Few dishes capture the spirit of comfort food like a batch of freshly fried empanadas. Golden, crispy, and filled with savory goodness, they’re the kind of treat that brings instant joy to any table. Whether served as an appetizer, a snack, or a full meal, fried empanadas deliver that irresistible crunch followed by a warm, flavorful filling that keeps you reaching for more.
Empanadas have roots across Latin America, Spain, and the Philippines, each region adding its own twist. The classic fried version is especially popular in places like Argentina and Colombia, where they’re often filled with beef, onions, eggs, and spices, then deep-fried until perfectly crisp. The beauty of empanadas lies in their versatility: you can fill them with anything from spiced chicken – and cheese to vegetables or sweet fruit mixtures for dessert versions.
The magic starts with the dough, which is rolled thin and sturdy enough to hold the filling without breaking apart in the oil. When fried, the dough transforms into a golden shell that shatters delicately with every bite. The filling, meanwhile, stays juicy and rich, thanks to the sealed edges that lock in flavor and moisture.
For the perfect fried empanada, temperature control is key. The oil should be hot enough to crisp the exterior quickly but not so hot that it burns before the inside cooks. Once done, let them rest on paper towels to drain excess oil and cool slightly before serving.
Pair your fried empanadas with a dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor. Dipping sauces such as chimichurri, salsa verde, or spicy aioli complement the rich filling beautifully. Add a squeeze of lime or a sprinkle of sea salt just before serving, and you’ve got a snack that’s hard to resist.
Whether shared at a party or enjoyed fresh from the pan on a lazy weekend afternoon, fried empanadas never disappoint. They’re comforting, customizable, and deeply satisfying, proving that sometimes, the best meals are the ones you can hold in your hands.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter cold and diced
- 1/2 cup water cold
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin ground
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt together. Cut the butter into the flour mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add cold water to the flour mixture, mixing just until it forms a dough. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- In a pan over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned. Add the onion, garlic, cumin, and paprika and cook until the onions are soft.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut into circles. Place a spoonful of the beef mixture in the center of each circle.
- Fold the circles in half over the filling and seal the edges with a fork.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the empanadas until golden brown on each side.
- Remove and drain on paper towels. Serve warm.
Nutrition
Just made this recipe! Had to use chicken instead of beef, but turned out great! Yum!
I tried making these, but the dough was too dry, I think I added too much flour. Any tips?
They looked better than they taste. Kind of bland to be honest. 🙁
I’m sorry to hear that! Maybe next time you could add some spices or a dipping sauce to give them more flavor?
Awesome recipe! Took these to a potluck, they disappeared in seconds!
I accidentally used olive oil instead of vegetable oil. Still good, but not as crispy.
Fried dough and beef? Sounds unhealthy. Why not bake them?
Fried empanadas are a classic, and they’re not just about being unhealthy. They taste amazing! Sometimes the best things are a little indulgent. Give it a try!
Empanadas are for kids. I don’t get why people love them so much.
Short and sweet! Just what I needed for dinner. 😋
Quick and easy! Perfect for a Friday night. Thanks for sharing!
These empanadas are amazing! So crispy and full of flavor. My family loved them!
I’m so glad you loved them! They are definitely a family favorite in my house too! 😊
These empanadas look good, but isn’t frying unhealthy? I prefer baking them or something.