Who doesn’t love a flaky, crispy empanada with a flavorful filling? These Air Fryer Empanadas deliver all the texture and taste you’d expect, without the mess or effort of deep frying. Use chicken, beef, or a vegetarian filling — the air fryer produces perfectly golden, flaky empanadas in about 30 minutes. They’re ideal for snacks, meal prep, or party appetizers and keep your kitchen oil-free.
Why this recipe is fantastic
- Quick and easy — great for a snack or a meal.
- Crisp, golden empanadas without deep frying.
- Fully customizable fillings to suit any taste.
- Freezer-friendly — cook fresh or from frozen.
- Reheats well while staying crispy.
Ingredients you’ll need
- 1 package Goya empanada dough discs
- 8–10 oz cooked chicken or beef
- 2 scallions, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 3 tbsp cheese (any variety)
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp water
How to make air fryer empanadas
Step 1 – Prepare the filling
- In a bowl combine the cooked chicken or beef, chopped scallions, and cheese.
- Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and cumin.
- Mix until everything is evenly combined and set aside.
Step 2 – Prepare the egg wash
- Whisk the egg with the water in a small bowl.
- This egg wash seals the empanadas and gives them a golden finish.
Step 3 – Assemble the empanadas
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Lay out the dough
- Place a dough disc on a clean flat surface.
-
Add the filling
- Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of filling into the center of the disc.
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Seal the edges
- Brush the edge with egg wash, fold the disc into a half-moon, and press to seal.
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Crimp the edges
- Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative, secure seal. Avoid puncturing the dough.
Step 4 – Preheat the air fryer & apply egg wash
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes for even cooking.
- Brush the tops of the empanadas with the egg wash while the air fryer preheats.
Step 5 – Cook the empanadas
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Place in air fryer
- Arrange empanadas in a single layer without overlapping.
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Cook
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.
Step 6 – Serve
- When golden and crispy, remove from the air fryer and let cool briefly before serving.
Storage and reheating
How to store leftover empanadas
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Wrap individually and store for up to 3 months.
Can you freeze cooked empanadas?
- Yes. Cooked empanadas freeze well and are ideal for meal prep.
- How to freeze:
- Cool completely before freezing.
- Place in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1–2 hours.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container.
- Store for up to 3 months.
How to reheat frozen cooked empanadas in an air fryer
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange frozen empanadas in a single layer in the basket.
- Air fry 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- For extra crispiness, lightly spritz with oil before reheating.
- Let rest 2 minutes before serving.
How to keep empanadas crispy when reheating
- Use an air fryer rather than a microwave to avoid sogginess.
- Avoid overcrowding the basket for even reheating.
- Lightly spritz with oil before reheating for extra crunch.
- Cool on a rack after cooking to prevent steam buildup underneath.
Recipe variations
- Cheese lovers: Use a mix of mozzarella, cheddar, and cream cheese.
- Vegetarian: Fill with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and cheese.
- Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
- Breakfast empanadas: Use scrambled eggs, cheese, and bacon.
Serving suggestions
- Serve with salsa, guacamole, or chimichurri for dipping.
- Pair with a fresh salad or rice for a full meal.
- Offer alongside other air fryer appetizers for a party spread.
Pairings and related recipes
If you enjoy these empanadas, other air fryer favorites pair nicely with them.
FAQ
Yes. Let them cool completely, freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They keep up to 3 months.
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes. This preserves crispness without sogginess.
Fresh: 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway. Frozen: 370°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes.
Fresh: 350°F (175°C). Frozen: 370°F (190°C).
Nutritional information
- Serving size: 1 empanada
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 7 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fat: 9 g
These Air Fryer Empanadas balance crisp, golden pastry with a tasty filling — perfect for quick snacks, appetizers, or meal prep. They’re simple to make, freezer-friendly, and easy to reheat while keeping their crunch.
Tried the recipe? Leave a rating or comment and share your photos with the hashtag #StuffMattyCooks — I’d love to see your results. Happy cooking!
Kitchen essentials and items used
COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1 (or a similar 6-qt air fryer) and parchment liners make assembly and cleanup easier.
Crispy Air Fryer Empanadas – Easy & Delicious!
Ingredients
- 1 package Goya Empanada Dough Discs
- 8–10 oz cooked chicken or beef
- 2 chopped scallions
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 3 tbsp cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
Empanada filling
- Add chopped chicken, scallions, and cheese to a bowl.
- Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and cumin.
- Mix until combined.
Assemble empanadas
- Beat the egg with water to make the egg wash.
- Place a dough disc on a flat surface and add 2–3 tablespoons of filling.
- Brush the dough edge with egg wash, fold over, and press to seal.
- Crimp edges with a fork, taking care not to puncture the empanada.
- Repeat until all empanadas are formed. Turn them over so the brushed side is down and brush the bottoms with egg wash.
Cooking air fryer empanadas
- Place the empanadas in the air fryer basket, brushed side down. Do not overcrowd (about 5 at a time).
- Brush the top side with egg wash.
- Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook for 8 minutes total, flipping halfway through.
Notes
All air fryers vary slightly. Adjust cooking time by a minute or two as needed based on your model.