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 incredibly satisfying about biting into a crispy, golden empanada that’s bursting with flavorful meat and veggies. This Air Fryer Empanadas Recipe gives you that perfect balance—crispy crust, juicy filling—without the mess of deep frying. Plus, it’s quick enough for a weekend snack or even a fun weeknight dinner.

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

This air fryer version is a total game changer. I love how it saves time and cuts down on oil, but still delivers that flaky, golden crust and rich, savory filling that makes empanadas so irresistible. Honestly, once you try this, you might never go back to baking or frying the traditional way.

Healthier and Less Mess: You get the crunch and flavor with far less oil, making it a friendlier option for everyday indulgence.
Quick and Convenient: The air fryer speeds up cooking and gives you consistent results every time—no flipping or watching as closely.
Customizable Filling: This recipe uses a tasty beef and veggie mix that you can easily adapt to your preferences.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a snack, appetizer, or casual dinner, these empanadas always impress and satisfy.

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

The magic of this Air Fryer Empanadas Recipe lies in simple yet flavorful ingredients that complement one another perfectly. The combination of seasoned beef, tender potatoes, and fresh veggies nestled in flaky pie crusts keeps every bite balanced and delicious.

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: Adding diced, boiled potatoes brings a creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the meat, making the filling hearty.
Ground beef: Lean beef keeps the filling rich but not greasy, offering meaty flavor without extra fat.
Yellow onion: This adds sweetness and depth when sautéed, enhancing the savory foundation of the filling.
Red bell pepper: Finely diced for a pop of color and subtle sweetness that brightens each bite.
Frozen peas: These tiny bursts of sweetness make the filling more interesting and add a fresh pop in texture.
Garlic: Minced garlic gives that irresistible aroma and savory flavor you want in every scrumptious empanada.
Spices (paprika, cumin, oregano, chili powder): These layer the filling with that warm, smoky, slightly spicy kick that makes each bite memorable.
Tomato paste: Concentrated, it balances acidity and sweetness, enriching the meat mixture.
Beef broth: Just enough to keep the filling moist and help the flavors meld together as it reduces.
Premade pie crusts: Using store-bought crusts is a big time saver—just roll and cut, and you have the sturdy, flaky dough you need.
Egg whites: Mixed with water to create an egg wash that helps seal the empanadas and gives them that shiny, inviting golden crust.

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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 mixing it up with the filling depending on what’s in my fridge. Sometimes I swap the ground beef for shredded chicken or even go vegetarian with sautéed mushrooms and spinach. The beauty of this Air Fryer Empanadas Recipe is how versatile it is—you can experiment with different spices and fillings to match your mood.

Variation: One weekend, I added chopped olives and a bit of feta to the filling—totally delicious for a Mediterranean twist.
Gluten-Free: Try gluten-free pie crusts if you’re avoiding gluten; just keep an eye on cooking times as they might crisp faster.
Cheese Lovers: Sprinkle some shredded cheese inside before sealing for a melty surprise.

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

Step 1: Prep the Potato and Cook the Filling

First things first, boil those diced potatoes until they’re fork-tender—this takes about 10 minutes. While that’s happening, brown your ground beef with onion in a large pan. It’s important to cook that beef evenly without rushing it so you get good browning, which means better flavor.

Add your red bell pepper and peas and sauté until soft, then toss in garlic and all your spices. Stir in the cooked potatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth, letting everything cook down until the liquid reduces. The smell will start filling your kitchen—trust me, it’s a good sign everything’s coming together.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough Circles

Roll out your premade pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Use a cookie cutter or a 4-inch cup rim to cut out circles. Don’t throw away the scraps—roll them out again to get enough dough for at least 10 empanadas. This little recycling trick helps you avoid wasting dough and means more delicious empanadas!

Step 3: Fill and Seal Your Empanadas

Whisk your egg whites with water to make an egg wash—this helps the edges stick and gives that beautiful golden finish. Place a dough circle on your workspace, spoon about two tablespoons of filling into the center, then brush the edge of one side with egg wash. Fold the dough over to make a half moon and press down the edges with a fork to seal tightly. The fork pattern not only looks cute but ensures they don’t open while cooking.

Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection

Brush each empanada lightly with egg wash and place them in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd — leave a little space for the air to circulate and crisp up that crust. Cook at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway. The empanadas should be golden brown and crisp when done. Working in batches keeps them all looking perfect.

Top Tip

I’ve made these empanadas dozens of times, and what really makes a difference is sealing well and spacing them properly in the air fryer. Here are some tips I’ve picked up along the way that will make your batch shine just like mine:

Make a tight seal: Use egg wash generously on the edges and press firmly with a fork to keep the filling inside during cooking.
Don’t overfill: Too much filling can cause the dough to burst open—stick to about two tablespoons per empanada for the best results.
Air fryer spacing: Give your empanadas breathing room in the basket; crowding leads to uneven crisping.
Rotate halfway through: Flipping your empanadas at the 5-minute mark ensures even browning on both sides.

How to Serve Air Fryer Empanadas Recipe

air fryer empanadas - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually serve these empanadas with a dollop of sour cream and some fresh chopped cilantro on top—it adds an extra pop of freshness. Sometimes I drizzle a little chimichurri sauce or pair them with a tangy salsa to boost those savory flavors.

Side Dishes

To keep things casual and easy, I like pairing these with a simple green salad or some black beans and rice when I want a fuller meal. On weekend get-togethers, they’re perfect alongside guacamole, fresh pico de gallo, or a colorful slaw for crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I arrange the empanadas on a large platter lined with banana leaves or parchment paper and surround them with bowls of dipping sauces—everyone loves being able to mix and match flavors. You can also make mini empanadas for bite-sized finger foods that are easy to grab and go.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover empanadas store beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. I like to place them in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb any moisture, which keeps the crust crisp when reheating.

Freezing

These empanadas freeze wonderfully! After assembling but before air frying, I place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to eat, just air fry them straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cook time.

Reheating

To keep that crisp exterior when reheating leftovers, pop the empanadas back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes. You’ll avoid soggy microwaves and get a fresh-baked experience every time.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use homemade dough instead of premade pie crust?

Absolutely! Homemade empanada dough often yields an even flakier, more authentic crust. Just make sure to roll it to about ⅛-inch thickness to cook evenly in the air fryer.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can bake the empanadas in a conventional oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until golden and cooked through. Alternatively, pan-frying in a bit of oil works too, but requires more attention.

Can I make these vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap out the beef for a mix of sautéed mushrooms, beans, or even lentils with the same seasoning. The potatoes and veggies keep the filling hearty and satisfying.

How do I prevent the empanadas from opening during cooking?

Sealing with a generous egg wash and firmly crimping the edges with a fork is key. Also, avoid overfilling and make sure the dough edges are slightly moistened before folding to help them stick.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Empanadas Recipe has quickly become my go-to for an easy yet impressive dish that feels special. It’s perfect for treating yourself without spending hours in the kitchen or dealing with grease. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these as much as I do—they’re comfort food that’s truly effortless and delicious!