Air Fryer Empanadas Recipe

Air Fryer Empanadas is easy, crispy, and SO satisfying, all made in your trusty air fryer. Forget the deep-frying mess because we’re doing things the easy way! Let me tell you, if you’re anything like me, you’ll LOVE this!

If you’re loving easy air fryer recipes, you might also enjoy these Air Fryer Potato Skins for a crispy appetizer or pair your empanadas with Air Fryer Butternut Squash as a healthy and delicious side dish!

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Why Air Fryer Empanadas?

Okay, let’s get real. Life is BUSY. I mean, who has time to spend hours in the kitchen? I know I don’t! That’s why the air fryer is my BEST friend! This magical appliance makes cooking easier, faster, and healthier, all at once. With the air fryer, you get that incredible crispiness without all the oil and grease from traditional frying methods. You still get to have yummy empanadas without all of the added fat! PLUS, it is less cleanup. It’s the BEST!

And here’s the thing: these empanadas taste JUST as good as if they were deep-fried. Actually, sometimes I feel they’re even BETTER. This is especially true on days when you feel like having that perfect crunchy and savory experience without spending more than 30 minutes to prep AND cook it.

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Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Empanadas

Alright, let’s get to it! The prep for this is SO easy. This isn’t an “all-day cooking” event. It is more like a “20 MINUTES to prep, 20 minutes to cook” situation. It is actually what my sister-in-law usually does, especially when she wants a quick dish when all of her kiddos ask for a savory snack in a hurry. I usually try to get things I can use for the week ahead while doing my grocery run so I save extra trips. First things first, you’ll need:

• Pre-made Empanada Dough Discs: My fave! They’re super convenient and make life so easy. Look for them in the frozen section or sometimes in the refrigerated area of the store. You’ll usually get 12 to 15 discs per package, which makes for a GREAT batch.
• Ground Meat: You’ll need about a pound. My hubby is a HUGE fan of beef so I usually opt for that, but we also do turkey a lot and chicken too. Just use what feels right. For vegetarian options, you can easily substitute for a mix of legumes and or grains (think of lentils and mushrooms). It tastes great!
• Chopped Veggies: We are talking half of a yellow and red bell pepper. I also do one small chopped onion and two garlic cloves that have been chopped to a mince. Also one cup of frozen corn – just adds that nice sweetness. Sometimes I add sliced jalapeños. I personally like to go spicy but my kids have a lower tolerance for it! It depends on what you like!
• Spices: Here’s the kicker – some ground chili powder, a teaspoon of garlic powder, cumin, and paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. And, I drizzle some olive oil. It works WONDERS!

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How To Make Air Fryer Empanadas

Ok, are you ready to start? Here’s how easy it is to bring this recipe to LIFE:

Cook the Meat : In a skillet, add some olive oil and brown the ground meat over medium-high heat. Drain the grease.

Add the Veggies : Toss in the chopped onions, bell peppers, and garlic, and sauté for about 5 minutes until they start to soften. Mix it well, as that really combines the flavors together.

Spice it UP : Add chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to your mix. Stir everything together. This is when the kitchen gets filled with that DELISH smell! Also, the frozen corn needs to get tossed at this stage too.

Assemble : Lay your empanada discs flat. Put about two tablespoons of the filling in the center of each disc. Don’t overfill! Or they’ll spill later on! Fold the dough over and seal the edges with a fork. It should now have that signature “empanada look”!

Air Fryer Time : Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the empanadas in the air fryer basket in a single layer. It depends on your model, but you can try it in 2 batches. Cook for about 12-15 minutes until they’re golden brown and crispy. Check at the 10 minute mark! This depends on your appliance brand, though! You should also shake the basket mid cooking for even browning!

And You’ve just created your homemade air fryer empanadas. Doesn’t that sound effortless?

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Tips for BEST Outcome:

Let’s get these tips down to make it perfect!

Don’t Overfill: One of the main tips here! This is a tricky area and also something that most people need to learn. Overfilled empanadas will have a higher chance of opening in the air fryer. It won’t cause much of an issue if they pop but you’ll not be enjoying the aesthetic. I love how neat my sister’s-in law ones usually are. So it’s a good one!

Preheat: This one also goes with any recipe you are about to start using this appliance. Preheating helps with the temperature for best and even cooking throughout the whole batch. This way, your empanadas are evenly crispy.

Don’t overcrowd your airfryer: Try doing batches as needed. Crowding doesn’t help even heat distribution so its better to go the extra mile and separate the batch!

Watch Closely: Every air fryer cooks slightly differently. You may need a few more or less minutes. Just keep an eye on them. They need to be golden and have that crispy look you are aiming for. I do not mean charred, keep a close watch here.

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Variations on Fillings

Okay, now for the FUN part—fillings! There’s a whole universe of flavors waiting for you. Here are some ideas:

• Spicy Chorizo and Potato: Adds a lot of bold flavor! A favorite! My kiddos call this the fire one as it usually is our spiciest batch.
• Cheese Lovers: Cheese is the heart of so many people and the filling gets REALLY cheesy and awesome with options like cheddar, mozzarella, and pepper jack. Add sliced jalapeños for a kick.
• Vegetable Mix: This is also a HUGE HIT. My family loves it with spinach, artichokes, and feta cheese. This way, we increase the greens for an overall better week.
• Sweet Fillings: This also makes these the BEST for those snack cravings that happen during the week or afternoon. Try it with apples, cinnamon, and raisins. It makes an incredible desert empanada, TRUST ME.

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Serving Suggestions:

These empanadas are incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas on how to enjoy them best:

• With a Dipping Sauce: Think salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or even a creamy cilantro lime sauce.
• As Part of a Meal: These empanadas fit perfectly with a side of salad, some beans, or rice. You can just add what you enjoy the most.
• Party Food: Ideal for any get-together. Just grab your empanadas from the fryer, have some napkins nearby, and it’s game on!

Tips and Tricks

• Don’t Overfill: This is KEY. Too much filling will make the empanadas burst open.
• Seal it Good: Make sure to press the edges tightly with a fork to prevent any leaks.
• Preheat: Preheating your air fryer helps get that crispy crust.
• Watch Closely: Cooking times can vary, so keep an eye on them.
• Experiment: Try different fillings and seasonings to find your FAVORITE combo.

How to Store and Reheat Air Fryer Empanadas

So you’ve got leftover air fryer empanadas? AWESOME! To keep them fresh, let them cool completely, then stash them in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, skip the microwave and go straight for the air fryer—it’s the BEST way to bring back that crispy perfection! Reheat them at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until they’re hot and crispy.

If you don’t have an air fryer, the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes works wonders, too. Just remember: avoid the microwave at all costs if you want them to stay crispy!

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How Can I Get Perfectly Crispy Empanadas?

Want super crispy empanadas? It’s all about a few key steps. Start with a slightly drier dough, and avoid overfilling. Don’t use too much filling, and let it cool a bit. Always preheat your air fryer or oven, and make sure not to overcrowd. A light spray of oil and a flip halfway through helps, too. After cooking, cool them on a rack. And most importantly, serve them immediately for the ultimate crunch. A good egg wash also contributes to crispiness. Try these tips, and you will have the crispiest empanadas ever!

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There you have it—Air Fryer Empanadas that are crispy, delicious, and surprisingly easy to make! No deep-frying mess, just quick, flavorful goodness. These empanadas are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. My husband, sister-in-law, and kiddos LOVE this, and I am betting yours will also feel the same. What are you waiting for? Grab that air fryer and make these. You’ll be SO glad you did!

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