The Perfect Air Fryer Method For Empanadas

Empanadas are a Latin American favourite, and they can be baked or fried handheld savoury turnovers filled with meat, cheese, or veggies. You can reheat them in an air fryer in less than 15 minutes. The air fryer uses super hot, circulated air to quickly reheat and crisp empanadas. The ideal temperature to reheat empanadas in an air fryer is 350°F for 7-10 minutes.

Preheat settings for air fryer

• If your air fryer has a preheat button, simply press it, set the desired temperature, and enter the cooking time. The air fryer will alert you when it reaches the desired temperature.
• If your air fryer does not have a preheat button, you can manually preheat it by setting the temperature to 400 °F (204 °C) or the cooking temperature specified in your recipe. Then, let the air fryer heat up for 3 to 5 minutes.
• Preheating your air fryer can speed up the cooking time by a few minutes and make your food extra crispy. It is especially useful when cooking thinly cut meats, reheating precooked or frozen foods, and baking.
• On the other hand, you may choose not to preheat your air fryer when cooking thick cuts of meat, moist foods, or delicate foods that you don't want to crisp.
• Always ensure that your air fryer is clean, plugged in, and ready to use before preheating.

How long to cook frozen empanadas

Frozen empanadas can be cooked in an air fryer in around 15 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the type of empanada and the size of your air fryer.

Preparation

Before cooking, you should first prepare your empanadas. If you are making them from scratch, you will need to fill and seal them. To fill your empanadas, place around 2 tablespoons of filling in the centre of each disc. You can fill your empanadas with anything you like, such as meat, vegetables, or cheese. Once filled, fold the dough in half and use a fork to seal the edges so that the filling doesn't leak out during cooking.

Cooking Time

Once your empanadas are prepared, you can place them in the air fryer. It is recommended to cook them in batches, in a single layer, to ensure they cook evenly. Set your air fryer to 350°F and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning them halfway through. You can then turn them over and cook for a further 4 to 6 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown.

Reheating

If you have any leftover empanadas, you can easily reheat them in the air fryer. Simply place them back in the air fryer and cook at 330°F for about 5 minutes, or until they are heated through.

Other Cooking Methods

Although cooking times will vary, it is also possible to cook frozen empanadas in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F and cook the empanadas on a non-stick baking sheet for 18 to 20 minutes, or until golden.

Alternatively, you can deep-fry your empanadas for a crisp, golden brown finish. However, this method will result in greasier empanadas and may fill your kitchen with a strong smell.

How long to cook chilled empanadas

Chilled empanadas can be reheated in an air fryer in 4 to 10 minutes, depending on the source. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Preparation:

First, preheat your air fryer to 275-350°F. It is important to preheat the air fryer if it doesn't have a built-in preheat functionality. The heating time is approximately 4 to 5 minutes.

Cooking:

Place the chilled empanadas in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer without stacking them. Turn the empanadas over halfway through the cooking process.

For chilled empanadas, cook for 4 to 10 minutes, until warmed through. Check frequently to ensure even cooking and to prevent overheating.

Serving:

Let the empanadas cool slightly before serving.

Tips:

• To achieve an extra crisp crust, spray or brush the empanadas lightly with oil before cooking.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
• The cooking time may vary depending on the air fryer model and the brand of empanadas, so it is recommended to monitor the empanadas closely and adjust the cooking time as needed.
• For frozen empanadas, increase the cooking time to 7-12 minutes.

By following these steps, you can enjoy warm and crispy empanadas without having to bake a fresh batch!

How to stop empanadas sticking to the air fryer

To prevent empanadas from sticking to your air fryer, preparation is key. Firstly, ensure your empanadas are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket. Cook them in batches if necessary, placing them in a single layer without stacking.

Secondly, you can spray some oil on the air fryer basket or line it with parchment paper or aluminium foil. If using parchment paper or foil, poke holes in them to allow the hot air to circulate. Alternatively, use parchment paper rounds or squares that already have holes in them.

Finally, avoid adding too much filling to your empanadas before cooking. This will help to prevent the filling from leaking out and sticking to the air fryer.

How to store empanadas before reheating

Empanadas can be stored in the fridge or freezer before reheating. If you've made a big batch of empanadas, it's best to freeze them to keep them fresh.

Storing Empanadas in the Freezer

To freeze uncooked empanadas, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure the empanadas don't touch each other, as they will stick together during freezing. Freeze for around two hours, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be kept in the freezer for up to three months.

Baked empanadas can also be frozen, but they may lose some of their tender, flaky texture. To freeze cooked empanadas, wrap them individually in plastic film and place them in a heavy-duty freezer bag. Label and date the bag, then freeze in a single layer. They can also be kept in the freezer for up to three months.

Storing Empanadas in the Fridge

Uncooked empanadas can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. Place them on a baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap.

Ready-baked empanadas can also be stored in the fridge for up to three days. Place them in an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap.

Reheating Frozen Empanadas

When reheating frozen empanadas, do not thaw them first. Bake or fry them straight from the freezer, adding a few minutes to the cooking time to ensure they are reheated properly.

To reheat frozen empanadas in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer and spray the basket with cooking spray. Place the empanadas in the basket and cook at 340°F for 8-10 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.

Reheating Chilled Empanadas

Chilled empanadas can be reheated in the oven or toaster oven, following the same method as for frozen empanadas. Alternatively, they can be reheated in the microwave for 30-second intervals until warmed through.

Frequently asked questions