Cheese Empanadas

4.95 from 20 votes

A simple, 5-ingredient recipe for cheese empanadas. In this post, we'll teach you how to make them, freeze them, and cook them in the air fryer or on the stove!

Prep 45

Cook 10

Total 55

Fat 13

Carbs 22

Protein 10

Yield

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon canola oil
½ cup cold water
4 oz. shredded Monterey Jack cheese ~1cup
1-2 cups canola oil for frying

Instructions

In a bowl add the all purpose flour, salt, and 1 tablespoon of oil. Mix together. It should start to look a little crumbly.
Next start adding the cold water 1 tablespoon at a time, stirring it until it becomes very coarse and crumbly.
Shape the dough into a disk and tightly cover the dough with plastic wrap. Place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
After the dough has rested, cut the disk into 8 triangles. On a floured surface roll out each piece into a circle, roughly 4 inches.
Place 1-2 tablespoons of cheese into the center of the empanada. Dip your finger into some water and trace it along the outside of one half of the empanada. Fold the dough over and press the edges together to seal completely.
To pan-fry: Heat a large skillet over medium/high heat and add 2 cups of oil. When the oil has become fragrant place 2-4 empanadas in the skillet. Fry for 2-3 minutes on one side, flip and fry for an additional 2-3 minutes. Or until golden brown.
To air fry: Preheat your air fryer to 400℉. Spray your air fryer with cooking spray and place 2-4 empanadas in the basket. Fry for 3 minutes, flip and fry for an additional 3-4 minutes.
Serve by themselves or dip into your favorite salsas!

Tips & Notes

The air-fried empanadas do not get golden brown, more of a light gold color. They still have a crunch, just less color.
To freeze the empanadas: make them as is, but do not cook them. Wrap them individually in parchment paper and store them in a freezer storage bag for up to 3 months.
To reheat from frozen: follow steps 6 or 7. Cooking times were the same.

Nutrition Facts