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 about biting into a perfectly crispy pocket filled with savory goodness that just hits the spot. This Air Fryer Empanadas Recipe offers that satisfying crunch without the extra grease, making these empanadas a total game-changer for quick, delicious snacks or meals.

The image shows a plate piled with six golden-brown hand pies. Each hand pie has a folded, slightly flaky crust with a crimped edge that looks crisp and lightly browned. One hand pie is broken in half at the top center, revealing a filling made of ground meat, green peas, small bright orange cubes, and bits of red pepper. The pies are placed on a textured white marbled surface, and some green herbs are scattered around the plate, which is white. In the background, there is a wooden bowl with greens and a rust-colored cloth. 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 how this recipe turns the humble empanada into a quick, healthier treat without ever sacrificing flavor or texture. It’s hands-down one of the easiest ways to impress your friends or just treat yourself to something cozy and homemade.

Crispy Yet Light: Thanks to the air fryer, the empanadas come out golden and crunchy without deep frying.
Simple Ingredients: You probably have everything on hand, making this an accessible recipe for busy weeknights.
Flavor-Packed: The combination of spices in the filling creates a comforting, irresistible taste.
Customizable: Easily swap out fillings or spices to fit whatever mood you’re in.

There are six golden brown folded pastries arranged on a round white plate with a slightly raised edge, placed on a white marbled surface. The pastries have a flaky crust with crimped edges, showing light cracks and a slightly shiny, baked finish. One pastry is broken open, revealing a colorful filling inside with visible green peas, red bell peppers, and other finely chopped vegetables. In the background, there is a small bowl with green garnish and a reddish-brown cloth partially tucked under the plate. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Air Fryer Empanadas Recipe plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect balance between texture and flavor. The lean ground beef offers a hearty base, while the veggies add a subtle sweetness and freshness that really bring the filling to life.

Flat lay of diced golden potatoes, ground beef browned with minced yellow onion, vibrant red bell pepper pieces, bright green frozen peas, crushed garlic cloves, rich tomato paste dollop, scattered paprika, cumin, oregano, and chili powder powders, alongside smooth circles of pale pie crust dough, and a small bowl of glossy egg wash, all beautifully arranged on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Diced Potato: Adds a subtle creaminess and helps bind the filling together without making it mushy.
Lean Ground Beef: The protein star that absorbs all those spices beautifully.
Yellow Onion: Provides mild sweetness and depth when sautéed until translucent.
Red Bell Pepper: Brings vibrant color and a sweet crunch for texture contrast.
Frozen Peas: They add pops of sweetness plus a nice green hue, and they cook quickly.
Garlic: For that punch of savory aroma and flavor that’s just irresistible.
Spices (paprika, cumin, oregano, chili powder): These give the filling a warm, smoky kick and keep it deliciously flavorful.
Tomato Paste & Beef Broth: Important for moisture and a rich, well-rounded taste without soggy empanadas.
Premade Pie Crusts: Convenience meets flaky, buttery goodness — a lifesaver for quick prep.
Egg Whites & Water (Egg Wash): Ensures that beautiful golden finish and seals the empanadas tight.

📝

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

While I love the classic beef and vegetable version, these empanadas are incredibly versatile—you can easily swap in your favorite fillings to suit your taste or dietary needs. Don't be shy to experiment a little!

Variation: One of my favorite twists is using shredded rotisserie chicken with some added taco seasoning for a quick change-up that tastes amazing.
Vegetarian Option: Swap the meat for sautéed mushrooms, corn, and black beans with the same spices to keep things hearty and satisfying.
Spice Level: If you love heat, I recommend adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños to the filling.

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

Step 1: Perfectly Cook the Potatoes

Start by boiling the diced potatoes until they’re fork-tender—about 8 to 12 minutes. This ensures they mash easily into the filling and add that lovely, soft texture. Once cooked, drain them well and set aside so they don’t release excess moisture into the filling later.

Step 2: Sauté Your Filling

In a large frying pan, cook the lean ground beef and minced onion over medium heat until the meat is browned and the onion is soft. Then add diced red bell pepper and frozen peas, sautéing until the veggies are tender but still vibrant, about 5-7 minutes. This layering of flavors and textures is key!

Step 3: Spice It Up and Combine

Now add garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, oregano, chili powder, the cooked potatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir well and let it simmer until most of the liquid evaporates, creating a thick, flavorful filling. This step makes the difference between soggy and perfectly moist empanadas.

Step 4: Prepare Your Dough Circles

Roll out your premade pie crusts lightly, then cut into roughly 4-inch circles using a cookie cutter or a rimmed cup. Don’t worry if you need to gather scraps and reroll—it’s totally normal and perfect for getting the most out of your dough.

Step 5: Fill and Fold

Place a dough circle on your workspace, spoon about 2 tablespoons of filling into the center, and brush the edges lightly with your egg wash (made by whisking egg whites and water). Fold it over into a half-moon shape, then seal by pressing the edges with a fork—this keeps all that goodness inside while it cooks.

Step 6: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Brush each empanada with egg wash to get that gorgeous golden color, then air fry at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes, turning halfway through. Give them enough room to cook evenly—don’t overcrowd your basket! Watching that crispness develop is one of my favorite parts.

Top Tip

From my kitchen to yours: These tips really helped me nail this recipe on the first try, and I hope they do the same for you!

Potato Drainage: Make sure your boiled potatoes are well drained and dry to prevent the filling from becoming soggy.
Don’t Skimp on Egg Wash: It’s the secret to getting that irresistible golden crust and firm seal.
Space Them Out: Overcrowding the air fryer basket leads to uneven cooking; do them in batches if needed.
Rest Before Serving: Let your empanadas rest for a couple of minutes after air frying; this holds the filling in place and prevents burns.

How to Serve Air Fryer Empanadas Recipe

Air Fryer Empanadas - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice over the top—it brightens the whole dish and adds a fresh, zingy layer alongside the warm spices. A side of creamy avocado or a cool chimichurri sauce also pairs wonderfully.

Side Dishes

I love serving these empanadas with a simple mixed green salad or roasted veggies to keep things light. Sometimes, I whip up a quick black bean salad for extra protein and color—it complements the spices perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, arranging these empanadas on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of salsa, guacamole, and sour cream turns a simple snack into a party centerpiece. They’re also fantastic served as an appetizer platter with toothpicks for easy sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually pop my leftovers into an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheating in the air fryer brings back that fresh-out-of-the-oven crunch better than the microwave ever could.

Freezing

I've had great success freezing these empanadas after they've been assembled but before air frying. Lay them on a parchment-lined tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to eat, just air fry straight from the freezer—add a few extra minutes to the cook time.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the empanadas back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3-5 minutes, or until warm and crisp again. It’s hands-down the best way to revive their flaky texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use homemade dough instead of premade pie crust?

Absolutely! Homemade dough can add a personal touch. Just make sure it’s rolled out to about ⅛-inch thickness for the best texture in the air fryer.

How do I prevent the empanadas from leaking during cooking?

Make sure to brush the edges generously with egg wash before sealing, and press the edges firmly with a fork. Also, avoid overfilling them to keep everything neatly inside.

Can I make these empanadas gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the premade pie crust with a gluten-free option like a store-bought gluten-free pie crust or a homemade gluten-free dough. Just check your air fryer cooking times since crust thickness may vary.

Is the air fryer method healthier than traditional frying?

Definitely. Air frying uses little to no oil, resulting in crisp empanadas with significantly less fat and calories compared to deep frying, while keeping that perfect crunch.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Empanadas Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes for feeding a crowd or making a quick snack that feels special. It’s satisfying, straightforward, and the air fryer brings out that crispy texture I crave without the hassle of deep frying. Give it a try—you’ll soon be making them again and again like I do!