Who doesn’t love a flaky, crispy empanada with a delicious filling? These Air Fryer Empanadas are perfect for those days when you want all the flavor without the hassle of deep frying. Whether you’re using chicken, beef, or even a vegetarian filling, the air fryer gets them perfectly golden and crispy. Best part? They’re super easy to whip up in less than 30 minutes, and your kitchen won’t end up covered in oil!
Why This Recipe is a Good One
- Quick and Easy: These empanadas come together in under 30 minutes.
- Healthier Alternative: Using the air fryer means less oil and fewer calories.
- Versatile: You can use chicken, beef, or even vegetarian fillings.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a batch and store them for a quick snack or meal later.
Jump to:
- Why This Recipe is a Good One
- What You’ll Need
- Ingredients
- How to Make Air Fryer Empanadas
- How to Cook Empanadas in the Air Fryer
- Expert Tips
- Recipe Variations Based on Dietary Preferences
- Serving Suggestions
- Variations
- FAQs
- Storage and Reheating
- Pairings and Related Recipes
- Nutritional Information
- Kitchen Essentials and Items Used
- Crispy Air Fryer Empanadas | Chicken, Beef, or Veggie Filling Options
What You’ll Need
Here’s a quick list of kitchen tools to make sure you have on hand before starting:
- Air Fryer: The magic that makes these empanadas crispy!
- Pastry Brush: To apply the egg wash for that perfect golden crust.
- Mixing Bowl: For combining the filling.
- Fork: For crimping the edges of the empanadas.
Ingredients
- 1 package Goya Empanada Dough Discs (Premade pie crust can be used too)
- 8 to 10 ounces cooked chicken or beef
- 2 chopped scallions
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp. cumin
- 3 Tbsp. cheese (any variety)
- 1 egg
- 2 Tbsp. water
How to Make Air Fryer Empanadas
How to Cook Empanadas in the Air Fryer
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, add the chopped chicken (or beef), scallions, and cheese. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and cumin. Mix everything together until well combined.
Step 2: Prepare the Egg Wash
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create the egg wash.
Step 3: Assemble the Empanadas
Lay out a dough disc on a flat surface. Add 2-3 tablespoons of the filling mixture to the center of the dough. Dip your finger into the egg wash and run it around the edge of the dough to help seal the empanada. Fold the dough over the filling and press the edges to seal.
Step 4: Crimp the Edges
Use a fork to crimp the edges carefully. Repeat the process for all the empanadas.
Step 5: Brush with Egg Wash
Turn all the empanadas over so the bottom is facing up. Brush the bottoms with egg wash. Place the egg-wash-brushed side of the empanadas down in the air fryer basket. Add about 5 empanadas at a time, ensuring you don’t overcrowd them. Brush the tops with the egg wash as well.
Step 6: Cook the Empanadas
Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Expert Tips
- Seal carefully: Make sure to seal the edges of the empanadas well to avoid the filling leaking out during cooking.
- Use different fillings: Feel free to swap in vegetarian, cheese, or other meat fillings for a twist.
- Keep an eye on them: Air fryers vary, so check on your empanadas a minute or two before the cooking time is up.
Recipe Variations Based on Dietary Preferences
Keto Empanadas
For a low-carb version, substitute the traditional dough with an almond flour-based dough. You’ll get that crispy bite without the extra carbs!
Gluten-Free Empanadas
Use gluten-free empanada dough, which you can find in specialty stores or make at home using a blend of gluten-free flours.
Dairy-Free Empanadas
Skip the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese substitute to cater to those avoiding dairy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these crispy empanadas with some homemade salsa, guacamole, or a spicy aioli for dipping. They’re also perfect with a side of rice and beans or a simple green salad.
Variations
- Vegetarian Empanadas: Swap the meat for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and cheese.
- Breakfast Empanadas: Fill them with scrambled eggs, cheese, and cooked bacon or sausage.
- Sweet Empanadas: Try using a fruit filling like apples or peaches with cinnamon for a dessert version!
FAQs
Yes, and they turn out perfectly crispy without the extra oil used in deep frying.
Cook them for about 8 minutes at 400°F, flipping halfway through.
Yes, just add a couple more minutes to the cooking time and follow the same instructions.
If you can’t find store-bought empanada dough, there are a few alternatives. You can use pre-rolled pie crust or pie dough, though it will be slightly sweeter than traditional empanada dough. Another option is premade biscuit dough or crescent roll dough. For a flakier result, roll out the dough thinner before filling and cooking.
Storage and Reheating
To Store: Keep leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To Reheat: Place them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to crisp them up again.
Pairings and Related Recipes
These empanadas pair perfectly with the following recipes:
Nutritional Information
- Calories: ~315 kcal
- Fat: ~14g
- Carbohydrates: ~40g
- Protein: ~ 8g
- Sodium: ~560-600 mg
Kitchen Essentials and Items Used
COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt
365 by Whole Foods Market, Vegetable Egg Rolls
Alexia Organic Yukon Select Fries
Air Fryer Parchment Paper Liners
These Air Fryer Empanadas are a perfect blend of convenience and flavor. Whether you’re making them for a quick snack, a party appetizer, or meal prepping for the week, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your household. If you give this recipe a try, don’t forget to leave a rating and a comment below. If you share it on social media, tag me or use the hashtag #StuffMattyCooks so I can see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!
Crispy Air Fryer Empanadas | Chicken, Beef, or Veggie Filling Options
Ingredients
- 1 package Goya Empanada Dough Discs
- 8 to 10 ounces cooked chicken or beef
- 2 chopped Scallions
- 1 tsp. Salt
- 1/4 tsp. Black Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp. Cumin
- 3 Tbsp. Cheese (Any Variety)
- 1 Egg
- 2 Tbsp≥ Water
Instructions
Empanada Filling
- In a mixing bowl add chopped chicken, scallions and cheese.
- Season the mixture with Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder and Cumin.
- Mix Ingredients until combined.
Assemble Empanadas
- add egg and water to bowl and beat egg to create the egg wash.
- Lay a piece of the empanada dough on flat surface. Fill with 2 to 3 Tablespoons of mixture.
- Dip finger in egg wash and run around edge of empanada dough to help seal.
- Fold over dough and pinch edges to seal.
- Crimp edges with fork being careful not to punture empanada.
- Repeat pricess until all empanadas are completed.
- Turn over all empanadas so bottom is facing up.
- Brush all empanadas with the egg wash on bottom.
Cooking Air Fryer Empanadas
- Place side you brushed with egg wash down in air fryer basket.
- Place about 5 empanadas in the basket. Do not overcrowd.
- Brush top side of empanada with egg wash.
- Set cooking temperature of air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cook empanadas 8 minutes total flipping half way through.
