Place apples, brown sugar, cinnamon and butter in a medium-sized saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat until apples have softened slightly (approximately 10 minutes). Stir occasionally.
Remove saucepan from heat and allow to cool completely.
Assemble Empanadas
Preheat conventional oven or air fryer to 350℉ (180℃)
Melt 2 tablespoons butter. Cool slightly.
2 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter
Combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish or plate. Set aside.
¼ Cup Granulated Sugar, 1 Tablespoon Ground Cinnamon
Place 2 tablespoons of the apple filling in the middle of each empanada disc.
12 4" Empanada Discs
Brush a small amount of water on the lower half of the empanada disc. Fold empanada dough over so it meets the moistened half of the dough. Press lightly with fingertips.
Using a fork, press the empanada dough to seal.
Brush both sides of the sealed empanada with melted butter. Immediately roll in the cinnamon / sugar mixture. Place on a non-stick baking sheet.
Conventional Oven Baking
Bake for 18 - 20 minutes.
Air Fryer Baking
Bake for 10 - 12 minutes.
Cool for 20 minutes before serving.
Keyword apple cinnamon empanadas, apple empanadas, dessert empanadas, sweet empanadas