halfway, until hot and crisp.
Nutrition Facts *
| Energy | 214 | kcal |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 12 | g |
| Total Fat | 9 | g |
| Carbohydrates | 20 | g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 | g |
* Approximate, per serving.
Data source: USDA FoodData Central.
FAQ
- My empanadas burst open in the air fryer, what went wrong?
- They were either overfilled, had trapped air, or the seam was weak; use 2 tablespoons filling, press out air before crimping, and use egg wash plus a firm fork crimp.
- The bottoms are soggy, how do I get them crisp?
- Preheat the air fryer, use perforated parchment or a light oil spray, avoid watery salsa, and give them 1 to 2 extra minutes if needed until the bottoms feel firm.
- How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?
- Cool the filling, seal with egg, crimp well, and avoid shredded cheese on the very edge where it can melt out.
- Can I bake these in a regular oven?
- Yes, bake at 400 F on a parchment lined sheet for 18 to 22 minutes until golden, rotating the pan once for even color.
- How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out?
- Air fry at 325 F for 4 to 6 minutes until hot and crisp or bake at 350 F for 8 to 10 minutes; avoid the microwave unless you like soft crusts.
- Is the beef cooked enough inside?
- Brown the beef fully in the skillet, then you are just crisping the pastry in the air fryer; for safety, cooked ground beef should reach 160 F before assembly.
Serving Suggestions
Crispy, cheesy empanadas play nice with lime crema, guacamole, and pickled red onions, and a sprinkle of Tajin gives a bright, citrusy snap that wakes everything up.
For a loaded taco vibe, tuck in a spoon of corn or black beans with the beef, then serve with a cold Mexican lager or a snappy seltzer if it is a school night.
More pairings:
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