Can I use a different type of dough?

Yes! Feel free to use homemade dough or another type of dough you prefer. Adjust the cooking time as needed. I tried them using gluten free versions, it was AMAZING.

Can I freeze uncooked empanadas?

Absolutely! Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag for easy cooking when you're ready. Just toss them into the airfryer without defrosting (it takes about the same time to bake).

How do I prevent empanadas from opening in the air fryer?

Make sure not to overfill the dough, and seal them tightly. For extra help, press the edges really well. Also, do not overcrowd the basket in the appliance itself.

Can I add any cheese to the ground meat?

You sure can! My husband loves adding cheddar cheese to the mix, and it makes it even more juicy!

Can I make sweet empanadas in the air fryer?

Sure can! Use a fruit filling with a little sugar and cinnamon, just like the one I suggested on the text! Those come out amazing! It's like the equivalent of apple pie without much of the added mess!

Air Fryer Empanadas Recipe

Recipe by Liliya

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Total Time30 minutes
Yield12 empanadas 1x

Crispy, golden empanadas with a flavorful filling, made effortlessly in the air fryer. A perfect snack, appetizer, or quick meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Empanadas:

12–15 pre-made empanada dough discs (frozen or refrigerated)
1 pound ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken; vegetarian options: lentils or mushrooms)
1/2 yellow bell pepper, chopped
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup frozen corn
1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Spices:

1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional:

Sliced jalapeños for heat
Salsa or sour cream for serving

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Instructions

Cook the Meat: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground meat and cook until browned. Drain excess grease.
Add the Veggies: Stir in the chopped onion, bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté for 5 minutes, or until softened.
Spice it Up: Add chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the mixture evenly. Toss in the frozen corn and cook for another 2 minutes.
Assemble the Empanadas: Lay the empanada discs flat. Place about 2 tablespoons of the filling in the center of each disc. Fold the dough over and press the edges with a fork to seal.
Air Fry the Empanadas: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the empanadas in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Serve: Remove the empanadas from the air fryer and serve immediately with salsa, sour cream, or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!

Notes

Don’t Overfill: Avoid overstuffing the empanadas to prevent them from bursting open during cooking.
Check Crispiness: Start checking at the 10-minute mark to ensure they don’t overcook.
Freeze for Later: Assemble the empanadas and freeze them uncooked. Air fry directly from frozen, adding an extra 2–3 minutes.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute the meat with a mix of lentils and mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian filling.
Reheat Easily: Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: Latin American

Nutrition

Calories: 220 kcal
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 10g

Find it online: https://wearerecipes.com/air-fryer-empanadas-recipe/