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Copycat Taco Bell Air Fryer Caramel Apple Empanadas

Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 4 People
Calories 280 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Air fryer
  • 1 Mixing Bowls
  • 1 Rolling pin
  • 1 Fork
  • 1 Pastry Brush

Ingredients
  

  • 2 medium apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 teaspoon water, for thickening)
  • ¼ cup caramel sauce

Notes

Crispy, golden, and filled with warm caramel apple goodness, these Air Fryer Caramel Apple Empanadas taste just like Taco Bell’s beloved dessert—but even better! Made with flaky pastry, a sweet cinnamon-apple filling, and gooey caramel, these empanadas are easy to make in the air fryer and perfect for any sweet craving.

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Caramel Apple Filling

  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
  2. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples soften.
  3. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the mixture thickens.
  4. Remove from heat and mix in caramel sauce. Let cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Empanadas

  1. Roll out the pie crust on a lightly floured surface.
  2. Cut into 5-6 inch circles using a cutter or small bowl.
  3. Spoon 1-2 tablespoons of the cooled apple filling onto one side of each circle.
  4. Fold the dough over the filling and seal the edges by pressing with a fork.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together egg and water to make an egg wash.
  6. Brush the tops of the empanadas with egg wash.

Step 3: Air Fry to Golden Perfection

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
  2. Place empanadas in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches if needed).
  3. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.

Step 4: Coat & Serve

  1. Mix sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
  2. While warm, coat empanadas with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
  3. Drizzle with extra caramel sauce and serve warm!

Pro Tips for the Best Empanadas:

✅ Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best balance of sweetness.
✅ Don’t overfill the empanadas to prevent leaking.
✅ Let them cool slightly before eating—the filling is HOT!
✅ Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.
🔥 Enjoy these warm, gooey, and crispy Copycat Taco Bell Caramel Apple Empanadas right from your air fryer! 🍏🥟✨