Low Fat Crispy Fried Empanadas

Indulge in guilt-free comfort food with these Low Fat Crispy Fried Empanadas, a lighter twist on a beloved classic! Made with a no-fry baking method and a touch of olive oil, these golden, flaky pockets are irresistibly crispy yet low in fat. Each empanada is stuffed with a flavorful filling of shredded chicken, sautéed onions, bell peppers, and aromatic spices like cumin and paprika, delivering a satisfying bite in every piece. The homemade dough comes together effortlessly and bakes to perfection, thanks to a light brush of beaten egg and a mist of low-fat cooking spray. Perfect for meal prep, parties, or an easy weeknight dinner, these healthier empanadas are as delicious as they are nourishing. Enjoy them warm, straight out of the oven, for a wholesome, crunchy treat that doesn't skimp on flavor!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 2 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Baking powder
• 0.5 cup Cold water
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 cup Cooked chicken breast, shredded
• 0.5 cup Chopped onion
• 0.5 cup Red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves Minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 Egg, beaten
• 0 Low-fat cooking spray

Directions

Step 1

In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and baking powder together. Add cold water and olive oil, stirring until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth, about 5 minutes. Wrap in plastic and let rest for 10 minutes.

Step 2

Meanwhile, prepare the filling. In a non-stick skillet over medium heat, spray lightly with low-fat cooking spray. Add onion, red bell pepper, and garlic, sautéing for about 5 minutes or until vegetables are soft.

Step 3

Add shredded chicken, cumin, paprika, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well to incorporate the spices. Cook for another 3 minutes, then remove from heat and set aside to cool.

Step 4

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 5

Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten and roll out into a 5-inch circle on the floured surface.

Step 6

Place 1 to 2 tablespoons of the filling mixture onto one half of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together with a fork to seal.

Step 7

Brush the top of each empanada with beaten egg to create a golden crust.

Step 8

Place the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet and lightly spray with low-fat cooking spray to enhance crispiness.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(845.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1674.2

Total Fat 45.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 8.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 387.8mg	0%
Sodium 3195.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 202.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 10.5g	0%
Total Sugars 7.0g
Protein 107.3g	0%

Vitamin D 42.8IU	0%
Calcium 150.4mg	0%
Iron 17.4mg	0%
Potassium 1322.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 24.7%

Protein: 26.1%

Carbs: 49.2%