Ella Walter
Empanadas are a delicious, savoury pastry with roots in Spain, but most closely associated with Latin American cuisine. They are typically deep-fried, but can be cooked in an air fryer to achieve a golden, crispy texture without the excess oil. The cooking time will depend on the type of empanada, the quantity, and the size of your air fryer. However, on average, it should take between 8 to 15 minutes to cook empanadas in an air fryer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Air Fryer Temperature | 325°F to 400°F (175°C to 200°C) |
| Cooking Time | 8 to 15 minutes |
| Preheat Time | 1 to 2 minutes |
| Reheating Time | 5 to 12 minutes |
| Storage Time | 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator, 3 to 6 months in the freezer |
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What You'll Learn
Empanada fillings
Empanadas are crescent-shaped pastries that can be filled with a variety of sweet or savoury fillings. They are popular in Latin America and are usually baked or fried. Here are some ideas for empanada fillings:
Beef
Beef is a popular choice for empanada filling and can be combined with a variety of other ingredients to create different flavours. For example, ground beef can be mixed with yellow onions, red bell peppers, and beef broth for a simple yet satisfying filling. For added spice and heat, you can include jalapeños, black pepper, garlic powder, and hot sauce. If you're looking for a more indulgent option, try adding chunks of soft potatoes or even some shredded cheese.
Chicken
Chicken empanadas can be a great option, especially when paired with onions and bell peppers for a fajita-inspired flavour. For a more comforting flavour, you could try a chicken pot pie filling.
Vegetarian
For a vegetarian option, you can fill your empanadas with black beans, corn, and salsa. You could also try a combination of sautéed cabbage, your favourite melty cheese, or even leftover chilli. If you're feeling adventurous, try a pumpkin and chorizo filling for a sweet and savoury blend.
Seafood
For seafood lovers, there are a few options to consider. You could try making shrimp and cheese empanadas, or for a more indulgent option, lobster empanadas.
Other Options
If you're feeling creative, you can experiment with different fillings such as shredded chicken with salsa, ground turkey, or even leftover chipotle turkey. Empanadas are all about customisation, so feel free to get creative and combine your favourite flavours!
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Air fryer temperature
The temperature you should set your air fryer to cook empanadas depends on the state of the empanadas and the model of the air fryer.
For frozen empanadas, it is recommended to set the air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F. The lower temperature is suggested for cooking the empanadas for 10 minutes, then flipping and cooking for another 4-6 minutes. The higher temperature is suggested for cooking the empanadas for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
For fresh empanadas, it is recommended to set the air fryer to between 325°F and 350°F and cook for 8 minutes.
It is worth noting that some air fryers may require preheating for 1-3 minutes, while others may not. Preheating the air fryer for a short period can help crispy foods like empanadas cook more evenly.
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Cooking time
The cooking time for empanadas in an air fryer depends on various factors, such as the type of empanadas (fresh or frozen), the filling, and the size of the empanadas and the air fryer.
For fresh empanadas, most sources recommend air frying at a temperature between 325°F and 350°F for 8–10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crisp. However, one source suggests a higher temperature of 400°F for 8 minutes, flipping the empanadas halfway through.
For frozen empanadas, the cooking time is slightly longer. Some sources suggest air frying at 350°F for about 12 minutes, while others recommend a two-step process: air frying at 350°F for 10 minutes, then flipping and air frying the other side for 4–6 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through.
It is important to note that the number of empanadas you can cook at once will depend on the size of your air fryer and the size of the empanadas. It is recommended to arrange them in a single layer, without overlapping, to ensure even cooking.
Additionally, while some instruction manuals for air fryers suggest preheating, others do not. Preheating the air fryer for 1–3 minutes can help crispy foods like empanadas cook more evenly, resulting in a golden brown and crispy exterior.
Overall, the cooking time for empanadas in an air fryer can range from 8 to 15 minutes, depending on the specific circumstances and preferences.
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Reheating cooked empanadas
Empanadas are a delicious snack or appetizer, and with proper heating, you can enjoy them hot and crispy even as leftovers. Here is a guide to reheating cooked empanadas in an air fryer:
Reheating in an Air Fryer:
If you're reheating cooked empanadas in an air fryer, it's best to do so in small batches to prevent overcrowding and ensure even cooking. Preheat your air fryer for 1-2 minutes, as this helps crispy foods cook more evenly. Set the temperature to 350°F and place the empanadas in a single layer, cooking in batches if necessary. Air fry for about 10-12 minutes, flipping them over halfway through to ensure even heating. Check on them frequently to avoid burning.
Reheating in an Oven:
If you don't have an air fryer, you can also reheat empanadas in a conventional oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F and place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crisp. If you're reheating frozen empanadas, they will take longer, around 20-25 minutes. For an even crispier texture, use a cast-iron skillet or baking sheet, lightly coated with avocado oil, and preheat it in the oven before placing the empanadas on it. Reheat for about 30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Reheating in a Microwave:
You can also quickly reheat empanadas in the microwave, although this may soften the pastry. Place 1-2 empanadas on a microwave-safe plate and microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
Tips for Best Results:
- If you're reheating cheese empanadas or dessert empanadas, reduce the reheating time by half, as cheese takes less time to reheat.
- You can also finish reheated empanadas in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them up if desired.
- If you're reheating multiple empanadas, it's best to place them in a single layer, leaving some space between them for even cooking.
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Storing and freezing empanadas
Empanadas can be stored in the fridge for up to 7 days if they have been baked. They can also be frozen, either baked or unbaked, and will keep for up to three months.
To freeze unbaked empanadas, place them side by side on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure they don't touch. Put them in the freezer until they are solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you're ready to eat them, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
You can also freeze baked empanadas, but they may lose some of their texture. To freeze, wrap them individually in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn, then place them in a freezer bag or container. When you're ready to eat them, they can be heated in the microwave for a quick snack or lunch, although this may affect the flavour and texture.
Another method for freezing empanadas is to first place them on a baking sheet lined with wax paper, then 'flash freeze' by putting the sheet in the freezer for about 30 minutes. When they are frozen, put them into labelled freezer bags. They are best used within 2 months. When you're ready to cook them, defrost them at room temperature for about 2 hours, then brush with beaten egg and bake as directed.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you cook empanadas in an air fryer for 8 minutes at 325°F-330°F.
Brush the empanadas with an egg wash before placing them in the air fryer. This will give them a nice golden crust.
This depends on the size of your air fryer and the size of your empanadas. You should place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, so 2-6 empanadas at a time.
Place the empanadas back in the air fryer at 330°F-350°F for 5-8 minutes.
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Place the frozen empanadas in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes, then flip and cook for another 4-6 minutes.
