Can I make Air Fryer Smoky Paprika Beef Empanadas ahead of time?

You can prep the ingredients and seasoning ahead, but air fry close to serving for the best texture.

How do I keep this recipe from turning soggy?

Cook in a single layer, leave space for airflow, and avoid adding too much oil or sauce before the food has crisped.

Can I adjust the seasoning?

Yes. Keep the same cooking method and adjust salt, spice, herbs, citrus, or sauce to match your taste.

How do I know the olive oil is done?

Use the visual cues in the instructions first: the outside should be browned or crisp and the center should be hot and tender. For meat or seafood, confirm doneness with a food thermometer.

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Beef

Air Fryer Smoky Paprika Beef Empanadas

Name: Air Fryer Smoky Paprika Beef Empanadas
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Latin American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 pound ground beef; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/4 teaspoon chili powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1/4 cup beef broth or water; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional); 8 ready-made empanada dough discs or pie crust cut into 4-5 inch circles; 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

By Airfryfeast Test KitchenReviewed by Airfryfeast Editorial TeamPublished May 10, 2026 · Updated Jun 19, 2026

Latin American 30 mins air-fryer-friendlycrispyeasyfamily-friendlybudget-friendlycomfort-foodsnackable30-minutes-or-lessv2

Enjoy crispy, smoky paprika beef empanadas made effortlessly in the air fryer. A perfect family-friendly snack with bold Latin American flavors ready in under 30 minutes.

Prep 15 min

Cook 15 min

Total 30 min

Servings 4

Difficulty easy

Cuisine Latin American

Ingredients

Servings 4

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 pound ground beef
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/4 cup beef broth or water
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
8 ready-made empanada dough discs or pie crust cut into 4-5 inch circles
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Ingredients for Air Fryer Smoky Paprika Beef Empanadas

Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Increase heat to medium-high. Add ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes.
Stir in smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the beef evenly.
Add tomato paste and beef broth. Stir and simmer for 2-3 minutes until mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and mix in chopped cilantro if using. Let filling cool slightly.
Place an empanada dough disc on a clean surface. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of beef filling into the center.
Brush edges of the dough with beaten egg. Fold dough over filling to form a half-moon shape. Press edges with a fork to seal tightly.
Repeat with remaining dough and filling.
Lightly brush the tops of each empanada with egg wash for a golden, crispy finish.
Arrange empanadas in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overlapping. Cook in batches if needed.
Air fry at 370°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crisp.
Remove empanadas carefully and cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serve warm and enjoy these smoky, crispy beef empanadas as a delicious snack or appetizer.

Air Fryer Smoky Paprika Beef Empanadas cooking in the air fryer

Tips

Air Fryer Model Notes

Cook Air Fryer Smoky Paprika Beef Empanadas in a single layer when possible. Basket models may need batches; oven-style models may need a tray rotation halfway through for even browning.

Crispiness Control

Pat the olive oil dry, avoid crowding, and use only a light coat of oil or sauce before cooking. Add wet sauces near the end when you want the outside to stay crisp.

Doneness Cues

Look for browned edges, a hot center, and the texture described in the instructions. For meat or seafood, confirm doneness with a thermometer instead of relying only on color.

Reheat In The Air Fryer

Reheat leftovers at 325 F to 350 F in a single layer until hot and crisp again. Add fresh herbs, citrus, or sauce after reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Air Fryer Smoky Paprika Beef Empanadas ahead of time?: You can prep the ingredients and seasoning ahead, but air fry close to serving for the best texture.
How do I keep this recipe from turning soggy?: Cook in a single layer, leave space for airflow, and avoid adding too much oil or sauce before the food has crisped.
Can I adjust the seasoning?: Yes. Keep the same cooking method and adjust salt, spice, herbs, citrus, or sauce to match your taste.
How do I know the olive oil is done?: Use the visual cues in the instructions first: the outside should be browned or crisp and the center should be hot and tender. For meat or seafood, confirm doneness with a food thermometer.

Ingredient Replacements

Customize these smoky paprika beef empanadas or accommodate dietary preferences with these ingredient swaps:

Ground Beef: Substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. For a vegetarian version, use cooked lentils or finely chopped mushrooms for a similar texture.
Smoked Paprika: If unavailable, regular paprika combined with a dash of liquid smoke or chipotle powder provides smoky flavor.
Beef Broth: Replace with vegetable broth or water for vegetarian or lower sodium versions.
Empanada Dough Discs: Use gluten-free pie crusts or wraps suitable for air frying if a gluten-free option is needed.
Egg Wash: For vegan or dairy-free diets, brush with a mixture of plant-based milk and maple syrup or olive oil to promote browning.

These substitutions keep the recipe quick, easy, and adaptable without sacrificing the smoky, crispy taste that makes these empanadas so satisfying.

Storage

Store leftover Air Fryer Smoky Paprika Beef Empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cool the food before sealing so excess steam does not soften the texture.

Freeze only if the main ingredient and coating are freezer-friendly. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat in the air fryer at 325 F to 350 F in a single layer until hot and crisp again. Add fresh herbs, citrus, or sauce after reheating for the best flavor.

Read related air fryer guides and cooking tips.

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Air Fryer Smoky Paprika Beef Empanadas

Recipe Details

Ingredients

Instructions