You can buy the pre-made empanada discs but I have included a delicious homemade dough for you to make.
Add the flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda to a large bowl.
Pour in the ¼ cup oil and 1 cup warm water.
You can mix this with a wooden spoon or a hand mixer. I prefer a hand mixer. It does not take long to come together.
Pour all out onto a lightly floured surface and knead about 50 - 60 times. (I am a counter)
Make into a ball and lightly cover with a little bit more oil. Lay a dishtowel over the ball and let rest 10 minutes.
Next, cut the ball in half, then cut those in half again, then each into thirds so that you have 12 sections.
Roll each one into a ball and flatten out onto a lightly floured surface. Use a pastry roller to help roll the balls out to about 5-6" in diameter.
Place about ¼ cup of the filling (at the most) in the center of each dough round.
Fold over to make a crescent shape. Fold the edges over so that you get a good seal. Sometimes I am able to fold over twice.
Press the tines of a fork, lightly, over the folded edge just to make a little bit of a better seal.
If you have a deep fryer you can use that for your frying. If not put about 1-½" to 2" depth of coconut oil in a frying pan and heat to 325° to 375°. A candy thermometer will measure the heat for you if you are using a pan.
Carefully place 2 empanadas into the hot oil and flip when one side turns golden brown. It doesn't even take a minute.
Take out with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Continue until all of the empanadas are done. Ready to eat!