AIR FRYER EMPANADAS – 3 POINTS
1 cup self-rising flour
1 cup non-fat Greek yogurt
Instructions:
In a mixing bowl, combine the self-rising flour and non-fat Greek yogurt.
Stir the ingredients together until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s smooth and elastic, adding a little extra flour if needed to prevent sticking.
Air Fryer Empanadas:
Ingredients:
2-Ingredient dough (prepared as above)
Your choice of empanada filling (e.g., ground turkey, lean ground beef, sautéed vegetables, black beans, etc.)
Seasonings and spices (e.g., chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, pepper)
Cooking spray
Instructions:
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.
Divide the 2-Ingredient dough into equal portions based on the number of empanadas you want to make.
Roll out each portion of dough into a circle or oval shape, about 1/8-inch thick.
Place a spoonful of your chosen empanada filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges.
Season the filling with your desired spices and seasonings.
Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
Use a fork to crimp the edges of the empanada to seal it.
Lightly spray the empanadas with cooking spray.
Place the empanadas in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch.
Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown and crisp on the outside.
Carefully remove the empanadas from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute
These Air Fryer Empanadas offer a healthier twist on the traditional Latin American pastry, providing a lighter yet still incredibly satisfying option for snack time or as part of a meal. The genius behind this recipe lies in its simplicity, utilizing just two ingredients for the dough: self-rising flour and non-fat Greek yogurt. This combination yields a dough that is both light and fluffy, with a slight tanginess from the yogurt that complements the savory filling beautifully.
To prepare the dough, simply mix the self-rising flour and Greek yogurt together until a smooth dough forms, then knead it until it becomes elastic and pliable. The self-rising flour eliminates the need for additional leavening agents, streamlining the preparation process even further. This dough comes together quickly and easily, making it perfect for those times when you’re craving homemade empanadas but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Once the dough is ready, it’s time to get creative with the filling. Whether you prefer classic options like ground turkey or lean ground beef, or you opt for vegetarian-friendly fillings like sautéed vegetables or black beans, the choice is yours. Season the filling to your liking with spices such as chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to add depth of flavor and a hint of heat.
Assembly is a breeze—simply divide the dough into portions, roll them out into circles or ovals, add a spoonful of filling to one half, fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape, and crimp the edges with a fork to seal. A quick spritz of cooking spray ensures that the empanadas develop a golden brown and crispy exterior as they cook in the air fryer.
In just 8-10 minutes at 350°F (175°C), these empanadas emerge from the air fryer perfectly cooked, with a satisfying crunch that gives way to a flavorful and hearty filling. They’re ideal for serving as a party appetizer, packing in lunchboxes, or enjoying as a quick and tasty snack any time of day. Plus, with each empanada clocking in at just 3 Weight Watchers points, you can indulge without any guilt. Whether you’re a seasoned empanada aficionado or new to the world of handheld pastries, these Air Fryer Empanadas are sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.