Name: Air Fryer Empanadas Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Latin American
Ingredients: 4 ounces diced potato; ½ pound lean ground beef; ⅓ cup yellow onion, minced; ½ red bell pepper, finely diced; ⅓ cup frozen peas; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon pepper; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon oregano; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; ¼ cup beef broth; 2 premade pie crusts; 2 egg whites; 2 tablespoons water

There's something irresistibly cozy about these handheld pockets of yum that you can enjoy without the mess of deep-frying. This Air Fryer Empanadas Recipe combines a savory beef filling with a perfectly crispy golden crust, all made quicker and healthier thanks to the air fryer.

A round white plate holds six golden-brown empanadas with crimped edges, arranged in a slightly overlapping circle on a white marbled surface. One empanada is broken open and placed on top, showing a layered filling inside with colors of brown minced meat, light yellow potatoes, small green peas, and bits of red bell pepper. Bright green herb leaves are scattered around the plate, and the background is softly blurred with a reddish-brown cloth and a small wooden bowl with green herbs. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Empanadas Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Air Fryer Empanadas Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Empanadas Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I absolutely adore this air fryer empanadas recipe because it creates that perfect crispy crust with minimal oil, which is a game-changer in my kitchen. Plus, the filling bursts with flavor, making every bite satisfying yet light.

Healthier Crunch: Using the air fryer gives you crisp empanadas without drowning them in oil like traditional frying.
Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these staples in your pantry already, which makes it super convenient.
Time-Saving: The whole process takes under an hour, so you won’t be stuck in the kitchen all day.
Customizable Filling: You can tweak the spices or add veggies to fit your taste and make it your own.

The image shows a white plate with six golden-brown empanadas, each folded in a half-moon shape with crimped edges. The empanadas have a slightly cracked, flaky pastry texture on top. One empanada is broken open showing a filling of colorful vegetables, including peas and red bell peppers. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface, next to a red cloth napkin and a small wooden bowl with green herbs visible in the background. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This combination of ingredients creates a balanced filling that’s hearty but flavorful, while premade pie crusts keep assembling quick and stress-free—making it easy to whip up a batch whenever you want.

Flat lay of diced golden potatoes, raw lean ground beef, finely chopped yellow onion, vibrant red bell pepper pieces, bright green frozen peas, peeled garlic cloves, a small heap of deep red tomato paste, and assorted warm-toned spices including paprika, cumin, oregano, and chili powder, all beautifully arranged in small glass bowls and scattered gently around, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Potatoes: They add a comforting, soft texture that balances the rich beef filling and help soak up spices.
Lean ground beef: Using lean keeps the filling juicy but not greasy, which works perfectly with the air fryer method.
Onion and red bell pepper: These bring sweet, aromatic layers of flavor and a pop of color.
Frozen peas: A quick veggie addition for natural sweetness and a little texture contrast.
Garlic and spices (paprika, cumin, oregano, chili powder): This blend gives the filling a warm, smoky, and slightly spicy kick without overpowering.
Tomato paste: Adds a subtle tang and richness that ties the spices together.
Beef broth: Keeps the filling moist and helps blend all those flavors.
Premade pie crusts: These are your shortcut to flaky, even crusts without fussing with dough from scratch.
Egg whites and water for egg wash: They give the empanadas a beautiful golden shine and help seal the edges.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love swapping out peas for corn or adding a finely chopped jalapeño when I want a bit more heat. You can also try different ground meats or even a vegetarian filling to mix things up—it’s all about making it your own!

Variation: I once made these with shredded chicken and a sprinkle of cheese, which was a huge hit at a family gathering.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Empanadas Recipe

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes Until Tender

Start by boiling your diced potatoes until they’re fork-tender—this usually takes about 10 minutes. Drain well and set them aside. This soft base helps the filling stay moist without getting soggy in the air fryer.

Step 2: Cook the Beef and Veggies

In a hot skillet, sauté the ground beef and onion until the beef is evenly browned and the onions are soft. Add the red bell pepper and frozen peas, cooking until tender—about 5-7 more minutes. Aromas here really start to build, making you eager for the next steps!

Step 3: Spice It Up

Stir in garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, oregano, chili powder, cooked potatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Let it all simmer just until the broth reduces and the filling thickens slightly. This step is crucial for developing the deep flavor that makes these empanadas irresistible.

Step 4: Prepare the Dough Circles

Roll out your premade pie crusts and cut them into roughly 4-inch circles using a cookie cutter or a rimmed cup. You’ll want to re-roll scraps to get at least 10 circles—don’t worry if the edges aren’t perfect; once folded and sealed, they’ll look great.

Step 5: Fill and Seal

Place a couple of tablespoons of filling in the center of each dough circle. Brush the edges lightly with egg wash, fold over, and press edges with a fork to seal them tight—this step keeps all the deliciousness inside while they cook.

Step 6: Air Fry to Perfection

Brush each empanada with egg wash, then air fry at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning. Work in batches so there’s room for the hot air to circulate—crowding can make the crust less crispy.

Top Tip

From my experience, the secret to these empanadas turning out golden and crispy lies in the egg wash and air fryer spacing—trust me, this small step makes a huge difference!

Egg Wash Edge Seal: Make sure to brush the dough edges with egg wash before folding, so the empanadas stay sealed during air frying.
Don't Overfill: I learned the hard way that too much filling makes them hard to seal and can cause bursting, so stick to about two tablespoons.
Batch Baking: Air fry in batches with space between each empanada to get that perfect crispy texture all over.
Use Parchment Paper: I like placing perforated parchment sheets in the air fryer basket to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

How to Serve Air Fryer Empanadas Recipe

air fryer empanadas - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro or parsley on top right before serving and offer a side of tangy chimichurri or a simple salsa verde—it adds freshness and a lovely contrast to the rich filling.

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad or some roasted veggies go beautifully with these empanadas, but if you want to keep it Latin-inspired, try serving with black beans and rice for a fuller meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to arrange them on a wooden board lined with a colorful cloth napkin, surrounded by small bowls of different dipping sauces—you could even label each sauce for a festive touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheating in the air fryer brings back that freshly cooked crispiness better than the microwave.

Freezing

You can freeze uncooked empanadas on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you want to enjoy, just air fry straight from frozen—add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the empanadas back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 4-5 minutes until warmed through and crispy again—this really keeps that fresh-out-of-the-oven vibe.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use homemade dough instead of premade pie crust?

Absolutely! Homemade dough works beautifully if you prefer. Just make sure it’s rolled out to about the same thickness as premade crust for even cooking in the air fryer.

What’s the best way to prevent empanadas from bursting in the air fryer?

Don’t overfill the empanadas—using about two tablespoons of filling is ideal—and ensure you seal the edges well with egg wash and fork crimping. Also, avoid overcrowding the basket so they cook evenly.

Can I make these empanadas vegetarian?

Definitely! Try swapping the beef for seasoned mashed beans, sautéed mushrooms, or a mix of roasted veggies. Adjust spices to your liking, and they’ll turn out just as delicious.

How long do these empanadas keep after cooking?

Stored airtight in the fridge, they stay great for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the air fryer to regain crispness.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Empanadas Recipe has become a staple in my routine because it’s such an easy way to enjoy that classic empanada flavor with half the fuss. I’m confident you’ll appreciate how the air fryer takes the traditionally messy process and turns it into a quick, tasty treat. Give it a try—you might find it’s your new go-to snack for gatherings or a cozy night in.