Chorizo and Potato Empanadillas

Chorizo and Potato Empanadillas: A Tasty Treat for Your Air Fryer

Empanadillas are delightful pastry turnovers that make for satisfying snacks or appetizers. This version combines the smoky, spicy flavors of chorizo with the comforting taste of potatoes, making it an irresistible option, especially when cooked to crisp perfection in an air fryer.

Chorizo and Potato Empanadillas

Ingredients

  • 200g chorizo, crumbled
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 pack of pre-made empanadilla pastry (or shortcrust pastry)
  • 1 egg, beaten (for glazing)
Ingredients for Empanadillas

Instructions

  1. Begin by heating the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes and cook for about 10 minutes until they start to soften.
  2. Add the chopped onion to the pan and continue to sauté for another 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
  3. Add the crumbled chorizo to the mixture, stirring occasionally, and cook for an additional 7-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Once cooked, remove the mixture from the heat and allow it to cool slightly. Preheat your air fryer to 180°C.
  5. Lay the pastry sheets on a flat surface and cut out circles using a pastry cutter or a glass, approximately 10cm in diameter.
  6. Place a heaped tablespoon of the chorizo and potato filling in the center of each pastry circle.
  7. Brush a little beaten egg around the edges of the pastry, then fold each circle in half to enclose the filling, pressing the edges together firmly to seal.
  8. Use a fork to crimp the sealed edges, ensuring no filling escapes during cooking.
  9. Brush each empanadilla lightly with the beaten egg to ensure a golden finish when cooked.
  10. Place the empanadillas in a single layer in the air fryer's basket. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
  11. Air fry at 180°C for 8-10 minutes or until they are crisp and golden brown.
Air Frying Empanadillas

Serving Suggestions

These empanadillas are best served hot as an appetizer or a snack. Pair them with a side of fresh salad or a simple dipping sauce, such as aioli or spicy tomato salsa, to enhance their flavours.

Tips for Perfect Empanadillas

  • Ensure the filling is cooled before it is placed on the pastry to avoid making it soggy.
  • Don’t overfill the pastry circles; it makes sealing difficult and can cause leaks during cooking.
  • Experiment with different fillings, such as adding cheese or using other types of sausage for varied flavors.

This chorizo and potato empanadilla recipe is an excellent choice for a quick and flavourful meal, especially when using the convenience of an air fryer. Whether you're hosting a party or looking for a delightful treat to enjoy with family, these empanadillas will surely be a hit!