Easy Air Fryer Empanadas Recipe: Crispy, Golden, and Ready in 8 Minutes

Who doesn’t love a flaky, crispy empanada with a delicious filling? I know I do! My Air Fryer Empanadas recipe is perfect for those days when you want all that yummy flavor without the mess of deep frying. You can fill them with chicken, beef, or even veggies, and the air fryer will make them perfectly golden and crispy. The best part? You can whip these up in less than 30 minutes, and your kitchen will stay clean!

General Information

Particulars	Details
Preparation Time	15 min.
Cook Time	8 min.
Total Time	23 min.
Yields	5 servings
Difficulty	Easy
Total Calories	180 kcal (Per empanada)
Cuisine	Latin American

Why This Recipe Is Fantastic

• Quick and easy – It’s perfect for a fast snack or an easy meal.
• Crisp, golden-brown empanadas – You get that crunchy bite without needing to deep fry.
• Customize the filling – You can use your favorite ingredients to make them your own.
• Freezer-friendly – I love making a big batch to cook fresh or save for later.
• Reheat easily – They stay super crispy when you warm them up.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here is a list of the simple things you’ll need. I usually find the Goya empanada discs in the freezer aisle at the grocery store.

• 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 kind you like will work!)
• 1 egg
• 2 Tbsp. water

How to Make Air Fryer Empanadas

Making these is so much fun! Just follow these easy steps.

Step 1 – Prepare the Filling

• In a mixing bowl, put in the cooked chicken or beef, the chopped scallions, and the cheese.
• Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and cumin.
• Mix it all together until it’s well combined. Then, just set the bowl aside.

Step 2 – Prepare the Egg Wash

• In a small bowl, crack the egg and add the water. Whisk them together with a fork.
• This egg wash is our secret to sealing the empanadas and making them look golden and shiny after cooking.

Step 3 – Assemble the Empanadas

Lay Out the Dough

• Place one empanada dough disc on a flat surface, like a cutting board.

Add the Filling

• Spoon a few tablespoons of your filling right into the center of the dough.

Seal the Edges

• Dip your finger in the egg wash and run it along the edge of the dough.
• Fold the dough over the filling to make a half-moon shape.
• Press the edges together tightly to make sure they’re sealed.

Crimp the Edges

• I love using a fork to press down on the sealed edges. It makes a pretty pattern and makes sure nothing leaks out.
• Just be careful not to poke a hole in the main part of the empanada!

Step 4 – Preheat the Air Fryer & Apply Egg Wash

• I always preheat my air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. This helps the empanadas get crispy right away.
• While the air fryer is heating up, gently brush the tops of the empanadas with the egg wash. This gives them that shiny, golden look.

Step 5 – Cook the Empanadas

Place in Air Fryer

• Arrange the empanadas in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they don’t overlap, so the hot air can cook them evenly. You might have to cook them in two batches.

Cook

• Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8 minutes.
• Halfway through cooking (around 4 minutes), I like to pause and flip them over. This helps both sides get equally brown and crispy.

Step 6 – Serve

• Once they are golden and crispy, carefully take them out of the air fryer.
• Let them cool for a minute or two before serving, as the filling will be very hot. Enjoy!

Storage and Reheating

How to Store Leftover Empanadas

Refrigerate: You can keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze: To freeze them, wrap each one up and they can be stored for up to 3 months.

Can You Freeze Cooked Empanadas?

Yes! Cooked empanadas are perfect for freezing. This is one of my favorite meal prep tricks.

How to Freeze Cooked Empanadas:

• First, let the empanadas cool completely.
• Then, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for 1-2 hours. This keeps them from sticking together.
• Once they’re frozen solid, move them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They’ll stay good for up to 3 months.

How to Reheat Frozen Cooked Empanadas in an Air Fryer

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the frozen empanadas right into the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd them.
• Air fry for 8-10 minutes, and remember to flip them halfway through.
• For extra crispiness, I sometimes spritz them with a little cooking oil.
• Let them sit for 2 minutes before you eat.

How to Keep Empanadas Crispy When Reheating

• Always use an air fryer or oven. A microwave will make them soggy.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket. Give them space to get crispy.
• A light spritz of oil really helps bring back the crunch.
• Let them cool on a wire rack after reheating. This stops the bottom from getting soft from steam.

Recipe Variations

One of the reasons I love this recipe is because it’s so easy to change up the filling! Here are some fun ideas you can try:

• Cheese Lovers: If you’re a big fan of cheese like me, try a simple filling of mozzarella, cheddar, and a spoonful of cream cheese for an extra gooey center.
• Vegetarian Option: For a delicious meat-free empanada, fill them with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and feta cheese.
• Spicy Kick: If you like things spicy, add some finely chopped jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef or chicken filling.
• Breakfast Empanadas: These are a huge hit for breakfast! Try filling them with scrambled eggs, cooked bacon, and cheddar cheese.

Serving Suggestions

These empanadas are amazing on their own, but if you want to make them part of a bigger meal, here are a few ways I like to serve them:

• With a dipping sauce: They are perfect for dunking! Try serving them with salsa, guacamole, or a simple sour cream dip.
• As a meal: To turn them into a full dinner, I pair them with a side salad or some Mexican rice.
• For a party: They make a perfect appetizer for guests. Just arrange them on a platter and watch them disappear!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you bake these in the oven?

Yes, you can! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake them in the oven. They won’t have the exact same bubbly, fried texture, but they’ll still be very tasty. Bake them at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until they’re golden brown.

What should I serve with empanadas?

They can really be a meal on their own! I often just serve them with some salsa for dipping. For a heartier meal, you could serve them with a side salad, rice and beans, or even a warm bowl of soup.

Do I need to preheat my air fryer?

I always recommend it! Letting the air fryer heat up for just a couple of minutes helps get food like these empanadas extra crispy and ensures they cook evenly. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.

How long do you cook empanadas in an air fryer?

For fresh empanadas, cook them at 400°F (200°C) for 8 minutes, flipping them over halfway through, just like we did in the recipe steps. For frozen empanadas, you’ll want to cook them at 370°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes.

Conclusion

These Air Fryer Empanadas are the perfect combination of a crispy, golden shell and a warm, flavorful filling—all without the mess of deep frying. Whether you’re making them for a quick snack, a party, or for meal prep, I know they’ll become a favorite in your house, too!

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