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taco bell apple empanada recipe

Apple Empanada Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced into 1/4-inch cubes
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp light brown sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp water
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 refrigerated pie crusts (one 14.1-oz box)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
  • 4 cups vegetable oil
  • 2 tbsp cinnamon sugar

Method
 

  1. Combine diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften and release their juices.
  2. Stir together the cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then add the slurry and butter to the pan. Cook for 2 more minutes until the filling thickens and turns glossy. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.
  3. Unroll the pie crusts on a floured surface and cut into 8 rounds using a 4-inch cutter. Beat the egg with the water for the egg wash. Spoon about 1.5 tbsp filling onto each round, brush the edges with egg wash, fold into a half-moon, and seal firmly with a fork.
  4. Heat the vegetable oil in a heavy pot over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). Fry empanadas in batches of 2 to 3 for 3 to 4 minutes per side until deep golden brown. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate for 1 minute.
  5. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over the warm empanadas and arrange on a serving plate, golden side up.

Notes

These taste best the day they are made, but they reheat well if you use an air fryer or oven rather than the microwave. If you are making them for a group, fry the first batch and hold them in a 200°F (93°C) oven on a wire rack while you finish the rest. The cinnamon sugar is better added right before serving if you are holding them warm.