Air Fryer Beef Empanadas Recipe

If you’re craving something crispy on the outside, juicy and flavorful on the inside, you’re in luck. This Air Fryer Beef Empanadas Recipe is one of my favorite quick dinners that somehow feels fancy but is so easy to whip up. I can’t wait to share it with you, and trust me, once you try it, you’ll keep coming back to this recipe again and again!

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe comes together with simple ingredients that balance comfort and flavor beautifully. The combination of tender potatoes and seasoned ground beef makes the filling both hearty and juicy, while the premade pie crust keeps things super approachable.

• Diced potato: Boiled until fork-tender, they add a nice texture and mild flavor that complements the beef perfectly.
• Lean ground beef: Using lean beef keeps the filling from getting greasy but still delivers that rich, meaty taste.
• Yellow onion, red bell pepper, and frozen peas: These veggies bring sweetness and a pop of color, making the filling more vibrant and balanced.
• Garlic and spices: A blend of salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, oregano, and chili powder creates depth and warmth in the filling. The tomato paste and beef broth add moisture and richness.
• Premade pie crusts: The shortcut that saves time but still bakes up flaky and delicious in the air fryer.
• Egg whites and water: Whisked together for an egg wash that helps the empanadas get a golden, shiny crust.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love about this Air Fryer Beef Empanadas Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. You can swap out veggies, adjust the spice level, or even try a different protein. It’s a great base that invites creativity.

• Variation: I sometimes add a handful of chopped olives or raisins into the filling for a sweet-savory twist that my family goes crazy for.
• Spice it up: If you like heat, adding a pinch of cayenne or some chopped jalapeño peppers in the filling amps up the flavor nicely.
• Vegetarian: Swap the ground beef for seasoned crumbled tofu or mushrooms for an equally satisfying meatless version.
• Gluten-free: Try using gluten-free pie crusts or tortillas — it works surprisingly well in the air fryer.

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

Step 1: Cook the Potatoes Until Tender

I start by boiling the diced potatoes just until a fork can pierce them easily — usually about 8 to 10 minutes. The key here is not to overcook them so they don’t fall apart in the filling. Once tender, drain and set them aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Saute Veggies

Next, I heat a large frying pan and saute the ground beef and minced onion together. Make sure to break up the beef so it browns evenly — that caramelized flavor is what makes the filling irresistible. Once the beef is nicely browned, I add the red bell pepper and peas, cooking for another 5 to 7 minutes until everything is tender and fragrant.

Step 3: Add Garlic, Spices, and Finish the Filling

This is where the magic happens! I toss in minced garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, oregano, and chili powder, mixing everything well. Then in goes the cooked potatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. I keep cooking, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces and the filling thickens nicely. Trust me, don’t skip this step — it concentrates all those flavors beautifully.

Step 4: Prepare the Dough Circles

Roll out the premade pie crusts on a clean surface and use a cookie cutter or a large cup to cut out circles about 4 inches across. I usually gather the scraps, re-roll, and cut a few more circles to get at least 10. This is a great time to get the kids involved – they love stamping out the dough!

Step 5: Assemble the Empanadas with Egg Wash

Whisk the egg whites with water for the egg wash. Place one dough circle on your surface, spoon about two tablespoons of filling in the center, then brush the edge of the dough with egg wash. Fold the dough over the filling into a half-moon shape and press the edges with a fork to seal. The egg wash acts like glue here, helping the empanada hold together during cooking.

Step 6: Air Fry Until Golden and Crispy

I brush each empanada with the egg wash and place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch. Set your air fryer to 350°F and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through so both sides get beautifully golden. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Once done, let them cool for a few minutes — they’ll be piping hot inside!

How to Serve Air Fryer Beef Empanadas Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping these empanadas with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro—it adds freshness that balances the richness of the beef filling. A squeeze of lime juice right before eating really brightens everything up. Sometimes, I even serve them with a side of chimichurri or a mild salsa for dipping.

Side Dishes

A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs beautifully to cut through the crispiness. Roasted veggie medleys or Spanish rice also complement the flavors well if you want something a bit heartier. For casual gatherings, I like serving these with guacamole and black bean salad on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I place the empanadas on a wooden board lined with parchment paper, garnished with edible flowers and microgreens for a fancy touch. You could also serve a trio of dipping sauces in small bowls—like chipotle mayo, cilantro lime crema, and a spicy tomato salsa—to turn them into party-perfect finger food.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep them from getting soggy, I place parchment paper between layers. It’s a lifesaver for having quick snacks or reheatable lunches on hand.

Freezing

These empanadas freeze beautifully! After assembling (but before air frying), I place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment and freeze until solid. Then I transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When I want to cook them, I just air fry straight from the freezer—adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time—and they turn out delicious.

Reheating

To keep that perfect crisp crust, I pop leftover empanadas back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes rather than microwaving. It warms them through without turning the crust chewy or soggy, making leftovers taste almost as good as fresh.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Beef Empanadas Recipe has become such a staple in my kitchen because it’s quick, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser. I love how the air fryer gives the crust a perfect crunch without turning it heavy or oily. Give this recipe a try—the first bite will have you hooked, and you’ll be looking for reasons to make them all the time, just like I do!

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