Air Fryer Empanadas with Ground Beef - Easy Healthy Recipes (2024)

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Air Fryer Empanadas with Ground Beef - Easy Healthy Recipes (1)

Cheryl MalikPosted: 04/27/21Updated: 11/16/21

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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.

Air Fryer Empanadas with Ground Beef - Easy Healthy Recipes (2)

What Makes This Recipe So Good

  • The air fryer gives you a beautifully light crust that has all the crunch and texture of a deep fried dough without any of the work or unhealthy aspects of actual deep frying.
  • They’re super easy to make! There’s a little effort needed to create the filling, but no more than your average taco meat or sloppy Joe filling. Once your empanadas are formed, it’s just another 8 minutes or so in the air fryer!
  • Air fryer empanadas are a perfect freezer recipe! You can actually do it two ways. 1) Mix up the ground beef filling and freeze that until you’re ready to make empanadas, or 2) mix up the filling and actually form the empanadas, then freeze them, formed but uncooked. Option number 2 is my favorite because I can just grab an empanada or two out of the freezer and pop them right in the air fryer! They’ll keep in the freezer up to 6 months.

Key Ingredients

Empanada Dough – Keep things simple by using store-bought empanada discs! You can make your own dough if you’d rather, or if you have trouble finding empanada discs, you can use pie dough that’s been rolled thin and cut into discs. Pie dough won’t have quite the same texture, but it’ll work.

Ground Beef – Since we’re making beef empanadas, you’ll need ground beef! Use an 85/15 ground beef to keep things juicy since you’ll cook it on the stovetop and then air fry it. You can also use ground chicken or ground turkey if you’d rather. Just aim for that 15% fat content!

Chef’s Tips

  • You can use any kind of spray oil you like, but as always, make sure it’s air-fryer-safe! Avoid aerosols as they’ll damage the non-stick coating on the air fryer basket. If you’re cooking multiple batches of empanadas, give the basket a light spray between each batch.
  • Make sure the empanadas don’t touch or overlap in the air fryer basket. The air has to circulate fully to cook the food evenly, so any spot the air can’t reach is a spot that won’t be cooked and crisp.
  • All appliances are different, and that includes air fryers. What works for me and my Chefman air fryer may not work for you and your Chefman air fryer – or whatever brand you have! Keep an eye on your empanadas the first time or two you cook them and adjust the cook time and temperature as needed.
Air Fryer Empanadas with Ground Beef - Easy Healthy Recipes (3)

Other Air Fryer Recipes You’ll Enjoy

  • Air Fryer Corn Dogs
  • Frozen Mozzarella Sticks in the Air Fryer
  • Sausage in the Air Fryer
  • Air Fryer Garlic Bread
  • Air Fryer Grilled Cheese

I hope you love this recipe as much as we did! Be sure to give it a quick review & star rating ★ below. Make sure you follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook, too!

For more delicious, nutritious recipes, head over to our sister site, 40 Aprons.

Air Fryer Empanadas with Ground Beef - Easy Healthy Recipes (4)

5 from 3 votes

Air Fryer Empanadas

Prep:10 minutes minutes

Cook:35 minutes minutes

Total:45 minutes minutes

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.

Print Save

10 empanadas

Ingredients

  • 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

Equipment

  • Large skillet

  • medium bowl

  • Small bowl

  • Fork (optional)

  • Brush (for egg wash)

  • Air Fryer

  • Air-Fryer-Safe Cooking Spray

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.

    Air Fryer Empanadas with Ground Beef - Easy Healthy Recipes (5)

  • Add garlic, onion, and bell pepper to skillet. Cook until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes.

    Air Fryer Empanadas with Ground Beef - Easy Healthy Recipes (6)

  • Add in cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and chili powder. Cook an additional 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently.

    Air Fryer Empanadas with Ground Beef - Easy Healthy Recipes (7)

  • Pour in beef broth, then return ground beef to skillet. Simmer approximately 10 minutes or until liquid has evaporated.

    Air Fryer Empanadas with Ground Beef - Easy Healthy Recipes (8)

  • 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.

    Air Fryer Empanadas with Ground Beef - Easy Healthy Recipes (9)

  • 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.

    Air Fryer Empanadas with Ground Beef - Easy Healthy Recipes (10)

  • 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 with Ground Beef - Easy Healthy Recipes (11)

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 Information

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

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed,notincluding any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

© Author: Cheryl Malik

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  1. Air Fryer Empanadas with Ground Beef - Easy Healthy Recipes (12)Glenda says

    Air Fryer Empanadas with Ground Beef - Easy Healthy Recipes (13)
    Good instructions for the air fryer. Also liked the freeze-and-cook-later directions. Thanks so much!

    Reply

    • Air Fryer Empanadas with Ground Beef - Easy Healthy Recipes (14)Molly | 40 Aprons Team says

      Thanks for the positive feedback, Glenda!

      Reply

  2. Air Fryer Empanadas with Ground Beef - Easy Healthy Recipes (15)Shannon says

    Air Fryer Empanadas with Ground Beef - Easy Healthy Recipes (16)
    I had a fresh jalapeños and also a little leftover Rotella tomatoes I also added. Thinking I may add cheese next time too.

    Reply

    • Air Fryer Empanadas with Ground Beef - Easy Healthy Recipes (17)Anna Claire | Easy Healthy Recipes Team says

      Air Fryer Empanadas with Ground Beef - Easy Healthy Recipes (18)
      Yum! Love these additions!

      Reply

Air Fryer Empanadas with Ground Beef - Easy Healthy Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Can empanadas be healthy? ›

Empanadas are a rich source of proteins. They are a perfect combination of carbs and proteins, which makes them ideal for muscle gain and tissue repair. Empanadas are also a rich source of vitamins. They have a moderate amount of Vitamin B-6, which is essential for immunity and reducing stress.

Is it better to fry or bake empanadas? ›

Sometimes empanadas are fried, and sometimes they're baked. We love these baked empanadas for many reasons: Not only are they easier to cook, but they are also a healthier option. Bonus: you don't have to figure out what to do with a pot of hot frying oil when you're finished cooking.

How many calories are in ground beef empanadas? ›

There are 298 calories in a 1 piece (89.000g) serving size of Restaurant, Latino, empanadas, beef, prepared. The calorie breakdown is 49% fat, 37% carbs, and 14% protein.

Is empanada dough the same as tortilla dough? ›

There's not a lot of difference — chief one being that you use ice water with empanada dough, and hot water for tortillas. Another difference is the flour.

Can a diabetic eat empanadas? ›

There is also salsa, made with tomatoes, herbs and spices. Here's the bad stuff for diabetics: Meals made with fried tortillas, such as chimichangas, taquitos and empanadas. Refried beans with cheese.

How many empanadas should I eat? ›

When the empanada is served us as an appetizer before a meal, it is usual to calculate one or two normal sized empanadas per person. If it is to be the main player in a meal, five or six are considered normal. With a genuine regional empanada from an Estancia in Buenos Aires, it is essential to wrap a napkin.

How long to heat empanadas in air fryer? ›

Air Fryer
  1. Preheat to 350 degrees.
  2. Place empanadas in a single layer in basket.
  3. Bake for 6 minutes (if cooking more than 2 at a time add 1 min)
  4. Let cool for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Enjoy!

What is the best oil for frying empanadas? ›

Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil) Water (for sealing the empanadas)

How do you keep empanadas crispy after frying? ›

Just place them on a cooling rack set over a baking sheet.

In much the same way, putting fried food on a cooling rack means the excess oil will drip off, but there's enough air circulating underneath the food that the bottoms don't get soggy.

Are empanadas a balanced meal? ›

While it's quite tasty, it isn't the healthiest meal you can consume. The great news is you can still get your empanada fix with all the flavor, but less calories, fat, and more nutrition with healthier versions.

How many calories are in 4 0z ground beef? ›

Beef, ground, 75% lean meat / 25% fat, raw, 1 serving ( 4 oz )
Protein (g)17.81
Energy (kcal)331.09
Sugars, total (g)0
Fiber, total dietary (g)0
Calcium, Ca (mg)23.73
34 more rows

How much protein is in a beef empanada? ›

1 serving of beef empanadas (La Fe) contains 240 Calories. The macronutrient breakdown is 45% carbs, 38% fat, and 17% protein. This is a good source of proteins (18% of your Daily Value).

Which dough is best for empanadas? ›

If you're looking for a shortcut, store-bought pie dough can be used to make empanadas.

Can you buy dough for empanadas? ›

Here's a delicious, flaky wrapper that's perfect for capturing all your favorite flavors: GOYA® Empanada Dough. Our line of ready-to-use flour dough discs are the #1 ingredient for preparing a wide variety of empanadas, a favorite in Latin America and around the world.

What is the fancy name for empanadas? ›

These are a few of the known names: Meat Pies (American) Empanadas (Latin/Spanish) Pastelillos (Latin/Spanish)

Why are empanadas healthy? ›

Its nutrition value includes fat, sodium, cholesterol, sodium, potassium, carbohydrates, protein and even vitamins A, and B-complex, and minerals such as Iron, Magnesium and Calcium. Empanada is also a Filipino food.

Are fried empanadas bad for you? ›

Traditional empanada recipes typically are made from dough that is filled with beef and cheese, which is then fried. While it's quite tasty, it isn't the healthiest meal you can consume.

When should I eat empanadas? ›

Empanadas are so versatile that they can be eaten at any time of day, as a snack or a meal, alone or with a condiment. They are a great grab-and-go food, and since empanadas are handheld, there's very little mess.

Can empanadas be a meal? ›

Empanadas can be eaten for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They can be served as appetizers or snacks, but they can also easily make a full and satisfying meal. Some folks prefer them baked, while other like them fried. Either way, they taste terrific.

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