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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Empanadas Recipe with Spiced Beef and Olives Made Easy

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These crispy air fryer empanadas feature a rich filling of spiced beef, tender chicken, and tangy olives, delivering a quick and flavorful snack or meal with a golden, flaky crust.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • ⅓ cup (80ml) cold water, adjust as needed
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 large egg (for brushing)
  • 8 oz (225g) ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 cup (150g) cooked chicken breast, shredded
  • ¼ cup (40g) green olives, pitted and chopped (Kalamata recommended)
  • ½ medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)

Instructions

  1. Make the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Add cold, cubed butter and blend until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water, mixing gently until dough just comes together. Wrap dough in plastic and chill for 30 minutes.
  2. Prepare the Filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute. Add ground beef, cook until browned, about 7 minutes. Season with cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and stir in shredded chicken, chopped olives, and cilantro or parsley. Let cool slightly.
  3. Roll Out Dough and Shape Empanadas: Roll dough on floured surface to ⅛-inch thickness. Cut circles with 4–5 inch cutter. Place about 2 tbsp filling in center of each circle. Fold dough over to form half-moon, press edges and crimp with fork to seal. Place on baking sheet.
  4. Prepare for Air Frying: Beat egg and brush tops of empanadas. Preheat air fryer to 370°F (188°C) for 3 minutes. Arrange empanadas in single layer in basket without overlapping.
  5. Cook: Air fry at 370°F (188°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crisp and golden brown.
  6. Serve: Let cool a few minutes before serving. Enjoy alone or with salsa, chimichurri, or yogurt dip.

Notes

Avoid overfilling empanadas to prevent bursting. Use cold butter and chill dough for flaky crust. Flip empanadas halfway through air frying for even cooking. Dough can be made ahead and refrigerated. Empanadas freeze well uncooked; add extra cooking time when cooking from frozen. Baking alternative: 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, turning once.

Nutrition

Keywords: empanadas, air fryer, chicken empanadas, spiced beef, olives, crispy, quick dinner, snack, easy recipe

Find it online: https://evabake.com/crispy-air-fryer-chicken-empanadas-recipe-with-spiced-beef-and-olives-made-easy/