Air fryer Frozen Empanadas
An air fryer is one of the best ways to cook frozen empanadas because it makes the pastry crispy without the need to deep-fry them in oil. The key to getting the best result is choosing the right temperature, since thin pastry can burn easily if the heat is too high. If you like crispy frozen foods, don’t miss our frozen croquettes in the air fryer either.
Why Does an Air Fryer Work So Well for Frozen Empanadas?
Empanada pastry is thin and usually contains some fat already, so it does not need much additional oil to brown.
The circulating hot air quickly dries and browns the outside of the pastry, creating a texture similar to frying but with much less oil and without the pastry absorbing large amounts of fat.
Temperature and Cooking Time for Different Types of Empanadas
| Type of Empanada | Temperature | Approximate Time |
|---|---|---|
| Tuna or meat empanadas, standard size | 180°C / 350°F | 6-8 minutes |
| Large or thick-pastry empanadas | 175°C / 345°F | 8-10 minutes |
| Mini or appetizer-size empanadas | 185°C / 365°F | 5-6 minutes |
| Homemade empanadas with fresh pastry | 170°C / 340°F | 7-9 minutes |
If the pastry browns too quickly while the filling is still cold, lower the temperature by 5-10°C and add another 1-2 minutes of cooking time.
Step-by-Step: How to Cook Frozen Empanadas in an Air Fryer
1. Do Not Thaw Them Before Cooking
Just like many other frozen foods, frozen empanadas can go directly from the freezer into the air fryer.
Thawing them first can make the pastry softer and more difficult to crisp properly.
2. Spray Them Lightly With Oil
Additional oil is not essential because the pastry already contains some fat.
However, a light coating of cooking spray can help the pastry brown more evenly and prevent pale spots.
3. Arrange Them in a Single Layer
Place the empanadas in a single layer without overlapping them.
If they are touching or stacked, steam can become trapped between them, making the pastry softer instead of crispy.
4. Turn Them Halfway Through Cooking
Turning the empanadas halfway through cooking can help them brown more evenly.
Because they are relatively flat, one side may receive more direct airflow than the other depending on the design of your air fryer.
5. Keep an Eye on the Final Two Minutes
Thin pastry can go from perfectly golden to over-browned very quickly.
Check them during the final couple of minutes, particularly the first time you prepare them in your particular air fryer.
Tips for Extra-Crispy Empanadas
- Make a tiny hole in the pastry with the tip of a fork if appropriate for the product, allowing some steam to escape.
- Do not stack the empanadas: even if your air fryer has multiple levels, cooking them in separate batches can produce a crispier result.
- Lower the temperature for very moist fillings: fillings containing ingredients such as tuna and tomato can release more moisture, so a slightly lower temperature with a little more cooking time can work better.
- Let them rest for one minute: the filling will be extremely hot when they come out, and the pastry will settle slightly as they cool.
- If you’re planning to use parchment paper in the basket, check our guide on whether you can put aluminum foil in the air fryer first, so you don’t accidentally block airflow.
Common Mistakes When Cooking Frozen Empanadas in an Air Fryer
Cooking Them After They Have Thawed
Putting thawed or room-temperature empanadas into the air fryer can make the pastry softer before it has a chance to crisp.
Using Too High a Temperature
A high temperature may brown or burn the outside before the filling has heated through.
Overcrowding the Basket
Adding too many empanadas at once restricts airflow and can leave the pastry soft where the pieces touch.
Ignoring the Last Few Minutes
Thin pastry cooks quickly, so the difference between golden brown and burnt can be just a minute or two.
Not taking advantage of the real savings this method offers: if you’re curious how much you can save cooking in an air fryer instead of an oven, check out our article on whether an air fryer or a stovetop uses more electricity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature should you cook frozen empanadas at in an air fryer?
Between 170°C and 185°C (340°F-365°F), depending on their size and pastry thickness. Smaller empanadas can usually handle a slightly higher temperature because they cook more quickly.
How long do frozen empanadas take in an air fryer?
Usually between 5 and 10 minutes, depending on their size, filling and pastry thickness.
Do you need to add oil to frozen empanadas before air frying?
No, it is not essential. However, a light spray of oil can help the pastry brown more evenly.
Can you cook frozen empanadas without thawing them first?
Yes. In most cases, cooking them directly from frozen is preferable because thawing can soften the pastry.
Should you turn empanadas halfway through air frying?
Yes, turning them halfway through can help them brown more evenly, especially if one side is receiving more direct airflow.
Why are my empanadas burnt on the outside but still cold inside?
The temperature is probably too high. Lower the temperature slightly and extend the cooking time so the heat has more time to reach the centre.
Do frozen empanadas need to be preheated in the air fryer?
Preheating can help with consistency, but it depends on the air fryer and the manufacturer’s instructions. If you do preheat, the cooking time may need to be slightly reduced.
Can you cook homemade empanadas in an air fryer?
Yes. Fresh homemade empanadas can be air fried successfully. Because fresh pastry behaves differently from frozen pastry, start at around 170°C / 340°F and check them before the end of the suggested cooking time.
Conclusion
Cooking frozen empanadas in an air fryer is quick, convenient and requires very little oil.
For most standard frozen empanadas, 180°C / 350°F for around 6-8 minutes is a useful starting point. Smaller empanadas may need less time, while larger or thicker ones may require a few extra minutes.
The most important things are to cook them directly from frozen, avoid overcrowding the basket and monitor the final minutes carefully.
Once you know how your particular air fryer behaves, you can adjust the temperature and cooking time to get the exact level of crispiness you prefer.
