How Do You Make Empanadas? An Easy Step-by-Step 2025 Guide
We’ve all had those moments when we crave something warm, stuffed, and satisfying. For us, that something has always been empanadas. These golden pockets are filled with just about anything you can imagine and are a beloved street food across Latin America.
If you’re wondering how to make empanadas at home, the process is easier than it looks. With a bit of practice, anyone can pull off this flavorful hand pie. It all comes down to three basic elements: the dough, the filling, and how you cook them.
We have got you covered. In this blog, we decided to break down the entire process into simple, manageable steps. From mixing the dough to choosing how to cook them, this guide covers everything you need to get started.
Dough Time: Crafting the Perfect Empanada Shell
Before we even think about fillings or frying pans, we start with the dough. When people ask us, “How do you make empanadas from scratch?” our answer always starts with this: focus on the dough. It’s the foundation of the entire dish.
One should usually stick to traditional ingredients: flour, butter, salt, and cold water. Sometimes, throw in an egg yolk for extra richness, but that’s optional. The trick is to keep the butter cold and not overwork the dough. You want something tender, not tough.
Once mixed, let the dough chill for at least 30 minutes. This makes it easier to roll out and shape. Then divide it into equal balls and roll them into circles about five inches wide. A simple bowl turned upside down works perfectly as a cutter if you don’t have a round mold.
Empanadas at Empanada Mama have that ideal balance. They hold their shape without being chewy, and the shell complements the filling instead of overpowering it. Their attention to dough quality really shows, and that should be ideal to try at home.
Fill It Right: From Classic to Creative Empanada Fillings
This is where we let our creativity shine. Once the dough is ready, it’s time to think about what goes inside. There are easy empanada filling recipes one can turn to all the time, especially on busy nights.
Some of the best savory options include ground beef with onions and paprika, shredded chicken with cheese, or spinach sautéed with garlic and a little feta. These classic fillings are always reliable and crowd-pleasing. Keep them simple but flavorful by seasoning them with salt, pepper, and spices like cumin or oregano.
When feeling adventurous, go for sweet fillings. Guava and cheese is a combo you’ll return to again and again, and apple cinnamon with a bit of nutmeg works beautifully. The key is to keep the filling cooked and cooled before sealing, so the dough doesn’t get soggy.
If you're ever looking for inspiration, take a glance at Empanada Mama’s menu. They’ve got everything from yummy and comforting mac and cheese to spicy chicken and even seafood. These combinations remind us that easy empanada recipes don’t have to be boring; you can mix and match whatever flavors you love.
Empanada Cooking Methods: Fry, Bake, or Air-Fry?
After stuffing and sealing, the next big question is how to cook them. We’ve tried all the common empanada cooking methods, and each one brings something unique to the table.
Fried Empanadas (Classic & Extra Crispy)
Heat oil in a deep pan to 350–375°F.
Fry empanadas in batches until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes per side.
Drain on paper towels to keep them crisp and not greasy.
Frying gives you that ultra-crisp, golden crust that’s hard to beat. Try heating neutral oil in a pan and frying the empanadas until both sides are evenly browned. It takes only a few minutes and gives a restaurant-style finish.
But on days when you want something lighter, simply bake them.
Baked Empanadas (Lighter Option)
Brush the tops with a beaten egg for a golden finish.
Place on a lined baking sheet.
Bake at 375°F for about 25 minutes.
More recently, a new trend has erupted in the empanada-making process. That’s air-frying. It’s a great method for getting a crispy crust without using much oil.
Air-Fried Empanadas (Crispy with Less Oil)
Lightly brush with olive oil.
Air-fry at 375°F for about 15 minutes.
Flip halfway through for even crispiness.
Each of these empanada cooking methods has its own flavor and texture benefits. At places like Empanada Mama, they find a way to combine traditional techniques with modern tools to create empanadas that are crispy, tender, and perfectly cooked.
Empanada-Making the Empanada Mama Way
To sum it all up, making great empanadas at home is all about balance. You need the right dough texture, a filling that excites your taste buds, and a cooking method that suits your style, whether that’s frying, baking, or air-frying. The goal? A warm, flavorful bite that brings people together.
When people ask, “How do you make empanadas that taste amazing?” our answer is simple: put love into it. It’s not about perfection, it’s about flavor, technique, and enjoying the process.
Whether you're trying your hand in the kitchen or just craving the real deal, Empanada Mama delivers authentic Latin flavor and unbeatable variety in every bite.
Visit today and taste why it’s a local favorite. no fuss, just flavor.