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–+ servings
Air fryer empanadas torn in half to show ground beef inside

Air Fryer Empanadas

easyhealthyrecipes.com/air-fryer-empanadas/
You'll love these incredible air fryer empanadas! Delicious, seasoned ground beef filling wrapped in empanada dough, then air fried until golden brown and crispy. Perfect for snacks or lunches or just anytime you're in the mood for something hearty.
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 35 minutes
Total: 45 minutes
Recipe makes approximately 10 empanadas

Equipment Needed

  • Large skillet
  • medium bowl
  • Small bowl
  • Fork (optional)
  • Brush (for egg wash)
  • Air Fryer
  • Air-Fryer-Safe Cooking Spray

Ingredients Needed

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • ½ of one yellow onion (chopped)
  • ½ of one red bell pepper (chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ¾ cup beef broth
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 10 empanada dough discs

Instructions

  • In large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter. Add ground beef and cook until browned, approximately 5 to 6 minutes. Remove ground beef from skillet and drain fat.
    Ground beef in skillet
  • Add garlic, onion, and bell pepper to skillet. Cook until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes.
    Onion, bell pepper, and garlic in skillet
  • Add in cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and chili powder. Cook an additional 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
    Onion and bell pepper with spices in skillet
  • Pour in beef broth, then return ground beef to skillet. Simmer approximately 10 minutes or until liquid has evaporated.
    Ground beef with onion, beef broth, bell pepper, and spices in skillet
  • Transfer mixture to bowl and let cool.
  • In separate small bowl, mix egg and water together until combined.
  • Lay empanada discs on flat surface. Work in batches if needed.
  • Form Empanadas: Place approximately 3 tablespoons of filling mixture in center of each empanada disc. Fold dough in half, bringing one edge over dough filling to meet other edge. Pinch edges with fingers or press with tines of fork to seal. Lightly brush egg wash on outside of dough. Repeat until all empanadas are formed.
    Unfolded empanadas on a cutting board
  • Preheat air fryer to 330° Fahrenheit.
  • Spray air fryer basket with air-fryer-safe cooking spray. Place empanadas in basket in one even layer, not touching or overlapping. Work in batches as needed.
    Unbaked empanadas in an air fryer basket
  • Cook empanadas at 330° Fahrenheit for 8 to 9 minutes, until golden brown and warmed through. Repeat until all empanadas are cooked. Serve hot.
    Air fryer empanadas in air fryer basket

Recipe Notes

  • Make it Vegetarian: Use a plant-based ground beef substitute and vegetable broth.
 
Recipe yields 10 empanadas. Nutritional values shown reflect information for one empanada, using 85/15 ground beef and Goya brand empanada discs. Macros may vary slightly based on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

Nutrition Info (Approximate)

Serving: 1empanada | Calories: 248kcal | Protein: 13g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Total Carbs: 22g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Net Carbs: 21g | Vitamin C: 1mg | Cholesterol: 50mg | Sodium: 358mg | Potassium: 164mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 1mg