Guava and Cheese Empanadas

The smell of guava warming in the kitchen always transports me back to my abuela is house, where she would make empanadillas on rainy Sunday afternoons. Something about that sweet floral aroma mixing with buttery pastry feels like home no matter where you are. I have recreated that memory in my own tiny apartment kitchen, watching the steam curl up from the air fryer while rain taps against the windows.

Last winter my partner came home from a terrible day at work to find these cooling on the counter. They took one bite, eyes closed, and said this is exactly what I needed without even saying hello first. Now whenever someone has a rough week, I know exactly what pastry will make everything better.

Ingredients

• Refrigerated pie dough or empanada dough: Using store bought dough keeps this approachable enough for a Tuesday craving but still yields spectacular results
• Egg: A simple egg wash creates that bakery shine that makes people think you spent hours at the oven
• Guava paste: This thick concentrated fruit preserve is what gives these their signature tropical sweetness and gorgeous pink color
• Cream cheese: The tangy creaminess balances the intense guava perfectly, creating that classic sweet and salty dance

Instructions

Preheat your air fryer:

Getting it to 180°C (350°F) before you start ensures the pastry hits hot air immediately and puffs up beautifully

Prepare the dough rounds:

Roll out your dough and cut circles about 10 cm across, rerolling scraps until you have 10 perfect rounds ready for filling

Add the filling:

Place one strip of guava paste and one piece of cream cheese in the center of each circle, leaving enough edge to seal them shut

Seal the empanadas:

Fold each circle into a half moon and press the edges firmly with a fork to create that classic crimped border

Add the egg wash:

Brush the tops lightly with beaten egg, watching it glisten as you prepare each one for the air fryer

Air fry to golden perfection:

Cook in a single layer for 10 to 12 minutes until they are deeply golden and crisp, flipping halfway if needed

Let them cool slightly:

Give them about 5 minutes so the molten filling sets up enough to handle without burning eager fingers

Save

These became our go to dessert for dinner parties after guests kept asking for the recipe instead of the elaborate cakes I spent hours making. Something about handheld food feels more intimate, like sharing a secret rather than serving a production.

Making Ahead

You can assemble the entire batch and freeze them raw on a baking sheet before transferring to a bag. Air fry from frozen for about 15 minutes instead of 12, and you have instant homemade treats whenever the mood strikes.

Serving Ideas

A light dusting of powdered sugar right after air frying makes these look like they came from a fancy bakery. I have also served them with vanilla ice cream for dessert, though honestly they disappear faster on their own.

Variations To Try

Once you master the basic technique, the filling possibilities are endless. Sometimes I add cream cheese to the mix for extra richness, or swap the guava for thick apricot preserves when that is what I have in the pantry.

• Try adding a pinch of cinnamon to the guava before sealing for warmth
• A tiny scoop of mascarpone instead of cream cheese makes it even more luxurious
• Sprinkle coarse sugar on top before air frying for extra crunch

Save

There is something profoundly satisfying about pulling a tray of golden empanadas from the air fryer, knowing you created something that will bring people together around the table.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I bake these instead of using an air fryer?

Yes, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes until golden brown. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your oven.

→ What can I substitute for guava paste?

Thick fruit preserves like membrillo, quince paste, or even fig or apricot preserves work well. Just ensure they're thick enough to hold their shape during cooking.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness.

→ Can I freeze these before cooking?

Absolutely! Arrange assembled empanadas on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to air frying time.

→ What type of cheese works best?

Cream cheese provides the creamiest texture, but you could also use queso fresco, mild cheddar, or a combination of mozzarella and cream cheese for different flavor profiles.

→ Do I need to thaw frozen dough before using?

Yes, thaw refrigerated pie dough or empanada discs according to package instructions. Working with cold, pliable dough makes folding and sealing much easier.