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 downright irresistible about homemade empanadas—crispy outside, bursting with a savory filling inside. This Air Fryer Empanadas Recipe takes that comfort food magic and makes it so easy and healthier with the air fryer. Let me show you how I whip these up, so you can get that perfect golden crisp without the hassle of deep frying!

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’m genuinely enthusiastic about this Air Fryer Empanadas Recipe because it blends convenience with rich traditional flavors. You get that flaky, golden crust and a juicy spiced filling every time—plus it’s so quick to make, it’s perfect for a weeknight treat or impressing friends at your next get-together.

Healthier Cooking: Air frying gives you crisp empanadas with way less oil than traditional frying, keeping things lighter without sacrificing flavor.
Simple Ingredients: You don’t need anything fancy; pantry staples and a couple of fresh veggies bring the filling to life.
Great for Beginners: The step-by-step process is straightforward, and I’ll share tips to avoid common pitfalls.
Versatile & Customizable: You can easily swap the filling to suit your taste or dietary preference.

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

Each ingredient in this Air Fryer Empanadas Recipe has a purpose, from building layers of flavor to ensuring the perfect texture. The combo of spices and veggies creates a filling that's hearty yet fresh, and the premade pie crust keeps things simple without compromising that beautiful, flaky crust everyone loves.

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

Diced Potato: Adds a soft, comforting texture and absorbs the spices beautifully.
Lean Ground Beef: The main protein—make sure to drain excess fat for less greasiness.
Yellow Onion: Provides sweetness and depth when sautéed.
Red Bell Pepper: Gives a subtle sweetness and a touch of color.
Frozen Peas: Quick and easy to toss in, peas add a pop of color and mild sweetness.
Garlic: Brings aromatic warmth—don’t skip it!
Spices (Salt, Pepper, Paprika, Cumin, Oregano, Chili Powder): This spice blend builds authentic, layered flavor that tastes like a hug from home.
Tomato Paste: Adds richness and a hint of acidity to balance the spices.
Beef Broth: Keeps the filling moist and helps all the flavors meld.
Premade Pie Crusts: Huge time saver with that buttery flaky texture. Thaw completely before rolling.
Egg Whites + Water (Egg Wash): Gives the empanadas that pretty shiny, 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

One of my favorite parts about this Air Fryer Empanadas Recipe is how adaptable it is. You can truly make it your own with just a few tweaks to suit your mood or pantry.

Variation - Meatless: Try swapping the ground beef for spiced mushrooms or black beans for a vegetarian twist I loved when I wanted a lighter bite.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or some chopped jalapeños if you like a little heat—I do this when I want a flavor kick.
Cheesy Addition: Mixing shredded cheese into the filling before folding makes these extra melty and gooey—trust me, it’s a game changer.

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

Step 1: Perfectly Cook the Potatoes

Start by boiling your diced potatoes until they're tender to the fork—usually about 10-12 minutes. Don’t overcook them or they’ll fall apart in the filling. Drain them well and set aside. I find this step critical because the texture of the potato really makes a difference—it's that cozy bite inside the crispy empanada.

Step 2: Build the Flavorful Filling

Next, brown the lean ground beef along with minced onion in a large pan until no pink remains. Drain any excess fat, then stir in diced red bell pepper, frozen peas, and sauté until tender—about 5 to 7 minutes. That veggie mix adds freshness and a great balance to the meat.

Then add garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, oregano, chili powder, your cooked potatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir everything well and let it simmer until the liquid reduces and thickens into the most flavorful filling you’ve ever smelled. Remove from heat and let it cool a bit so it won’t melt your dough.

Step 3: Shape and Fill Your Empanadas

Roll out your premade pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Use a cookie cutter or a rimmed cup to cut out circles about 4 inches wide. Don’t toss those scraps—just gather, roll, and cut more circles. You should get around 10 empanadas total.

Whisk together your egg whites and water to make the egg wash. Place about two tablespoons of the filling in the center of each dough circle, brush one edge with the egg wash, then fold it over to form a half-moon. Press the edges with a fork to seal them tight so none of that delicious filling escapes during cooking.

Step 4: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Brush the tops of each empanada with the egg wash—you’ll love how it gives them that golden sheen. Arrange them in a single layer in your air fryer basket, making sure they’re not touching. Air fry at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’ll come out perfectly crisp, flaky, and browned without excess oil. If you’re making a big batch, just work in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Top Tip

From my experience, a few small tweaks make all the difference when it comes to Air Fryer Empanadas Recipe success. These tips helped me avoid soggy dough and bland filling every time.

Drain the Potatoes Well: Excess water can make your filling too wet, leading to soggy empanadas. I always let the potatoes steam dry before adding them in.
Seal the Edges Strongly: Press the crimped edges with your fork firmly; poor sealing can cause filling to leak out while cooking.
Don’t Overfill: Stick to about two tablespoons of filling per empanada to keep folding manageable and avoid breaks during cooking.
Preheat Your Air Fryer: This extra step helps the empanadas crisp up right away instead of absorbing moisture.

How to Serve Air Fryer Empanadas Recipe

air fryer empanadas - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love serving these golden beauties with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro and a zingy wedge of lime on the side. A dollop of sour cream or a quick chimichurri sauce also brightens up the rich flavors just perfectly—makes the experience feel a little fancy even on a lazy night.

Side Dishes

Pair your empanadas with a fresh green salad or a simple Mexican street corn off the cob for a colorful, well-rounded meal. A light salsa verde on the side is always a hit with guests and family alike.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like arranging these empanadas standing upright in a basket lined with a colorful cloth napkin—it makes it super easy for people to grab and adds a cozy rustic vibe. You can also serve them with mini dipping bowls filled with different sauces to keep things interactive and fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To keep that crisp crust, I recommend reheating them in the air fryer rather than the microwave—it revives that flaky texture almost as good as fresh.

Freezing

These empanadas freeze beautifully! After assembling (but before air frying), place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until firm. Then, transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to eat, cook directly from frozen in the air fryer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cook time.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop them in the air fryer at 350°F for about 4-6 minutes. This method crisps the crust back up without drying out the filling, unlike reheating in the microwave, which tends to leave them soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use homemade dough instead of premade pie crust in this Air Fryer Empanadas Recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade dough gives you more control over texture and flavor. Just ensure your dough is rolled out to a similar thickness as premade crusts for the best air frying results.

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

Make sure the edges are sealed tightly by brushing with egg wash and pressing firmly with a fork. Also, avoid overfilling, as too much filling can cause them to burst during cooking.

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Yes! The filling can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated. This makes assembling empanadas quicker and helps the flavors meld even better.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover empanadas?

The best way is to reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for 4-6 minutes. This method crisps up the dough while warming the filling without making it soggy. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crust crisp.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Empanadas Recipe truly feels like a little labor of love that’s surprisingly simple to pull off. I find it’s one of those recipes that’s both comforting and fun to share—whether as a family snack or party appetizer. Give it a try, follow the tips, and you’ll have those golden pockets of goodness ready in no time. Trust me, once you start making empanadas this way, you’ll keep coming back to it!