Emilie Meyer
Empanadas are delicious Latin American pastries that can be baked or fried. They are typically filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables. You can make them from scratch or buy them frozen from the supermarket. If you're short on time, an air fryer can be a great alternative to a conventional oven. Using an air fryer can reduce the cooking time of empanadas by half and deliver a crispy, golden-brown exterior without the excess oil or mess of traditional frying.
Cooking Frozen Empanadas in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preheat Air Fryer | 350°F / 180°C |
| Temperature | 330°F - 400°F |
| Cook Time | 8-15 minutes |
| Turn/Flip Empanadas | Halfway through |
| Oil/Spray | Avocado, Olive, Vegetable, Canola |
| Glaze | Milk, Turmeric, Paprika |
| Egg Wash | Brush with egg wash |
| Layer | Single layer, without stacking |
| Basket | Do not overcrowd |
| Thawing | Not required |
| Filling | Meat, Cheese, Vegetables |
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What You'll Learn
Preheat the air fryer
Preheating your air fryer is an important step in cooking frozen empanadas. While some air fryer manuals may not require preheating, doing so for 1-2 minutes can help the empanadas cook more evenly. It is also important to preheat your air fryer to ensure the empanadas cook thoroughly and to avoid the pastry becoming soggy.
To preheat your air fryer, set the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 180 degrees Celsius. This temperature setting is crucial, as it ensures the empanadas cook through to the centre without burning the exterior. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you can fit around six mini empanadas or four large empanadas. It is recommended to cook them in a single layer without stacking or overcrowding the basket, as this will impact the cooking process.
The preheating time may vary depending on your air fryer model, so it is advisable to refer to your product manual for specific instructions. Additionally, if your empanadas are on the larger side, you may need to increase the preheating time slightly to ensure even cooking.
By preheating your air fryer effectively, you can ensure that your frozen empanadas will cook evenly and efficiently, resulting in a delicious, crispy treat.
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Glaze or spray with oil
Glazing or spraying your frozen empanadas with oil before air frying is a great way to achieve an extra crisp crust. You can use a brush to glaze the empanadas with oil, or use a spray bottle filled with oil. You can also use cooking spray, or brush with an egg wash.
If you want to make a glaze, you can mix 4 tablespoons of milk with 1/2 teaspoon each of turmeric and paprika. Brush the empanadas with this mixture before placing them in the air fryer. This will give your empanadas a beautiful golden color.
You can also spritz the empanadas with olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil. Avocado oil is a good option due to its high smoke point. Alternatively, you can use canola oil, spraying the empanadas on all sides.
If you are vegan, be sure to check the packaging of your frozen empanadas to ensure they do not contain any dairy products.
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Cook for 10 minutes
Once you've preheated your air fryer to 350 degrees F and placed your frozen empanadas in the basket, it's time to start cooking!
Set your timer for 10 minutes and let the air fryer work its magic. Depending on your air fryer model, you may want to give the basket a shake halfway through this initial cooking period to ensure even cooking. Some recipes also suggest brushing the empanadas with an egg wash or spraying them with cooking oil before starting the timer. This step will give your empanadas an extra crispy crust.
While your empanadas are cooking, you might want to prepare any sides or dipping sauces to serve with them. Empanadas can be a meal in themselves, but they also go well with a side salad, rice and beans, or vegetable soup. For a simple dipping sauce, salsa is a great option.
Keep an eye on your empanadas as they cook. After 10 minutes, they should be golden brown and heated through. However, air fryer models and empanada sizes vary, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. If you're using a larger air fryer model, you might find that it takes a bit longer to cook the empanadas thoroughly.
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Flip and add more glaze/spray
When cooking frozen empanadas in an air fryer, it is important to flip them halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and browning on both sides. This step is crucial as it allows for the hot air in the air fryer to circulate around the empanadas, cooking the pastry evenly and preventing it from becoming soggy.
After placing the frozen empanadas in the air fryer basket and spraying or brushing them with oil or glaze, set the timer for the initial cooking time, which can range from 8 to 10 minutes, depending on the recipe and the size of your empanadas. Once this initial cooking time is up, open the air fryer and carefully flip each empanada. This step ensures that the heat distribution is even and helps to create a uniform colour and texture on both sides of the pastry.
At this point, you can choose to add more glaze or spray to the other side of the empanadas. This step is optional but can enhance the flavour and appearance of the final product. You can use a cooking spray or brush to apply a thin, even layer of glaze or oil to the surface of the empanadas. This additional step will ensure that the exterior of the empanadas develops a beautiful golden colour and a flaky texture.
After flipping and adding more glaze or spray, return the empanadas to the air fryer and set the timer for the remaining cooking time, which is typically between 4 and 6 minutes. Keep a close eye on the empanadas during this final stage of cooking to prevent over-browning or burning. The total cooking time, including both sides, should not exceed 15 minutes in most cases.
Once the cooking time is complete, remove the empanadas from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving. This step is important as it allows the internal temperature of the empanadas to even out and prevents scalding. Enjoy your freshly cooked empanadas as a delicious snack or meal!
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Cook for another 4-6 minutes
Now, it's time to cook your empanadas for another 4-6 minutes. This is the final cooking stage, and it's important to keep a close eye on your empanadas during this time to ensure they don't overcook or burn. Set a timer for 4 minutes as a starting point, and you can always add more time if needed.
While the empanadas are cooking, you can prepare any sides or dips you'd like to serve with them. Some suggestions include salsa, guacamole, a side salad, rice and beans, or vegetable soup. You could also prepare some hot sauce to spice things up!
If you're cooking multiple batches of empanadas, this is a good time to get the next batch ready. Remember to place the uncooked empanadas in a single layer in the air fryer basket, without stacking or overcrowding them. You want to ensure the hot air can circulate properly so that they cook evenly.
After 4 minutes, check on your empanadas. They should be crispy and golden brown on the outside and fully heated on the inside. If they need a little more time, cook them for an additional minute or two, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
Once they're cooked to perfection, remove the empanadas from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious, crispy treat!
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Frequently asked questions
Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F. Place the frozen empanadas in the air fryer basket and spray them with cooking oil spray or brush with an egg wash or glaze. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through.
It takes less than 15 minutes to cook frozen empanadas in an air fryer.
Set your air fryer to 350 degrees F or 180 degrees C to cook frozen empanadas.
No, it is best to cook frozen empanadas in their frozen state as thawing them can make the pastry soggy and cause the filling to spill out.
