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Air Fryer Empanada Party Appetizers

These crispy, golden empanadas are about to become your new party MVP! The air fryer gives them that perfect crunch without all the oil, and you can make them ahead and just pop them in when guests arrive. Trust me, these will disappear faster than you can say "where's the recipe?"
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 37 minutes
Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 package 14 oz refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
  • 1/2 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
  • Cooking spray

Method
 

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, onion, garlic, and bell pepper until beef is browned and vegetables are tender, about 8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
  2. Stir in tomato sauce, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes.
  3. Unroll pie crusts and use a 4-inch round cutter to cut 6 circles from each crust (12 total).
  4. Place about 2 tablespoons of filling in the center of each circle. Fold dough over to create a half-moon shape and press edges with a fork to seal.
  5. Brush tops with beaten egg and lightly spray with cooking spray. Make a small slit on top of each empanada for steam to escape.
  6. Preheat air fryer to 350°F. Working in batches, place empanadas in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each.
  7. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. Serve warm with your favorite salsa or chimichurri sauce.