Preheat Your Air Fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures even cooking and helps achieve a crispy texture.
Arrange the Frozen Empanadas: While the air fryer is preheating, take the frozen empanadas out of the freezer and arrange them 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 cook them for about 12-15 minutes. However, cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the empanadas, as well as 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: Once your frozen empanadas are beautifully golden and crispy, carefully remove them from the air fryer. Allow them to cool for 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.