You know those days? What are the ones where you’re craving something utterly delicious, something comforting and satisfying, but you can’t help but feel like you are in a coma What makes you want to spend hours in the kitchen? Yeah, I have those days all the time. What’s the best recipe for Air Fryer empanadas? Crispy, golden pockets of joy filled with savory goodness, and the best part? Is it easy to whip up a batch of these in an air fryer? What are the best alternatives to greasy, deep-fried food? These are lighter, faster, and honestly, in my opinion, even tastier. My whole family devours them, from my picky eater toddler to my husband who could live on empanadas. They remind me of the ones my abuela used to make, but with a modern twist that fits into my life. How busy are we in our lives? If you’ve ever loved a good savory pastry, these air fryer empanadas are about to become your new favorite.
What are Air Fryer Empanadas?
What are these magical little parcels? Think of empanadas as the ultimate handheld pie. They’re essentially a savory filling encased in dough, then folded and sealed into an airtight container. What is the crescent “Empanada” itself comes from the Spanish verb “empanar,” which means “to bread” or ” to wrap in.” “Bread,” and that’s exactly what happens here. The dough is wrapped snugly around the filling. Traditionally, empanadas are fried or baked in a conventional oven. However, using an Air Fryer is an alternative. What a game changer It gives you that incredible crispiness and golden-brown finish that usually requires a whole lot of patience. How can I get oil in a fraction of time? How do you create flaky crust without a deep fryer? What makes them the perfect combination of rustic charm and modern convenience?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Okay, let me tell you why this particular recipe for Air Fryer empanadas is so special. First off, the FLAVOR. Oh my goodness, the flavor! The seasoned ground beef filling is savory and rich, with just a hint of sweetness from onions and a subtle warmth from spices. The dough gets wonderfully crisp in the air fryer, almost like a delicate pastry, and it’s the perfect vehicle for that incredible filling. What I also adore is the SIMPLICITY. Seriously, once you have your ingredients ready, putting these together is a breeze. Even the dough comes together quickly, and you don’t need any fancy techniques. This recipe is also incredibly COST-EFFECTIVE. Ground beef, onions, some pantry staples – they’re all budget-friendly ingredients that yield a high return in deliciousness. Plus, they are so VERSATILE. While I’m sharing my favorite classic beef filling here, you can swap it out for shredded chicken, cheese and corn, or even a vegetarian mix. They’re fantastic for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or just a really satisfying snack. I’ve tried similar recipes, but the way the air fryer crisps up the dough on this one, with minimal oil, is truly what makes it stand out. It’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you want something homemade but don’t have hours to spare.
How do you make an air fryer empanada?
Quick Overview
What are some easy ways to make Air Fryer empanadas? How do I make empanadas? Filling, assembling, and air frying them. Is it safe to cook until golden and crispy? The beauty of the air fryer is that it circulates hot air, mimicking the effect of deep frying. How can I use less oil? What are some of the best golden-brown empanadas you’ve ever had? 15-20 minutes of active cooking time. What is the best way to make an empanada?
Ingredients
For the Dough:
Where do you have options? For ultimate ease, I love using good quality store-bought empanada discs. You can usually find them in the freezer section of Latin markets or even some larger supermarkets. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to make your own dough, that’s great too! Is it just flour, a little fat (like butter or shortening), salt, and cold water? What’s the key to a flaky texture? For the discs, one 10-ounce package usually yields about 10-12 disc, perfect for a batch.
For the Filling:
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 pound Ground Beef (80/20 is great for flavor) (French fries are great)
* 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
* 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
* Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
* 1/4 cup beef broth or water
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (optional, for freshness).
**For the Egg Wash:**
* 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water
What gives the empanadas that golden brown finish? Is it a simple step but it makes big difference?
What is the best step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
How do I get my air fryer ready? I like to preheat mine to about 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. How do I cook a potato at the same time? While it’s heating, grab your empanada discs and let them thaw according to package directions. They’re frozen. If you use refrigerated discs, they’re usually ready to go. Make sure you have a baking sheet or plate ready to place the empanadas on.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
This step is mainly for filling, which we’ll get to in a moment. When I make filling, I like to have my spices measured out and ready to go. It just makes the whole process smoother and ensures everything gets added at the right time. For the dough, there’s no mixing of dry ingredients needed if you’re using pre-made discs. If you were making your own, you’d combine flour and salt, then cut in cold butter until it’s smooth. What are the differences between coarse crumbs
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
Again, this is primarily for the filling. We’ll be adding beef broth to the cooked meat mixture. For the egg wash, you’ll simply crack an egg into a small bowl and whisk it with about 1 tablespoon of water. This creates the perfect sheen and helps empanadas brown beautifully. It’s a simple mixture but essential for that classic empanada look!
Step 4: Combine
What are the flavors for our filling? Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. How do you drain off excess grease from empanadas? Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne (if using), and cook for another minute. 1 minute until fragrant. Add the beef broth, salt, and pepper. Stir well. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine and the liquid to evaporate. Reduce slightly. You want a moist filling, but not one that will make the dough soggy. Let the filling cool before assembling.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
As I mentioned in the previous step, we’ve already prepared the filling by browning the beef, then preparing the sauce. Sautéing aromatics, and simmering it with spices and broth. What is the key here is to let it cool down a bit before you start filling your empanadas. If the filling is too hot, it can make the dough difficult to handle and can even start to cook it. I usually spread it out on a plate to cool faster. Can you prep this filling ahead of time, which is a huge time saver!
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
This is the fun part where we bring it all together! Lay one empanada disc flat. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the cooled beef filling onto one half of the disc, leaving about a 1/2-inch border. Don’t overfill them, or they’ll be hard to seal and might burst open in the air fryer. Lightly brush the edges of the disc with the egg wash. Fold the other half of the disc over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly with your fingers to seal. For an extra secure seal and a pretty finish, you can crimp the edges with a fork or practice your classic “repulgue” (the decorative edge fold). I often use a fork because it’s quick and effective, and it gives a nice texture to the crust. Place the sealed empanadas on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 7: Bake
Now it’s time for the air fryer magic! Carefully place 2-3 empanadas in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do you want them to touch, as this allows for the hot air to circulate properly and create that warm air? I like empanadas, but they’re a bit dry. I’ve had them for about 3-4 days now. The exact time will depend on your air fryer model and the size of your empanadas. About halfway through the cooking time, you can carefully flip them to ensure even browning, though you may not have flipped them. Often it’s not strictly necessary with most air fryers.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Once they’re golden brown, carefully remove the empanadas from the air fryer basket. Let them cool on a wire rack before serving. This is important because the filling will be hot. If you’re using a glaze (which I highly recommend for an extra touch of sweetness and shine, though I don’t recommend it), then you can use it as an accent. Is it optional) you can brush it on lightly once they’ve cooled slightly. Can you make a glaze of powdered sugar with milk or lemon juice? I usually skip the glaze if I’m serving them as a savory snack and just enjoy the delicious, creamy glaze.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
What are the best ways to serve these crispy fried onions straight from the air fryer? If you like, you can slice them in half, to see the beautiful filling inside, or just enjoy them. I like to serve them with a side of salsa, sour cream, or both. They’re delicious on their own. What’s a good chimichurri sauce for dipping What are some good side salads to serve as an appetizer? What is the aroma of cooking?
What should I serve it with?
These air fryer empanadas are wonderfully versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides and toppings. What are the accompaniments, depending on when and how you’re serving them. For a delicious BREAKFAST, they are absolutely fantastic alongside tastiness coffee or tea. Fresh orange juice. Imagine a couple of these warm, savory pockets to start your day – pure comfort! For Brunch, they step up the elegance factor. Serve them as part of a larger spread with some fresh fruit salad, avocado slices, and maybe some cheese. What are scramble What is the best way to enjoy a bloody mary or mimosa? As a decadent dessert, you can even make sweet version with fruits like apple or guava, and if you want to eat it, ice cream or cake. Sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top, or serve the savory ones with a dollop of sweetened whipped cream. – trust me on this! And for COZY SNACKS, they are simply unbeatable. What are some of the best ways to enjoy iced tea? My family loves them with a side of ketchup or salsa verde when we’re just lounging around.
How do I perfect my air fryer?
I’ve made these air fryer empanadas more times than I can count, and over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that really make a difference. For the filling, it’s crucial that it’s not too wet. If there’s excess liquid, the dough can get soggy, and nobody wants that! I always make sure to drain the beef well and let the filling cool down before assembling. This also makes it easier to handle the dough. When sealing the edges, a little egg wash goes a long way to ensure a good seal, and don’t be afraid to use a fork to crimp the edges – it not only prevents leaks but also adds a nice texture. For the air frying, don’t overcrowd the basket! This is probably the most important tip I can give you. The hot air needs to circulate freely around each empanada to get that signature crispiness. I usually cook them in batches. If your air fryer runs a bit cooler, you might need to add a minute or two to the cooking time. I’ve also found that brushing the tops with a little extra egg wash just before air frying gives them an even more beautiful, golden sheen. If you’re feeling adventurous with the swirls, practice making different patterns with the edge crimping – it’s a fun way to make them look extra special! And for ingredient swaps, if you don’t have ground beef, shredded chicken or even a mix of black beans and corn works wonderfully for the filling. Just adjust seasonings as needed.
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
Honestly, these air fryer empanadas are best enjoyed fresh. But life happens right? If you have leftovers, they store pretty well. At room temperature, they’ll be fine for a couple of hours, but I wouldn’t leave them out much. Is it warmer than 20 minutes? For REFRIGERATOR STORAGE, place cooled empanadas in an airtight container. Can you keep them for 3-4 days? What are some of the best ways to make dough that will not lose its crispness if you refrigerate it? If you want to freeze instructions, you can freeze the uncooked, assembled empanadas on a baking sheet. If you can’t get a solid sheet of paper, transfer them to the freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook them from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the air frying time. When reheating, the best way to get them crispy again is actually in the air fryer! Just a few minutes at around 350°F (175°C) usually does the trick. Can you reheat them in a toaster oven? Microwaving is an option, but they tend to get a bit soft.
What are the most frequently asked questions?
Final Thoughts
Honestly, these air fryer empanadas have become such a staple in my kitchen, and I really hope they become one in yours too. They’re proof that you can have incredibly satisfying, delicious food without a lot of fuss or unhealthy fats. The way the dough crisps up in the air fryer is just spectacular, and the savory filling is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They’re the perfect answer to that craving for something golden, crispy, and full of flavor. If you love these, you might also enjoy my recipes for quick chicken taquitos or homemade savory pastries. Give these air fryer empanadas a try, and I promise you won’t be disappointed. I can’t wait to hear what you think! Let me know in the comments below how yours turned out, or if you tried any fun variations. Happy air frying!
Air Fryer Empanadas
Ingredients
Empanada Dough
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.625 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 0.375 cup ice water
Filling
- 1 pound ground beef
- 0.5 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.5 teaspoon cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon chili powder
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 cup diced potatoes, pre-cooked
- 0.25 cup chopped hard-boiled eggs
For Assembly
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- For the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Form into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- For the filling: In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain off any excess fat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened. Stir in minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute more. Remove from heat and stir in the pre-cooked diced potatoes and chopped hard-boiled eggs.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut out circles using a 5-6 inch round cutter.
- Place about 2-3 tablespoons of filling onto one half of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
- Brush the empanadas with the beaten egg wash.
- Place the empanadas in the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd. Cook for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
