1. Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, stirring with a fork until the dough comes together. Add more water if needed, a tablespoon at a time.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently to form a ball. Flatten into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine the diced apples, caramel sauce, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Stir until the apples are well coated.
3. Assemble the Empanadas
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness.
- Use a round cutter (about 4-5 inches in diameter) to cut out circles of dough.
- Place a spoonful of the apple filling in the center of each dough circle.
- Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together and crimp with a fork to seal.
- Place the empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet or tray.
4. Prepare the Egg Wash
- In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and water.
- Brush the tops of the empanadas with the egg wash to help them turn golden brown in the air fryer.
5. Air Fry the Empanadas
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil.
- Place the empanadas in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each one. You may need to cook them in batches.
- Air fry the empanadas at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the empanadas from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving.
- Serve warm, optionally drizzled with extra caramel sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Tips for Perfect Empanadas
- Chill the Dough: Ensure the dough is well-chilled before rolling to make it easier to handle and to achieve a flakier crust.
- Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overfill the empanadas to prevent them from bursting during cooking.
- Batch Cooking: Cook the empanadas in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer, which ensures even cooking.
Variations to Try
- Cinnamon Sugar Coating: After air frying, brush the empanadas with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
- Nutty Caramel: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple filling for a nutty crunch.
- Berry Filling: Substitute the apples with mixed berries for a different fruity flavor.
Conclusion
These air fryer caramel apple empanadas are a delightful, easy-to-make dessert that combines the sweetness of caramel with the tartness of apples, all wrapped in a flaky pastry. Perfect for any occasion, they are sure to be a hit with everyone.
Key Takeaway
The secret to perfect air fryer caramel apple empanadas lies in using a well-chilled dough, a flavorful filling, and the convenience of the air fryer to achieve a crispy, golden finish. By following this guide, you’ll create a dessert that’s both delicious and visually appealing.
We hope you found this guide helpful and inspiring. Enjoy your air fryer caramel apple empanadas!