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!
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Why This Recipe Is Fantastic
- Quick and easy – perfect for a snack or meal.
- Crisp, golden-brown empanadas without deep frying.
- Customize the filling with your favorite ingredients.
- Freezer-friendly – cook fresh or from frozen.
- Reheat easily while keeping them crispy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 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
How to Make Air Fryer Empanadas
Step 1 – Prepare the Filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken or beef, chopped scallions, and cheese.
- Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and cumin.
- Mix everything until well combined and set aside.
Step 2 – Prepare the Egg Wash
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water.
- This will help seal the empanadas and give them a golden finish when cooked.
Step 3 – Assemble the Empanadas
- Lay Out the Dough
- Place an empanada dough disc on a flat, clean surface.
- Add the Filling
- Spoon a few tablespoons of the prepared filling into the center of the dough.
- Seal the Edges
- Dip a finger into the egg wash and run it along the edge of the dough.
- Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
- Press the edges together firmly to seal.
- Crimp the Edges
- Use a fork to crimp the sealed edges for a decorative look and to keep the filling secure.
- Be careful not to puncture the dough.
Step 4 – Preheat the Air Fryer & Apply Egg Wash
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- While the air fryer preheats, brush the tops of the empanadas with egg wash.
Step 5 – Cook the Empanadas
- Place in Air Fryer
- Arrange the empanadas in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap.
- Cook
- Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.
Step 6 – Serve
- Once golden and crispy, remove the empanadas from the air fryer.
- Let them cool slightly before serving.
Storage and Reheating
How to Store Leftover Empanadas
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Wrap individually and store for up to 3 months.
Can You Freeze Cooked Empanadas?
- Yes! Cooked empanadas freeze well and make for an easy meal prep option.
- How to Freeze Cooked Empanadas:
- Let empanadas cool completely before freezing.
- Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container.
- Store for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat Frozen Cooked Empanadas in an Air Fryer
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place frozen empanadas in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- For extra crispiness, spritz lightly with oil before reheating.
- Let sit for 2 minutes before serving.
How to Keep Empanadas Crispy When Reheating
- Always use an air fryer instead of a microwave to avoid sogginess.
- Avoid overcrowding the basket so they reheat evenly.
- Spritz lightly with oil before reheating for extra crispiness.
- Let them cool on a rack instead of a plate to prevent steam buildup.
Recipe Variations
- Cheese Lovers: Swap the meat filling for a mix of mozzarella, cheddar, and cream cheese.
- Vegetarian Option: Fill with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and cheese.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
- Breakfast Empanadas: Use scrambled eggs, cheese, and bacon.
Serving Suggestions
- With a dipping sauce: Serve with salsa, guacamole, or chimichurri.
- As a meal: Pair with a fresh salad or rice.
- For a party: Serve alongside other air fryer appetizers.
Pairings and Related Recipes
If you love these air fryer empanadas, here are some other delicious recipes from my website that pair well with them:
FAQ
Yes! After cooking, let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
The best way to reheat frozen cooked empanadas is in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. This keeps them crispy without making them soggy
Fresh empanadas: 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.
Frozen empanadas: 370°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes.
Fresh empanadas: 350°F (175°C)
Frozen empanadas: 370°F (190°C)
Nutritional Information
- Serving Size: 1 empanada
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 9g
These Air Fryer Empanadas are the perfect mix of crispy, golden perfection and irresistible flavor—without the hassle of deep frying. Whether you’re making them for a quick snack, party appetizer, or meal prep, they’ll quickly become a household favorite.
Tried this recipe? Drop a rating and comment below to let me know how it turned out! And if you share your empanadas on social media, tag me and use #StuffMattyCooks—I’d love to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!
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
Crispy Air Fryer Empanadas – Easy & Delicious!
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.
Matt
I am totally hooked