Crispy Air Fryer Chipotle BBQ Steak Empanadas: Your Ultimate Smoky & Spicy Snack Recipe
Craving a snack that’s both hearty and bursting with flavor? Look no further than these incredible Chipotle BBQ Steak Air Fryer Empanadas. Imagine a golden, incredibly crispy pastry shell encasing a rich, smoky, and spicy sirloin steak filling – it’s a match made in culinary heaven. When you’re in the mood for a satisfying steak fix, the unbeatable combination of tender sirloin and the bold kick of chipotle is truly perfection. These air fryer empanadas deliver restaurant-quality taste with the convenience of home cooking.
Disclosure: This post has been sponsored by Head Country Bar-B-Q. As always, all opinions are my own.
There are moments when only an empanada can truly satisfy a craving. This beloved dish, a culinary staple in many cultures, offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors in every bite. The exterior promises a golden, flaky crispness, while the interior can hold a myriad of delectable fillings.
From savory poultry and vibrant vegetables to sweet fruit concoctions, empanadas are incredibly versatile. However, for a truly indulgent and satisfying experience, my personal favorite filling is undoubtedly steak. While many recipes opt for ground beef, there’s something uniquely satisfying about biting into hearty chunks of tender sirloin, perfectly seasoned and nestled within that buttery pastry dough.
These Chipotle BBQ Steak Empanadas are designed for those times you desire ultimate comfort food without the extensive effort often associated with homemade pastries. We leverage pre-made puff pastry dough, making the preparation process incredibly straightforward. The main task involves quickly cooking the steak and onions, then infusing them with a powerful flavor punch that transforms them into an irresistible filling.
The secret to the profound taste of this filling lies in the smoky and rich Head Country Bar-B-Q Sauce. Specifically, we’re using the Head Country Bar-B-Q Chipotle BBQ Sauce. This exceptional sauce is a powerhouse of flavor, delivering deep smokiness, a delightful spicy kick, and intricate layers of taste that elevate the sirloin to new heights. Its robust character is perfectly suited for a filling that needs to stand out.
For those who prefer a slightly milder heat or have the Original BBQ Sauce on hand, you can certainly use Head Country Bar-B-Q Original BBQ Sauce. It’s just as flavorful, and you can still achieve that signature chipotle heat by adding an extra touch of fresh, chopped chipotle peppers to the mix. Either way, you’re guaranteed a filling that’s anything but bland.
These empanadas are fantastic on their own, but serving them with an extra bowl of Head Country BBQ sauce on the side for dipping takes the deliciousness up a notch. The extra drizzle or dip provides an additional burst of smoky, spicy goodness with every bite.
To further amplify the spice and authentic chipotle essence, I love to incorporate a couple of finely chopped chipotle peppers directly into the filling. You can easily find canned chipotles in adobo sauce at your local supermarket – they’re typically located in the international foods aisle. Just remember to save the remaining peppers and sauce for other delicious recipes!
While this recipe uses convenient puff pastry for its fantastic crispiness in the air fryer, if you’re aiming for a more traditional and authentic experience, you can absolutely opt for homemade empanada dough. It adds another layer of craftsmanship to your cooking adventure. Looking for more empanada inspiration? This authentic recipe for Argentinian empanadas offers three different vegetarian filling options, proving just how versatile empanadas can be!
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Other yummy BBQ-inspired snack foods: Hearty BBQ Charcuterie Board | BBQ Bacon Crack Fries | Dry Rub Wings | Skillet Southwestern BBQ Chicken Dip
This Recipe’s Must-Haves
To achieve the deep, authentic smoky and spicy flavor profile that makes these empanadas truly stand out, getting your hands on a bottle of Head Country Bar-B-Q Chipotle BBQ Sauce is a non-negotiable must. This sauce is the backbone of our filling, providing unparalleled depth. You can conveniently purchase it online via the provided link, or easily find it at most major supermarkets in the BBQ sauce aisle.
For the cooking method, an air fryer is essential for achieving that signature golden-brown, crispy exterior without excess oil. I personally utilized my Instant Pot Ultra along with the versatile Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid, which makes converting a pressure cooker into an air fryer seamless. Any air fryer model you own should work perfectly.
You’ll also need a reliable rolling pin to gently flatten the puff pastry. My preference is a marble rolling pin, as its weight and coolness help keep the dough from sticking and ensure an even roll. To cut uniform 6-inch circles from the pastry, a clever trick is to use the rim of one of your metal mixing bowls as a guide, then simply trace around it with a sharp paring knife.
Finally, don’t forget a silicone brush. This small but mighty tool is perfect for evenly applying the egg wash to your empanadas before air frying. The egg wash is key for that beautiful golden sheen and extra crispness, and a silicone brush makes the application quick and mess-free.
Let’s Make Chipotle BBQ Steak Air Fryer Empanadas!
Make the Flavorful Filling
To begin creating the heart of your empanadas, you’ll first cook the sirloin steak and chopped white onion together. Heat a tablespoon of canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add your finely chopped sirloin steak – ensuring it’s cut into uniform 1/2-inch pieces for even cooking – along with the chopped onion. Sauté this mixture, stirring occasionally, until the beef is beautifully browned and the onions have softened and become translucent, typically about 3 minutes.
Once cooked, transfer the meat and onion mixture to a bowl and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes. This cooling step is important before adding the sauce to prevent it from thinning too much. Now, stir in the finely chopped chipotle peppers, a generous amount of Head Country Chipotle BBQ Sauce, and season with salt and pepper. This is a crucial point to taste the filling and adjust the seasoning to your preference – feel free to add more salt, pepper, or even a dash more BBQ sauce if you desire a bolder flavor.
Prepare and Fill the Pastry
While your filling cools slightly, prepare your puff pastry dough. Allow the dough to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to make it more pliable. Lightly dust your work surface with flour and gently roll out the puff pastry sheets a bit more to ensure they are even and slightly thinner. Using a 6-inch round cutter, or the rim of a mixing bowl as a guide, cut uniform circles from the dough. This size is ideal for creating generously filled, snack-sized empanadas.
Now for the assembly! Place 1 to 2 tablespoons of the cooled steak and BBQ filling into the center of each pastry round. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make sealing difficult. In a small bowl, whisk together one egg with a tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush this egg wash around the outer edge of each pastry circle. Carefully fold the round over the filling to create a classic half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly with your fingers to seal them, then use the tines of a fork to crimp the edges shut. This not only creates a beautiful decorative finish but also ensures a secure seal, keeping all that delicious filling locked inside. Repeat this process until all your filling and pastry rounds are used.
Achieve Perfect Crispness in the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). While it preheats, lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Before placing them in the air fryer, give each assembled empanada a final brush with the egg wash for an extra golden crust.
Carefully arrange the empanadas in a single layer within the air fryer basket. It’s crucial not to overcrowd the basket, as air circulation is key for even cooking and optimal crispiness. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you will likely need to cook them in batches. For my air fryer, I typically cook two empanadas at a time to ensure they have ample space.
Air fry the empanadas for a total of 10 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Make sure to flip them halfway through the cooking time – around the 5-minute mark – to ensure both sides brown evenly and develop that irresistible crisp texture. Continue cooking until they are beautifully golden brown and the pastry is thoroughly cooked through. Remove the hot empanadas from the air fryer and serve them immediately, perhaps with an extra dollop of Head Country Chipotle BBQ Sauce for dipping.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! These Chipotle BBQ Steak Air Fryer Empanadas are wonderful for meal prep or entertaining, as they can be prepared in advance. Once cooked, allow them to cool completely. They will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for approximately 2 to 3 days.
To reheat refrigerated empanadas, I recommend placing them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 10 minutes, or until they are warmed through and the pastry regains some of its crispness. While you can microwave them, be aware that they won’t retain the same golden, crispy exterior achieved through air frying or oven reheating.
For longer storage, these empanadas freeze beautifully. Once cooled, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to freezer-safe containers or bags. They will maintain their quality for up to 2 months in the freezer. To reheat from frozen, place them directly in an air fryer or oven preheated to 400°F (200°C) and cook for about 15 minutes, or until thoroughly warmed and crispy.
What if I Want to Use Pie Dough Instead of Puff Pastry?
While puff pastry lends an unparalleled light and flaky texture that really shines in the air fryer, creating that perfect golden crisp, some home cooks might prefer the denser, more crumbly wrapper of a pie crust. And that’s perfectly fine! Both options yield delicious results, though with slightly different textures.
For me, the delicate layers and airy crispness of puff pastry truly complement the rich steak filling, especially when air-fried. However, if you happen to have pie crust dough readily available in your freezer, or simply prefer its characteristics, you can certainly use it. Just follow the same preparation and cooking steps as outlined in the recipe, and you’ll still end up with wonderfully tasty empanadas that everyone will enjoy.
Can I Bake These Instead?
If you don’t own an air fryer or simply prefer using a conventional oven, these empanadas can absolutely be baked. Simply assemble them as directed in the recipe, ensuring they are brushed with the egg wash for a golden finish. Then, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake the empanadas in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown and cooked through. The result will be equally delicious, though the texture might be slightly different than air-fried.
Love all things in pie form? Try these black pepper steak hand pies for another savory pastry treat!
Chipotle BBQ Steak Air Fryer Empanadas
equipment
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Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls
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Wusthof Knife Set
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Organic Bamboo Cutting Board
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Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6-in-1 Air Fryer
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Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid 6 in 1
ingredients
- 1 package puff pastry dough 2 sheets
- 1 Tbsp canola oil
- 8 oz sirloin steak chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup chopped white onion
- 2 chipotle peppers finely chopped
- 2 Tbsp Head Country Chipotle BBQ Sauce or Original BBQ Sauce + more for serving
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 egg
- 1 Tbsp water
- Cooking spray
instructions
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Let puff pastry dough sit for 15 minutes at room temperature.
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In a small bowl, whisk together egg and water. Set egg wash aside.
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Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add steak and onion, cooking until the beef has browned, about 3 minutes. Remove meat and onion to a bowl and let cool 5 minutes. Stir in chipotle peppers, Head Country Chipotle BBQ Sauce, salt, and pepper.
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Lightly roll out the puff pastry. Cut into rounds, about 6 inches in diameter.
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Place 1 to 2 Tbsp filling in the center of each round. Brush the egg wash around the outer edge of each round. Fold the round over the filling, pressing the edges together to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges. Repeat this process with the remaining rounds and filling.
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Brush each empanada with egg wash. Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray and place empanadas in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes at 400˚F, flipping halfway through until golden brown.Repeat with remaining empanadas.
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Serve with additional Head Country Chipotle BBQ Sauce for dipping.