Empanadas are crisp, golden hand pies with a savoury filling — beef, chicken, cheese or vegetables. The air fryer crisps the pastry beautifully with just an egg wash, no deep frying. Here's how.
Key takeaways
Q: How do you make empanadas in an air fryer?
A: Fill pastry rounds, fold, crimp, brush with egg, and air fry at 190°C (375°F) for 12–14 minutes, until golden.
Q: What pastry do you use?
A: Shortcrust or empanada discs; puff pastry also works for a flakier result.
The method
Cook a savoury filling — spiced beef, chicken, or cheese and veg — and let it cool so it doesn't make the pastry soggy. Spoon onto pastry rounds, fold into half-moons, and crimp the edges firmly with a fork to seal. Brush with egg, cut a small vent, and air fry until crisp and deep golden.
The recipe
Air Fryer Empanadas
Ingredients
- Shortcrust or empanada discs
- Spiced beef, chicken or cheese filling
- 1 egg, beaten
- Paprika, onion, garlic
Method
- Cook and cool the filling.
- Fill pastry rounds; fold and crimp.
- Brush with egg; cut a small vent.
- Air fry at 190°C for 12–14 minutes.
Tips
- Cool the filling so the pastry stays crisp.
- Crimp firmly so they don't burst.
- Egg wash for a golden finish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you make empanadas in an air fryer?
Fill pastry rounds with a cooled savoury filling, fold and crimp to seal, brush with egg, and air fry at 190°C for 12–14 minutes until golden.
Why cool the filling first?
A hot filling steams and softens the pastry, making it soggy and harder to seal. Cooling it keeps the empanadas crisp.
What pastry is best for empanadas?
Traditional empanada discs or shortcrust give an authentic crisp shell; puff pastry works for a flakier, more indulgent version.