Air Fryer Breakfast Empanadas

Discover how to make delicious Air Fryer Breakfast Empanadas that are crispy on the outside and filled with your favorite breakfast ingredients. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick breakfast or snack, offering a tasty twist on traditional empanadas. Enjoy a delightful mix of flavors while saving time with your air fryer!

Start your morning off right with these easy and delicious Air Fryer Breakfast Empanadas! Filled with savory scrambled eggs, melty cheese, and your favorite breakfast meats, they’re wrapped in a golden, crispy shell thanks to the air fryer—no deep frying needed.

Perfect for busy mornings, meal prep, or weekend brunch, these handheld breakfast pockets are a family favorite that’s both satisfying and fun to eat.

If you love easy Air Fryer Breakfast Recipes, try my recipe for Air Fryer Pumpkin Pie Pop Tarts, Air Fry Homemade Waffles, or Air Fryer Gingerbread Donuts.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

🥚 Hearty & Filling – Packed with eggs, cheese, and protein to keep you full.

⏱️ Quick & Convenient – Cooks up fast in the air fryer—perfect for busy mornings.

🧀 Customizable – Easily swap in your favorite meats, veggies, or cheeses.

🥟 Crispy Without Frying – Golden and crunchy shell with no messy oil.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Favorite – Kid-approved and great for breakfast on the go!

Ingredients Needed

• Pie Crust: You can either use homemade pie crust or store-bought
• Eggs: I used large, room temperature eggs
• Milk: You can also use milk alternatives such as oat milk, lactose-free milk, or even coconut milk.
• Cheddar Cheese: Use any of your favorite shredded cheese blends.
• Sausage: You can also use chorizo, hot or mild Italian sausage, or even chicken sausage.
• Potatoes: Use any of your favorites, Russet or Yukon work well, as does Sweet Potatoes.
• Butter: Use room temperature unsalted butter
• Seasoning: Add any of your favorites, I used salt and black pepper, but anything will work. Some great additions are paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

How To Make Air Fryer Breakfast Empanadas

Step One: Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add breakfast sausage to the hot skillet and brown and crumble. Drain, then place sausage back onto the skillet. 

Step Two: Scramble the eggs. Combine eggs and milk in a mixing bowl and whisk. Pour into the hot skillet with the sausage and scramble. 

Step Three: Add drained diced potatoes into a small mixing bowl and toss with salt and pepper. Add to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes.  Fold in cheese and stir until melted. 

Step Four: Unroll pie crusts onto a wooden cutting board and stack them on top of each other.  Use the lid of a mason jar or a biscuit cutter to cut circles into the pie. 

Step Five: Scoop 2 tbsp of egg filling onto one side of the pie circle. Fold in half and use a fork to crimp and seal the edges. 

Step Six: Brush empanadas with melted butter and sprinkle a pinch of pepper over the top. Add to the air fryer and cook for five minutes, at 320 degrees F. Serve warm.

Air Fryer Breakfast Empanadas Recipe Tips

• Use pre-made or store-bought empanada dough to save time, ensuring a quick and convenient breakfast preparation.
• Seal the edges of the empanadas firmly to prevent any filling from leaking out during the cooking process, ensuring they remain intact and perfectly crispy.
• Preheat the air fryer before cooking the empanadas to ensure they cook evenly and develop a golden-brown crust.
• Brush the empanadas with a light coating of oil before air frying to promote crispiness and enhance browning.
• Experiment with different fillings and flavors to customize your breakfast empanadas according to your taste preferences and dietary restrictions.
• Serve the empanadas with your favorite dipping sauces or toppings, such as salsa, sour cream, or avocado, to add extra flavor and texture to your meal.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating

• Storing: Store leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let them cool completely before storing to prevent sogginess.
• Freezing: Freeze fully cooked and cooled empanadas in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 4–6 minutes until warmed through and crispy. You can also microwave for 1–2 minutes, though the crust may be softer.

What To Serve With Air Fryer Breakfast Empanadas

Air Fryer Breakfast Empanadas pair perfectly with a variety of breakfast sides to round out your morning meal. Serve them with fresh fruit, a side of hash browns or breakfast potatoes, or a simple green salad for a lighter option. They’re also delicious with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping. Whether it’s a casual breakfast or a weekend brunch, these empanadas fit right in.

Air Fryer Breakfast Empanadas Recipe Faqs

Can I use store-bought dough? Yes! Store-bought empanada or pie dough works great and saves time.

What fillings work best? Scrambled eggs, cheese, sausage, bacon, ham, or even veggies like peppers and onions are all delicious options.

How do I keep them from opening in the air fryer? Make sure to seal the edges well with a fork and avoid overfilling the empanadas.

Can I make them ahead of time? Absolutely! Assemble and refrigerate overnight or freeze for later use.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer? Yes, preheating helps the empanadas cook evenly and get extra crispy.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Cherry Oatmeal Breakfast Bake
• Air Fryer Apple Pie Pizookie
• Easy Air Fryer Homemade Biscuits
• Air Fryer Caramelized Leeks and Artichoke Quiche
• Air Fryer Blueberry Muffins

Don’t Forget To Pin!

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