1-First Step: Prepare Your Workspace Begin by thawing your 8 empanada discs if they’re frozen, which takes about 10-15 minutes at room temperature. Gather your 1 cup of picadillo, whisked egg white mixed with 1 teaspoon of water, and any tools like a fork for sealing. This mise en place helps everything flow smoothly, making your air fryer empanadas turn out perfectly every time. For those adapting for dietary needs, you can use ground turkey instead of beef here to keep it light.

2-Second Step: Fill the Empanada Discs Place 2 tablespoons of picadillo in the center of each thawed empanada disc, ensuring you don’t overfill to avoid leaks. Fold each disc in half to create a half-moon shape, then seal the edges firmly with a fork. This step is crucial for homemade empanadas, as it keeps the filling inside while they cook in the air fryer. If you’re making a spicy version, add some chopped jalapeño to the filling for an extra kick, adapting to your taste preferences.

3-Third Step: Prepare for Air Frying Spray the air fryer basket generously with olive oil spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Brush the tops of your sealed empanadas with the whisked egg white mixture for a nice golden finish. Arrange the empanadas in a single layer in the basket, cooking in batches if needed to ensure even air circulation. This method works great for air fryer beef empanadas, giving them that crispy texture without excess oil.

4-Fourth Step: Cook the Empanadas Set your air fryer to 350°F and cook the empanadas for 8 minutes, remembering to turn them halfway through for uniform browning. Keep an eye on them to achieve that perfect golden color, which signals they’re done. If you’re using frozen empanadas, extend the time to 12 minutes. This step highlights why how to make empanadas in air fryer is so popular it’s quick and delivers amazing results for home cooks.

5-Fifth Step: Serve and Enjoy Once cooked, let the empanadas cool for a minute or two before serving. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce for added flavor, and enjoy them as a snack or main dish. The total time is about 30 minutes, making this air fryer empanadas recipe ideal for busy parents or weekend grill masters. For more air fryer inspiration, check out our air fryer hamburgers guide, which offers similar easy techniques.