Air Fryer Beef Empanadas

Air Fryer Beef Empanadas are a delicious handheld meal featuring flaky, golden pastry filled with a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef, onions, garlic, spices, and melted cheese. Cooking empanadas in the air fryer gives them a beautifully crisp exterior with a tender, flavorful filling, all while using far less oil than traditional deep-frying. The result is a lighter version of this beloved Latin American classic that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or texture.

Whether you’re preparing a family dinner, party appetizer, game-day snack, or meal-prep lunch, Air Fryer Beef Empanadas are easy to customize and always a crowd-pleaser. They can be made with homemade or store-bought empanada dough, and the filling can be adapted with vegetables, different cheeses, or additional seasonings to suit your taste.

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Serve the empanadas with salsa, chimichurri, sour cream, guacamole, or spicy dipping sauces for an unforgettable meal. They also freeze beautifully, making them an excellent make-ahead option for busy weeks.

Once you discover how simple and delicious Air Fryer Beef Empanadas are, they’ll quickly become one of your favorite air fryer recipes.

Ingredients

For the Filling

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup diced red bell pepper
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Filling Add-Ins

• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese
• Diced green olives
• Raisins
• Corn kernels
• Jalapeños
• Fresh cilantro

Dough

• 10 to 12 empanada discs or pie crust circles
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Optional Garnishes

• Fresh parsley
• Cilantro
• Lime wedges
• Crumbled queso fresco

Dipping Sauces

• Salsa
• Chimichurri
• Guacamole
• Sour cream
• Chipotle mayo
• Avocado crema

Why These Ingredients Work

Ground beef creates a rich and flavorful filling, while onions, peppers, and garlic add sweetness and depth. Smoked paprika and cumin provide warm, earthy flavors that complement the beef perfectly. Tomato paste enhances the savory richness, and cheese adds creaminess that balances the crisp pastry. The egg wash gives the empanadas a beautifully golden finish in the air fryer.

How To Air Fryer Beef Empanadas

Step 1: Cook the Filling

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add:

• Ground beef
• Onion
• Bell pepper

Cook for:

6 to 8 minutes

until the beef is browned.

Step 2: Add the Seasonings

Stir in:

• Garlic
• Tomato paste
• Smoked paprika
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Oregano
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Cook for:

2 minutes

until fragrant.

Step 3: Cool the Filling

Transfer the beef mixture to a bowl.

Allow it to cool for:

15 to 20 minutes

If using cheese, stir it in once the filling has cooled slightly.

Step 4: Prepare the Dough

Lay the empanada discs on a lightly floured surface.

Keep unused dough covered to prevent drying out.

Step 5: Fill the Empanadas

Place approximately:

2 tablespoons

of filling into the center of each dough round.

Avoid overfilling.

Step 6: Seal the Edges

Brush the edges lightly with water.

Fold the dough over to form a half-moon.

Press the edges together firmly with a fork or crimp them by hand.

Step 7: Brush with Egg Wash

Brush the tops with beaten egg.

This creates a glossy, golden crust.

Step 8: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer to:

375°F (190°C)

for:

3 to 5 minutes

Step 9: Air Fry

Arrange the empanadas in a single layer.

Cook for:

10 to 14 minutes

Flip gently halfway through cooking if your air fryer benefits from even browning.

The pastry should be golden brown and crisp.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Allow the empanadas to cool for:

5 minutes

Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.

You Must Know

Cool the Filling Before Assembling

Hot filling softens the dough and makes sealing difficult.

Don’t Overfill

Too much filling may cause the empanadas to burst during cooking.

Seal the Edges Well

A tight seal keeps the filling inside while cooking.

Use an Egg Wash

The egg wash creates a beautiful bakery-style finish.

Cook in a Single Layer

Proper air circulation ensures even browning.

Avoid Excess Moisture

Drain any excess liquid from the filling before assembling.

Every Air Fryer Cooks Differently

Begin checking for doneness during the last few minutes.

Rest Before Serving

The filling will be extremely hot immediately after cooking.

Fresh Herbs Brighten the Flavor

Garnish with cilantro or parsley before serving.

Freeze Before Cooking

Uncooked empanadas freeze exceptionally well for future meals.

Topping Variations

Classic Cheese

Top with:

• Shredded cheddar
• Monterey Jack

Mexican Style

Add:

• Pico de gallo
• Guacamole
• Sour cream

Chimichurri

Serve with homemade chimichurri sauce.

Spicy Jalapeño

Top with:

• Pickled jalapeños
• Pepper Jack cheese

BBQ Beef

Mix barbecue sauce into the filling and top with crispy onions.

Bacon Cheeseburger

Add:

• Bacon crumbles
• Cheddar
• Burger sauce

Philly Cheesesteak

Fill with:

• Sautéed onions
• Peppers
• Provolone

Southwest

Top with:

• Corn salsa
• Avocado crema

Garlic Parmesan

Brush with garlic butter and sprinkle with Parmesan after cooking.

Breakfast Empanadas

Fill with:

• Scrambled eggs
• Sausage
• Cheese

Make It A Meal

Family Dinner

Serve with:

• Mexican rice
• Refried beans

Fresh Salad

Pair with:

• Garden salad
• Avocado salad
• Cilantro lime slaw

Game Day

Serve alongside:

• Nachos
• Chicken wings
• Mozzarella sticks

Tex-Mex Feast

Pair with:

• Street corn
• Chips and salsa
• Queso dip

Lunch Plate

Serve with:

• Tomato soup
• Fresh fruit

Party Appetizer

Arrange on a platter with multiple dipping sauces.

Weekend Dinner

Pair with:

• Roasted vegetables
• Cilantro rice

Holiday Buffet

Serve alongside:

• Pulled pork
• Mini tacos
• Stuffed peppers

Pro Tips

Use Lean Ground Beef

Less grease keeps the pastry crisp.

Drain the Meat Well

Excess grease can make the dough soggy.

Chill the Filled Empanadas

Refrigerate for:

15 minutes

before air frying for even better shape.

Don’t Crowd the Basket

Cook in batches if necessary.

Spray Lightly with Oil

A light mist encourages even browning.

Rotate if Needed

Some air fryers have hotter spots than others.

Experiment with Cheese

Try mozzarella, Oaxaca, pepper Jack, or queso quesadilla.

Keep Dough Covered

This prevents it from drying out while assembling.

Let the Pastry Crisp

Avoid stacking the empanadas immediately after cooking.

Double the Batch

Freeze extras for quick meals later.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use homemade dough?

Yes.

Homemade empanada dough works wonderfully.

What’s the best beef to use?

Lean ground beef provides the best texture without excessive grease.

Can I freeze uncooked empanadas?

Absolutely.

Freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to freezer bags.

Can I cook frozen empanadas?

Yes.

Add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

How long do leftovers last?

Store in the refrigerator for:

3 to 4 days.

What’s the best way to reheat them?

Reheat in the air fryer at:

350°F (175°C)

for:

4 to 6 minutes

until crispy.

Can I make them spicy?

Yes.

Add jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the filling.

Which cheese melts best?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Oaxaca, and pepper Jack are all excellent choices.

Can I use ground turkey?

Yes.

Ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives.

What sauces pair best?

Popular options include salsa, guacamole, chimichurri, sour cream, avocado crema, chipotle mayo, and queso.

Air Fryer Beef Empanadas

Print Recipe

These easy beef empanadas made with my homemade beef picadillo are so easy and delicious made in the air fryer!

• Author: Brandy
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 16 minutes
• Total Time: 26 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Cuisine: Latin

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 Goya empanada discs, in frozen section, thawed
• 1 cup picadillo
• 1 egg white, whisked
• 1 teaspoon water

Instructions

1. Spray the air fryer basket generously with olive oil spray to avoid sticking, or line the basket with air fryer parchment paper.
2. Place 2 tablespoons of the picadillo in the center of each disc. Fold in half and use a fork to seal the edges. Repeat with the remaining dough.
3. Whisk the egg whites with water, then brush the tops of the empanadas.
4. Air fry in a single layer, in batches as needed 350F 8 minutes, turning halfway or until golden. Remove from heat and repeat with the remaining empanadas.