Empanadas in Air Fryer

Craving the tasty, savory pockets called empanadas but want to avoid frying in lots of oil? The air fryer makes it easy! You can cook empanadas in your air fryer and get a crispy, golden crust-just like deep-fried empanadas, but with much less fat. Using the air fryer is not only healthier, but also faster and easier. This means you can enjoy empanadas as a quick dinner, lunch, or even a party snack without a hassle. Let’s see how the air fryer makes enjoying empanadas simple and delicious!

The air fryer works by moving hot air around your food, so it cooks all sides and gets crunchy without soaking in oil. This technique gives you the puff and crunch of fried empanadas using just a little bit of oil. Whether you cook often or are new in the kitchen, air frying empanadas is a simple method that gives great results every time.

What Are Empanadas and Why Use an Air Fryer?

Empanadas are stuffed pastry turnovers, often filled with savory ingredients but sometimes sweet. Their origins go back to Spain, but today, they’re common in Latin American cooking as both street food and a homemade favorite. Each empanada is made by wrapping a soft, flexible dough around a tasty filling, then baking or frying until golden brown. The name comes from the Spanish word “empanar,” meaning “to wrap in bread.”

There are many reasons to use an air fryer for empanadas. First, it makes them much healthier than deep-frying-there’s a lot less fat and fewer calories. Second, the air fryer keeps things tidy with no large amounts of hot oil to manage and less mess. It’s also safer-no worrying about oil splattering-and simple to clean.

How Does the Air Fryer Change Taste and Texture?

The air fryer does a great job making empanadas crispy and golden like deep frying. Its hot air makes the crust puff up, blister, and crunch with every bite. The inside stays soft and the filling comes out moist and flavorful. You get the satisfying texture of fried empanadas without a greasy feeling.

The taste is almost the same as deep frying, but some people feel deep-frying gives a special flavor. Still, the health and convenience of the air fryer often win. Also, with less oil, the taste of your filling stands out more. You end up with empanadas that taste fresh and satisfying without being heavy.

Air Fryer vs. Oven vs. Deep Fryer: Empanadas

The air fryer is a great middle ground. It makes empanadas as crispy as fried ones, but is healthier and much simpler than deep frying or even using the oven.

Key Ingredients for Air Fryer Empanadas

The two main things you need are the dough and the filling. Most people use pre-made, frozen empanada discs (found in grocery store freezers) to save time. These discs are reliable, and come in different sizes and sometimes colors (like yellow or white).

The filling is what makes an empanada special. You can use beef, chicken, veggies, cheese, or even sweet items like fruit. Using good, fresh ingredients always gives better flavor. Feel free to try out your own favorite combinations!

Popular Empanada Fillings

• Classic Beef (Picadillo): Seasoned ground beef with onions, garlic, raisins, olives, and sometimes veggies like carrots or potatoes.
• Chicken or Turkey: Shredded and mixed with sauce or spices.
• Vegetarian: Black beans, corn, salsa, mushrooms, spinach, or cheese.
• Pizza Style: Tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.
• Breakfast: Scrambled eggs, cheese, and bacon.

Choosing or Making the Dough

Pre-made empanada dough (such as Goya “discos”) is easy to use. Just thaw and fill. If you can’t find empanada-specific dough, thin puff pastry or pie crust will work but won’t have quite the same chewy crispness. You can also make dough from scratch (flour, salt, butter/shortening, and water), but it takes more time. For most people, store-bought dough is the quickest and easiest option.

How to Make Air Fryer Empanadas: Step-By-Step

1. Make Your Filling

Cook down ground beef, chicken, or vegetables with choice of spices (like cumin, paprika, garlic, salt, and pepper) until the mix is browned and most of the liquid is gone. If you use beef, you might want to drain any fat. Add extras such as olives, raisins, cheese, or diced veggies. Let the filling cool before using-it makes the dough easier to handle.

2. Assemble and Seal

1. Lay out thawed dough discs on a flat surface.
2. Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of cooled filling on one half, leaving space at the edge.
3. Lightly wet the edges with water or egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tsp water).
4. Fold dough over to make a half-moon, press edges to seal, then use a fork to crimp and seal well.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer

For best results, preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F for about 3-5 minutes. This helps the empanadas start to crisp up right away.

4. Air Fry the Empanadas

• Brush assembled empanadas with egg wash (for good color) or spray lightly with oil.
• Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray.
• Place empanadas in a single layer-not overlapping-in the basket.
• Air fry at 350-400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway for even browning.
• Remove, let cool slightly, and enjoy!

Table: Air Fryer Cooking Times

TIPS for Crispy, Even Empanadas

• Don’t crowd the basket-leave space.
• Always flip halfway through cooking for even results.
• Let cooked empanadas rest on a wire rack right after air frying (keeps them crisp underneath).

Different Types of Air Fryer Empanadas

Beef Empanadas

Classic beef filling (picadillo), made with ground beef and seasonings like cumin, onion, and garlic, is a favorite. For less fat, use lean ground beef. Air frying makes these empanadas crispy without being greasy. Add jalapeños or spices for more heat, or throw in veggies like carrots or peas.

Cheese and Vegetarian Empanadas

Cheese empanadas are easy and tasty-try mozzarella, cheddar, or pepper jack. To go meat-free, fill with beans, corn, mushrooms, spinach, or even plant-based “meat.” Season well and add some salsa or roasted veggies for extra flavor.

Sweet Empanadas

You can also make dessert empanadas! Use apple or cherry pie filling, cream cheese and jam, or chocolate and banana. After air frying, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel for a sweet finish.

Nutrition and Health Facts

Calorie Count

On average, one air fried beef empanada has around 183 calories, 22g carbs, 11g protein, 5g fat (1g saturated), and about 1g fiber. This is much lighter than deep-fried versions, which can have two or three times the calories and fat. Air frying makes these treats much better for your health and waistline.

Is Air Frying Healthier Than Deep Frying?

Yes. Deep frying adds a lot of oil, leading to many more calories and fat. Air frying only needs a little oil or none at all, making empanadas easier on your heart and fitting better into a healthy diet. You can enjoy empanadas more often without worrying as much about health effects.

Storing, Freezing, and Reheating Empanadas

Storing Leftovers:

• Let empanadas cool fully before placing in a sealed container.
• Store in the fridge for up to 3 days, ideally eat within 1-2 for best texture.

Freezing:

• Freeze either cooked or uncooked empanadas.
• Place on baking sheet in a single layer to freeze first, then move to a bag or container.
• They’ll keep in the freezer for 3-6 months.

Reheating:

• Always use the air fryer to keep them crisp (not the microwave).
• From fridge: Preheat air fryer to 350°F, cook for 4-6 minutes.
• From freezer: Preheat to 350-370°F, cook 8-12 minutes, flip halfway.
• Let them rest on a wire rack after reheating for the best crunch.

Serving and Pairing Ideas

Great Dips for Empanadas

• Guacamole
• Salsa (mild or spicy) or pico de gallo
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt dip
• Chimichurri sauce
• Hot or sweet chili sauce
• For cheese or pizza fillings: Marinara sauce

Good Sides to Go With Empanadas

• Green salad with vinaigrette
• Mexican rice or plain white rice
• Black beans (plain or seasoned)
• Roasted vegetables (bell peppers, onions, zucchini)
• Corn on the cob or fresh corn salad

FAQs: Air Fried Empanadas

Should I Brush Them With Egg Wash?

Yes! Egg wash gives empanadas a shiny, golden, crispy crust and helps seal the edges. If you can’t use eggs, a bit of oil spray will work for browning, but won’t be as glossy.

Can You Cook Frozen Empanadas in an Air Fryer?

Yes. No need to thaw. Just pop them (not overlapping) into a preheated air fryer at 350-370°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Can You Air Fry Store-Bought Empanadas?

Definitely. Store-bought frozen empanadas or pre-made dough work very well in the air fryer. Fill and seal them, then cook at 350-400°F for about 8-10 minutes for fresh, or 12-15 for frozen. This gives better results than baking or deep frying for most people at home.