If you have a sweet tooth and love a little twist on classic treats, you’re going to adore this Guava and Cheese Empanadas Recipe. These warm, golden pockets bring together the rich creaminess of cheese with the tropical, fruity sweetness of guava paste, all wrapped in a flaky crust that crisps up perfectly in the air fryer. It’s a beautiful balance of textures and flavors that feels both comforting and exotic, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser whether for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. Trust me, once you try making these, they’ll quickly become your go-to recipe for sharing in gatherings or simply treating yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Guava and Cheese Empanadas Recipe is wonderfully straightforward, relying on just a few simple ingredients that come together to create that irresistible sweet-salty harmony. Each component plays its part, from the buttery crust to the luscious guava and creamy cheese, promising a delightful bite every time.
- Refrigerated pie dough or empanada dough (14 oz): Provides the flaky, tender shell that envelopes the delicious filling perfectly.
- Egg, beaten: Used as an egg wash, it gives the empanadas that irresistible golden and shiny finish.
- Guava paste (4 oz), cut into strips: Brings a rich, tropical sweetness that pairs beautifully with the creamy cheese.
- Cream cheese (4 oz), cut into pieces: Adds a smooth, tangy richness that balances the sweet guava with luscious texture.
How to Make Guava and Cheese Empanadas Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Start by setting your air fryer to 350°F so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to cook. This preheating step ensures that the dough crisps up perfectly and the filling heats evenly.
Step 2: Prepare Dough Circles
Unroll your pie dough and use a circular cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out 10 circles, each about 4 inches in diameter. This size makes for a perfectly sized empanada that’s easy to handle and share.
Step 3: Fill the Empanadas
Place one strip of guava paste and one piece of cream cheese right in the center of each dough circle. The combination of these two fillings is what makes these empanadas so special, offering a burst of sweet and creamy flavor.
Step 4: Seal the Pastries
Fold each dough circle in half over the filling to create a classic half-moon shape. Use the tines of a fork to press and seal the edges firmly, so none of that ooey-gooey goodness escapes during cooking.
Step 5: Apply Egg Wash
Brush the tops of each empanada with the beaten egg. This step isn’t just for looks (though it sure does make them look stunning); it also helps the edges stick together and creates that perfect golden crust.
Step 6: Arrange in Air Fryer
Place the empanadas in a single layer inside your air fryer basket. Avoid crowding so the hot air can circulate freely, cooking each one evenly. If necessary, cook them in batches.
Step 7: Air Fry
Cook the empanadas for about 10 to 12 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and develop a crisp exterior that’s just begging to be bitten into.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
After removing the empanadas from the air fryer, let them cool for a few minutes. This brief rest allows the filling to set slightly, making them easier and more enjoyable to eat.
How to Serve Guava and Cheese Empanadas Recipe
Garnishes
While these empanadas are fantastic on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar can add a charming sweet touch that contrasts beautifully with the tangy cheese. Fresh mint leaves on the side not only add vibrant color but also a refreshing aroma that elevates the whole dish.
Side Dishes
Pair your Guava and Cheese Empanadas Recipe with a bright fruit salad or a cup of café con leche for an authentic Latin-inspired snack or light breakfast. A dollop of whipped cream or vanilla yogurt can also complement the flavors nicely, turning your treat into a full indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or special occasion, arrange the empanadas on a wooden board surrounded by small bowls of fresh fruit jams and a cheese platter. Adding edible flowers or colorful napkins underneath adds visual appeal and makes it feel extra festive and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover empanadas are surprisingly easy to store. Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. This makes them perfect for quick snacks or a sweet treat ready to grab whenever you like.
Freezing
You can freeze the empanadas before or after cooking. If freezing raw, prepare and fill the dough, then flash freeze on a tray before transferring them to a freezer bag; they’ll keep for up to a month. For cooked empanadas, wrap them tightly to preserve freshness and avoid freezer burn.
Reheating
To reheat, pop these delightful empanadas back into the air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes at 350°F until heated through and crisp again. This method revives their original texture and taste better than a microwave ever could!
FAQs
Can I use homemade dough for this Guava and Cheese Empanadas Recipe?
Absolutely! While store-bought dough saves time, homemade empanada dough gives you full control over texture and flavor. Just make sure it’s rolled out thin enough to cook evenly in the air fryer.
What other cheeses can I use besides cream cheese?
While cream cheese is creamy and mild, you can experiment with mozzarella for a stretchy texture or even a slightly tangy ricotta. The key is choosing a cheese that melts well but won’t overpower the guava’s sweetness.
Is it possible to bake these empanadas instead of air frying?
Yes, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F for around 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown. However, the air fryer tends to produce a crisper crust in less time.
Can I add spices or herbs to the filling?
For this sweet-savory combination, it’s best to keep the filling simple. But if you want a twist, a pinch of cinnamon or a bit of vanilla extract added to the cream cheese can complement the guava beautifully.
Are these empanadas suitable for kids?
Definitely! Kids love the sweet and creamy flavors wrapped in a fun-to-eat handheld pastry. Just make sure the empanadas are cool enough to eat safely, and they’ll be a hit at any family gathering.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Guava and Cheese Empanadas Recipe. It’s a little bite of tropical sunshine wrapped in flaky perfection, so accessible to make yet impressive in taste. Whether you’re new to empanadas or a seasoned fan, these sweet and creamy treats will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. Go ahead and give them a try—you’re in for a delicious surprise!
Print
Guava and Cheese Empanadas Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 10 empanadas
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Latin American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these crispy and golden Guava and Cheese Empanadas, featuring a perfect filling of sweet guava paste and creamy cheese encased in flaky pie dough. This easy-to-make air-fried treat is ideal for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, providing a wonderful balance of sweet and savory flavors in every bite.
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
Egg Wash
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat fully to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare Dough Circles: Roll out the refrigerated pie dough on a floured surface and cut into 10 circles, approximately 4 inches in diameter, using a circular cutter or a glass.
- Fill Empanadas: Place one strip of guava paste and one piece of cream cheese in the center of each dough circle, balancing the sweet and creamy filling.
- Seal Pastries: Fold each dough circle over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly with a fork to seal completely and prevent filling leakage during cooking.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the top surface of each empanada with the beaten egg to achieve a shiny, golden-brown finish when cooked.
- Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the empanadas in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Air Fry: Cook the empanadas for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crisp on the outside while heated through.
- Cool and Serve: Carefully remove the empanadas from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving to enjoy the perfect mix of warm, gooey filling and flaky crust.
Notes
- Make sure to roll the dough evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- You can substitute guava paste with other fruit pastes like quince or fig if preferred.
- Check the empanadas halfway through cooking for even browning and adjust placement if necessary.
- Allow empanadas to cool slightly before eating to avoid burning from hot filling.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the air fryer for best texture.
