Name: Air Fryer Empanadas with Ground Beef and Vegetables Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Latin American
Ingredients: 4 ounces diced potato; ½ pound lean ground beef; ⅓ cup yellow onion, minced; ½ red bell pepper, finely diced; ⅓ cup frozen peas; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon pepper; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon oregano; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; ¼ cup beef broth; 2 premade pie crusts; 2 egg whites; 2 tablespoons water

There's something deeply satisfying about biting into a crisp, golden empanada filled with a hearty mix of seasoned ground beef and fresh vegetables. This Air Fryer Empanadas with Ground Beef and Vegetables Recipe takes the classic comfort food you love and makes it healthier and easier with the magic of the air fryer.

The image shows a plate piled with six golden-brown hand pies. Each hand pie has a folded, slightly flaky crust with a crimped edge that looks crisp and lightly browned. One hand pie is broken in half at the top center, revealing a filling made of ground meat, green peas, small bright orange cubes, and bits of red pepper. The pies are placed on a textured white marbled surface, and some green herbs are scattered around the plate, which is white. In the background, there is a wooden bowl with greens and a rust-colored cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Empanadas with Ground Beef and Vegetables Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Air Fryer Empanadas with Ground Beef and Vegetables Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Empanadas with Ground Beef and Vegetables Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly don’t make empanadas often enough because they’re such a crowd-pleaser, and this Air Fryer Empanadas with Ground Beef and Vegetables Recipe makes it so approachable. Crispy crust, flavorful filling, and ready in under an hour – that's my kind of snack or meal.

Healthier cooking method: Using the air fryer instead of deep frying means less oil and less mess, but still that perfect crunch.
Loaded with flavor: The blend of cumin, paprika, oregano, and chili powder really makes the ground beef pop without being overpowering.
Simple and customizable: Working with premade pie crust takes the stress out of dough-making, giving you more time to enjoy the cooking process.
Great for any occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner, game day, or just a tasty snack, these empanadas fit right in.

There are six golden brown folded pastries arranged on a round white plate with a slightly raised edge, placed on a white marbled surface. The pastries have a flaky crust with crimped edges, showing light cracks and a slightly shiny, baked finish. One pastry is broken open, revealing a colorful filling inside with visible green peas, red bell peppers, and other finely chopped vegetables. In the background, there is a small bowl with green garnish and a reddish-brown cloth partially tucked under the plate. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays its part, balancing hearty, savory, and slightly sweet notes in the filling, while the pie crust offers a buttery, flaky texture that pairs perfectly with the warm spices.

Flat lay of diced golden potatoes, ground beef browned with minced yellow onion, vibrant red bell pepper pieces, bright green frozen peas, crushed garlic cloves, rich tomato paste dollop, scattered paprika, cumin, oregano, and chili powder powders, alongside smooth circles of pale pie crust dough, and a small bowl of glossy egg wash, all beautifully arranged on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Diced Potato: Adds a pleasant soft texture that complements the meat and helps bulk up the filling.
Lean Ground Beef: The star protein, lean to keep it from getting too greasy while still juicy.
Yellow Onion: Gives a mild sweetness and a bit of crunch when sautéed just right.
Red Bell Pepper: Adds color and a subtle sweetness that brightens the overall filling.
Frozen Peas: These little pops of green add freshness and a hint of natural sweetness.
Garlic: A must-have aromatic that deepens the flavor profile of the filling.
Spices (Salt, Pepper, Paprika, Cumin, Oregano, Chili Powder): Each spice layers in complexity, making the filling richly savory and just a little smoky.
Tomato Paste: Offers a tangy base that binds all the filling flavors together.
Beef Broth: Keeps the filling moist and juicy as it cooks down.
Premade Pie Crusts: The convenient shortcut that crisps beautifully in the air fryer, flaky and tender.
Egg Whites and Water: Used for the egg wash to seal and glaze the empanadas for a golden finish.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

Empanadas are such a canvas for your preferences. I love tweaking the filling depending on what’s fresh or what I'm in the mood for — don’t hesitate to add or swap veggies or spices!

Variation: I sometimes add chopped olives or a handful of fresh cilantro for a little zip; last time, I added some shredded cheese right in the filling, which was heavenly!
Vegetarian Version: Replace beef with crumbled tofu or beans plus extra veggies like corn or mushrooms to keep it hearty without meat.
Spice Level: Adjust the chili powder or throw in a pinch of cayenne if you want a spicier bite.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pie crusts and double-check your broth ingredients for any hidden gluten.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Empanadas with Ground Beef and Vegetables Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Potatoes until Tender

Start by boiling the diced potatoes until they’re fork-tender, about 10 minutes. It’s crucial to drain them well and let them cool slightly so they don’t add unwanted moisture to your filling later on.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Sauté the Veggies

In a large skillet, sauté the lean ground beef with minced onion until browned evenly. Don’t rush this step – browning develops flavor. Next, toss in the diced red bell pepper and frozen peas and sauté for another 5 to 7 minutes until veggies soften but still maintain their bite.

Step 3: Add Spices and Combine Filling

Now, toss in garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, oregano, chili powder, cooked potatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir well to blend the flavors and cook until the liquid reduces – you want a thick, well-powered filling that’s not wet or runny. Remove from heat and let cool for easier handling.

Step 4: Prepare the Dough Circles

Roll out your premade pie crusts and use a 4-inch cookie cutter or a rimmed cup to cut circles. Gather scraps, reroll, and repeat until you have about 10 circles. These will be perfect sizes for your empanadas.

Step 5: Assemble the Empanadas

Make the egg wash by whisking egg whites with water. Place dough circles on a flat surface, spoon about two tablespoons of filling onto each, then brush the edges with egg wash. Fold over to make a half circle and press edges with a fork to seal. This step ensures your delicious filling stays put while cooking.

Step 6: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Brush each empanada with egg wash and place in the air fryer basket at 350°F, leaving enough space between each for even crisping. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through for a golden, crispy finish all around. Depending on your air fryer size, do this in batches.

Top Tip

From repeated batches, I’ve learned a few tricks that take these empanadas from good to truly great.

Dry Your Filling: Moisture is the enemy of crunchy crusts, so make sure your filling is thick and not watery before assembling.
Don’t Overfill: About two tablespoons per empanada is just right – too much and you risk breakage or uneven cooking.
Egg Wash Is Key: It not only seals the edges but also gives the empanadas that beautiful golden glow and shine.
Space Them Out: Crowding the air fryer basket leads to uneven cooking; leave some space for the hot air to circulate freely.

How to Serve Air Fryer Empanadas with Ground Beef and Vegetables Recipe

Garnishes

I like serving my empanadas with simple garnishes like fresh cilantro, a sprinkle of cotija cheese, and a wedge of lime on the side. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of chimichurri adds a tangy freshness that complements the savory filling so well.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I often pair these empanadas with a crisp green salad and some roasted veggies or a simple black bean and corn salad. They’re also fabulous with a side of Spanish rice or a cooling avocado salsa.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to arrange the empanadas on a large wooden board surrounded by bowls of different dipping sauces—spicy aioli, salsa verde, and guacamole. It turns a simple snack into a fun interactive appetizer spread everyone enjoys.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you reheat them, you'll want to keep that crunch, so avoid microwaving if possible.

Freezing

One of my favorite things is making a big batch and freezing uncooked empanadas on a baking sheet, then transferring them to a freezer bag once solid. When you want a snack or meal, pop them straight from frozen into the air fryer – just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

To reheat and keep that flaky crust crisp, the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes works wonders. If you don’t have an air fryer, use a conventional oven preheated to 375°F and bake for about 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use homemade dough instead of premade pie crust?

Absolutely! Homemade dough adds a lovely freshness to the empanadas. Just make sure your dough isn’t too sticky or thick — roll it out evenly to about ⅛ inch thickness for even cooking.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

No worries. You can bake these empanadas in a conventional oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden and crisp. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning.

Can I prepare these empanadas ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble them in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just cover them well with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.

How can I keep the empanadas from getting soggy?

Make sure your filling isn’t watery by cooking it down until thick, and don’t overfill the empanada dough. Also, letting the filling cool before assembling helps prevent the crust from absorbing moisture.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Empanadas with Ground Beef and Vegetables Recipe is one of those comfort foods that feels like a little celebration every time you bite into one. I love how easy it is to whip up, the way the flavors come together, and especially how the air fryer makes the crust so perfectly crispy without all the oil. Trust me, once you try making these, they’ll become a go-to recipe for busy nights, casual parties, or anytime you need a warm, satisfying bite. Give it a try – I promise you’ll be happy you did!