Crispy Air Fryer Empanadas: Easy Ground Beef Recipe & Appetizer for Any Occasion
Discover the ultimate guide to making irresistible Air Fryer Empanadas! These savory hand pies, filled with perfectly seasoned ground beef, vibrant peppers, and aromatic onions, are encased in a wonderfully flaky Jiffy pie dough. Quick to prepare and healthier than deep-fried versions, these customizable empanadas are perfect as a hearty dinner, a delightful lunch, or an crowd-pleasing appetizer. Get ready to enjoy a healthier take on a classic comfort food, ready in under 25 minutes!
Why This Air Fryer Empanada Recipe is a Must-Try
Who can resist the allure of a perfectly crispy, savory hand pie? This Air Fryer Empanada recipe takes a beloved classic and makes it incredibly accessible and adaptable for home cooks. Similar to our popular Taco Empanadas, we start with a robust ground beef filling, but the true brilliance of these air-fried delights lies in their versatility. The magical combination of a golden, crisp crust and a warmly spiced, tender filling of beef, peppers, and onions creates a foundational flavor profile that’s simply irresistible.
Using an air fryer not only speeds up the cooking process significantly, getting your meal on the table in under 25 minutes, but it also offers a healthier alternative to traditional deep frying. You achieve that desired crispy, flaky texture without the excessive oil, making these empanadas a guilt-free indulgence. The compact cooking environment of the air fryer circulates hot air efficiently, ensuring every empanada cooks evenly to a beautiful golden brown.
But don’t stop at ground beef! This recipe is a fantastic canvas for your culinary creativity. Feel free to experiment with different proteins like ground turkey, shredded chicken, spicy sausage, or even a vegetarian black bean and corn mix. The key is the harmonious blend of spices and fresh vegetables, creating a delicious base that can be customized to your family’s preferences. Whether you’re making them for a quick weeknight dinner, a portable lunch, or a delightful appetizer to share, these air fryer empanadas are sure to become a new favorite.
Essential Ingredients for Your Homemade Air Fryer Empanadas
Crafting delicious homemade empanadas starts with a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create the perfect savory filling and a wonderfully flaky crust. Remember, you can find all exact measurements and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
MEAT – Our recipe calls for 1 pound of lean ground beef, which provides a rich, satisfying flavor. This is an excellent way to use up ground beef you might already have. For those looking for variations, feel free to substitute with other ground meats. Ground turkey or ground chicken are fantastic lighter options, offering a different texture and flavor profile. You could also try ground pork sausage for a spicier, more robust filling. Just ensure whatever meat you choose is fully cooked and drained of excess fat before mixing with other ingredients.
VEGETABLES – We’ve opted for a classic combination of diced white onion and colorful red and orange bell peppers (or green bell pepper for a more traditional look). These add a delightful sweetness and crunch to the filling. But don’t hesitate to get creative with your veggie additions! Many enjoy adding frozen peas, diced potatoes, or even finely chopped carrots for extra nutrients and texture. Fresh spinach, wilted and squeezed dry, can also be a great addition. Make sure all vegetables are finely diced for even cooking and easier assembly within the empanada dough.
DOUGH – The secret to quick and easy empanadas lies in using a convenient dough. We highly recommend Jiffy pie crust mix for its ease of use, consistent flakiness, and cost-effectiveness. It mixes up quickly with water to form a pliable dough that’s perfect for rolling and sealing. If Jiffy mix isn’t available, or if you prefer another option, you have a few excellent substitutes. Refrigerated crescent roll dough or even biscuit dough can work well, though they might yield a slightly different texture – perhaps a bit softer or breadier. When substituting, always monitor your empanadas closely in the air fryer, as cooking times may vary significantly to achieve that perfect golden crispness.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Perfect Air Fryer Empanadas
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this delicious recipe. For a quick reference, you can Jump to Recipe to get the full printable version, complete with precise measurements and instructions at the bottom of this post.
- Prepare the Ground Beef Filling: In a medium skillet, heat over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and begin to brown it, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once the beef is about halfway cooked and still showing some pink, add the diced red and orange bell peppers and onion. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened and the beef is fully browned.
- Season and Cool the Filling: Drain any excess grease from the skillet. Add the cumin, oregano, salt, and paprika to the beef and vegetable mixture. Cook for just one minute, allowing the spices to become fragrant. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until aromatic. Remove the skillet from the heat and allow the filling to cool completely. Cooling is crucial to prevent the dough from becoming soggy.
- Prepare the Empanada Dough: While the filling cools, prepare your dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine the Jiffy pie crust mix with water according to package directions, stirring until a cohesive dough forms. Knead lightly if needed, then roll the dough into a log shape. Cut this log into 6 equal portions. Take each portion and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a thin disc, approximately 1/8-inch thick. These will be the shells for your empanadas.
- Assemble and Seal the Empanadas: Place a spoonful (about 2-3 tablespoons) of the cooled ground beef filling onto one half of each dough disc. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make sealing difficult. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to create a crescent shape. Using a fork, gently press around the curved edge of the empanada to seal it tightly. This creates a decorative edge and ensures the filling stays put during cooking.
- Air Fry the Empanadas: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the inside of your air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray. Arrange the empanadas in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded (you may need to cook in batches). Lightly spray the tops of the empanadas with cooking spray as well – this helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown, crispy crust. Air fry for 8 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve Immediately: Carefully remove the hot empanadas from the air fryer. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauces or garnishes. Popular choices include fresh pico de gallo, cool sour cream, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, or a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Air Fryer Empanadas
Leftover empanadas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat them, simply place them back in your air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until they are thoroughly warmed through and regain their crispy texture. This method works much better than a microwave for preserving crispness.
Absolutely! Empanadas are excellent for meal prepping and freezing. You can freeze them either before or after cooking.
To freeze uncooked empanadas: After assembling, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe Ziploc bag or airtight container. They will keep for up to 2-3 months. When ready to cook, you can air fry them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time (usually 10-12 minutes at 375°F/190°C), or thaw first if preferred.
To freeze cooked empanadas: Let them cool completely after air frying. Wrap each empanada individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3-4 months. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) until warm and crispy.
For perfect empanadas every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Don’t Overfill: Too much filling can make sealing difficult and cause the empanadas to burst during cooking.
- Ensure Filling is Cooled: Hot filling can make the dough difficult to work with and lead to a soggy crust.
- Seal Tightly: Use a fork to crimp the edges firmly to prevent the filling from escaping.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Cook in batches if necessary to allow proper air circulation, which is key for a crispy exterior.
- Lightly Spray with Oil: A quick spray of cooking oil on the outside of the empanadas before air frying helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown color and extra crispness.
- Experiment with Fillings: Try adding cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, cream cheese), different spices (chili powder, smoked paprika), or even sweet fillings (apple pie filling, dulce de leche) for dessert empanadas.
- Check for Doneness: Air fryer models can vary. Always check your empanadas for a golden-brown crust and a hot, cooked filling.
Delicious Serving Suggestions for Your Air Fryer Empanadas
These easy Air Fryer Empanadas are incredibly versatile and perfect for a variety of meals, from a quick lunch or dinner to a fantastic party appetizer. Their savory, spiced filling and crispy exterior make them a standalone delight, but pairing them with the right accompaniments truly elevates the experience. Here are some of our favorite ways to serve them:
- Classic Dips: Always a hit! Serve alongside cool sour cream, our vibrant salsa fresca, or creamy guacamole. A spicy chipotle aioli or a tangy cilantro-lime crema would also be excellent.
- Fresh Garnishes: A squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens the flavors, while a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro adds a burst of herbal freshness.
- Hearty Sides: For a complete meal, consider serving your empanadas with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette, some Mexican rice, or a side of black beans.
- Spice It Up: Offer a variety of hot sauces for those who like an extra kick!
- For a Party: Arrange them on a platter with multiple dipping options for an easy, impressive appetizer that guests can grab and enjoy.
Explore More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
Love the convenience and crispiness that the air fryer brings to your kitchen? We’ve got plenty more delicious and simple air fryer recipes for you to try. Expand your air fryer repertoire with these fantastic ideas:
- Air Fryer Bratwurst
- Air Fryer Onion Rings
- Air Fryer Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
- Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
- Air Fryer Chicken Kabobs
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Air Fryer Empanadas
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup red bell pepper diced, or green bell pepper
- ½ cup white onion diced, or yellow onion
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic minced
- 9 oz Jiffy pie crust mix 1 box
Things You’ll Need
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Air fryer
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Skillet
Before You Begin
- You can store cooked empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, simply pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until thoroughly reheated and crispy.
- For meal prepping, you can assemble empanadas and freeze them uncooked. Place on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Air fry from frozen for about 10-12 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
- Always ensure your filling is cooled before assembling the empanadas to prevent the dough from becoming soggy or tearing.
Instructions
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In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once it’s halfway done, add the diced bell peppers and onion. Cook for another 5 minutes, until the beef is fully browned and vegetables are softened. Drain any excess fat.
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Stir in the cumin, oregano, salt, and paprika, cooking for one minute until fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Remove the skillet from heat and let the filling cool completely.
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Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
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In a large mixing bowl, prepare the Jiffy pie crust mix with water according to package directions to form a dough. Roll the dough into a log and cut into 6 equal portions. Roll each portion into a disc about 1/8-inch thick. Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the cooled filling onto one half of each disc, then fold the other half over. Seal the edges firmly with a fork.
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Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray. Place the empanadas in a single layer in the basket (do not overcrowd). Lightly spray the tops of the empanadas with cooking spray for a golden crust. Air fry for 8 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Serve warm with your favorite dips.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.