Experience the ultimate comfort food with these irresistible Air Fryer Beef Empanadas! Featuring a rich, savory shredded beef filling, melty cheddar cheese, tender potatoes, and refried beans, all encased in a perfectly flaky, golden-brown pie crust. Say goodbye to the mess of deep-frying and hello to a healthier, equally delicious alternative, made effortlessly in your air fryer. These crispy turnovers are incredibly versatile, serving as a delightful appetizer for gatherings or a satisfying main course for any weeknight meal. Get ready to elevate your culinary game and impress your taste buds in just about 30 minutes!
Empanadas, those beloved savory turnovers, have transcended their Latin American, Spanish, and Southern European origins to capture hearts and palates worldwide. And for good reason! This innovative recipe for Air Fryer Beef Empanadas allows you to enjoy their classic flavors and satisfying texture without the fuss and oil of traditional deep-frying. Prepare to be amazed as your air fryer transforms simple ingredients into golden, crispy parcels brimming with a robust, flavorful filling.
One of the secrets to the simplicity and speed of this recipe lies in using pre-made pie crust. It delivers a wonderfully flaky, buttery foundation that rivals homemade, drastically cutting down on your preparation time. The star of the show, however, is the hearty filling: succulent shredded beef, sharp cheddar cheese, creamy shredded potatoes, aromatic onions, and savory refried beans—a symphony of flavors designed to make every bite utterly delicious and satisfying.
These air-fried delights are perfect for any occasion. Serve them as amazing finger food appetizers alongside an array of vibrant dipping sauces at your next party or potluck. Or, plate a few more for a hearty, comforting meal that’s both quick to prepare and incredibly fulfilling. The best part? From start to finish, these delectable empanadas can be ready to serve in around 30 minutes, making them an ideal choice for busy evenings. Ready to embark on this culinary adventure? Let’s get cooking and discover the magic of air-fried empanadas!
Why You’ll Adore These Air Fryer Beef Empanadas
- Authentic Flavor, Simplified: Enjoy the rich, traditional taste of empanadas without the complex preparation. Our recipe delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort, thanks to smart ingredient choices and the magic of the air fryer.
- A Symphony of Textures and Tastes: These empanadas boast a perfectly flaky crust, a savory, cheesy, and hearty filling that’s incredibly satisfying. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of crispy pastry and tender, flavorful beef, making them truly irresistible.
- Perfect for Any Gathering: This recipe yields approximately 30 empanadas, making it an excellent choice for parties, potlucks, game day snacks, or large family meals. They’re easy to transport and always a crowd-pleaser!
- Irresistibly Hearty Filling: The combination of buttery dough and a robust filling—packed with seasoned shredded beef, sharp cheddar, tender potato, and creamy refried beans—creates a truly craveable experience. It’s comfort food at its finest.
- Convenient Make-Ahead Option: Prepare these empanadas in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook and serve. This flexibility makes meal planning and entertaining a breeze. You can even freeze them uncooked for later!
- Healthier Frying Alternative: By using an air fryer, you achieve that coveted crispy, golden exterior with significantly less oil than deep-frying. This means a lighter, healthier version of your favorite classic, without compromising on taste or texture.
What Exactly Are Empanadas?
Empanadas are a cherished culinary staple across Latin America, Spain, and Southern Europe, essentially delicious turnovers made from a pastry dough that’s folded over a savory or sweet filling, then baked or fried until golden perfection. The name itself comes from the Spanish verb “empanar,” which translates to “to wrap or coat in bread.” This perfectly describes these delightful pockets of flavor.
Historically, empanadas were a practical way to enjoy a portable meal, allowing farmers and travelers to carry a satisfying, self-contained dish. Over centuries, countless regional variations have emerged, with fillings ranging from classic ham and cheese, vibrant vegetable medleys, to sweet options like guava paste or dulce de leche. Among the vast array of choices, beef remains one of the most universally popular and beloved fillings, celebrated for its hearty and satisfying nature.
The beauty of empanadas lies in their versatility. They can be enjoyed as a quick snack, a light lunch, a festive appetizer, or even a full meal, depending on their size and filling. Our Air Fryer Beef Empanadas capture this beloved tradition, offering a convenient and delicious way to savor this iconic dish right in your own kitchen.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Empanadas
Crafting delicious air fryer beef empanadas starts with selecting the right ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each component is vital for that mouthwatering flavor and texture:
- Cooked Shredded Beef: The foundation of our savory filling. Versatile and flavorful, using pre-cooked beef drastically reduces prep time. (See our recommendations below for the best types of beef to use.)
- Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully, adding a creamy, tangy, and rich dimension to the filling. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend for a different flavor profile.
- Shredded Potato: Provides a wonderful bulk and creamy texture to the filling, helping to bind the ingredients together while adding a comforting element. If you’re shredding fresh potatoes, remember to squeeze out excess water to prevent a soggy filling.
- Refried Beans: A quintessential Latin American ingredient that adds depth, creaminess, and a subtle earthy flavor. They also act as an excellent binder, ensuring your filling stays intact.
- Onion (Finely Chopped): Offers a delicate sweetness and aromatic base that elevates the overall flavor of the beef mixture. Finely chopping ensures it blends seamlessly into the filling.
- Empanada Seasoning Blend: Our simple yet potent blend of Chipotle Powder, Salt, and Pepper provides a smoky heat, essential seasoning, and a gentle kick. Chipotle powder is key for that authentic, mildly spicy flavor.
- Prepared Pie Dough (Thawed): The ultimate time-saver! Pre-made pie crust provides a consistently flaky and buttery shell without the hassle of making dough from scratch. Ensure it’s thawed according to package instructions for easy handling.
- Egg: Used as an egg wash to brush over the empanadas before air frying. This creates that desirable golden-brown, shiny, and extra-crispy crust that makes these empanadas so appealing.
Choosing the Best Beef for Your Air Fryer Empanadas
The beauty of this air fryer empanada recipe lies in its adaptability, especially when it comes to the beef. You can use a variety of cooked beef types, making it a fantastic way to utilize leftovers and reduce food waste. Here are some of our top recommendations:
- Leftover Smoked Beef: If you’re a fan of barbecue, any leftover smoked beef (like brisket or chuck roast) will infuse your empanadas with an incredible smoky depth that is simply irresistible. The tender, flavorful meat is perfect for shredding or finely chopping.
- Roast Beef: Classic pot roast or slow-cooked roast beef provides tender, succulent meat that’s easy to shred and packed with savory flavor. It’s a reliable choice that ensures a moist and delicious filling.
- Slow Cooker Birria de Res: For an exceptionally rich and aromatic filling, we highly recommend using leftover birria de res. The deeply seasoned, fall-apart tender beef from our slow cooker birria de res recipe would be an absolute showstopper in these empanadas, bringing complex Mexican flavors.
- Ground Beef: If you don’t have leftover roast beef, lean ground beef is a perfectly acceptable and popular alternative. Be sure to cook it thoroughly and, most importantly, drain *all* excess fat. This step is crucial to prevent your empanadas from becoming greasy or soggy, ensuring a crisp exterior and well-textured filling. Season the cooked ground beef with a touch of cumin and chili powder for a classic flavor.
Whichever beef you choose, aim for finely chopped or shredded consistency so it mixes well with the other ingredients and is easy to fill into the pastry discs.
How to Master Air Fryer Empanadas: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making these delicious beef empanadas in your air fryer is straightforward and rewarding. Follow these steps for perfectly golden and crispy results every time:
- Prepare the Beef: Begin by finely chopping or shredding your cooked beef. Aim for small, consistent pieces that will integrate well into the filling and be easy to parcel into the dough.
- Craft the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped beef, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, shredded potato (remember to squeeze out excess water if using fresh), refried beans, and finely chopped onion. Add your chosen seasonings – chipotle powder, salt, and pepper – and mix everything thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
- Prepare the Dough: Lightly flour a clean, flat work surface. Unroll your thawed prepared pie dough. Gently smooth it out if needed, but avoid overworking it.
- Cut Dough Rounds: Using a 2-3 inch round cookie cutter or biscuit cutter, cut out individual discs of dough. This recipe typically yields about 30 discs, providing a good batch size for entertaining or meal prep. Gather any scraps, gently re-roll them, and cut more discs until all dough is used.
- Fill the Empanadas: Take one dough disc and place a small amount of the beef filling onto one half of the disc, leaving a clear margin around the edges. It’s important not to overfill, as this can make sealing difficult and lead to leakage during cooking.
- Seal the Empanadas: Gently fold the other half of the dough over the filling, creating a perfect half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly together with your fingers to seal. For a classic look and extra security, you can crimp the edges with the tines of a fork.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for a few minutes. Proper preheating is essential for even cooking and a crispy exterior.
- Egg Wash & Air Fry: In a small bowl, beat one egg to create an egg wash. Lightly brush the top of each empanada with a thin, even layer of the egg wash. This helps them achieve that beautiful golden sheen and adds to the crispiness. Carefully transfer the egg-washed empanadas to the air fryer basket or rack, ensuring they are placed egg-side up and in a single layer to avoid overcrowding. Air fry for 8 minutes.
- Flip and Finish: After 8 minutes, carefully flip the empanadas. Continue to air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until they are gloriously golden brown and cooked through. The exact time may vary based on your air fryer model.
- Alternative Baking Method: If you have an oven-style air fryer or prefer to bake, you can place the empanadas on an air fryer rack and bake them in your oven. Note that basket-style air fryers sometimes cook 1-2 minutes faster due to their concentrated heat.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked to perfection, transfer your golden-brown empanadas to a serving platter. Allow them to cool for a minute or two before serving, as the filling will be hot. Enjoy these savory delights with your favorite dipping sauces!
Chef Jenn’s Pro Tips for Flawless Empanadas
Achieve empanada perfection with these expert tips and tricks:
- Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Empanadas are excellent for meal prep! You can assemble the empanadas completely, then freeze them *before* cooking. Lay them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, simply pop the frozen empanadas directly into the preheated air fryer and add 2-3 minutes to the cooking time, ensuring they reach golden perfection.
- Monitor Your Air Fryer: All air fryers can vary in temperature and cooking speed. It’s always a good idea to check on your empanadas after about 6 minutes, especially during your first batch. Adjust the cooking time as needed, and remember not to overcrowd the air fryer, which can lead to uneven cooking. You want them golden and crispy, not burnt!
- Spice It Up: If you crave more heat, don’t hesitate to customize your filling. Finely chopped fresh or pickled jalapeños can add a vibrant kick, or you can increase the amount of chipotle powder to infuse a deeper, smoky spice into the beef mixture.
- Cook in Batches: For the crispiest results, avoid piling empanadas in your air fryer. Cook them in a single layer in batches to ensure even air circulation around each one. This guarantees that every empanada achieves that coveted crispy, golden exterior. Patience in batches leads to superior texture!
- Preventing Soggy Empanadas: To ensure your empanadas stay crisp, make sure your beef filling isn’t overly wet. If using ground beef, drain off all grease. If using freshly shredded potatoes, squeeze out excess moisture. A drier filling leads to a crispier empanada!
Recommended Pairings
Serving Suggestions for Your Empanadas
With their delightful Spanish and Latin-American flavors, air fryer empanadas are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with a wide array of sides and dips. Elevate your dining experience with these fantastic suggestions:
Delectable Dipping Sauces: For an extra burst of fresh flavor, consider serving your empanadas with a variety of homemade or store-bought dips:
- Roasted Tomatillo Salsa: A tangy, slightly smoky, and vibrant green salsa that perfectly cuts through the richness of the beef.
- Creamy Jalapeno Dip: A cool, zesty, and subtly spicy dip that provides a wonderful counterpoint to the savory filling. Its creaminess is a delightful contrast to the crispy shell.
- Pico de Gallo: The fresh, uncooked salsa of chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapeños adds a bright and refreshing element.
- Guacamole: Creamy, rich, and full of healthy fats, guacamole is always a winning choice with anything Mexican-inspired.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A simple dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt offers a cool, refreshing contrast to the warm, savory empanadas, and can help balance any spice.
Appetizer Spread Ideas: If you’re creating a festive appetizer spread, these empanadas are a star. Complement them with:
- Smoked Queso: A warm, gooey, and smoky cheese dip that’s utterly addictive and perfect for dipping both empanadas and tortilla chips.
- Artichoke Jalapeno Dip: A creamy, cheesy dip with a gentle kick, offering a different texture and flavor profile to your spread.
- Tortilla Chips and Salsa: A classic pairing that always works.
Transform into a Full Meal: To turn these flavorful bites into a complete and satisfying meal, consider serving them alongside hearty soups or fresh salads:
- Cream of Jalapeno Soup: A rich, subtly spicy soup that echoes the flavors within the empanadas and adds a comforting warmth.
- Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup: A robust and flavorful soup that makes for a perfect companion, creating a well-rounded meal.
- Mexican Rice or Cilantro Lime Rice: These flavorful rice dishes can make your meal even more substantial.
- Simple Green Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing balance to the rich empanadas.
Storage and Reheating for Best Results
Proper storage and reheating are key to enjoying your air fryer beef empanadas long after they’re first made. Here’s how to keep them delicious:
Refrigeration: Any leftover cooked empanadas should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. They will remain fresh and tasty for 3-4 days.
Freezing Cooked Empanadas: If you’ve cooked a large batch and want to save some for later, let the empanadas cool completely. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Instructions: The best way to reheat cooked empanadas to restore their delicious crispiness is using your air fryer or oven. Microwaving is not recommended as it can make them soggy.
- Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the leftover empanadas in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 3-5 minutes, or until thoroughly heated through and crispy on the outside. If reheating from frozen, add an additional 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place empanadas on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until hot and crispy. If reheating from frozen, bake for 15-20 minutes.
Always ensure the internal temperature of the filling reaches 165°F (74°C) when reheating.
Step-by-Step Visual Process
Air Fryer Beef Empanadas Recipe
Light, flaky, and filled with a beefy and cheesy filling, these air fryer Beef Empanadas are made with pre-made pastry to cut prep time!
Recipe Details
- Course: Appetizers
- Cuisine: American, Mexican, Tex-Mex
- Keyword: air fryer, air fryer beef empanadas, beef, beef empanadas, empanadas
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 36 minutes
- Servings: 8 servings (approx. 30 empanadas)
- Calories: 203 kcal per serving
- Author: Chef Jenn
Equipment
- Air fryer
- 2-3 inch biscuit cutter or round cookie cutter
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl for egg wash
- Fork (for crimping edges)
Ingredients
- Enough pie dough for 2 pies (store-bought, thawed)
- 3 cups chopped cooked beef (leftover roast, smoked beef, or birria de res works well)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded potatoes (squeeze out excess water if fresh)
- 1 cup refried beans
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onions
- 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Mix the finely chopped beef, shredded cheese, shredded potato, refried beans, chopped onion, and all seasonings (chipotle powder, salt, pepper) in a large bowl until thoroughly combined.
- Lay the thawed pie dough on a lightly floured flat surface.
- Using a 2-3 inch round cookie cutter or biscuit cutter, cut out individual dough discs. You should get approximately 30 discs. Reroll dough scraps to cut more circles.
- Add about 1 tablespoon of filling to one half of each dough disc, leaving a clear margin around the edges to allow for proper sealing. Do not overfill.
- Fold the empty half of the dough over the filling, creating a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly with your fingers, then use a fork to crimp and seal them securely.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, beat the egg to create an egg wash. Brush a thin layer of egg wash over the top of each empanada.
- Carefully transfer the egg-washed empanadas to the air fryer basket or rack, ensuring they are in a single layer and egg-side up. Air fry for 8 minutes, then flip them over. Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Alternatively, you can bake the empanadas on an air fryer-safe rack in an oven-style or basket-style air fryer. Note: Basket-style air fryers may cook 1-2 minutes faster.
- Serve your crispy air fryer beef empanadas immediately and enjoy!
Notes
For additional tips, please refer to “Chef Jenn’s Pro Tips for Flawless Empanadas” section above.
Nutrition
The nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed.
- Serving Size: 4 empanadas
- Calories: 203 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 63mg
- Sodium: 384mg
- Potassium: 419mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Vitamin A: 157IU
- Vitamin C: 6mg
- Calcium: 102mg
- Iron: 2mg
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