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These air fryer caramel apple empanadas have become my family's favorite dessert. The crispy flaky crust wrapped around warm apple filling and gooey caramel creates pure magic in every bite. My kitchen fills with the most amazing aroma while they cook and somehow everyone always shows up just in time for that first batch.
Sweet Memories Made Better
Remember those delicious caramel apple empanadas from Taco Bell? I loved them so much I had to create my own version at home. Using my air fryer gives them the perfect crispy outside while keeping all that sweet filling inside. My kids say these are even better than the original.
What You'll Need
- Pie Crust: 4 refrigerated crusts they make life so much easier.
- Apple Filling: Canned works great or make your own if you have time.
- Caramels: Those little Kraft squares melt perfectly.
- Butter: Just enough for brushing makes them golden.
- Cinnamon Sugar: My special touch on top pure heaven.
Let's Make Some Magic
- Start With The Filling
- Warm up those apples and caramels together. Just stir until everything melts and mingles.
- Get Your Circles Ready
- Roll out the crusts and cut them into circles. I use my favorite coffee mug it's the perfect size.
- Fill Those Pockets
- One spoon of filling in each circle fold and seal with a fork. My grandmother taught me this technique.
- Make Them Sparkle
- Brush with melted butter sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. That sweet coating makes them irresistible.
- Air Fry To Perfection
- Ten minutes at 330°F gives you golden flaky perfection every time.
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My Best Tips
The secret to perfect empanadas is in the sealing. Press those edges firmly with your fork and don't overfill. I learned the hard way that liquid caramel just makes a mess stick with the wrapped candies. Keep an eye on that first batch in your air fryer all machines cook a bit differently.
Mix It Up
Some nights we get creative with our fillings. My daughter loves strawberry and chocolate. My son asks for marshmallow and chocolate chips. Last week I tried peach filling with a hint of bourbon for the grown ups pure heaven.
No Air Fryer
Before I got my air fryer I made these in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes. They turn out beautiful either way. Sometimes I even deep fry them when I want that extra crispy restaurant style finish.
Save Some For Later
If you're lucky enough to have leftovers they'll keep nicely in an airtight container for three days. A quick trip back through the air fryer brings back that crispy texture. Though honestly in my house they rarely last past the first day.
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Perfect Partners
My favorite way to serve these is with a scoop of vanilla ice cream while they're still warm. That contrast of hot and cold is amazing. A drizzle of extra caramel sauce on top makes them absolutely irresistible.
Quick And Easy
On busy days I use store bought everything. Those refrigerated pie crusts and canned filling are lifesavers. Sometimes I mix up extra filling and keep it in the fridge ready for sudden cravings.
Air Fryer Magic
My air fryer has changed how I make these empanadas. They come out perfectly crispy every time without all that oil. Plus my kitchen stays cool no need to heat up the big oven.
Share The Love
These little hand pies are perfect party food. I make them for potlucks family gatherings even bake sales. Something about warm apple and caramel wrapped in flaky crust just brings people together.
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Working With Dough
Keep that pie crust cold it's the secret to flaky layers. If your kitchen gets warm pop everything back in the fridge for a few minutes. Working with cold dough makes all the difference.
Caramel Dreams
A tiny pinch of sea salt in the filling takes these to a whole new level. That sweet and salty combination is absolutely incredible. My friend who owns a bakery taught me that trick.
From Scratch Magic
Sometimes I make my own pie crust using my grandmother's recipe. Nothing beats that buttery homemade flavor. But honestly the refrigerated ones work beautifully when time is tight.
Holiday Specials
During fall I add dried cranberries and pecans to the filling. A dash of nutmeg makes them taste like the holidays. These little touches turn simple empanadas into something really special.
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Kitchen Helpers
My kids love helping make these. They're experts at sealing the edges with forks and sprinkling the cinnamon sugar. Getting them involved in the kitchen creates such wonderful memories.
Plan Ahead
You can assemble these early and keep them in the fridge until you're ready to cook. Just cover them well and cook them fresh when you need them. Perfect for entertaining.
Stock The Freezer
I always make extra to freeze. Just lay them flat on a tray freeze then transfer to freezer bags. Cook them straight from frozen in your air fryer just add a few extra minutes.
Pure Joy
These empanadas bring so much happiness to my kitchen. Whether you're making them for a special occasion or just because that combination of flaky crust warm apples and gooey caramel creates something truly magical. Every bite takes you somewhere special.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these without an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake these in a regular oven at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- → Why use a coffee mug to cut the dough?
A large coffee mug creates the perfect sized circle for these empanadas. It's an easy alternative if you don't have a circular cutter.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Store cooled empanadas in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Reheat briefly in the air fryer to restore crispiness.
- → Can I freeze these empanadas?
You can freeze them before cooking. Freeze on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Air fry directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to cooking time.
- → Why brush with butter?
Brushing with butter helps achieve a golden brown exterior and helps the cinnamon sugar coating stick to the empanadas.
Conclusion
These easy dessert empanadas combine apple pie filling and caramels in flaky pie crust, air fried and dusted with cinnamon sugar for a quick treat.