why make this recipe
Simple Air Fryer Ground Turkey Empanadas are a delicious and easy meal option. They are perfect for busy weeknights or for when you want to impress your family and friends with minimal effort. Using ground turkey makes this dish lighter than traditional versions, and the air fryer helps achieve a crispy texture without a lot of oil. These empanadas are tasty, fun to make, and can be enjoyed as a snack or a main dish.
how to make Simple Air Fryer Ground Turkey Empanadas
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 cup diced bell pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 2 cups empanada dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Directions:
- In a skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the onions and bell peppers, and sauté until soft.
- Add the ground turkey and cook until browned. Stir in the garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Remove from heat and mix in the shredded cheese.
- Roll out the empanada dough and cut it into circles.
- Place a spoonful of the turkey mixture in the center of each circle.
- Fold the dough over to create empanadas and seal the edges.
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and place the empanadas in a single layer.
- Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
how to serve Simple Air Fryer Ground Turkey Empanadas
These empanadas are best served hot. You can enjoy them as they are or pair them with a side of salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping. They make a great appetizer or a fun main dish that everyone will love.
how to store Simple Air Fryer Ground Turkey Empanadas
To store leftover empanadas, let them cool completely. Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes, or heat them in the oven until warmed through.
tips to make Simple Air Fryer Ground Turkey Empanadas
- For extra flavor, consider adding spices like paprika or chili powder to the turkey mixture.
- Make sure to seal the empanadas well so the filling doesn’t leak out during cooking.
- Experiment with different types of cheese or vegetables for variety.
variation
You can customize these empanadas by using different meats such as chicken or beef, or even making them vegetarian by using beans and cheese. Adding herbs like cilantro or parsley can also give a fresh twist to the filling.
FAQs
Can I use homemade empanada dough?
Yes, you can definitely use homemade empanada dough if you prefer. Just make sure it’s rolled out thin enough to bake nicely in the air fryer.
What dipping sauces go well with these empanadas?
These empanadas pair well with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or a spicy aioli.
Can I freeze the empanadas before cooking them?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked empanadas. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag, and when you’re ready to cook, air fry them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Simple Air Fryer Ground Turkey Empanadas
Ingredients
Filling Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey Use lean ground turkey for a lighter option.
- 1 cup diced onions Onions will add flavor and sweetness.
- 1 cup diced bell pepper Any color bell pepper works well.
- 1 cup shredded cheese Choose your favorite cheese for added flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder Enhances the overall taste of the filling.
- 1 teaspoon cumin Adds a nice earthiness to the turkey.
- Salt and pepper to taste Adjust seasonings as per preference.
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups empanada dough Use store-bought or homemade dough.
- Cooking spray To prevent sticking in the air fryer.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the onions and bell peppers, and sauté until soft.
- Add the ground turkey and cook until browned. Stir in the garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Remove from heat and mix in the shredded cheese.
- Roll out the empanada dough and cut it into circles.
- Place a spoonful of the turkey mixture in the center of each circle.
- Fold the dough over to create empanadas and seal the edges.
Cooking
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and place the empanadas in a single layer.
- Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Serving
- Serve warm and enjoy!
