These are golden high-protein air fryer beef empanadas. Flaky low-carb pastry filled with seasoned ground beef and veggies — a delicious handheld low-carb meal ready in the air fryer!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy golden empanadas with savory beef filling
- High protein from ground beef
- Quick air fryer method
- Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep
- Low carb and sugar-free
Ingredients (Makes 8 empanadas)
For the Dough:
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 oz cream cheese
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup almond flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
For the Filling:
- ½ lb lean ground beef
- ¼ cup diced onion
- ¼ cup diced carrots
- ¼ cup green peas (or omit for lower carbs)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 2 tbsp sugar-free tomato sauce
Instructions
- Make the dough: Melt mozzarella and cream cheese together. Mix in egg, almond flour, baking powder, and salt until a dough forms. Divide into 8 balls and roll into circles.
- Cook the filling: Brown ground beef with onion. Add carrots, peas (if using), garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir in tomato sauce if desired. Cool slightly.
- Assemble: Place a spoonful of filling on each dough circle. Fold over and seal the edges firmly with a fork.
- Air fry: Place empanadas in the air fryer basket (lined if needed). Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown.
- Serve hot with sugar-free ketchup or dipping sauce of choice.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition (Per Empanada)
- Calories: ~210
- Protein: 15g
- Total Carbs: 5g
- Net Carbs: 3g
- Fat: 14g
