Description
These Copycat Air Fryer Caramel Apple Empanadas are a delightful treat featuring a warm apple-cinnamon filling with a drizzle of caramel sauce, wrapped in a flaky homemade pastry dough and cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce (plus more for drizzling)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine diced apples and lemon juice. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, and granulated sugar. Mix well and let sit for 10–15 minutes.
- In another bowl, mix flour and salt. Cut in chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water until a dough forms. Wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll out dough to 1/8 inch thick. Cut into 4–5 inch circles. Place a tablespoon of filling in the center, drizzle with caramel, fold into half-moon shape, and seal the edges. Crimp with a fork if desired.
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Brush empanadas with beaten egg. Place in air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 10–12 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly and drizzle with additional caramel sauce before serving.
Notes
- Chill butter and water to achieve a flaky crust.
- Do not overfill the empanadas to prevent bursting.
- Adjust sugar and spices in the filling to taste before sealing.
- For a vegan version, use plant-based butter and a flaxseed egg wash.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 empanada
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: caramel apple empanadas, air fryer dessert, apple empanadas, fall desserts, copycat recipe, easy air fryer sweets