Who doesn’t love a flaky, crispy empanada filled with savory goodness? These Air Fryer Empanadas deliver all the texture and flavor of traditional fried empanadas without the mess of deep frying. Whether you choose chicken, beef, or a vegetarian filling, the air fryer gives you perfectly golden, crunchy pastries in about 30 minutes. They’re simple to prepare, freezer-friendly, and ideal for snacks, appetizers, or meal prep.
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Why This Recipe Is Fantastic
- Quick and easy — great for a snack, appetizer, or meal.
- Crispy, golden empanadas without deep frying.
- Easily customize the filling to your taste.
- Freezer-friendly for make-ahead convenience.
- Reheats well while keeping a crisp exterior.
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 with the chopped scallions and cheese.
- Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and cumin.
- Stir until everything is evenly mixed and set aside.
Step 2 – Prepare the Egg Wash
- Whisk the egg and water together in a small bowl.
- The egg wash helps seal the empanadas and gives them a glossy, golden finish.
Step 3 – Assemble the Empanadas
- Lay Out the Dough
- Place a dough disc on a clean, flat surface.
- Add the Filling
- Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of filling into the center of each disc.
- Seal the Edges
- Brush the edge of the dough with egg wash.
- Fold the disc over to form a half-moon and press the edges together firmly.
- Crimp the Edges
- Use a fork to crimp the edges for a neat finish and to ensure the empanada stays sealed. Avoid puncturing the dough.
Step 4 – Preheat the Air Fryer & Apply Egg Wash
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes for even cooking.
- Brush the tops of the empanadas with egg wash while the air fryer is preheating.
Step 5 – Cook the Empanadas
- Place in Air Fryer
- Arrange the empanadas in a single layer in the basket without overlapping. Work in batches if needed.
- Cook
- Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook for about 8 minutes, flipping halfway through so both sides brown evenly.
Step 6 – Serve
- When the empanadas are golden and crisp, remove them from the air fryer.
- Let them cool briefly before serving so the filling sets and they’re easy to handle.
Storage and Reheating
How to Store Leftover Empanadas
- Refrigerate: Keep empanadas in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Wrap individually or place on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Can You Freeze Cooked Empanadas?
- Yes. Cooked empanadas freeze well and are convenient for meal prep.
- How to freeze: Cool completely, freeze in a single layer for 1–2 hours, then store in a freezer-safe bag or container.
How to Reheat Frozen Cooked Empanadas in an Air Fryer
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange frozen empanadas in a single layer in the basket.
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- For extra crispiness, lightly spritz with oil before reheating.
- Let rest 1–2 minutes before serving.
How to Keep Empanadas Crispy When Reheating
- Use an air fryer rather than a microwave to maintain crispness.
- Avoid overcrowding so each empanada reheats evenly.
- Spritz with a little oil for extra crunch.
- Cool on a wire rack to prevent steam from making them soggy.
Recipe Variations
- Cheese Lovers: Fill with a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and cream cheese.
- Vegetarian: Use sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and cheese.
- Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the filling.
- Breakfast: Fill with scrambled eggs, cheese, and cooked bacon or sausage.
Serving Suggestions
- With dipping sauces: Serve with salsa, guacamole, or chimichurri for contrast.
- As a meal: Pair with a fresh salad, beans, or rice.
- For a party: Offer a variety of fillings and sauces for guests to choose from.
Pairings and Related Recipes
If you enjoy these air fryer empanadas, try them alongside other air fryer favorites like air-fried chicken or crispy shrimp for a complementary spread.
- Air Fryer Fried Chicken
- Crunchy Air Fryer Shrimp
- Frozen Egg Rolls in the Air Fryer
- Air Fryer French Fries
FAQ
Yes. After cooking, cool them completely, freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They keep up to 3 months.
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes for a crisp result without sogginess.
Fresh empanadas: 8–10 minutes at 350°F (175°C), flipping halfway.
Frozen empanadas: 12–15 minutes at 370°F (190°C), depending on your air fryer.
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 strike a great balance between flaky pastry and a flavorful filling without the hassle of deep frying. They’re ideal for a quick snack, party appetizer, or make-ahead meal. Experiment with fillings and sauces to match your mood and occasion.
If you try this recipe, rate it and leave a comment to share how it turned out. Happy cooking!
Kitchen Essentials and Items Used
COSORI or similar basket-style air fryers work well for this recipe. Use basic tools like a mixing bowl, pastry brush, fork for crimping, and a wire rack for cooling.
Crispy Air Fryer Empanadas – Easy & Delicious!
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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
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In a mixing bowl add chopped chicken, scallions and cheese.
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Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, garlic powder and cumin.
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Mix ingredients until combined.
Assemble Empanadas
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Add egg and water to a bowl and beat to create the egg wash.
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Lay a dough disc flat and fill with 2–3 tablespoons of mixture.
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Dip a finger in the egg wash and run it around the edge to help seal.
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Fold over and pinch edges to seal.
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Crimp edges with a fork, being careful not to puncture the empanada.
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Repeat until all empanadas are assembled.
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Turn empanadas over so the bottom is facing up and brush with egg wash.
Cooking Air Fryer Empanadas
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Place the side you brushed with egg wash down in the air fryer basket.
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Place about 5 empanadas in the basket; do not overcrowd.
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Brush the top side with egg wash.
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Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
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Cook for a total of 8 minutes, flipping halfway through.