Go Back
–+ servings
Air fryer beef empanadas on a plate.
Print Recipe
4.72 from 50 votes

Air Fryer Beef Empanadas

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!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time16 minutes
Total Time36 minutes
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: American, Mexican, Tex-Mex
Keyword: air fryer, air fryer beef empanadas, beef, beef empanadas, empanadas
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 203kcal
Author: Chef Jenn

Equipment

Ingredients

  • pie dough enough for 2 pies
  • 3 cups chopped beef leftover roast works well
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • 1 cup shredded potatoes
  • 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 egg

Instructions

  • Mix the beef, shredded cheese, shredded potato, refried beans, chopped onion, and seasonings in a bowl.
  • Lay the dough on a lightly floured flat surface.
  • Cut rounds of dough with a 2-3 inch round cookie cutter or biscuit cutter. You should have about 30 discs.
  • Add filling to half of each disc of dough, leaving room around the edges, so you’re able to seal the empanadas. Take care not to overfill.
  • Fold the other half of the dough over the filling, creating a half-moon shape. Press the edges with your fingers or a fork to seal.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 375-F.
  • Beat an egg, then brush the top of each empanada with a thin layer of egg.
  • Transfer the empanadas to the air fryer egg-side up and air fry for 8 minutes, then flip them. Cook an additional 2-3 minutes or until they're golden brown.
  • Alternatively, you can bake the empanadas on an air fryer rack in an oven-style or basket-style air fryer. Note: basket style can take 1-2 minutes less time.
  • Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Chef Jenn's Tips

  • You can make the empanadas and then freeze them before cooking. Then, just pop the frozen empanadas into the air fryer and add 2-3 minutes of cooking time.
  • All air fryers cook at different speeds. Check on your empanadas after about 6 minutes and adjust the cooking time as needed. Don't overcook them!
  • Like your empanadas spicier? Add finely chopped jalapeno or more chipotle powder to the mix.
  • Cook your empanadas in batches, so you don't overcrowd the air fryer.

Nutrition

Serving: 4empanadas | Calories: 203kcal | 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