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 wonderfully satisfying about biting into a golden, crispy empanada with a warm, flavorful filling inside. This Air Fryer Empanadas Recipe makes the whole process easier and healthier, letting you enjoy that perfect crunch without the mess of frying. Trust me, once you try them, you'll want to make these again and again!

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 can't recommend this Air Fryer Empanadas Recipe enough because it hits all the right notes—comfort, convenience, and that unbeatable crispy texture. Using the air fryer means less oil and easier cleanup, making it a weekday winner or a weekend treat that won’t slow you down.

Healthier Cooking: Air frying cuts the fat but keeps the empanadas crisp and golden.
Quick and Easy: You’ll get delicious empanadas ready in just about 40 minutes, which is great for busy days.
Flavor Packed: The filling is loaded with seasoned ground beef, veggies, and spices for a mouthwatering bite every time.
Minimal Fuss: Using premade pie crusts and your air fryer means effortless prep and cooking.

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

Every ingredient here plays a role in creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture. The combination of spices provides warmth and depth, while the diced vegetables add freshness and a pop of color. I often suggest using good-quality ground beef and fresh vegetables to really elevate the filling.

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

Potato: Adds subtle creaminess and helps soak up the flavorful juices in the filling.
Lean ground beef: Offers rich, meaty flavor without excess fat, keeping the empanadas balanced.
Yellow onion: Brings subtle sweetness when sautéed, deepening the overall flavor.
Red bell pepper: Provides mild sweetness and vibrant color.
Frozen peas: Adds a little pop of freshness and texture contrast.
Garlic: Essential for that savory kick that makes the filling irresistible.
Salt and pepper: Basic but critical for seasoning everything perfectly.
Paprika, cumin, oregano, chili powder: These spices blend to give the empanadas a smoky, earthy, and slightly spicy undertone.
Tomato paste: Concentrates that rich umami flavor and ties the filling together.
Beef broth: Adds moisture and depth without overpowering the filling.
Premade pie crusts: The super convenient vessel for these empanadas, providing buttery, flaky exterior.
Egg whites and water (egg wash): Helps seal the empanadas and gives them a beautiful golden finish when air fried.

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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 how versatile this Air Fryer Empanadas Recipe is. Once you master the basic filling, you can easily swap in your favorite ingredients or experiment with spices to suit your tastes. It’s a recipe that invites you to make it truly yours.

Variation: One of my favorite twists is swapping ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option—it still tastes fantastic!
Vegetarian option: You can try filling these with black beans, corn, peppers, and your favorite cheese for a veggie-packed delight.
Spice level: Add more chili powder or a dash of hot sauce to kick up the heat if you like things spicy.
Cheese lovers: Mixing in a bit of shredded cheddar or mozzarella makes the filling gooey and extra comforting.

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

Step 1: Boil and Prepare the Potatoes

Start by boiling your diced potatoes until they're just fork-tender. Don’t overcook them—you want them soft enough to blend into the filling texture but still holding their shape slightly. Drain well and set aside. This little step makes the filling heartier and more balanced.

Step 2: Sauté the Ground Beef and Veggies

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and yellow onion together until the beef is cooked all the way through and the onions are translucent. Then toss in your diced red bell pepper and frozen peas, cooking until the vegetables soften. This builds a savory, colorful base for your filling—don’t rush this step!

Step 3: Add Spices and Liquid for Deep Flavor

Next, stir in the garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, oregano, chili powder, cooked potatoes, tomato paste, and the beef broth. Let everything simmer until the liquid evaporates slightly—this intensifies the flavors and keeps your filling moist but not soggy. This is where the magic happens.

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 glass. Gather any scraps, roll them out again, and cut more circles until you have about 10. This is the fun part where your kitchen starts to smell amazing and you can feel dinner coming to life.

Step 5: Assemble and Seal Your Empanadas

Make an egg wash by whisking together egg whites and water, then brush the edge of each dough circle lightly. Spoon about two tablespoons of filling in the center of each. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape, then press the edges firmly with a fork to seal. This keeps all that delicious filling tucked inside during air frying.

Step 6: Air Fry to Perfection

Brush the tops of the empanadas with the egg wash for that beautiful golden color. Place them in your air fryer basket, making sure to give each some breathing room. Cook at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The result? Crispy, golden pockets of yum that’ll impress everyone at the table.

Top Tip

From my experience making this Air Fryer Empanadas Recipe multiple times, these tips really help elevate the dish and avoid common pitfalls.

Don’t Overstuff: Adding too much filling makes sealing tricky and risks the empanada bursting during cooking.
Use Egg Whites for Sealing: Egg whites make the dough edges stick nicely without adding too much moisture that can lead to sogginess.
Air Fry in Batches: Crowding the basket chokes the airflow, so cook in small batches for even crispiness.
Pat Dry Filling: If your filling feels watery, give it a quick strain or cook a little longer to avoid soggy empanadas.

How to Serve Air Fryer Empanadas Recipe

air fryer empanadas - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to serve these empanadas with a little fresh parsley or cilantro sprinkled on top to add a pop of green and freshness. A side of tangy chimichurri or a creamy garlic aioli also brightens the flavor and makes every bite more exciting.

Side Dishes

Pair your empanadas with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. Spanish rice or a simple black bean salad work beautifully to round out this satisfying dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, try arranging the empanadas on a large platter with vibrant dipping sauces in small bowls scattered around. You can also make mini empanadas using smaller dough circles—perfect for parties or appetizers!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I reheat them, I usually pop them back in the air fryer to maintain their crispiness instead of using the microwave.

Freezing

These air fryer empanadas freeze wonderfully. I prepare and assemble them, then freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. When ready, air fry from frozen for a slightly longer cook time—still delicious!

Reheating

Reheating in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes brings back that crisp crust and warms the filling perfectly. Avoid microwaving to keep things crunchy and fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use homemade dough instead of premade pie crusts?

Absolutely! Homemade dough can add a lovely personal touch and can be adjusted to your preferred thickness and texture. Just make sure it’s rolled out thinner than pie crust for a tender, flaky empanada.

How do I prevent the empanadas from bursting open in the air fryer?

Make sure not to overfill the empanadas and press the edges firmly when sealing, using an egg wash to help them stick. Also, avoid stacking or crowding in the air fryer basket, so air can circulate evenly.

Can I substitute the ground beef for another protein?

Yes! You can easily swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles. Just adjust seasoning if needed to suit the protein’s flavor profile.

Can I make these empanadas vegan?

For a vegan version, use a plant-based protein substitute, swap the pie crust for a vegan dough, and replace the egg wash with a plant milk or oil brush for sealing the edges.

Final Thoughts

Making these Air Fryer Empanadas feels like sharing a warm hug through food. I love how they bring together simple ingredients into something truly special, fast and fuss-free. Give this recipe a try—you’ll quickly see why I keep coming back to it whenever I want a cozy but convenient meal that everyone loves.