Air-Frying Empanadas: The Perfect Timing For Crisp Treats

Empanadas are a popular Latin American snack, with roots that trace back to Spain. They are made with a soft dough that is wrapped around a variety of fillings, such as chicken, beef, or cheese, and then deep-fried to crispy perfection. However, cooking them in an air fryer is a healthier alternative that produces the same golden-brown, crispy exterior without the excess oil or mess. The cooking time for empanadas in an air fryer depends on the filling and the number of empanadas being cooked at once but typically ranges from 8 to 15 minutes at temperatures between 325°F and 400°F.

How to cook frozen empanadas in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Frozen empanadas (store-bought or homemade)
• Egg wash (optional)
• Cooking oil spray (optional)

Utensils

Air fryer

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
• Place your frozen empanadas in the air fryer basket.
• Spray the empanadas with cooking oil spray or brush them with an egg wash.
• Air fry for 10 minutes, then flip the empanadas.
• Spray or apply an egg wash 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.

Tips

• You can fill your empanadas with anything from meat to vegetables and cheese.
• If you want to seal your empanadas shut before cooking, brush them with an egg wash or spray them with olive oil.
• If you want to reheat your empanadas, place them back in the air fryer and cook at 330°F for about 5 minutes.

How to make the filling for empanadas

Empanadas are a versatile dish that can be filled with almost anything. Here is a guide on how to make the filling for empanadas:

Firstly, decide on the type of empanada you want to make. Empanadas can be filled with anything from meat to vegetables, or even a sweet filling. Popular fillings include beef, chicken, cheese, beans, and spinach. You can also get creative and experiment with different combinations of ingredients.

Once you have decided on the filling, it's time to prepare the ingredients. If you are using meat, make sure it is cooked thoroughly before filling the empanadas. Chop or shred the meat into small pieces that can easily fit inside the empanada dough. If you are using vegetables, chop them into small pieces and sauté them in a pan with some oil until they are tender. For sweet empanadas, you can use ingredients such as apples, chocolate, or cinnamon.

Now it's time to assemble the filling. In a bowl, mix together your chosen ingredients, adding any spices or seasonings to taste. For a savoury filling, you might want to add salt, pepper, cumin, or chili powder. For a sweet filling, cinnamon, sugar, or vanilla extract can be used. You can also add sauces or dips to your filling, such as salsa, guacamole, or hot sauce.

When your filling is ready, you can start filling your empanada dough. Place a heaping tablespoon of filling in the centre of each disc of dough, being careful not to overfill. Fold the dough over the filling and seal the edges by pressing them together with your fingers or using a fork to crimp them shut.

Finally, brush the empanadas with an egg wash (a mixture of beaten egg and water) to help them brown and give them a glossy finish. Your empanadas are now ready to be cooked!

How to assemble empanadas

Empanadas are a delicious treat, but assembling them can be the most time-consuming part of the process. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you assemble your empanadas like a pro!

First, you will need to prepare your empanada dough. You can make your own dough from scratch, or you can opt for store-bought dough. If you are making it yourself, the dough typically consists of flour, butter, and salt, with the option to add herbs and spices for extra flavour. You can use a food processor, stand mixer, or mix the ingredients by hand. Once your dough is ready, divide it into two large balls, flatten them slightly into disc shapes, and refrigerate until you are ready to use it.

Next, you will need to roll out the dough and cut out circles for your empanadas. You can use a rolling pin to roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface. Aim for a thickness of about 1/4 inch and a diameter of around 5 inches. If you don't have a rolling pin, you can also use a tortilla press to flatten the dough.

Now it's time to fill your empanadas. Place a spoonful of your chosen filling in the centre of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make it difficult to seal the empanadas. For savoury empanadas, you can use fillings such as beef, chicken, vegetables, cheese, or any combination of these ingredients. Sweet empanadas can be filled with ingredients like apple, chocolate, or cinnamon sugar.

To seal your empanadas, brush a small amount of egg wash along the edges of the dough circle. Then, fold the dough in half to create a half-moon shape, and press the edges firmly to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative finish.

Before baking, it is recommended to refrigerate the assembled empanadas for at least 30 minutes. This helps them seal better and prevents the filling from leaking out. You can also brush the empanadas with an egg wash to give them a golden finish.

Finally, bake your empanadas in a preheated oven. The baking temperature and time may vary depending on your oven and the size of your empanadas, but they are typically baked at around 375°F to 400°F for 18 to 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown.

How long to cook empanadas in an air fryer

The length of time it takes to cook empanadas in an air fryer depends on the type of empanadas you are cooking, the filling, and the temperature of the air fryer.

Cooking times and temperatures

Most recipes recommend cooking empanadas in an air fryer at a temperature between 325°F and 400°F for 8 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Some recipes suggest cooking for an additional 4-6 minutes after flipping, or cooking for 5 minutes after flipping and then brushing again before cooking for a further 5 minutes.

Frozen empanadas

If you are cooking frozen empanadas, you should cook them for a total of around 15 minutes, flipping them after 10 minutes and then cooking for a further 4-6 minutes.

Other tips

It is recommended that you preheat your air fryer for 1-2 minutes before cooking empanadas, and that you cook the empanadas in a single layer, in batches if necessary.

How to reheat empanadas in an air fryer

Empanadas are a delicious snack, but reheating them can be a challenge. Here is a detailed guide on how to reheat empanadas in an air fryer to achieve the perfect temperature and texture.

First, it is important to note that empanadas should always be cooked from frozen. Do not microwave them as this can affect their texture and taste. If you are reheating empanadas that were previously cooked in an air fryer, simply place them back into the air fryer and follow the same instructions.

Set your air fryer to 330°F to 350°F. The exact temperature may depend on your air fryer model, so adjust accordingly. Place the frozen empanadas in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. This will allow for even heating and prevent sogginess. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.

Air fry the empanadas for about 5 to 12 minutes. Keep a close eye on them as the exact time may vary. You are aiming for a golden brown colour and a crispy texture. Once they are heated through and crispy, remove them from the air fryer.

Let the empanadas cool for a couple of minutes before serving. This will ensure that the filling is not too hot and that the crust remains crisp.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy delicious, crispy empanadas that taste just like they were freshly cooked.

Frequently asked questions