Bean, Cheese, and Bacon Empanadas – A Simple Recipe for Success!

bacon

🥗Healthier: turkey bacon

💰Cheaper: smoked paprika

Turkey bacon reduces fat while adding smokiness.

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: monterey jack

Reduced-fat cheese lowers calories while maintaining flavor.

black beans

🥗Healthier: pinto beans

💰Cheaper: canned beans

Canned beans are convenient and cost-effective.

empanada dough

🥗Healthier: whole wheat dough

💰Cheaper: store-bought dough

Whole wheat adds fiber, while store-bought saves time.

Mix together 1.25 cups flour, 1 tablespoon room temperature butter, 0.5 teaspoons baking powder, 0.5 teaspoons salt, 0.25 teaspoons onion powder, and 0.25 teaspoons garlic powder.

Add 0.5 cups of malted milk to the mixture and mix it all together.

Gradually add hot water (less than 0.5 cups) until a nice smooth dough forms; add more water by the tablespoon if needed.

Let the dough sit for about 5 minutes, wrapped up.

Flour your workspace and roll out one of the empanada balls.

Place a couple tablespoons of refried beans, some shredded cheese, and some bacon in the center of the rolled-out dough.

Wet your fingers with water and go around half of the empanada to help seal it.

Press down around the sides and crimp it shut with a fork.

Brush the tops with egg wash.

Preheat air fryer to 400°F and place empanadas in it.

Air fry for 5 minutes, then flip them over and air fry for another 3 minutes.

Remove empanadas from the air fryer and serve with salsa and cilantro.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens