Air Fryer Empanadas: 5 Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

Name: Air Fryer Empanadas: 5 Reasons You'll Love This Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: Latin American
Ingredients: 1 package of empanada dough; 1 cup cooked meat (chicken, beef, or pork); 1/2 cup cheese, shredded; 1/4 cup onions, diced; 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

By:

Christina R. Jones

June 22, 2025

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the joy of making air fryer empanadas! These little pockets of goodness are not only crispy and golden brown but also bursting with savory fillings that make my taste buds dance. Seriously, they’re the perfect snacks for any occasion, whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself after a long day. What I love most is how easy they are to whip up—just a handful of ingredients, and you’re on your way to flavor town!

Air Fryer Empanadas - detail 1

The beauty of air fryer empanadas is in their versatility. You can use whatever you have on hand: chicken, beef, pork, or even veggies if you’re feeling adventurous. And the best part? No need for deep frying! The air fryer gives them that delightful crunch without all the extra oil, making them a healthier choice. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked! The aroma wafting through the kitchen as they cook is enough to make anyone swoon. So grab your apron, and let’s dive into the delicious world of air fryer empanadas!

Ingredients List

To make these delicious air fryer empanadas, you’ll need the following ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating that perfect blend of flavor and texture:

1 package of empanada dough (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup cooked meat (chicken, beef, or pork), shredded or chopped
1/2 cup cheese, shredded (I love using a nice melty cheese like Monterey Jack or cheddar!)
1/4 cup onions, diced (sautéed for extra sweetness if you prefer)
1 egg, beaten (for that beautiful golden egg wash)

Make sure to have everything ready before you start assembling—trust me, it makes the process go much smoother! And don’t hesitate to get creative with your fillings. You can toss in some spices or even veggies for a delightful twist. Enjoy the cooking adventure!

How to Prepare Air Fryer Empanadas

Getting your air fryer empanadas ready is a fun and straightforward process! I promise, once you get the hang of it, you’ll be whipping these up in no time. Let’s break it down step by step:

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is super important because it helps the empanadas cook evenly and get that perfect crispy texture.
Mix your filling: In a medium bowl, combine the cooked meat, shredded cheese, and diced onions. Make sure everything is well mixed—this filling is the star of the show!
Fill the empanada dough: Take a piece of empanada dough and place a generous spoonful of the filling in the center. Don’t overfill, or you’ll have a messy situation on your hands (trust me, I’ve been there!).
Seal the edges: Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Use a fork to press down on the edges, sealing them tightly. This keeps all that delicious filling inside while they cook!
Brush with egg wash: Using a pastry brush, gently brush the top of each empanada with the beaten egg. This gives them that beautiful golden color as they cook.
Air fry: Place the empanadas in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they’re not overcrowded. Cook them for 10-12 minutes, until they’re golden brown and crispy. You might want to check them around the 8-minute mark to ensure they’re not cooking too quickly—every air fryer is a little different!

And just like that, you’ve got a batch of crispy, savory air fryer empanadas ready to enjoy! Serve them with your favorite salsa or dipping sauce for an extra kick. Yum!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to fall in love with these air fryer empanadas! Each bite is a delightful combination of flavor and crunch, and here’s why you’ll find yourself making them over and over again:

Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have these beauties ready to air fry! It’s perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
Healthier Option: Air frying means you get that crispy texture you crave without all the extra oil. You’ll enjoy a guilt-free snack that doesn’t skimp on flavor!
Endless Filling Possibilities: The beauty of empanadas is their versatility. Whether you’re in the mood for chicken, beef, pork, or even a veggie option, you can customize the filling to suit your taste!
Family-Friendly: Kids love them! These bite-sized pockets are perfect for little hands and can be a fun way to get picky eaters to try new flavors.
Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch ahead of time and freeze them for later. You can pop them in the air fryer straight from the freezer for a quick snack anytime!

Seriously, once you start making these, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. They’re just so good that they might become your go-to snack for every occasion!

Tips for Success

To ensure your air fryer empanadas turn out perfectly every single time, here are some tried-and-true tips that I’ve picked up along the way. Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom can make all the difference!

Keep the dough cold: If you’re using store-bought empanada dough, make sure it’s chilled before you start working with it. Cold dough is easier to handle and seals better, preventing any filling disasters.
Don’t overfill: It’s tempting to pack in a ton of delicious filling, but resist the urge! A generous spoonful is perfect; overfilling can lead to leaks during cooking, and we don’t want any soggy empanadas!
Experiment with flavors: Get creative with your fillings! Try adding spices like cumin or smoked paprika to your meat mixture, or toss in some black beans, corn, or sautéed peppers for a veggie twist. The sky’s the limit!
Cook in batches: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. It’s better to cook in batches, allowing the hot air to circulate properly and giving you that gorgeous golden brown finish all around.
Check for doneness: Every air fryer cooks a bit differently, so start checking your empanadas at the 8-minute mark. You want them to be golden brown and crispy, but not burnt. If they need a little more time, don’t hesitate to pop them back in!
Let them cool slightly: After cooking, let the empanadas sit for a few minutes before diving in. This helps the filling set a bit, making them easier to eat without the filling spilling out all over the place.

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to make the best air fryer empanadas ever! Happy cooking!

Nutritional Information

Let’s talk numbers! Knowing the nutritional information for these delectable air fryer empanadas can help you enjoy them guilt-free. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated values per empanada:

Calories: 150
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 200mg
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Protein: 5g

Keep in mind that these figures are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose to use. If you’re switching up the filling or the cheese, the nutritional values might change a bit. It’s all about enjoying these tasty snacks while being mindful of what’s in them!

FAQ Section

Got questions about air fryer empanadas? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common inquiries I hear, along with my answers to help you out:

Can I freeze empanadas?

Absolutely! Freezing empanadas is a fantastic way to have quick snacks on hand. Just assemble them as you normally would, but instead of cooking, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy, you can cook them straight from the freezer—just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time!

What can I substitute for the meat?

Oh, the possibilities are endless! If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, consider using black beans, lentils, or sautéed mushrooms as your base. You can also mix in diced veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or corn for extra flavor and texture. If you want to keep it simple, you can even use cheese and onions for a cheesy delight! Just remember to season your filling well to keep it delicious!

How do I know when the empanadas are done cooking?

Great question! You’ll know your air fryer empanadas are ready when they turn a lovely golden brown color and are crispy to the touch. I always recommend checking them around the 8-minute mark. If you give them a gentle poke and they feel firm yet springy, they’re good to go. Just keep an eye on them; every air fryer can cook a bit differently!

Can I make these empanadas ahead of time?

Yes, you can! If you’re planning for a gathering or just want to have them ready for a quick meal, you can assemble the empanadas in advance and keep them in the fridge for a few hours before cooking. Just make sure they’re covered to prevent drying out. If you prepare them the night before, I suggest letting them sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before air frying to ensure even cooking.

What dipping sauces go well with empanadas?

Oh, you can’t go wrong with dipping sauces! I love serving them with a zesty salsa or a creamy avocado dip. If you’re in the mood for something a bit different, a tangy chimichurri or even some sour cream works wonders too. Feel free to experiment with your favorites, and don’t hesitate to get creative!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

So, you’ve got some leftover air fryer empanadas? No problem! Storing them properly is key to keeping that delightful crunch and scrumptious flavor intact. Here’s how I do it:

First, let the empanadas cool completely after cooking. This prevents steam from building up and making them soggy. Once they’re cool, you can store them in an airtight container. I like to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. You can keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer storage—up to 3 months works well!

When it’s time to enjoy those tasty treats again, you’ll want to reheat them properly to bring back that crispy goodness. If you’re reheating from the fridge, simply pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This helps them regain their crunch without drying out. If they’re frozen, you can air fry them straight from the freezer, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time—around 8-10 minutes should do the trick!

And voilà! You’ll have delicious, crispy empanadas ready to devour. Enjoy every bite!