Guava and Cheese Empanadas

Experience a delightful taste of Latin America with these Guava and Cheese Empanadas. These golden, air-fried pastries perfectly balance the vibrant sweetness of luscious guava paste with the smooth, tangy richness of cream cheese. Wrapped in a flaky, buttery crust, they offer a gourmet treat that is surprisingly easy to prepare in your own kitchen.

Save

Whether you are looking for a unique dessert to round off a meal or a sweet snack to enjoy with coffee, these empanadas are sure to impress. By using refrigerated dough, you can focus on the assembly and achieve professional results with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 1 package (400 g) refrigerated pie dough or empanada dough (enough for 10 rounds)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 120 g (4 oz) guava paste, cut into 10 equal strips
• 120 g (4 oz) cream cheese, cut into 10 equal pieces

Organize kitchen supplies and cooking essentials under cabinets for quicker access during meal prep.

Check price on Amazon

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat air fryer to 180°C (350°F).

Step 2

Roll out the dough and cut into 10 circles, about 10 cm (4 inches) in diameter.

Step 3

Place a strip of guava paste and a piece of cream cheese in the center of each dough circle.

Step 4

Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press edges with a fork to seal.

Step 5

Brush the tops of the empanadas with the beaten egg for a golden finish.

Step 6

Place empanadas in the air fryer basket in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary).

Step 7

Air fry for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.

Step 8

Let cool slightly before serving.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure a perfect seal, avoid overfilling the dough circles. Pressing the edges firmly with a fork not only creates a decorative pattern but also prevents the delicious filling from leaking out during the air-frying process.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon to the filling or sprinkle the finished pastries with powdered sugar. If guava paste is hard to find, you can substitute it with thick fruit preserves for a similar fruity effect.

Serviervorschläge

These empanadas are best served warm. They make an excellent accompaniment to a cup of strong Latin coffee or can be served as a handheld dessert for parties. Leftovers can be easily reheated in the air fryer to maintain their flaky texture.

Save

With their beautiful golden crust and gooey interior, these Guava and Cheese Empanadas are a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly extraordinary. Enjoy the warm, tropical flavors in every crispy bite!

Prepare wholesome dog meals by mixing with warm water for easy serving and homemade-style feeding.

Check price on Amazon

Recipe FAQ

→ What does guava and cheese taste like?

The combination balances sweet guava paste with rich, tangy cream cheese—a classic Latin American pairing that creates a delightful contrast between fruitiness and creaminess.

→ Can I bake these instead of air frying?

Yes, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes until golden brown. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

→ What dough works best for these pastries?

Refrigerated pie dough or empanada discs both work beautifully. For homemade dough, use a basic pastry flour, butter, and water mixture.

→ How do I prevent the filling from leaking?

Seal edges firmly with a fork and avoid overfilling. Chill assembled pastries for 10 minutes before air frying to help set the dough.

→ Can I freeze these before cooking?

Absolutely. Freeze assembled, uncooked pastries in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Air fry from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to cook time.