Name: Air Fryer Beef and Vegetable Empanadas 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

Nothing beats the smell of freshly baked empanadas filling your kitchen, and these aren’t just any empanadas — with the magic of the air fryer, this Air Fryer Beef and Vegetable Empanadas Recipe is crisp on the outside and bursting with flavor inside. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy and quick to make.

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 Beef and Vegetable Empanadas Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Air Fryer Beef and Vegetable Empanadas Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Beef and Vegetable Empanadas Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Whenever I make these Air Fryer Beef and Vegetable Empanadas, everyone at the table can’t stop reaching for seconds. They combine hearty, comforting ingredients with that unbeatable crunch you only get from an air fryer. Plus, they’re perfect for weeknight dinners or fun gatherings.

Quick and Easy: The air fryer cuts down cooking time while delivering a perfectly crispy crust every time.
Balanced Filling: The mix of seasoned beef, potatoes, and veggies ensures you get a satisfying and flavorful bite.
Minimal Cleanup: Using the air fryer means no greasy pans and less mess in your kitchen.
Customizable: You can easily swap veggies or adjust the spices to suit your family’s tastes.

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 in this Air Fryer Beef and Vegetable Empanadas Recipe is thoughtfully chosen to balance texture and flavor. You’ll find that the potatoes add a creamy softness that contrasts beautifully with the seasoned ground beef and crunchy bell pepper. Plus, the spices bring that warm, smoky vibe we all crave in comfort food.

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

Potato: Boiled until tender, it adds heartiness and helps bind the filling together.
Lean Ground Beef: Provides richness without too much grease, making the empanadas lighter but still satisfying.
Yellow Onion: Brings sweetness and depth when sautéed with the beef.
Red Bell Pepper: Adds a subtle sweetness and color that livens up the filling.
Frozen Peas: Little pops of sweetness and a nice veggie boost without any extra chopping.
Garlic: Essential for that savory, aromatic layer.
Seasonings (salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, oregano, chili powder): These spices create a flavorful and slightly smoky profile that makes the filling unforgettable.
Tomato Paste: Adds a concentrated umami punch to enrich the meat mixture.
Beef Broth: Moistens the filling and helps meld the flavors together.
Premade Pie Crusts: They make things so convenient — no need for homemade dough, but feel free if you want to get fancy.
Egg Whites & Water (for egg wash): This creates that gorgeous golden-brown crust.

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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

One of the best things about this Air Fryer Beef and Vegetable Empanadas Recipe is how easy it is to tweak it to your liking. I like adding a little extra chili powder for heat, but you could easily swap the beef for turkey or even shredded chicken. Vegetables are totally flexible here — just use what you love or what you have on hand.

Variation: I've tried them with sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes, and the subtle sweetness was a real crowd-pleaser.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Beef and Vegetable Empanadas Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Potatoes Until Tender

Start by boiling the diced potatoes until they're fork-tender but not falling apart—about 10 minutes usually does the trick. Drain them well and set aside to cool slightly. This step is key because you want soft potatoes that blend nicely into the filling without turning mushy.

Step 2: Sauté Ground Beef and Vegetables

Heat a large frying pan and sauté the ground beef with minced onion until the beef is evenly browned and the onions are translucent. Next, add the diced red bell pepper and frozen peas, cooking another 5-7 minutes until the veggies soften. This layering of sautéing helps develop a rich flavor base.

Step 3: Add Garlic, Spices, Tomato Paste, and Broth

Stir in minced garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, oregano, chili powder, cooked potatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Cook until the liquid reduces and the mixture is nicely thickened. This step brings all those fantastic, layered spices together while getting rid of any excess moisture that would make the empanadas soggy.

Step 4: Prepare Dough Circles

Roll out your premade pie crusts and use a 4-inch cookie cutter or a rimmed cup to cut out circles. You'll want around 10 pieces in total. Don't toss your scraps! Gather them up, reroll gently, and cut more circles to use every bit of dough.

Step 5: Fill and Seal the Empanadas

Whisk together egg whites and water to make your egg wash. Place a dough circle on your work surface, spoon about two tablespoons of filling in the center, then brush the edges lightly with egg wash. Fold the circle in half over the filling, then press edges with a fork to seal. This helps keep the filling inside while baking and creates that classic empanada edge.

Step 6: Air Fry to Perfection

Brush each empanada with more egg wash and place them in the air fryer basket without crowding — you'll likely need to work in batches. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Keep an eye on them; they should come out golden and crisp. Let them cool a few minutes before digging in.

Top Tip

I’ve made these empanadas several times and fine-tuned my process — here are some tips that'll help you nail them on your first try:

Don’t Overfill: Using about two tablespoons of filling keeps the pocket from bursting open while cooking.
Egg Wash Matters: Brush the edges generously before folding and again after sealing for that beautiful golden finish.
Air Fry in a Single Layer: Crowding the basket will cause uneven cooking and soggy spots.
Let Them Rest: After air frying, let your empanadas cool for a few minutes — it helps the filling set and prevents burns!

How to Serve Air Fryer Beef and Vegetable Empanadas Recipe

air fryer empanadas - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love serving these empanadas with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a dollop of tangy sour cream or a zesty chimichurri sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, a squeeze of lime juice brightens them up beautifully.

Side Dishes

A simple green salad with avocado and a light vinaigrette pairs perfectly, or try them alongside some black beans and rice for a heartier meal. Roasted corn or grilled veggies also make lovely side dishes.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served these empanadas on a colorful platter lined with banana leaves and paired with small bowls of homemade salsa, guacamole, and hot sauce. It turns an everyday snack into a festive spread that guests love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover empanadas store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I reheat them, I use the air fryer again to bring back that crisp crust, which beats the microwave every time.

Freezing

I like to freeze uncooked empanadas on a parchment-lined tray so they don’t stick, then transfer them to a freezer bag once solid. When ready to eat, just pop them in the air fryer from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

Reheat leftover cooked empanadas at 350°F in the air fryer for about 5 minutes. This keeps the crust crispy and the filling warm without drying it out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use homemade dough instead of premade pie crust?

Absolutely! Homemade dough can add extra flavor and texture, but keep in mind that premade pie crusts make this recipe quicker and easier, especially if you're tight on time.

Can I prepare the filling in advance?

Yes, you can make the filling a day ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. This not only saves time but allows the flavors to develop even more. When ready, just assemble and air fry.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake these empanadas in a preheated oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes or until golden and crispy. The air fryer just speeds things up and delivers extra crispness.

Can I freeze cooked empanadas?

While you can freeze cooked empanadas, I recommend freezing them uncooked for best texture when reheated. If freezing cooked ones, reheat in the air fryer to help restore crispness.

Final Thoughts

These Air Fryer Beef and Vegetable Empanadas Recipe hold a special spot in my kitchen repertoire because they bring together the comforting flavors of home with a healthy twist on the traditional frying method. Once you try them, I’m sure you’ll find yourself making them again and again to impress family and friends with minimal fuss. Trust me, once you get that golden crisp and savory filling right, you won’t look back!