This empanada dough for frying recipe is a quick and easy recipe that takes just 15 minutes to prepare using few ingredients. This easy empanada dough recipe is perfect for making traditional Mexican fried empanadas for parties, snacks, or as a tasty appetizer.
Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar (if using) to the bowl of a food processor.
Drop in the butter cubes and pulse a few times until the butter thoroughly coats the flour.
Pour in the orange juice and sparkling water and pulse until a dough ball starts to form.
Transfer the empanada dough to a lightly floured surface and knead lightly for a minute or two.
Pour a tablespoon of oil into a bowl, covering the bottom and sides, then lay the dough ball inside and cover it with a towel. Leave to rest at room temperature for around an hour.
Cut the homemade empanada dough in half and start rolling it out on a clean work surface using a rolling pin until it is very thin (as thin as a coin).
Cut out small/medium round shapes using a pastry cutter or plate.
Cover the empanada discs in plastic wrap and store them in the fridge or freezer.
If you are planning on making empanadas immediately, fill each one with the filling and seal them shut by brushing water or egg wash around the edges of the empanada disc, then press the edges with a fork. Bake them in hot oil until golden brown.
Recipe Notes
Making dough by handIf you don't have a food processor, you can prepare the ingredients in a large bowl and mix them with your hands until a dough ball forms.The fillingBecause this empanada dough is perfect for frying, they make amazingly tasty sweet empanadas with jam or chocolate and also savory ones like beef empanadas or cheese.