If you have a soft spot for delightful little treats that are simultaneously sweet, savory, and perfectly portable, then the Guava and Cheese Empanadas Recipe is about to become your new obsession. These golden pockets combine the luscious sweetness of guava paste with the creamy tang of cream cheese, all wrapped in flaky, buttery dough that crisps up beautifully in the air fryer. Whether you’re craving a snack, a brunch addition, or a dessert with a tropical twist, these empanadas deliver on flavor, texture, and that warm comfort that makes you want to share them with everyone you know.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients often make the best recipes, and this Guava and Cheese Empanadas Recipe is no exception. Each component plays a vital role: from the flaky pie dough that forms the perfect flaky crust, to the luscious guava paste and rich cream cheese filling that marry beautifully in every bite.
- Refrigerated pie dough (14 oz): Provides a flaky and buttery crust that crisps perfectly in the air fryer, making prep quick and easy.
- Egg, beaten: Acts as an egg wash to give the empanadas a stunning golden and glossy finish once baked.
- Guava paste (4 oz): Adds a sweet, tropical fruit flavor that brings vibrant color and a sticky, luscious texture to the filling.
- Cream cheese (4 oz): Offers a smooth, tangy contrast that balances the sweetness of the guava for a perfectly harmonious bite.
How to Make Guava and Cheese Empanadas Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Begin by setting your air fryer to 350°F and allowing it to reach the temperature. This ensures your empanadas cook evenly and develop that golden-brown crust we all love. Preheating is key to getting a perfectly crispy outside while keeping the filling warm and melty.
Step 2: Prepare Dough Circles
Take your refrigerated pie dough out of the package and roll it out gently on a lightly floured surface. Using a circular cutter or even the rim of a glass, cut the dough into 10 circles about 4 inches in diameter. This size is just right for handheld empanadas that are satisfying without being overwhelming.
Step 3: Fill the Empanadas
Place a strip of guava paste and a piece of cream cheese right in the center of each dough circle. The combination will soften and meld together as they cook, creating a luscious filling that bursts with flavors with every bite.
Step 4: Seal the Pastries
Fold each dough circle over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly with the tines of a fork all around to seal them completely. This step keeps the filling inside and helps the edges brown evenly, giving you a beautiful crimped design.
Step 5: Apply Egg Wash
Brush the top of each empanada with the beaten egg. This simple step elevates your empanadas to bakery status by giving them a shiny, golden crust and that inviting color that makes them impossible to resist.
Step 6: Arrange in Air Fryer Basket
Place the empanadas in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overlapping or overcrowding; if necessary, air fry in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
Step 7: Air Fry to Perfection
Cook the empanadas for 10 to 12 minutes until they turn golden brown and the dough is crisp all over. The air fryer is a fantastic tool here, as it gives you the perfection of deep frying without the mess or guilt.
Step 8: Cool Slightly Before Serving
Remove the empanadas from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. This brief rest allows the filling to set slightly, so it won’t spill out the moment you take a bite—but don’t wait too long because they’re best enjoyed warm and fresh!
How to Serve Guava and Cheese Empanadas Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Guava and Cheese Empanadas Recipe even more enticing, sprinkle a little powdered sugar over the top for a sweet touch or dust a pinch of cinnamon for warm aromatic notes. Fresh mint leaves or a drizzle of honey can also add a bright, fresh dimension that complements the tropical flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair these empanadas with a simple side of fresh fruit like pineapple or mango to keep things vibrant and light. A cup of strong coffee or a tropical iced tea creates a delightful balance and makes your snack or brunch feel like a special occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging these empanadas on a colorful plate with small bowls of dipping sauces like a mango salsa or a tangy lime crema for a fun flavor adventure. For parties, serve them on tiered platters or wrapped in banana leaves to add an exotic touch that perfectly matches the guava’s tropical origin.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover empanadas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them covered ensures they stay moist inside while retaining a little crispness on the outside when reheated.
Freezing
To freeze, place unbaked or fully cooked empanadas on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to 2 months, making them a fantastic make-ahead snack to pull out whenever a craving strikes.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated empanadas in the air fryer at 350°F for 4 to 6 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy. This method restores their fresh-baked texture much better than a microwave, keeping that irresistibly flaky crust intact.
FAQs
Can I use homemade dough instead of refrigerated pie dough?
Absolutely! Homemade dough can add a personal touch and even more flavor, though the convenience of refrigerated dough is a major time saver. Just roll it out to the same thickness and size for best results.
What if I don’t have an air fryer? Can I bake the empanadas instead?
Yes! If you don’t have an air fryer, bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 15 to 18 minutes or until golden and crispy. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I substitute cream cheese with another cheese?
You can try mild, soft cheeses like goat cheese or mascarpone, but cream cheese works best because of its smooth texture and subtle tang that pairs beautifully with the sweet guava.
How sweet are these empanadas? Could I make them less sweet?
The sweetness mainly comes from the guava paste, which is naturally sweet but balanced by the cheese. You can use less guava or choose a less sugary fruit paste to tone down the sweetness if you prefer.
Is it possible to make these empanadas vegan?
Yes! Use vegan pie dough, substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based alternative, and replace the egg wash with a little almond milk or melted coconut oil to get that golden finish.
Final Thoughts
Making the Guava and Cheese Empanadas Recipe at home is like opening a little treasure chest of sweet and savory joy. They are downright addictive, and the best part is how simple they are to pull together, especially with the magic of the air fryer. Whether for a light snack or a festive treat, these empanadas will brighten your day and gather friends and family around for another round. Go ahead, give them a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Guava and Cheese Empanadas Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 10 empanadas
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Latin American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these mouthwatering Guava and Cheese Empanadas, featuring a crispy golden crust filled with sweet guava paste and creamy cheese. Perfectly air-fried for a lighter twist on a traditional Latin American treat, these empanadas are ideal for snack time or a unique dessert.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 package (14 oz) refrigerated pie dough or empanada dough
Filling
- 4 oz guava paste, cut into 10 equal strips
- 4 oz cream cheese, cut into 10 equal pieces
For Finishing
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 350°F and allow it to reach the desired temperature before cooking.
- Prepare Dough Circles: Roll out the refrigerated dough and use a cutter or glass to cut 10 circles about 4 inches in diameter.
- Fill Empanadas: Place one strip of guava paste and one piece of cream cheese in the center of each dough circle.
- Seal Pastries: Fold each dough circle over to form a half-moon shape, then press the edges firmly with a fork to seal completely and prevent leakage during cooking.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the top surface of each empanada with the beaten egg to ensure a golden, shiny finish.
- Arrange in Air Fryer: Place empanadas in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if all cannot fit at once to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
- Air Fry: Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the empanadas from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving to allow the filling to set.
Notes
- Ensure the empanadas are sealed tightly to prevent the filling from leaking during cooking.
- If you do not have an air fryer, these empanadas can also be baked in an oven at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese with vegan cream cheese.
- Let empanadas cool slightly before eating as filling can be hot and may cause burns.
