Air Fryer Beef Empanadas Recipe

Crispy & Juicy! The Ultimate Air Fryer Beef Empanadas Recipe

Empanadas have always been one of my favorite comfort foods. There’s something special about biting into a golden, crispy shell filled with juicy, flavorful beef and melted cheese. Traditionally, empanadas are deep-fried, but if you’re like me—someone who loves easy and healthier cooking methods—then making beef empanadas in an air fryer is a total game-changer.

I still remember the first time I made them in my air fryer. I was skeptical—would they really turn out as crispy as the fried version? The answer: absolutely! Plus, they were so much easier to make, with less oil and less mess. And the best part? My family devoured them in minutes!

If you’re looking for an easy, cheesy, and absolutely delicious empanada recipe, you’re in the right place! Whether you choose puff pastry for a flaky bite or pie crust for a more traditional feel, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. Let’s get cooking!

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Why Use an Air Fryer for Empanadas?

Before we jump into the recipe, let’s talk about why the air fryer is a must-have for empanadas:

Healthier Alternative – You get that perfect crisp without deep frying.

Less Mess – No splattering oil, no greasy hands.

Faster Cooking Time – The air fryer heats up quickly, and empanadas cook in just 8-10 minutes.

Consistently Crispy – No soggy bottoms here! The hot air circulation ensures an even crisp on all sides.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Beef Filling:

1 pound (450g) ground beef

1/2 cup sofrito (a mix of finely chopped onions, bell peppers, garlic, and tomatoes)

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)

1/4 cup chopped olives (optional)

1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Dough:

1 package puff pastry (thawed) or pie crust

1 egg (for egg wash)

1 tablespoon water

For the Dipping Sauce:

1/2 cup sour cream

1 tablespoon lime juice

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Beef Filling

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add sofrito and cook until fragrant.

2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.

3. Stir in cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well.

4. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese and olives (if using). Let cool slightly.

2. Prepare the Dough

1. Roll out the puff pastry or pie crust on a floured surface.

2. Use a round cutter (or a bowl) to cut 4-5 inch circles.

3. Place 2 tablespoons of filling in the center of each circle.

4. Fold over into a half-moon shape and seal edges with a fork.

5. Brush with an egg wash (1 beaten egg + 1 tablespoon water).

3. Air Fry the Empanadas

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

2. Place empanadas in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

3. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.

4. Let cool for a minute before serving with dipping sauce.

Amazon Product Recommendations

1. COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1

I use this air fryer all the time, and it’s a game-changer! With its 5.8-quart capacity, you can cook multiple empanadas at once. Plus, it has 11 presets for other meals.

Get it here

>2. Empanada Press Mold Set

If you struggle with sealing empanadas neatly, this press mold set is a must-have! It helps create perfectly shaped empanadas with ease.

Grab yours here

3. Air Fryer Parchment Paper Liners

These liners make cleanup effortless. No more stuck empanadas or scrubbing the basket!

Check it out

Serving Suggestions & Dipping Sauces

Pair your crispy empanadas with these tasty dips:

Garlic Aioli – Mix mayo, garlic, lemon juice, and salt.

Chimichurri Sauce – Blend parsley, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil.

Spicy Salsa – Combine tomatoes, jalapeños, onions, and cilantro.

Tips & Variations

Want them extra cheesy? Add more shredded cheese before sealing the empanadas.

Prefer a different protein? Swap ground beef for chicken or turkey.

Like it spicy? Add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes.

Make ahead & freeze – Assemble and freeze raw empanadas, then air fry when ready!

Final Thoughts

These air fryer beef empanadas are a total crowd-pleaser! They’re crispy, juicy, cheesy, and super easy to make. Whether you choose puff pastry for a flakier bite or pie crust for a classic feel, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.

I’d love to hear how your empanadas turn out! Leave a comment below and let me know your favorite filling and dipping sauce. Happy cooking!

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