These keto “empanadas” are a low-carb twist on the classic pastry snack. Instead of dough, we use cheese wraps or almond-flour quick shells, filled with a creamy tuna mixture. No oven required.
🥟 Makes
- 6–8 mini empanadas
Ingredients
Tuna Filling
- 2 cans tuna in water or olive oil (drained)
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon cream cheese (softened)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons diced celery or pickles
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: chili flakes or paprika
Keto “No-Bake Shell” Options (Choose One)
Option 1: Cheese Wrap Shells (Easiest)
- 6–8 slices provolone, mozzarella, or cheddar cheese
Option 2: Egg Wrap Shells
- 3 eggs
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- Pinch salt
Option 3: Almond Flour Wraps (Quick Pan-Cooked)
- ½ cup almond flour
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons water
- Pinch salt
Optional Dipping Sauce
- ¼ cup mayo or Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Garlic powder
- Chili flakes
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Tuna Filling
In a bowl mix:
- tuna
- mayonnaise
- cream cheese
- mustard
- lemon juice
Stir until creamy.
Fold in:
- onion
- celery/pickles
- parsley
- seasoning
Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
Set aside.
2. Prepare the No-Bake Shells
🧀 Cheese Wrap Method (Best for Keto Crunch)
Place cheese slices on a nonstick pan over low heat.
Cook until:
- melted
- edges slightly crisp
Remove and let cool for 20–30 seconds until flexible but not hard.
🍳 Egg Wrap Method
Whisk eggs + cream cheese + salt.
Cook thin pancakes in nonstick pan:
- 1–2 minutes per side
Let cool.
🌰 Almond Flour Wrap Method
Mix ingredients into batter.
Cook like thin pancakes:
- 1–2 minutes per side
Cool slightly.
3. Fill the Empanadas
Place shell flat.
Add:
- 1–2 tablespoons tuna filling
Do not overfill.
Fold in half like a half-moon.
Press edges gently.
If using cheese wraps, press to seal while still slightly warm.
4. Chill to Set (Important Step)
Place empanadas in fridge for:
- 10–15 minutes
This helps them firm up and hold shape.
5. Serve
Serve cold or slightly warm with:
- keto mayo dip
- spicy sauce
- avocado slices
- lettuce salad
Optional Crisp Finish (Still Keto-Friendly)
If you want them crispier without baking:
- Heat in a dry skillet 30–60 seconds per side
OR - Air fryer 3–5 minutes at 180°C (350°F)
Variations
🥑 Avocado Tuna Empanadas
Add mashed avocado to filling instead of mayo.
🧄 Garlic Herb Version
Add:
- garlic powder
- dill
- extra parsley
🌶 Spicy Keto Version
Add:
- hot sauce
- jalapeños
- chili flakes
🧀 Extra Cheesy Version
Add shredded mozzarella inside filling.
Storage
- Fridge: up to 3 days
- Best eaten cold or lightly warmed
- Not freezer-friendly (texture changes)
Approximate Nutrition (Per 2 mini empanadas)
- Calories: 180–280
- Protein: 18–24 g
- Carbs: 1–4 g
- Fat: 12–20 g
