The Best Crispy Chipotle BBQ Steak Air Fryer Empanadas: Golden Perfection Every Time

Prepare for an explosion of flavor with these incredible Chipotle BBQ Steak Air Fryer Empanadas! Imagine a golden, crispy pastry shell giving way to a rich, spicy, and smoky filling of tender sirloin steak. This recipe combines the hearty satisfaction of steak with the bold kick of chipotle BBQ, all made effortlessly in your air fryer. If you’re craving a quick, comforting, yet utterly delicious snack or appetizer, these empanadas are about to become your new obsession.

Disclosure: This post has been sponsored by Head Country Bar-B-Q. As always, all opinions are my own.

Why These Air Fryer Empanadas Are a Must-Try

There are moments in life when only an empanada will do. That delightful crunch of a perfectly cooked pastry, followed by a savory, flavorful filling – it’s a culinary experience that hits all the right notes. While many empanada recipes call for ground beef, we’re taking it up a notch with tender, juicy chunks of sirloin steak. This makes for a more substantial and satisfying bite, elevating these from a simple snack to a truly memorable treat.

What makes this recipe particularly special is its ease and the incredible depth of flavor it delivers without much effort. With store-bought puff pastry, much of the prep work is already done. Your main task involves cooking the steak and onions, then infusing the mixture with a powerful punch of flavor from our star ingredient: Head Country Bar-B-Q Sauce. Specifically, the Head Country Bar-B-Q Chipotle BBQ Sauce. This sauce is a game-changer, offering a smoky, spicy, and multi-layered taste profile that transforms the filling. If you prefer a milder heat or have the original on hand, Head Country Bar-B-Q Original BBQ Sauce works wonderfully too, especially when combined with fresh chipotle peppers for that authentic smoky spice.

The Magic of Air Frying Empanadas

Using an air fryer for empanadas is a revelation. It’s the secret to achieving that coveted golden, crispy exterior without deep-frying, meaning less oil and a healthier indulgence. The circulating hot air cooks the pastry evenly and quickly, leaving the inside perfectly tender and the outside irresistibly flaky. This method makes these Chipotle BBQ Steak Empanadas a fantastic option for a weeknight dinner, a quick game-day snack, or an impressive appetizer for your next gathering. They cook up fast, allowing you to enjoy homemade goodness without spending hours in the kitchen.

For an extra layer of spice and an authentic smoky flavor, we incorporate finely chopped chipotle peppers. You can easily find canned chipotles in adobo sauce at most local supermarkets. These little peppers are packed with flavor and provide a depth that perfectly complements the rich BBQ sauce and tender steak. Remember to save any leftover chipotles in adobo sauce for other recipes – they’re incredibly versatile!

While this recipe keeps things simple with pre-made puff pastry, if you’re feeling adventurous and want to truly impress, you can always opt for homemade empanada dough. Either way, the robust filling will shine through, making these empanadas a crowd-pleaser.

Other Delicious BBQ-Inspired Snack Foods to Explore:

• Hearty BBQ Charcuterie Board
• BBQ Bacon Crack Fries
• Dry Rub Wings
• Skillet Southwestern BBQ Chicken Dip

Essential Tools & Ingredients for Success

To whip up these amazing Chipotle BBQ Steak Air Fryer Empanadas, you’ll need a few key items. First and foremost, grab a bottle of Head Country Bar-B-Q Chipotle BBQ Sauce. You can conveniently order it online or pick it up at your local major supermarket. Its unique blend of smoky and spicy notes is truly the heart of this recipe’s incredible flavor.

An air fryer is, of course, essential for this recipe. I personally use my Instant Pot Ultra with the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid, which works wonderfully. Any air fryer model will do, just adjust cooking times slightly if needed. You’ll also need a rolling pin (a marble one is my favorite for its weight and cool surface) and a round cutter – a metal mixing bowl or a large cookie cutter around 6 inches in diameter works perfectly with a paring knife for precise cuts. Don’t forget a silicone brush for applying the egg wash, which ensures that beautiful golden-brown finish.

Crafting Your Chipotle BBQ Steak Air Fryer Empanadas

1. Prepare the Flavorful Filling

Begin by heating canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add your chopped sirloin steak and diced white onion, cooking until the beef is nicely browned. This usually takes about 3 minutes. Once cooked, transfer the meat and onion mixture to a bowl and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This cooling step prevents the pastry from becoming soggy. Then, stir in the finely chopped chipotle peppers, Head Country Chipotle BBQ Sauce, salt, and black pepper. This is your chance to taste and adjust the seasoning – add more salt or pepper if desired to achieve your perfect balance of flavors.

2. Shape the Empanadas

While your filling cools, take your puff pastry dough sheets and let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to become pliable. Lightly roll out the puff pastry to a consistent thickness. Using a 6-inch diameter round cutter (or the rim of a metal mixing bowl), cut out circles from the dough. Place 1 to 2 tablespoons of the cooled steak filling in the center of each round. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make sealing difficult. Whisk an egg with a tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush this wash around the outer edge of each dough round. Carefully fold the round over the filling, creating a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly with your fingers to seal, then use the tines of a fork to crimp the edges shut, ensuring no filling escapes during cooking. Repeat this process with the remaining pastry rounds and filling.

3. Air Fry to Golden Perfection

Lightly grease your air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Brush the outside of each assembled empanada with the egg wash for a beautiful golden-brown finish. Place the empanadas in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you will likely need to cook them in batches. I typically do two at a time to avoid overcrowding. Cook the empanadas at 400˚F (200˚C) for 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and the pastry is cooked through and flaky. Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately, perhaps with an extra bowl of Head Country Chipotle BBQ Sauce for dipping!

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

These Chipotle BBQ Steak Air Fryer Empanadas are fantastic for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time. Store cooked empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350˚F (175˚C) for 5 to 10 minutes until warmed through and crisp. While you can microwave them, the exterior won’t be as crispy, so oven reheating is highly recommended for best texture.

For longer storage, these empanadas freeze beautifully. Once cooled completely, place them in freezer-safe containers or bags, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They will last for up to 2 months in the freezer. To reheat from frozen, simply place them in your air fryer or oven and cook at 400˚F (200˚C) for about 15 minutes, or until thoroughly heated and crispy.

Puff Pastry vs. Pie Dough: Which is Better?

While some might prefer the denser, more traditional texture of pie crust for empanadas, I find that puff pastry truly shines in the air fryer. Its layers puff up beautifully, creating an incredibly light and crispy shell that perfectly complements the rich steak filling. The air fryer enhances this flakiness, giving you a superior texture. However, if pie dough is what you have on hand or what you prefer, feel free to use it! The steps for filling and sealing will remain the same, and you’ll still end up with delicious, homemade empanadas.

No Air Fryer? No Problem! Baking Instructions

Don’t have an air fryer? You can absolutely bake these Chipotle BBQ Steak Empanadas in a conventional oven. Simply follow all the instructions for making the filling and assembling the empanadas, including brushing them with the egg wash. Then, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 425˚F (220˚C) for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown and the pastry is cooked through. The baked version will still be incredibly delicious, though the texture might be slightly less crispy than those made in an air fryer.

Love all things in pie form? Be sure to try these black pepper steak hand pies for another savory pastry treat!

Conclusion: A Flavorful Journey in Every Bite

These Chipotle BBQ Steak Air Fryer Empanadas are more than just a recipe; they’re an invitation to enjoy a burst of robust flavors and satisfying textures with minimal fuss. The combination of tender sirloin, the smoky heat of chipotle, and the crispy embrace of puff pastry, all perfected in the air fryer, makes for an unforgettable culinary experience. Whether you’re hosting friends, looking for a unique weeknight meal, or simply craving a comforting snack, these empanadas deliver. Dive in and savor the rich, spicy, and wonderfully crispy goodness!