Looking for a guilt-free snack that doesn’t compromise on flavor? This recipe is perfect for you! Easy, healthy, and absolutely delicious—today we’re making Air Fryer Tortilla Pastels.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Tortilla Pastels:
- 1 package of flour tortillas (your choice of regular or whole wheat);
- 1.1 lbs (500g) lean ground beef;
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped;
- 2 cloves garlic, minced;
- Salt to taste;
- Black pepper to taste;
- Chopped scallions to taste;
- Fresh parsley, chopped to taste;
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash);
- Extra-virgin olive oil for sautéing.
How to make Air Fryer Tortilla Pastels:
- Sauté the onion and garlic in a little olive oil in a skillet;
- Add the ground beef and season with salt and black pepper;
- Cook until the meat is browned;
- Stir in the chopped scallions and parsley;
- Mix well, cook for another 2 minutes, and remove from heat;
- Important: Ensure the beef filling is quite dry (not too greasy) so the tortillas don’t get soggy;
- Lightly dampen the edges of each tortilla with a little water;
- Place the tortilla on a flat surface;
- Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of the beef filling to one side of the tortilla;
- Fold the tortilla over to close, and use a fork to press down on the edges to seal;
- Lightly beat the egg in a small bowl;
- Brush the tops of the pastels with the egg wash for a beautiful golden color;
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes (keep an eye on them so they don’t burn).
All done! Ready to enjoy.
Tips & Variations:
You can use any type of flour tortilla (regular, low-carb, or whole wheat). Feel free to get creative with the filling—shredded chicken, cheese, shrimp, or even tuna all work beautifully!
A Little History: The Brazilian “Pastel”
The modern-day Brazilian pastel originated in the 1940s, created by Japanese immigrants in Santos, São Paulo. It was an adaptation of Chinese spring rolls and Japanese gyoza. Interestingly, during World War II, many Japanese immigrants opened “pastelarias” and posed as Chinese to avoid the discrimination they faced during the war. The recipe quickly became a staple in street markets across Brazil and remains a beloved snack today (Source: Wikipedia).
Did you like this recipe? Share it! We have plenty more delicious healthy recipes on our site.