Air Fryer Beef Empanadas Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Air Fryer Beef Empanadas Recipe because it’s such an irresistible combination of hearty, flavorful beef filling wrapped in a perfectly crisp, golden crust. It’s a dish that never fails to bring smiles around the table, whether I’m serving it for a cozy family dinner or a lively weekend gathering. The ease of making these in the air fryer means I can enjoy that crunchy, fresh-baked taste without the mess of deep frying—this is one go-to recipe I keep coming back to!

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Beef Empanadas Recipe

What really excites me about this recipe is the incredible flavor profile that you get from each bite. The seasoned ground beef mixed with cumin, oregano, bell peppers, and baked beans creates a warm, comforting filling that’s well balanced with just the right touch of freshness from cilantro. The combination is hearty but not overwhelming, making it a real crowd-pleaser. And that flaky, golden pie crust? It’s the perfect match—light, crispy, and slightly buttery, adding a delightful textural contrast to the filling.

Beyond the flavor, I have to share how simple these empanadas are to prepare, especially using the air fryer. I appreciate that the process is straightforward—from making the filling to assembling and cooking—without any complicated steps or long waits. It’s different from traditional frying because the air fryer delivers that perfect crispness without the oil mess or heavy feel. These empanadas are just right for practically any occasion: casual weeknight meals, party appetizers, or even for meal prepping because they reheat beautifully. Honestly, every time I make this Air Fryer Beef Empanadas Recipe, it feels special and satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a top view of ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface with a light cloth in the corner. At the center is a wooden bowl holding smooth pie crust dough with a light golden color. To the left, a clear glass bowl contains tightly packed pink ground beef, and below it sits a white cup filled with shiny brown baked beans. Next to the beans, fresh green cilantro leaves rest directly on the surface. Above the baked beans is a tall green bottle of olive oil. To the right of the pie crust is a whole white egg, with a whole white onion and two purple-striped garlic bulbs nearby. A small wooden bowl with a mix of brown and black seasonings is placed next to the egg, and beside it is a metal garlic press. Two small white bowls hold finely chopped bright green cilantro and diced vibrant red bell pepper. A wooden spoon filled with salt and pepper is at the bottom left. The scene is calm and organized, perfect to start cooking. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients in this recipe are simple yet essential, each playing a key role in bringing both flavor and color to these empanadas. From aromatic spices to fresh vegetables and wholesome baked beans, they come together to create a savory, balanced filling. The store-bought pie crust is an easy shortcut that keeps the dough tender and crisp without fuss.

Olive oil: Helps sauté the garlic and onion for a fragrant base.
Garlic (minced or pressed): Adds a sharp, savory depth to the filling.
Onion (chopped): Brings sweetness and texture when softened.
Ground beef: The hearty protein base that makes these empanadas filling.
Salt: Enhances all the savory flavors perfectly.
Fresh ground pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity.
Bell pepper (cored, seeded, chopped): Gives a fresh crunch and vibrant color.
Canned baked beans: Adds moisture, texture, and a hint of sweetness.
Ground cumin: Provides that warm, earthy spice key to Latin-inspired flavors.
Oregano flakes: Infuses subtle herbal notes.
Fresh cilantro (chopped): Brightens the filling with a fresh herbal finish.
Pie crust (store-bought): The golden, flaky casing that holds everything together.
All-purpose flour: For dusting the surface and rolling out the dough smoothly.
Egg (beaten): Used as an egg wash to seal and glaze the empanadas for a glossy finish.

Directions

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, stirring gently for about 3 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.

Step 2: Add the ground beef, salt, and freshly ground pepper to the skillet. Use a meat masher or spatula to break the beef into small crumbles. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Stir in the chopped bell peppers and cook for another 3 minutes, allowing the peppers to soften slightly without losing their crunch.

Step 4: Add the canned baked beans along with ground cumin, oregano flakes, and chopped fresh cilantro. Mix everything thoroughly, then cook over medium heat for 15 minutes, letting the flavors merge beautifully. Once done, remove from heat, cover with a lid, and set aside to keep warm.

Step 5: On a clean surface lightly dusted with all-purpose flour, roll out the store-bought pie crust evenly to about ¼ inch thickness. Use a 4-inch round cutter or a similarly sized container to cut circles from the dough.

Step 6: Spoon about two tablespoons of the beef filling into the center of each dough circle. Brush the edges with the beaten egg using a pastry brush.

Step 7: Fold each dough circle in half, covering the filling completely, and carefully align the edges. Use an empanada mold or press the edges firmly with a fork to seal each empanada securely.

Step 8: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Meanwhile, give the assembled empanadas a light brush of egg wash on the outside for that perfect golden finish.

Step 9: Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper and arrange the empanadas in a single layer, leaving some space between each to ensure even cooking.

Step 10: Air fry the empanadas for 10 minutes, checking that they are a beautiful golden brown and crisp. Remove them carefully and transfer to a cooling rack for at least 10 minutes before serving, so they firm up slightly and don’t lose their crispiness.

Servings and Timing

This Air Fryer Beef Empanadas Recipe yields about 15 empanadas, perfect for sharing with friends and family. The prep time usually takes around 30 minutes, including making the filling and assembling the empanadas. Cooking in the air fryer adds about 10 minutes per batch, so total cook time averages 20 minutes depending on your air fryer size and batch quantity. Altogether, you’re looking at roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish, including the important cooling time to get that perfect texture before serving.

How to Serve This Air Fryer Beef Empanadas Recipe

A baking tray filled with two layers of golden brown empanadas, each structured like a half circle with crimped edges sealed tightly. The top layer shows empanadas with a crackled crust texture and a light shine from baking, neatly arranged to partly overlap each other. Scattered bright green parsley leaves are placed decoratively around the tray on a white marbled surface. Nearby is a white cloth and a knife with a wooden handle partly shown at the corner, adding a rustic feel to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve these empanadas, I love pairing them with a fresh, zesty chimichurri or a homemade spicy dipping sauce to complement the bold beef filling. A vibrant avocado salsa or even a cooling yogurt-based dip balances out the spices beautifully. For sides, a simple mixed green salad or some roasted vegetables add a lovely freshness and make for a complete meal.

Presentation-wise, I often plate the empanadas on a rustic wooden board or a bright ceramic platter, garnished with roughly chopped cilantro and lime wedges. It’s simple but inviting, encouraging everyone to dig in. These empanadas are best enjoyed warm or at room temperature; the crust stays wonderfully crisp without being tough, and the savory filling remains juicy.

As for beverages, a chilled glass of malbec or a crisp pale ale really pairs well with the earthy spices in the beef filling. For non-alcoholic options, I like serving them alongside sparkling water with a splash of lime or a fruity iced tea. These empanadas are ideal for casual family dinners, potlucks, or even holiday appetizers—they always seem to disappear fast!

Variations

One of the things I love about this Air Fryer Beef Empanadas Recipe is how adaptable it is. If ground beef isn’t your favorite, try substituting with ground turkey or shredded chicken for a lighter twist. For a vegetarian version, I often swap the beef with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, black beans, and corn, which creates a similarly hearty and flavorful filling.

For those who need gluten-free options, I’ve had great success using gluten-free pie crusts that withstand the air fryer heat just fine. You can also experiment with different seasonings—adding smoky paprika or a pinch of chili powder gives the filling an exciting kick. If you want to try other cooking methods, these empanadas can be baked in a conventional oven at 375°F for about 20 minutes, though the air fryer just nails that crisp texture faster.

Lastly, mixing in some cheese like Oaxaca or mozzarella into the filling adds a gooey surprise that takes these empanadas to the next level. I highly recommend playing with these variations to find your personal favorite spin on this fantastic recipe.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, I store any leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep well like this for up to 3 days. Using a rigid container with a lid helps maintain their shape and prevents the crust from becoming soggy. I recommend placing parchment paper between layers if you’re stacking them.

Freezing

These empanadas freeze beautifully! To freeze, I lay them out on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid, usually a few hours. Then, I transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be kept frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, no need to thaw—just reheat directly from frozen for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I always recommend the air fryer or a conventional oven to restore that crispy crust. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F and warm the empanadas for about 5-7 minutes if thawed, or 10-12 minutes from frozen, until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the crust chewy or soggy, which loses the magic of these empanadas.

FAQs

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! The beef filling can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and refrigerated. Just keep it covered, then assemble the empanadas when you’re ready to cook. This makes the process much quicker and perfect for meal prep.

Is it necessary to use a store-bought pie crust?

Not at all. You can make your own empanada dough from scratch if you prefer. Homemade dough can add extra freshness and flavor, but the store-bought crust is a fantastic shortcut that still produces a flaky, delicious texture.

What if I don’t have an air fryer? Can I bake these instead?

Yes, you can bake the empanadas in a conventional oven at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes or until golden and crisp. Just make sure to space them out on a baking sheet so the heat circulates evenly.

Can I freeze the empanadas before cooking?

Yes, freezing them unbaked is a great option. After assembling, freeze them on a tray until firm, then transfer to a bag. When ready, bake or air fry from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What are some good sides to serve with empanadas?

I love serving empanadas with fresh salads, guacamole, or a tangy salsa. Beans, rice, or roasted vegetables also complement the flavors wonderfully if you want a heartier meal.

Conclusion

I hope you feel inspired to try this Air Fryer Beef Empanadas Recipe because it’s one of my absolute favorites to make and share. There’s just something so joyful about biting into a crisp, golden empanada filled with that rich, perfectly seasoned beef mixture. Whether you make them for a special gathering or a cozy night in, I know they’ll become a regular in your recipe collection just like they are in mine. Enjoy every delicious bite!