Air Fryer Alcapurrias (Puerto Rican Fried Fritters)

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy golden fritters filled with seasoned beef or shrimp, inspired by traditional Puerto Rican street food. This puerto rican-inspired air fryer ready in about 32 minutes pairs cassava flour, salt, water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 12 min Serves 6 Puerto Rican cuisine 280 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Mix 1 cup cassava flour with 1/2 tsp salt and 3/4 cup water until smooth. Set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine 1 cup ground beef or shrimp with 1/4 cup chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp olive oil. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Mix until well combined.
  3. Step 3: Scoop 1/4 cup dough into your hands, flatten into a disk, add 1 tbsp meat mixture, and fold into a ball. Repeat with remaining dough and filling.
  4. Step 4: Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly brush 2 tbsp olive oil onto the air fryer basket. Place fritters in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch.
  5. Step 5: Cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. Let cool slightly before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Air Fryer Alcapurrias (Puerto Rican Fried Fritters) take to make?

Total time is about 32 minutes (20 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Air Fryer Alcapurrias (Puerto Rican Fried Fritters)?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cassava flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Air Fryer Alcapurrias (Puerto Rican Fried Fritters)?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Air Fryer Alcapurrias (Puerto Rican Fried Fritters) for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Air Fryer Alcapurrias (Puerto Rican Fried Fritters)?

Puerto Rican air fryer like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

What others are saying

Related recipes