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 deeply satisfying about biting into warm, flaky pockets filled with savory goodness—and that’s exactly why this Air Fryer Beef and Potato Empanadas Recipe quickly became a family favorite at our house. The crispy crust paired with a robust, spiced filling makes every bite irresistible.

A round white plate holds six golden-brown empanadas with crimped edges, arranged in a slightly overlapping circle on a white marbled surface. One empanada is broken open and placed on top, showing a layered filling inside with colors of brown minced meat, light yellow potatoes, small green peas, and bits of red bell pepper. Bright green herb leaves are scattered around the plate, and the background is softly blurred with a reddish-brown cloth and a small wooden bowl with green herbs. 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

Honestly, this Air Fryer Beef and Potato Empanadas Recipe brings together all the elements I crave—comfort food with a quick, fuss-free method. Cooking them in the air fryer gives the crust such a perfect golden crunch without the guilt of deep frying, and the filling is packed with flavor that’ll have you coming back for more.

Healthy Twist: Using lean ground beef and air frying means less oil but all the rich flavors.
Quick and Easy: With premade pie crusts and the air fryer doing the work, you’ll have these empanadas ready fast.
Perfectly Crispy: The air fryer creates that delightful crunch on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
Family Friendly: Kids and adults alike appreciate the familiar filling and fun, handheld format.

The image shows a white plate with six golden-brown empanadas, each folded in a half-moon shape with crimped edges. The empanadas have a slightly cracked, flaky pastry texture on top. One empanada is broken open showing a filling of colorful vegetables, including peas and red bell peppers. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface, next to a red cloth napkin and a small wooden bowl with green herbs visible in the background. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Air Fryer Beef and Potato Empanadas Recipe plays a crucial role. The potatoes add silky texture, the lean beef offers protein without overwhelming fat, and the mix of spices gives that signature Latin flair. Here’s a quick rundown so you know what to look for when shopping:

Flat lay of diced golden potatoes, raw lean ground beef, finely chopped yellow onion, vibrant red bell pepper pieces, bright green frozen peas, peeled garlic cloves, a small heap of deep red tomato paste, and assorted warm-toned spices including paprika, cumin, oregano, and chili powder, all beautifully arranged in small glass bowls and scattered gently around, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Potatoes: Use waxy varieties like Yukon Gold for a nice, tender bite that holds shape well.
Lean Ground Beef: Choosing lean keeps the filling juicy but not greasy.
Yellow Onion: Minced finely for sweetness and flavor balance.
Red Bell Pepper: Adds a subtle sweetness and color.
Frozen Peas: Convenient and provide a pop of color and texture.
Garlic: Fresh cloves bring an aromatic depth essential for the filling.
Spices (paprika, cumin, oregano, chili powder): These create that warm, smoky flavor profile we love.
Tomato Paste: Intensifies the filling’s richness and ties the flavors together.
Beef Broth: Keeps the mixture moist and adds savory umami.
Premade Pie Crusts: Makes assembling a breeze, and results in a buttery, flaky crust.
Egg Whites: Combined with water for that golden, shiny finish when brushed on the empanadas.

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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 tweaking this Air Fryer Beef and Potato Empanadas Recipe based on who’s joining me for dinner. Don't hesitate to personalize it with your family’s favorite flavors—let your creativity run wild.

Add Cheese: Mixing in some shredded mozzarella or queso fresco into the filling adds a delicious gooey surprise I’ve found everyone enjoys.
Spice It Up: For a kick, I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne or some chopped jalapeños to the mix.
Vegetarian Version: Swap the beef with sautéed mushrooms and add extra veggies for a delicious alternative.
Dipping Sauces: Try pairing with chimichurri or a simple spicy mayo to elevate the experience.

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

Step 1: Prepare the Potato Filling

Start by boiling the diced potatoes until they’re fork-tender — about 10 minutes should do it. Don’t overcook them, or the filling gets mushy, but undercooking will give you hard chunks that throw off the texture. Drain them well and set aside while you work on the beef.

Step 2: Sauté Beef and Veggies

In a large frying pan, brown the lean ground beef with minced yellow onion. Take your time here for that caramelized flavor—don’t rush it. When the beef is cooked through, toss in red bell pepper and frozen peas, cooking until tender, about 5 to 7 minutes.

Step 3: Add Spices and Combine

Now, stir in fresh garlic, salt, pepper, and all those aromatic spices—paprika, cumin, oregano, and chili powder. Mix in tomato paste and beef broth, then add your cooked potatoes. Let everything simmer until most of the liquid evaporates, so your filling stays nice and thick.

Step 4: Shape the Empanadas

Roll out your premade pie crusts, then use a cookie cutter or a round cup to cut out 4-inch circles. Don’t toss those scraps! Gather, re-roll, and cut more circles—you’ll need around 10 total. Brush one side of the circle edges with egg wash, spoon in about 2 tablespoons of filling, fold over, and seal by pressing the edges with a fork.

Step 5: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Brush each empanada with egg wash, then pop them in the air fryer at 350°F. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through to get that even, golden crust. Make sure to leave space between them so the hot air can circulate—you want crispiness, not sogginess!

Top Tip

From my experience making this Air Fryer Beef and Potato Empanadas Recipe multiple times, a few tricks have made all the difference between “just okay” and “oh-wow!” delicious.

Don’t Skip the Egg Wash: It really makes the crust glossy and golden, giving your empanadas that bakery-style look.
Don’t Overfill: Less is more here. Overstuffing leads to breakage and messy air fryer cleanup.
Give Your Air Fryer Some Room: Crowding the basket causes uneven cooking; work in batches if you need to.
Let Filling Cool Before Wrapping: Hot filling can make the pastry soggy and harder to seal—patience really pays off.

How to Serve Air Fryer Beef and Potato Empanadas Recipe

beef and potato empanadas - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually top mine with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro and a dollop of tangy sour cream, which complements the spices beautifully. Sometimes, a squeeze of lime juice just before serving adds a fresh zing.

Side Dishes

A crisp side salad or some roasted veggies balances the richness of the empanadas perfectly. For a comforting combo, I love serving them alongside black beans or a simple avocado salad.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I lay them out on a large wooden board surrounded by small bowls of dipping sauces—chili sauce, garlic aioli, even mango salsa—and garnish with lime wedges. It’s such a hit, guests love picking and choosing their favorite flavors!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After they cool, I place leftover empanadas in an airtight container and refrigerate them. They last beautifully for 3 to 4 days without losing much of their crispiness.

Freezing

One of the best perks: these empanadas freeze incredibly well! I freeze them unbaked on a tray first, then transfer to a ziplock bag. When I want them, I air fry directly from frozen—adding a couple of extra minutes to the time—and they come out surprisingly fresh and delicious.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, I reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes. This method restores the crunch and warms the filling evenly—avoiding that dreaded soggy microwave effect.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the empanadas without an air fryer?

Absolutely! You can bake them in a conventional oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes or until golden and crispy. Just keep an eye to avoid overbrowning.

What type of pie crust works best?

I recommend using all-butter premade pie crusts for that rich, flaky texture. Avoid refrigerated crusts with a lot of shortening for better flavor and flakiness.

Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

Yes! The filling keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat it before stuffing the empanadas to make folding easier and prevent soggy dough.

How do I prevent the empanadas from bursting during cooking?

Don’t overfill and make sure to seal the edges really well with the egg wash and a fork crimp. Also, letting the filling cool before assembling helps maintain the dough’s integrity.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Beef and Potato Empanadas Recipe has become one of those comforting dishes I love sharing with friends and family. It’s straightforward enough for busy weeknights but impressive enough to bring out for a cozy weekend get-together. Give it a go—you’ll enjoy the crispy, savory goodness and the ease of making these little pockets of yum in your air fryer!