If you’re craving a crispy, flavorful snack without deep frying, air fryer empanadas are about to become your new go-to. These handheld delights are filled with savory meat, melty cheese, and a touch of onion—then air-fried to perfection. Whether you’re prepping a quick weeknight dinner or need a party appetizer that wins hearts, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. In just under 30 minutes, you’ll enjoy crunchy empanadas without the greasy mess of traditional frying. Let’s walk through ingredients, and exact steps to make them golden, crispy, and oh-so-satisfying.
Why I Love This Air Fryer Empanadas Recipe
There’s something so satisfying about hearing the air fryer beep and opening it to perfectly golden empanadas. They’re crunchy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and best of all—easy to customize. Whether I use leftover rotisserie chicken or a quick beef filling, they’re ready in under 30 minutes and the cleanup is a breeze.
If you’ve never tried empanadas in an air fryer, this is your sign. Trust me, they’re just as good as Grandma’s, with a modern twist she’d definitely approve of.
What You Need to Make Crispy Air Fryer Empanadas
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
One of my favorite things about making air fryer empanadas is how flexible the filling can be. You don’t need anything fancy—just a few everyday ingredients and your favorite protein. Whether you’re using last night’s shredded chicken or some ground beef seasoned to perfection, this recipe is easy to adapt and hard to mess up.
When I’m in a rush, I grab store-bought empanada dough (usually found in the frozen section), and it works beautifully every time. If you’re gluten-free, there are dough alternatives available that crisp up just as nicely in the air fryer. These empanadas come together fast, and the filling-to-dough ratio is spot on for that ideal bite—crunchy on the outside, melty inside.
Ingredients List
- 1 package of empanada dough (thawed if frozen)
- 1 cup cooked meat (shredded chicken, ground beef)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend)
- 1/4 cup onions, finely diced
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
That’s it. Five ingredients—and you’ve got a batch of 12 crispy pockets of joy. You can also sneak in some diced peppers or jalapeños if your family likes a little heat. And if you’re out of meat, black beans or sautéed mushrooms make great vegetarian swaps.
How to Make Air Fryer Empanadas
Step-by-Step for Foolproof Results
Making air fryer empanadas is all about getting that perfect seal and crisp texture. Once you’ve mixed your filling, the rest is simply fold, press, and air fry. The key is not to overstuff—just enough filling to make every bite flavorful without bursting open. A little egg wash gives you that beautiful golden finish, no oil splatters needed.
This is a great recipe for kids to help with, too. My daughter loves using the fork to press the edges and calls them “little moons.”
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. This ensures even cooking from the start.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, mix together the cooked meat, shredded cheese, and diced onions until evenly combined.
Step 3: Lay out one piece of empanada dough. Spoon about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of filling onto the center.
Step 4: Fold the dough over into a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly with a fork to seal completely.
Step 5: Brush the tops lightly with the beaten egg. This helps the empanadas turn golden and glossy.
Step 6: Place them in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd—work in batches if needed.
Step 7: Air fry for 10–12 minutes, or until the empanadas are crispy and golden brown.
Serve warm and enjoy that satisfying crunch! These are fantastic on their own or with a quick side of guacamole or salsa.
Serving Ideas, Filling Variations & How to Store Air Fryer Empanadas
How to Serve Your Air Fryer Empanadas
Once your air fryer empanadas come out golden and crisp, the possibilities are endless. I love serving them hot with a side of creamy guacamole, spicy salsa verde, or even a drizzle of chipotle sour cream. They’re perfect for parties, packed lunches, or an easy family dinner.
If you’re planning a themed dinner night, pair these with my Ceviche Recipe: Easy, Fresh, and Full of Flavor, and some agua fresca. You’ve got yourself a complete meal that feels like a treat but takes minimal effort.
Empanadas also make a fun appetizer—just cut them in half and serve with toothpicks and dips on a platter.
Variations to Try + Make-Ahead Tips
Empanadas are incredibly customizable. Here are a few tasty variations:
- Vegetarian: Swap the meat for black beans, sautéed mushrooms, or mashed sweet potatoes.
- Spicy: Add chopped jalapeños, chipotle peppers in adobo, or hot sauce to the filling.
- Breakfast style: Use scrambled eggs, cooked bacon, and cheese for a quick morning option.
You can also use Goya empanada discs—they work beautifully in the air fryer, just like homemade dough. Wondering can you cook Goya empanadas in an air fryer? Yes, and they turn out crisp and golden every time.
For make-ahead ease, assemble the empanadas and freeze them uncooked. When you’re ready to eat, pop them into the air fryer straight from the freezer—just add 2–3 extra minutes to the cook time.
Leftovers? Store cooled empanadas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes. Curious how long to heat empanadas in an air fryer? That’s your sweet spot for crispy reheats.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Empanadas
Is it better to bake or air fry empanadas?
Air frying gives empanadas a crispier texture with less oil than baking. Plus, they cook faster—no preheating a full oven. You still get that golden finish without deep-frying mess.
How long to heat empanadas in an air fryer?
To reheat cooked empanadas, air fry at 350°F for 3–4 minutes. They’ll come out warm and crisp, perfect for enjoying leftovers without using a microwave.
Can you cook Goya empanadas in an air fryer?
Yes! Goya empanada discs work great in the air fryer. Just fill, seal, and cook at 375°F for 10–12 minutes until golden and crispy.
Can you bake empanadas instead of frying?
Absolutely. You can bake them at 400°F for about 20 minutes. They’ll be less crisp than air fried but still delicious—especially with an egg wash on top.
Conclusion
Air fryer empanadas are the perfect mix of tradition and convenience. They’re everything you love—crispy crust, melty filling, easy prep—without the deep-frying hassle. Whether you use homemade fillings or quick leftovers, this recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights or fun family meals. Try them once, and you’ll be hooked—just like we were in my multigenerational kitchen.
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Air Fryer Empanadas: Crispy, Easy & Ready in 30 Minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 12 empanadas
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crispy air fryer empanadas filled with savory ingredients like meat, cheese, and onion, all ready in under 30 minutes without the mess of deep frying.
Ingredients
1 package of empanada dough
1 cup cooked meat (chicken, beef, or pork)
1/2 cup cheese, shredded
1/4 cup onions, diced
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, mix the cooked meat, cheese, and onions.
3. Take a piece of empanada dough and fill it with the mixture.
4. Fold the dough over and seal the edges with a fork.
5. Brush the top with beaten egg.
6. Place in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
7. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
Notes
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket—cook in batches.
To reheat, air fry at 350°F for 3–4 minutes until warm and crisp.
Freeze uncooked empanadas for later and air fry straight from frozen with 2-3 extra minutes.