Guava and cheese empanadas

Guava and Cheese Empanadas are flaky, golden air-fried pastries filled with luscious guava paste and creamy cheese—a delightful sweet treat perfect for dessert or snacking. This Latin American-inspired recipe yields 10 vegetarian empanadas with a total preparation and cooking time of 32 minutes.

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Using an air fryer ensures that the pastry becomes beautifully crisp while the guava and cream cheese center remains warm and melted. This method is efficient and highlights the delightful contrast between the savory dough and sweet filling.

Ingredients

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

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

Utilize a rolling pin for even dough thickness and a circular cutter or glass to ensure uniform shapes. Be careful to press the edges firmly with a fork to prevent the filling from escaping. Note that this recipe contains Wheat (gluten), Egg, and Milk (dairy).

Varianten und Anpassungen

For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon to the filling or sprinkle powdered sugar on top after frying. If guava paste is not available at your local international market, thick fruit preserves can be used as a substitute.

Serviervorschläge

These empanadas are best served warm. If you have leftovers, they can be easily reheated in the air fryer to restore their golden, flaky texture. They are an easy-to-make dessert with a difficulty level classified as easy.

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Each empanada provides 190 calories, 8 g of total fat, 26 g of carbohydrates, and 3 g of protein. Enjoy these tropical sweet treats as a quick snack or a light dessert at any time of day.

Recipe FAQs

→ What does guava and cheese taste like together?

The combination creates a perfect balance of sweet and creamy. The guava paste provides a tropical, fruity sweetness similar to fig or apricot, while the cream cheese adds a rich, tangy contrast that mellows the sugar and creates a luscious, dessert-like filling.

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

Yes, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes until golden brown. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush with egg wash for the same shiny finish.

→ Where can I find guava paste?

Look for guava paste (also called pasta de guayaba) in the international or Latin American aisle of well-stocked supermarkets, Latin markets, or specialty food stores. It comes in a flat, rectangular block wrapped in plastic.

→ Can I make the dough from scratch?

Absolutely. A simple pastry dough with flour, butter, salt, and cold water works beautifully. However, refrigerated pie dough or frozen empanada discs offer excellent results with much less preparation time.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store cooled empanadas 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, or in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes.

→ What other cheeses work well with guava?

Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or queso fresco are excellent alternatives. For a more traditional Latin American flavor, try queso blanco or panela cheese, which melt beautifully and complement the guava's sweetness.