Empanadas Recipe Guide (Classic, Gluten-Free, Keto, Air Fryer & Sourdough)
Empanadas are one of the most beloved handheld pastries in the world—crispy on the outside, savory and flavorful on the inside, and endlessly customizable. Whether you enjoy them baked or fried, filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables, empanadas are comfort food at its finest. In this SEO-optimized empanadas recipe guide, you’ll learn how to make traditional empanadas from scratch, plus gluten-free, keto, air fryer, and sourdough empanada variations, complete with nutrition information and FAQs.
What Are Empanadas?
Empanadas are crescent-shaped pastries traditionally filled with savory ingredients and sealed by crimping the edges. The name comes from the Spanish word empanar, meaning “to wrap or coat in bread.” Empanadas are popular throughout Latin America, Spain, and the Philippines, with each region offering unique fillings, spices, and cooking methods.
From Argentine beef empanadas to cheese-filled Chilean versions, empanadas are versatile, portable, and perfect for snacks, parties, or full meals.
Why You’ll Love This Empanadas Recipe
- Authentic, traditional flavor
- Flaky, golden pastry every time
- Easy to customize fillings
- Includes gluten-free, keto, sourdough & air fryer options
- Freezer-friendly and meal-prep ready
Classic Beef Empanadas Recipe
Ingredients
Empanada Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup cold water
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar (optional, for tenderness)
Beef Filling
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup chopped green olives
- 2 tablespoons raisins (optional)
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
Egg Wash
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk flour and salt. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add egg, water, and vinegar. Mix until a dough forms. Knead lightly, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Filling
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft, add garlic, then ground beef. Cook until browned. Stir in spices, olives, raisins, and chopped eggs. Season to taste. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
3. Assemble the Empanadas
Roll dough on a floured surface to ⅛-inch thickness. Cut 5–6 inch circles. Spoon 2 tablespoons filling into the center. Fold in half, seal edges with water or egg wash, and crimp with a fork.
4. Bake or Fry
Baked: 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden
Fried: Fry at 350°F until crisp and golden brown
Air Fryer Empanadas
Air fryer empanadas are a healthier alternative with the same crispy texture.
How to Air Fry Empanadas
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F
- Spray empanadas lightly with oil
- Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway
Perfect for quick dinners or snacks with less oil.
Gluten-Free Empanadas
To make gluten-free empanadas, replace regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Gluten-Free Dough Tips
- Use flour with xanthan gum or add ½ teaspoon xanthan gum
- Chill dough before rolling
- Roll between parchment paper to prevent cracking
Gluten-free empanadas bake beautifully and hold fillings well when properly sealed.
Keto Empanadas (Low-Carb)
Keto empanadas are made with a fathead-style dough instead of flour.
Keto Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- ¾ cup almond flour
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon cream cheese
Instructions
Melt mozzarella and cream cheese. Stir in almond flour and egg. Roll between parchment, fill with low-carb beef or cheese, and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes.
Each keto empanada contains under 5g net carbs.
Sourdough Empanadas
Sourdough empanadas add depth of flavor and improved digestibility.
Sourdough Dough Ingredients
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup active sourdough starter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup butter or olive oil
Instructions
Mix all ingredients into a soft dough. Rest for 4–6 hours at room temperature or overnight in the fridge. Roll, fill, and bake as usual.
Sourdough empanadas are lighter, more aromatic, and easier to digest.
Popular Empanada Fillings
- Cheese & jalapeño
- Shredded chicken
- Spinach & feta
- Mushroom & onion
- Lentil & potato
- Ham & cheese
Nutrition Information (Per Classic Beef Empanada – Approx.)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Protein: 12 g
- Fat: 16 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 2 g
Nutrition by Version
- Air Fryer: ~220 calories
- Gluten-Free: ~260 calories
- Keto: ~190 calories, 3–4g net carbs
- Sourdough: ~250 calories
Storage & Freezing Tips
- Refrigerate cooked empanadas for up to 4 days
- Freeze unbaked empanadas up to 3 months
- Bake directly from frozen, adding 5–7 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make empanadas ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Why are my empanadas opening while baking?
Overfilling or poor sealing. Use egg wash to seal edges tightly.
Are empanadas better baked or fried?
Baked empanadas are healthier, fried empanadas are crispier.
Can empanadas be sweet?
Absolutely. Fill with apple, dulce de leche, or chocolate.
What’s the best flour for empanadas?
All-purpose flour for classic, almond flour for keto, gluten-free blends for GF versions.
Final Thoughts
Empanadas are one of the most versatile and satisfying recipes you can make at home. Whether you prefer classic beef empanadas, air fryer empanadas, gluten-free, keto, or sourdough empanadas, this guide gives you everything you need for perfect results every time.
