Paint The Kitchen Red

  • HOME
  • RECIPES AND GUIDES
  • ABOUT
menu icon
go to homepage
  • HOME
  • RECIPES AND GUIDES
  • ABOUT
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • HOME
  • RECIPES AND GUIDES
  • ABOUT
×
Home » Recipes » Air Fryer

Frozen Empanadas in Air Fryer

Published: Jul 27, 2022 | Updated: Aug 2, 2023 | Author: Neena Panicker

JUMP TO RECIPE
Golden crispy empanadas with text "how to air fry frozen empanadas "
Golden crispy empanadas with text "air fryer empanadas easy recipe"
Golden crispy empanadas with text "frozen empanadas quick and easy! How to make in air fryer"

You can make frozen empanadas in the air fryer in less than 15 minutes. These delicious savory pastry turnovers of meat, cheese, or vegetables are cooked to flaky perfection in the air fryer.

Air fryer frozen empanadas - Two golden brown empanadas with white and red sauce

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the disclosure.

Empanadas are a Latin American favorite. They’re baked or fried hand-held savory turnovers filled with meat, cheese, or veggies. Ground beef or chicken empanadas are quite popular. Dessert empanadas are hand pies filled with fruit.

I make delicious beef empanadas from scratch (with a shortcut using pie dough) that are a family favorite. But sometimes, I just need a shortcut and that’s when frozen empanadas save the day.

The air fryer is so incredibly good at heating up frozen foods. I’ve been trying out frozen foods from my local grocery store such as egg rolls, chicken fries, and steak fries.

But Trader Joe’s is my go-to place for the best frozen foods. I’ve shared delicious air fryer gyoza, samosas, and falafel from Trader Joe’s. Their empanadas are big and hearty meat pies that when served with a salad, can be a meal.

➡ Get the complete list of best frozen foods for air fryer!

Tips for Success


Preheat the air fryer if the air fryer doesn’t have a built-in preheat functionality. Some air fryers preheat before starting to count down. e.g. the Instant Pot Duo Crisp and Cosori. The heating time for preheating is about 4 to 5 minutes.


For best results, keep empanadas frozen until you’re ready to air fry them.


Every air fryer will vary. The first time you make this recipe, monitor the empanadas and check on them 2 minutes before the cooking time is up. Adjust the recipe as needed.


Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. To get perfect crispiness, it’s best to place the uncooked empanadas in a single layer, without stacking them.


Turn over the frozen empanadas halfway through air frying.


A great way to serve the empanadas is with your favorite dipping sauce. Here are the best dipping sauces:

  • Honey mustard
  • Ranch dressing
  • Chick Fil A sauce
  • Bbq sauce
  • Fry sauce
  • Sour cream or yogurt with hot sauce

FAQS


Do I need to coat the air fryer basket with oil?

You don’t need to use oil but if you want to have an extra crisp crust, spray or brush the empanadas with a little oil. Don’t use a canned nonstick spray, but rather a spray bottle filled with oil or a brush dipped in oil. You can use avocado oil, olive oil, or vegetable oil. I prefer avocado oil due to the high smoke point.

For how much time do you air fry frozen empanadas?

The cook time is about 9 minutes at 400 degrees F, shaking the basket once at 5 minutes.

Can I use the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid accessory or Duo Crisp to make this recipe?

Yes, you can use the same timing and temperature to make these easy air fryer empanadas using the Instant Pot air fryer lid, Duo Crisp or Pro Crisp.

What brand of frozen empanadas was used in this recipe?

– I use a couple of different brands. Goya is very popular and I also like Trader Joe’s empanadas.

– The Trader Joe’s ones are large empanadas that are cooked for a bit longer than the Goya. You can only fit two Trader Joe’s empanadas but you can fit 4 to 6 Goya empanadas in the air fryer.

– Air fryer frozen empanadas cook time will vary depending on the type of empanadas. More details are in the recipe card.

What brand of airfryer was this recipe tested with?

This recipe was tested using Cosori and Duo Crisp brands of air fryer. However, you can use any brand of air fryer including Philips or Ninja Foodi.

What should I do if the empanadas aren’t crispy?

For a more crispy texture, increase the temperature to 380 degrees and air fry them for another 2 to 3 minutes.

Can I reheat frozen empanadas in the air fryer?

Yes, leftover empanadas can be stored in a sealed container or freezer bag and reheated by air frying them for 2 to 3 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

What can I do if the empanadas are sticking to the bottom?

If you find that they’re sticking to the bottom of the basket, either spray some oil on the basket or line the basket with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Either poke holes in them or purchase parchment rounds or squares that already have holes in them.

How to Cook Frozen Empanadas in Air Fryer

Trader Joe's chicken and chimichurri empanadas
Trader Joe’s chicken and chimichurri empanadas
Air fryer empanadas collage - 2 frozen empanadas in air fryer, being turned, cooked empanadas
Left: Frozen empanadas, Middle: empanadas being turned, Right: Air fried frozen empanadas

Frozen empanadas air fryer instructions

  1. Keep empanadas frozen until ready to use
  2. Preheat air fryer
  3. Place empanadas in the air fryer basket
  4. Air fry frozen empanadas
  5. Turn them over halfway through cooking
  6. Serve with a dipping sauce

See details in the recipe card below

Two golden brown empanadas on blue plate

Frozen Empanadas in Air Fryer

Air fryer frozen empanadas can be ready in less than 15 minutes. These delicious savory pastry turnovers of meat, cheese, or vegetables are cooked to flaky perfection when you make them in the air fryer.
5 from 3 votes
PRINT PIN RATE
Prep Time: 4 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
Total Time: 14 minutes minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 250
Author: Paint the Kitchen Red
Prevent Screen from Going Dark

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Silicone tongs or
  • Spatula turner (nonstick)

Ingredients
  

  • empanadas , as many as will fit without overlap

Instructions
 

  • Place the empty air fryer basket in the air fryer and preheat at 360 °F for 4 minutes. **
  • Add the frozen empanadas to the air fryer basket.
  • Air fry empanadas at 360 °F:
    – Goya empanadas: 9 minutes
    – Trader Joe's chicken and chimichurri empanadas: 12 minutes
    – Mini empanadas: 7 minutes
  • Turn the empanadas halfway through the air frying time.
  • Transfer the empanadas to a serving platter and serve with a dipping sauce. Sour cream or yogurt mixed with some hot sauce is a great option.

Notes

  • * Trader Joe’s and Goya empanadas were tested in this recipe. Nutrition information is for Trader Joe’s chicken and chimichurri empanadas.
  • Don’t thaw the frozen empanadas before air frying them.
  • ** Preheat the air fryer if the air fryer doesn’t have a built-in preheat functionality.
  • Cooking time can vary based on the air fryer model and empanadas brand. Please monitor the empanadas by checking on them periodically and adjusting cooking time as needed!

Nutrition

Serving: 1 empanada | Calories: 250 kcal | Carbohydrates: 28 g | Protein: 12 g | Fat: 11 g | Saturated Fat: 2 g | Cholesterol: 25 mg | Sodium: 560 mg | Fiber: 1 g | Sugar: 2 g
Course Sides
Cuisine American
Have you made this recipe? I love seeing your photos! Tag me on Instagram @PaintTheKitchenRed or #PaintTheKitchenRed!

Thank you for visiting Paint the Kitchen Red. All photos and content are copyright protected. Please don’t use any content without prior written permission. If you’ve made this recipe and would like to share it with your friends, please link back to this recipe. Thank you!

I am not a certified nutritionist.  I provide my best estimate of nutritional information merely as a courtesy to my readers.  If you depend on nutritional information for dietary or health reasons,  I suggest using your favorite online nutrition calculator to confirm the nutritional value of this recipe based on the actual ingredients that you use.

Did you know that the best way to support your favorite bloggers is to comment and rate recipes, and share on social media? If you loved this recipe, please comment and give it a five ⭐ rating in the comment section below. If you’re a pinner, pin this post using the Pin buttons at the top and bottom of this post and in the recipe card above. Thank you for your support!

BACK TO TOP

More Air Fryer

  • Fried onions on plate.
    Four Ways to Make Fried Onions
  • Plate with coffee cake slice and cup of coffee in background
    Sour Cream Coffee Cake with Pecans
  • Air Fryer Frozen Crinkle Cut Fries with ketchup and mayo in bowls.
    Air Fryer Crinkle Cut Fries
  • Air Fryer Frozen Texas Toast pieces stacked.
    Frozen Texas Toast in Air Fryer

Comments

  1. Lara says

    August 17, 2022 at 10:20 pm

    5 stars
    I threw out the box to make room in my freezer and didn’t know how long to cook these in my air fryer. Thanks for the directions.

    Reply
    • Paint the Kitchen Red says

      August 18, 2022 at 10:02 pm

      You’re welcome, Lara. Thank you for the feedback!

      Reply
5 from 3 votes (2 ratings without comment)

Questions, Comments? I love hearing from my readers and I reply to all comments! Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Rate This Recipe!




Neena in red sweater head tilted

Hi, I'm Neena Panicker, and welcome! I am the creator, photographer, and author of recipes and tips at Paint the Kitchen Red. I live in the glorious west in Salt Lake City, Utah with my family.

More about me →

Popular

  • Reasons Why Instant Pot is Not Sealing or Pressurizing
    Reasons For Your Instant Pot Not Sealing
  • Instant Pot Thai Red Curry with colorful vegetables in white bowl with spoon on rich red napkin.
    Instant Pot Thai Red Curry with Chicken
  • 4 Instant pots - 3, 6, 8 and 10 quart - what size instant pot should i buy?!
    Sizes of Instant Pot – What Size do you Need?
  • Instant Pot Chili in white bowl on green cloth with cornbread; topped with cheese, sour cream and green onions - Paint the Kitchen Red
    Homemade Instant Pot Chili (using Dried Beans)
  • Natural Release vs Quick Release
    How To Natural Release Instant Pot vs Quick Release
  • Instant Pot Panang Curry with chicken, green beans, red and green peppers, Thai basil in a white bowl on a light wood background
    Thai Instant Pot Panang Curry with Chicken
  • Beginner's Manual and User's Guide Instant Pot Duo Crisp Air Fryer
    How to Use the Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer | Beginner’s Manual

Seasonal

  • 4 ears of corn sitting on husks on a white plate
    Instant Pot Corn on the Cob
  • Wasabi Instant Pot Deviled Eggs with wasabi and pickled ginger on colorful blue plate - Paint the Kitchen Red
    Wasabi Deviled Eggs Recipe – Delicious Appetizer
  • Instant Pot Korean Chicken two thighs and four drumsticks on a dark background, garnished with sesame seeds
    Instant Pot Korean Chicken with Gochujang
  • Instant Pot Thai Grilled Chicken Thighs on dark background with sprinkled cilantro and green onions
    Thai BBQ Chicken
  • Instant Pot Banh Mi sandwich on black background, with meat, daikon, carrots and cilantro; cilantro and green onions sprinkled on surface - Paint the Kitchen Red
    Instant Pot Banh Mi | Vietnamese Sandwich
  • Instant Pot Jamaican Jerk Chicken L1 - Paint the Kitchen Red
    Grilled Instant Pot Jamaican Jerk Chicken
  • Instant Pot beet, arugula, candied walnut salad on white plate with fork or dark background
    Arugula Goat Cheese Beet Salad
  • Instant Pot Ratatouille - round wooden board with cheeses, basil, olives, crostini, cherries, nuts, crackers
    Instant Pot Ratatouille | Braised Summer Vegetables with Fresh Herbs

Featured In

Media that have featured Paintthekitchenred.com including cnet, nbc news, cnbc, instant pot, the huffington post.

Social Media

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • About Me
  • Contact

Disclosures

  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Statement

Web Stories

  • Google Web Stories

Shop

  • Amazon

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2016 - 2025 Paint the Kitchen Red

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.