Air Fryer Frozen Empanadas are a tasty meal that is also filling. The results are nice and crispy and healthier than the deep-fried option.
What are empanadas?
Empanadas, originating in Spain, are made by folding filling into a pastry dough and then either baked or fried. These turnovers are a bit like hand pies / meat pies or Cornish pasties. This deep fried goodness is now enjoyed worldwide! You can find empanadas made with meat such as ground beef, chicken empanadas or tuna. Plenty of vegetarian and vegan options are now out there such as cheese and onion, cheese and spinach, black bean and mixed vegetable. I’ve even come across sweet apple empanadas! This is such an easy air fryer recipe and definitely the best method to get the much-desired flaky texture of the pie crust. Other Air Fryer recipes with puff pastry that I’ve tried and tasted include: Vegan Curry Puffs (Thai) Rose and Pistachio Puff Pastry Cream Horns/Cones Tandoori Paneer Tarte au Soleil
Why you should use the air fryer:
Meals in less time – you can make a big batch of empanadas quicker than baking in a conventional oven – delicious food for a large family in less than 15 minutes! You do not even need to thaw them first. Perfect crispy texture all over, including the bottom of the empanadas as the air fryer circulates hot air. Uses just enough oil. Excess oil is needed for deep frying increasing the fat content of each serving. These are much heathier than the deep-fried version. These are easy air fryer empanadas perfect for a snack when craving hits or add to a lunch box.
Ingredients:
Full ingredients with measurements are available in the recipe card below at the end of this post So simple, the main ingredients you need are: Ready-made frozen empanadas – you can either make them yourself or buy shop-bought. If you are vegan, check the side of the package to ensure they do not contain dairy products. In America, you can find Goya Empanadas. In the UK, I have come across frozen empanadas online. Glaze/egg wash – you need a glaze for the pastry As I do not use egg, I made a glaze with milk, a pinch of turmeric and paprika. Good alternatives are milk/non-dairy milk or water mixed with honey/maple syrup. Alternatively, brush with olive oil or vegetable oil. If you have it, cooking spray also works.
How to make frozen empanadas in the air fryer:
I have used the Instant Pot Pro Crisp but you can also use the Instant Pot Duo Crisp which also has an air fryer lid. Any other brand will also do. Select your favourite frozen empanadas and prepare your glaze in a small bowl. Place on a baking sheet or plate and brush with your “egg wash” or glaze. You can layer the air fryer basket with parchment paper or aluminium foil to save on cleaning later on. You do not need to use a baking tray in the air fryer. Place unbaked empanadas in a single layer the basket. There is no need to thaw empanadas first. Air fry on 350 degrees F or 180 C for 8-10 minutes and cook until golden brown. 350 F is medium-high heat which is about right to cook the empanadas in the centre without burning the pastry. You may want to check the empanadas at around 6 minutes. Note that this cooking time may vary depending on the size of your frozen empanadas. You may need extra minutes if the empanadas are very large. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you can probably fit in around 6 mini empanadas or 4 large empanadas. Repeat for any remaining empanadas. Despite preheating, I have noticed that the next batches require less cooking time, presumably because the air fryer is now so hot.
Serving Suggestions
Empanadas are the perfect finger-food that can be served just as they are – hot or cold. The flavourful fillings make empanadas an exciting meal. For dip suggestions, sour cream or tomato sauce such as marinara would go great. For a complete meal, why not try Cilantro, Lime and Coconut Rice, White Bean Panzanella, Mango Avocado Black Bean salad or Air Fryer Banana Chips with Black Pepper
Storage
Want to store air fried empanadas for later? Once they reach room temperature, they can be stored in an airtight sealed container and placed in the fridge. They will keep well for 2-3 days. To reheat, place in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes. Try not to overcrowd the basket – stick to a single layer. You can also microwave but the pastry may go soft. I do not recommend re-freezing empanadas that have been defrosted.
How to make frozen empanadas at home
You can use store-bought empanada dough or pie dough for ease. Alternatively, make your own empanada dough. Roll out the dough into equal sized rounds/discs. Next, you need to prepare your filling. Allow the filling to cool. Spoon the filling onto the dough on one side only. Leave a small gap on the edge. Do not add too much filling to the empanada discs as it may tear the pastry when you try to seal it. Fold over the dough and either crimp with a fork or twist to make a pattern. To freeze, place onto a baking tray and put it in the freezer. Wait until they are frozen. Then, wrap individually in plastic wrap or place in a freezer bag.
Other Air Fryer Recipes
Air fryer Potato Slices
Indian Potato in Air Fryer
Salt and Pepper Halloumi Fries
Air fryer Sheet Pan Focaccia Pizza
Air fryer Toasted Ravioli (No Egg)
Pumpkin Scones (2 ways)
Easy Avocado Fries
Grilled Air Fryer Pineapple
Best Air Fryer Baklava
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