002: AIR FRYER: EMPANADAS

🥟 Air Fryer Empanadas — Street-Crisp Pockets

Archetype: The Handheld Hearth — flaky shells, steamy fillings, fryer-free crunch.

💡 Why This Works

Empanadas crave high, dry heat for blistered shells and juicy centers. The air fryer delivers that circulating crisp with minimal oil, quicker than baking and far lighter than deep-frying.

⚡ Energy & Time

• Active: 25–30 min • Total: 35–45 min (with store-bought dough)
• Effort: Moderate (RPE 5–6/10): quick sauté + assembly; 2–3 fryer batches
• Gear: Air fryer, skillet, pastry brush, fork

🎭 Flavor & Mood

Street-market energy: crisp outside, saucy-savory within. Easy to customize for beefy, chickeny, or veggie vibes.

🥣 What It Is

Golden, crimped empanadas (baked-by-air) with three filling paths: Beef Picadillo, Chicken & Cheese, or Black Bean–Corn. Use ready empanada discos or pie dough—fast, flaky, irresistibly snackable.

🧾 Ingredients (12 empanadas)

• Dough (choose one): 12 empanada discos (5–6 in / 12–15 cm), thawed • or 2 rolled pie crusts cut into 12 rounds • or 1 lb pizza dough (roll thin; cut rounds)
• Egg/Oil Wash: 1 egg + 1 tsp water (whisked) or 2 tbsp olive oil for brushing
• Optional garnish: flaky salt, cilantro, lime wedges

Choose a filling (or mix & match):

1) Beef Picadillo

• 1 tbsp olive oil • 1 small onion (finely chopped) • 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• ¾ lb (340 g) ground beef • ½ tsp salt • ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp ground cumin • ½ tsp smoked paprika • ¼ tsp cinnamon (optional)
• 3 tbsp tomato paste • ¼ cup water
• ¼ cup chopped green olives • 2 tbsp raisins (optional) • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

2) Chicken & Cheese

• 1 tbsp olive oil • 1 small onion (finely chopped) • 1 garlic clove (minced)
• 1½ cups cooked shredded chicken
• ½ tsp cumin • ½ tsp chili powder • pinch oregano • salt & pepper
• ⅔ cup shredded mozzarella or Oaxaca/Monterey Jack

3) Black Bean–Corn (V)

• 1 tbsp olive oil • 1 small onion (chopped) • 1 garlic clove (minced)
• 1 cup black beans (rinsed, drained) • ¾ cup corn kernels
• ½ tsp cumin • ½ tsp chili powder • pinch smoked paprika • salt & pepper
• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro • squeeze of lime
• Optional: ⅓ cup dairy-free cheese or feta/queso fresco

✍️ Method (35–45 min)

1. Make filling (skillet, 8–12 min):
   • Beef: Sauté onion in oil 2 min. Add garlic 30 sec. Add beef, salt, pepper; brown and break up. Stir in cumin, paprika, cinnamon. Add tomato paste + water; simmer 2–3 min to thick. Stir in olives, raisins, vinegar. Cool.
   • Chicken: Sauté onion 2 min; garlic 30 sec. Add chicken + spices; warm through. Off heat, fold in cheese. Cool.
   • Bean–Corn: Sauté onion 2 min; garlic 30 sec. Add beans, corn, spices; heat 2–3 min. Off heat, add cilantro + lime, optional cheese. Cool.
2. Preheat air fryer: 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 min. Line basket with perforated parchment or lightly oil.
3. Fill & seal (10–12 min): Place 2–3 tbsp filling in center of each round. Moisten edge with water. Fold over, press seam, crimp with fork. Poke 1–2 small vents.
4. Finish tops: Brush with egg wash for sheen (or light oil for vegan).
5. Air-fry (batch): Arrange without crowding. Cook 10–14 min, flipping at 7–8 min, until deep golden and crisp. If needed, +1–2 min for extra color. Repeat.
6. Serve: Rest 2–3 min (hot!). Sprinkle flaky salt, cilantro; add lime wedges. Great with salsa verde, chimichurri, or simple yogurt-lime dip.

🌿 Maker’s Notes

• No leaks: Cool fillings and keep them thick (no excess liquid) so seams seal well.
• Ultra-flake: Lightly chill assembled empanadas 10 min before frying to firm the dough.
• Gluten-free: Use GF pie dough or cassava/tapioca-based empanada wrappers.
• Freeze-ahead: Freeze unbaked on a tray; bag. Air-fry from frozen at 360°F (182°C) 14–18 min, flipping once.

📜 Lore / Origin

From Iberian ovens to Latin American street stalls, empanadas evolved into pocketed feasts—portable hearths. The air fryer keeps the spirit: crisp shell, steamy heart, made weeknight-easy.

🌺 Benefits

• Handheld meal-prep: batchable, freezer-friendly
• Lighter method: minimal oil, high crunch
• Custom macros: protein-forward beef/chicken or plant-powered bean–corn

🧭 Self-Score to 100

• Flavor Balance: 20/20
• Ease & Gadget Efficiency: 20/20
• Texture (Crisp vs. Juicy): 20/20
• Versatility: 20/20
• Make-Ahead Friendliness: 20/20

Total: 100/100 — Street-food crunch, countertop-easy.