Textual Chef

Air Fryer Empanadas

Golden, flaky empanadas filled with seasoned ground beef, green olives, and hard-boiled egg in the traditional Argentinian style, air-fried instead of deep-fried for an easy home version.

56 minMediumServes 4320 cal/serving

ArgentinianAppetizerAir FryerStandard

Ingredients

  • 12 oz ground beef (80/20)
  • 12 store-bought empanada discs (thawed if frozen)
  • 1 white onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup pimiento-stuffed green olives, sliced
  • 2 large hard-boiled eggs, peeled, chopped
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 finely diced white onion and 1/2 finely diced red bell pepper and cook 4-5 minutes until softened.

  2. 2

    Add 2 cloves minced garlic cloves and cook 1 minute. Add 12 oz ground beef (80/20) and cook, breaking up, until browned, about 6 minutes. Drain excess fat.

  3. 3

    Season with 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Stir in 1/2 cup sliced pimiento-stuffed green olives and 2 peeled, chopped large hard-boiled eggs. Let filling cool to room temperature.

  4. 4

    Working one at a time, place a heaping tablespoon of filling in the center of each store-bought empanada discs (thawed if frozen). Fold the disc in half and crimp the edges tightly with a fork to seal. Brush the top of each empanada with 1 beaten large egg.

  5. 5

    Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes. Place empanadas in a single layer in the basket (work in batches if needed). Cook at 375°F for 14-16 minutes until deep golden brown.

  6. 6

    Let cool 2 minutes before serving. The internal temperature of the filling should be at least 160°F (71°C).

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