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Air Fryer Frozen Empanadas

Name: Air Fryer Frozen Empanadas
Prep time: 3 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 18 min
Ingredients: 1 package Frozen empanadas

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Air Fryer Frozen Empanadas — Air frying frozen empanadas is a quick and convenient way to enjoy these delicious savory pastries with a crispy exterior and a warm, flavorful filling.

Whether you have store-bought frozen empanadas or homemade ones in your freezer, your air fryer can give them that perfect golden brown finish without excessive oil.

If you love empanadas, the best way to cook them is the air fryer; forget deep frying. This air fryer method is perfect!

What Are Empanadas?

Empanadas are a popular and versatile pastry that originated in Spain and are now enjoyed in many countries worldwide, particularly in Latin America and the Philippines. These savory or sweet turnovers consist of a dough pocket filled with various ingredients and then folded, sealed, baked, or fried until golden brown. Empanadas come in many flavors and fillings, making them a beloved snack, appetizer, or meal option.

If you love my golden brown empanadas recipe, filled with ground turkey or homemade crescent roll dough. Try my from scratch or pick up a package of frozen empanadas from your local grocery store or Trader Joe’s. They are a perfect appetizer or quick lunch. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious appetizer.

Ingredients Needed For Cooking Frozen Empandas In Air Fryer

These are the primary ingredients for cooking frozen empanadas in an air fryer. The recipe’s simplicity makes it a convenient and quick option for a tasty snack or meal.

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below in the printable full recipe card at the bottom of this post, as well as the nutritional information. 

Frozen Empanadas: The star ingredient, frozen empanadas, are savory pastries filled with various fillings, and they are the base of this recipe.
Cooking Spray (Optional): Cooking spray, like olive oil spray, is optional but can be used to lightly coat the empanadas before air frying to achieve a crispy exterior.

How To Cook Froezn Empandads In Air Fryer

Cooking frozen empanadas in an air fryer is a fantastic way to achieve a crispy, golden-brown crust without excessive oil. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F (190°C) for 2-3 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and helps achieve a crispy texture.

Arrange the Frozen Empanadas: While the air fryer is preheating, remove the uncooked empanadas from the freezer and place empanadas in a single layer on the air fryer basket or tray. Ensure they are not touching or overlapping for proper air circulation.

Optional Cooking Spray: If you want your empanadas to have an even crispier finish, you can lightly spray them with cooking spray. This step is optional but can enhance the texture.

Air Fry: Place the empanadas in the preheated air fryer and set cook time for 8-10 minutes. However, cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the empanadas and your specific air fryer model.

Flip Halfway Through: To ensure even cooking and browning, carefully flip the empanadas halfway through the cooking time. Use tongs or a spatula to turn them over gently.

Check for Doneness: Check the empanadas for doneness by looking for a golden-brown, crispy exterior. The filling inside should be piping hot. If needed, cook for an additional few minutes, checking periodically.

Serve: Carefully remove your frozen empanadas from the air fryer once they are golden and crispy. Allow them to cool a few minutes before serving to avoid burning your mouth on the hot filling.

Enjoy: Serve your air-fried frozen empanadas with your favorite dipping sauces, such as salsa, chimichurri, or sour cream, and savor the delicious contrast of the crispy shell and the savory, piping-hot filling.

Pro Tips

To make the best air fryer frozen empanadas, consider these pro tips for achieving a crispy and delicious result:

Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheating is crucial to ensure even cooking and a crispy crust. Allow your air fryer to reach the desired temperature before adding the empanadas.
Don’t Overcrowd: Arrange the frozen empanadas in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching or overlapping. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
Optional Cooking Spray: Lightly spraying the empanadas with cooking spray before air frying can help enhance their crispiness. This step is optional but recommended for a better texture.
Flip Them: To achieve an even golden-brown crust, flip the empanadas halfway through the cooking time. Use tongs or a spatula to turn them gently.
Check for Doneness: Keep a close eye on the empanadas as they cook. They are ready when the crust is golden and crispy and the filling is hot. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
Use a Rack or Parchment Paper: Placing a rack or parchment paper in the air fryer basket can help prevent the empanadas from sticking to the bottom, making them easier to flip.
Experiment with Temperature: While 375°F (190°C) is a good starting point, you can experiment with different temperatures to find the ideal setting for your specific air fryer and empanadas.
Serve with Dipping Sauces: Enhance the flavor of your empanadas by serving them with your favorite dipping sauces, such as salsa, chimichurri, or creamy aioli.
Variety of Fillings: Frozen empanadas come in various flavors and fillings. Explore options, from classic ground beef to chicken, cheese, or vegetarian, to discover your favorites.
Make Your Own: If you have the time and ingredients, consider making homemade empanadas and freezing them. Homemade empanadas can be tailored to your taste and have no added preservatives.

These pro tips will help you make the most of your air fryer when cooking frozen empanadas. With the right techniques, you’ll enjoy a crispy, golden crust and a delicious filling every time.

How to cook frozen empanadas in the oven?

Baking frozen empanadas in the oven is a straightforward and hassle-free method that results in a satisfying and crispy snack or meal. Place the frozen empanadas onto a baking tray or baking sheet, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F, and set the cook time for 20-25 minutes.

Can I cook frozen empanadas directly in the air fryer without preheating?

It’s recommended to preheat your air fryer before cooking frozen empanadas. Preheating ensures even cooking and helps achieve a crispy crust.

How long does it take to cook frozen empanadas in an air fryer?

Cooking times can vary depending on the size and thickness of the empanadas and your specific air fryer model. Typically, it takes about 12-15 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Check for doneness by looking for a golden-brown crust and hot filling.

Do I need to flip the empanadas while cooking in the air fryer?

Yes, flipping the empanadas halfway through the cooking time is recommended to ensure even browning on both sides.

Can I use cooking spray on frozen empanadas in the air fryer?

Yes, cooking spray, such as olive oil spray, on the empanadas before air frying can enhance their crispiness. It’s optional but recommended.

What dipping sauces go well with air-fried empanadas?

Empanadas pair well with dipping sauces like salsa, chimichurri, sour cream, guacamole, or a spicy aioli. The choice of sauce depends on your preferences.

Can I cook different types of frozen empanadas together in the air fryer?

You can cook different types of frozen empanadas together in the air fryer as long as they are of similar size and thickness. Be sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket for even cooking.

Are air-fried frozen empanadas healthier than deep-fried ones?

Air-frying frozen empanadas generally requires less oil than deep-frying, making them healthier. However, the exact health benefits depend on the ingredients and fillings used in the empanadas.

How to store leftover empanadas:

Let the empanadas cool to room temperature, and then place them into an airtight container, or sealed container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap.

Can I reheat leftover cooked empanadas in the air fryer?

Yes, you can reheat leftover cooked empanadas in the air fryer for a few minutes at a lower temperature to help restore their crispiness.

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