Name: Air Fryer Beef and Potato 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

There’s something incredibly satisfying about bit-sized pockets of flavor, and this Air Fryer Beef and Potato Empanadas Recipe hits every note. Crispy edges, a tender, savory filling, and the convenience of the air fryer mean you’re in for a delicious, fuss-free treat that’s perfect anytime.

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

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Let me share why these empanadas have quickly become one of my favorite go-to snacks. They blend comfort food vibes with a crispy, golden crust that’s light, not greasy. Plus, the air fryer makes them surprisingly easy without sacrificing that authentic baked good feeling.

Quick and Easy: The air fryer cuts cooking time dramatically without losing that perfect crunch.
Savory Filling: The mix of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and veggies is comforting and flavorful.
Customizable: You can tweak spices or swap out veggies to match your taste or what’s in your fridge.
Perfect Snack or Meal: Whether it's an appetizer or part of dinner, 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

The beauty here is how these ingredients come together for a balanced taste and texture — the hearty, spiced beef meets the soft potatoes, all wrapped up in flaky pie crust. Grab fresh veggies when you can, and pick a good-quality ground beef for the best flavor.

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

Potatoes: Diced and boiled until tender, potatoes add a creamy texture that complements the meat beautifully.
Lean Ground Beef: I prefer lean beef to keep the filling juicy but not greasy—super important when frying.
Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and depth once sautéed.
Red Bell Pepper: For a subtle sweetness and color pop.
Frozen Peas: A nice burst of freshness and color, easily available year-round.
Garlic: The classic flavor punch — fresh minced is best.
Spices (Salt, Pepper, Paprika, Cumin, Oregano, Chili Powder): These create that warm, smoky undertone essential for authentic flavor.
Tomato Paste: A little acidity with richness; it ties all the filling flavors together.
Beef Broth: Helps blend spices and adds moisture for a juicy filling.
Premade Pie Crusts: Convenient and flaky, enabling quick assembly with great texture.
Egg Whites & Water: For the egg wash — ensures a gorgeous 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

I love making this Air Fryer Beef and Potato Empanadas Recipe my own by adjusting the spice mix or tossing in whatever veggies I have on hand. Don’t hesitate to experiment—it’s super forgiving!

Variation: Once, I swapped peas for corn and added a bit of smoked paprika instead of regular—it gave a subtle smoky sweetness that everyone adored.
Vegetarian Version: Try a mix of sautéed mushrooms and potatoes with the same spices for a cozy meat-free treat.
Heat Level: Love it spicy? Add a dash of cayenne or chopped jalapeño to the filling for an extra kick.

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

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes Just Right

Start by boiling the diced potatoes until fork-tender—this usually takes about 10 minutes. Don’t overcook them or they'll fall apart when mixed; you want them tender but holding shape for the filling. Drain well and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Meat and Veggies

In a large pan, cook the lean ground beef with minced yellow onion over medium heat until the beef is evenly browned. Add the diced red bell pepper and frozen peas next, giving them 5-7 minutes to soften. This combination builds the hearty base.

Step 3: Spice It Up and Combine

Now for flavor: stir in garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, oregano, chili powder, cooked potatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Cook until the liquid mostly evaporates. This step thickens the filling so it won’t leak later—super important. Then, remove from heat and cool slightly.

Step 4: Prepare the Dough Circles

Roll out the premade pie crust on a floured surface, then use a cookie cutter or a cup to cut 4-inch circles. You should get about 10—just re-roll any scraps as needed. The circles should be large enough to hold a generous spoonful of filling but not so large they’re tough to fold.

Step 5: Fill and Seal Your Empanadas

Whisk egg whites with water for an egg wash. Place dough circles on a clean surface, fill each with about two tablespoons of filling, then brush one side’s edge with egg wash before folding over to make a half-circle. Press edges firmly and crimp with a fork to seal tightly—you don’t want those flavors escaping!

Step 6: Air Fry to Golden Perfection

Brush each empanada with egg wash for that beautiful golden finish. Place them in your air fryer basket spaced apart to let air circulate. Cook at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crisping. Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Voilà, perfect crispy pockets ready to enjoy!

Top Tip

I learned these key tips after a few trials and trust me—they'll save you from common pitfalls and make your Air Fryer Beef and Potato Empanadas shine every time.

Don’t Overfill: Too much filling makes the empanadas burst while cooking. Stick to about two tablespoons per dough circle for easy folding.
Seal Edges Well: Use plenty of egg wash on the edges and press firmly—this prevents any leaks and keeps that beautiful shape intact.
Cook in Batches: Avoid crowding the air fryer basket. Proper air flow equals crispness on all sides.
Cool Filling Slightly: Let your filling cool a bit before stuffing the dough to avoid soggy bottoms and easier handling.

How to Serve Air Fryer Beef and Potato Empanadas Recipe

air fryer empanadas - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro or parsley on top to brighten it up. Sour cream or a simple garlic aioli on the side also makes a fantastic dipping sauce that complements the spices beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair these empanadas with a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies to balance the richness. A light chimichurri sauce on the side always adds a zesty kick that's irresistible.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, I arrange empanadas on a rustic wooden board with colorful bowls of sauces and sliced fresh veggies. It’s an inviting spread that gets everyone chatting and reaching for seconds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once fully cooled, I store leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay good for up to 3 days and are just as tasty when reheated properly.

Freezing

These empanadas freeze beautifully. I lay them out on a baking sheet so they don’t touch, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. This way, you can cook just what you want straight from the freezer.

Reheating

Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway, to regain that crispness. Microwaving is quicker but tends to make the crust soggy, so air fryer or oven reheating is my go-to.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use homemade dough instead of premade pie crust?

Absolutely! Homemade dough works wonderfully. Just make sure it’s rolled out evenly to about ⅛-inch thickness for best results with air frying.

How do I make sure the empanadas don’t burst while cooking?

Don’t overfill them and seal the edges very well with egg wash and a fork. Also, avoid stacking or overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow even cooking and prevent breakage.

Can I substitute the beef with other proteins?

Yes! Ground chicken, turkey, or even plant-based meat alternatives can be used. Adjust seasonings to taste, and watch the cooking time as it may vary slightly.

Is it possible to make these empanadas vegan?

Definitely. Swap beef for sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or spiced tofu, and use a vegan pastry crust. For the egg wash, brush with a mixture of plant-based milk and maple syrup or oil to get that golden color.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Beef and Potato Empanadas Recipe is one of those gems I turn to when I want something hearty, crispy, and satisfying without the hassle of deep frying. It’s approachable, versatile, and always delights. I wholeheartedly recommend trying it—you’ll probably find yourself making them over and over!