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.
I had a lot of trouble with the dough. It was too crumbly and wouldn’t hold together. Disappointed.
I had the same issue! I think the dough needs a little more water. Maybe try adding a bit more next time?
These are pretty solid, but I think the spice balance is a little cumin-heavy. If you’re not a cumin person, start with 1/2 tsp and see.
Hmm I don’t get it, I love cumin so for me 1 tsp is perfect lol. Maybe it depends on the beef brand? But your tip is solid for people who don’t like strong spices.
Yeah I agree—cumin really takes over. I used closer to 3/4 tsp total instead of 1 tsp and it tasted way more balanced. Good call on starting smaller.
Just okay… I think they need more spice. Maybe chili powder next time?
I had a lot of trouble with the dough. It kept sticking to my hands. Maybe next time I’ll use more flour?
Who needs takeout? This is far better than anything from the store. Thank you for this recipe!
meh
Followed the recipe, but it didn’t turn out. Dought was tough. Might just be me tho.
Are empanadas supposed to be fried? I thought they were baked. Either way, a bit too greasy for my taste.
I tried making these but they fell apart while frying. Maybe I did something wrong? 🙁
Good recipe overall, but my dough felt a little dry even after adding the full 1/2 cup water. I ended up adding 1-2 tbsp more water and it behaved way better.
Yeah, that sounds about right. I’ve noticed flour brands vary a lot—my dough gets dry too unless I sneak in a little extra water. Next time I’ll add it 1 tbsp at a time while mixing.
I followed it exactly and somehow my filling was kinda greasy. Maybe I didn’t drain the beef? Still ate them tho 😅
Greasy filling usually means the beef wasn’t drained enough or the onion/garlic mixture had extra moisture. Did you cook it long enough until the pan looked pretty dry? Also make sure you’re not overfilling.
Totally get it 😅 Even if you followed it, ground beef can release a lot of fat. Next time I’d drain any excess grease after browning and maybe blot the filling before filling the dough.
Yummy empanadas! I added a bit of cheese to the filling, superb!
Quick tip: If you want crispier empanadas, fry them in a deep fryer instead of a skillet!
Great tip! I always use a skillet but deep frying sounds much better for that crunch!
I don’t know about that. Isn’t frying in a skillet easier? Deep fryers are a hassle!
These empanadas are so delicious! I made them last night, and my family loved them!
I made these too! They’re awesome. Even my picky kids loved them. Great recipe!
They looked good, but mine fell apart when frying. Maybe I did something wrong?
I don’t like beef. Can I use chicken instead? Anyone tried that?
It was okay, but a little too greasy for my taste. Next time, I’ll bake them.
Wow, I can’t believe how easy this recipe is! They turned out better than I expected!
So easy to make! They turned out perfect! I added some cheese too.
Empanadas? More like ‘Meh-panas.’ Just not for me, I guess.
Empanadas are amazing! They’re like little pockets of happiness. Maybe you just had a bad experience? 🤷♂️
Why do I need to put cumin? Don’t think it needs it, just use salt and pepper.