Air Fryer Hack: Frozen Empanadas, Cooked To Perfection

Empanadas are a Latin American favourite. They are handheld savoury turnovers with a variety of fillings, including meat, cheese, or vegetables. They can be baked or fried. You can make them at home or buy them frozen from the grocery store. A popular way to cook frozen empanadas is by using an air fryer, which can cook them in under 15 minutes. This method is quick, easy, and results in a crispy, golden-brown exterior without the need for excess oil or mess.

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F/175°C

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures your food cooks evenly and prevents undercooking. For frozen empanadas, preheat your air fryer to 350°F/175°C for 5 minutes. This is a medium-high heat, which is perfect for cooking empanadas without burning the pastry.

Once preheated, place your frozen empanadas in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It is important not to overcrowd the basket, as this can affect the cooking time and temperature. You can cook between 4 and 6 large empanadas or 6 to 8 mini empanadas at a time, depending on the size of your air fryer.

You can brush the empanadas with an egg wash or spray them with cooking oil before cooking. This will give them a golden, crispy finish. Avocado oil is a good option due to its high smoke point.

After preheating, the empanadas will take around 8-10 minutes to cook. Check on them halfway through the cooking time to ensure they are browning evenly. You may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the size of your empanadas and the power of your air fryer.

Frozen empanadas are a quick and easy meal, ready in less than 15 minutes. They are a great option for a tasty, flaky pastry filled with your choice of meat, cheese, or vegetables.

Cook for 8-10 minutes

To cook frozen empanadas in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F / 180 degrees C. Place the frozen empanadas in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. You can spray them with cooking oil spray or brush them with an egg wash for a golden crust, but this is optional.

Air fry for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through. For a crispier texture, air fry for a further 4-6 minutes, or until the empanadas are crispy and golden brown on the outside and fully heated on the inside.

The total cooking time will depend on the size of your empanadas and the specific model of your air fryer, so adjust the cooking time as needed. Check on the empanadas regularly to ensure they don't overcook.

Once the empanadas are cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your flaky and delicious empanadas!

Flip halfway through

Flipping your empanadas halfway through the cooking process is a good idea if you want to ensure even cooking and browning. While some sources say that flipping is optional, most recommend flipping the empanadas after 8 to 10 minutes of cooking, and then cooking the other side for an additional 4 to 6 minutes. This will help you achieve the desired golden brown colour and crispy texture on both sides of the empanadas.

It is important to note that the cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the make and model of your air fryer, as well as the size of the empanadas. Therefore, it is always a good idea to monitor your empanadas closely during the cooking process to prevent overcooking or burning.

Additionally, when flipping your empanadas, it is crucial to ensure that they are placed seam-side or pocket-side up before flipping, as this will help keep the filling inside secure.

By flipping your empanadas halfway through the cooking process, you can ensure even cooking and browning, and achieve the perfect texture and colour for your delicious Latin American treat.

Spray with oil for extra crispness

Empanadas are a Latin American favorite. They are baked or fried handheld savory turnovers filled with meat, cheese, or veggies. You can make frozen empanadas in an air fryer in less than 15 minutes.

Although not necessary, spraying or brushing the empanadas with a little oil will give them an extra crisp crust. Avocado oil is recommended due to its high smoke point, but you can also use olive oil or vegetable oil. Avoid canned non-stick sprays.

To achieve the best results, keep the empanadas frozen until you are ready to air fry them. Every air fryer will vary, so the first time you make this recipe, monitor the empanadas and check on them 2 minutes before the cooking time is up. Adjust the recipe as needed.

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F for 5 minutes.
• Place the frozen empanadas in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
• Spray them with cooking oil spray or brush them with oil.
• Air fry for 10 minutes, then flip.
• Spray or apply oil to the other side and air fry for another 4-6 minutes, or until the empanadas are crispy, golden brown, and heated through.
• Allow the empanadas to cool slightly before serving.

Serve with a dipping sauce

Empanadas are a Latin American favorite, and they're even better when cooked in an air fryer! You can use store-bought frozen empanadas or make them from scratch. Either way, they'll turn out crispy and delicious in just a few minutes.

When it comes to serving these tasty treats, a dipping sauce is a must. Here are some ideas to elevate your empanada-dipping experience:

Avocado Crema

This Mexican-inspired sauce is the perfect accompaniment to empanadas, especially those with a savory chicken filling. To make it, simply mash an avocado with a fork and stir in sour cream, lime juice, and salt to taste. It's creamy, tangy, and fresh—the perfect complement to the crispy empanada shell.

Hot Sauce, Salsa, or Guacamole

For those who like it spicy, a hot sauce or salsa can add a nice kick to your empanada dipping experience. If you want something more mild and creamy, go for guacamole. These options are great for beef empanadas or any variety with a Mexican spice blend.

Marinara Sauce

If you're making pizza empanadas, marinara sauce is the perfect dip. It adds a savory, tomato-based flavor that pairs well with the melted mozzarella cheese inside your empanadas.

Customizable Options

The beauty of empanadas is that they are highly customizable, and the same goes for your dipping sauce! Try switching up the flavors by using ground turkey, chicken, or sausage in your filling, and then create a dipping sauce that complements those flavors. For example, a yogurt-based dip with herbs would go well with a lamb or chicken filling.

No matter which dipping sauce you choose, your air-fried empanadas are sure to be a hit!

Frequently asked questions