Are you ready for the most seductive snack your kitchen has ever seen? Our sweet cherry empanadas from the air fryer not only bring a touch of South America to your plate, but also an explosion of sweet tartness and crispy golden dough. The combination of juicy cherries, a fine vanilla aroma, and a crispy dough shell is simply unbeatable. And the best part? They’re extra quick and super easy with the air fryer!
Air Fryer Cherry Empanadas: Sweet, Tasty & Easy to Make
Empanadas originally come from Spain, where “empanar” means “to wrap” or “to encase.” As simple as that, that’s exactly the idea behind this delicious pastry: A delicious filling is encased in a delicate or crispy dough. It was during the colonization of the Americas, with them the Spanish brought empanadas to the continent. Today, the pastry has remained as a culinary highlight in Argentina, Chile, and Colombia among others. Each region has its own take on the treat, from savory and meaty to sweet and fruity.
Empanadas are classically made from a simple dough of flour, fat (usually butter, lard, or oil), and water. In the traditional preparation, a wood-fired oven is used to bake the pastries until golden brown. But fried versions are also particularly popular, especially with the savory varieties, which are often filled with minced meat, cheese, or vegetables.
In many Latin American countries, empanadas are a true all-around star. Whether for breakfast, as a snack, lunch, or even as a midnight snack at a party, they are always welcome! They are especially popular at family celebrations, street festivals, or picnics because they are so easy to enjoy with others and on the go.
Sweet empanadas like our cherry version are also the perfect end to a hearty meal or a delicious breakfast treat. Especially with a black cup of coffee, talk about a start to the day!
Looking for other indulgent inspiration? Then we have some suggestions to keep your summer sweet. Like our Victoria sponge cake, cherry filled marble cake, and fantastic Japanese flan. Happy baking!
Cherry Empanadas from the Air Fryer
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 2 cups flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 pinch salt
- ½ cup butter cold
- 1 egg
- 3-4 tbsp cold water
For the filling:
- 1½ cups cherries fresh or canned, pitted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- ½ lemon juice, organic
For brushing:
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
- In a bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut the cold butter into small pieces and knead it in until a crumbly dough forms.
- Add the egg and 3-4 tablespoons of cold water. Knead the dough until smooth. Wrap it in plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- If you are using fresh cherries, remove the pits using a cherry pitter. In a bowl, combine the cherries with vanilla extract, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Let the mixture sit briefly.
- Roll out the dough thinly on a floured work surface. Cut out circles with a diameter of about 4-5 inches.
- Place one to two teaspoons of cherry filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape.
- Press the edges firmly with a fork to seal them well. Score them several times with a knife.
- Whisk the egg and brush the top of the empanadas with it.
- Bake the empanadas for about 10-12 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
- Let the finished empanadas cool slightly and enjoy!