Frozen Mini Empanadas In Air Fryer

Name: Frozen Mini Empanadas in Air Fryer
Prep time: 3 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 13 min
Ingredients: 1 box frozen mini empanadas (any preferred brand); oil spray (light mist to prevent sticking, optional); dipping sauces (cilantro lime, chipotle mayo, avocado crema, salsa)

From My Freezer to Crispy Delight: A Personal Discovery

I still remember that late Sunday night when hunger struck, and the fridge was practically empty. All I found were frozen mini empanadas buried behind a bag of peas. I wasn’t feeling like preheating the oven or waiting forever. That’s when I looked at my trusty air fryer sitting on the counter. Could I use it to make frozen mini empanadas in the air fryer?

That question changed everything.

frozen mini empanadas in air fryer served crispy — Frozen mini empanadas ready straight from the air fryer

What started as a late-night experiment turned into a go-to recipe. Now, I always keep a stash of frozen mini empanadas in the freezer because I know they’ll come out golden, crisp, and mouth-watering—every single time—thanks to the air fryer.

In this article, I’ll walk you through everything I’ve learned: cooking tips, best practices, mistakes to avoid, and why air frying frozen mini empanadas is the fastest way to bring flavor to your plate.

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Table of Contents

What Makes Frozen Mini Empanadas in Air Fryer So Special?

Quick, Crispy, and No Oil Needed

The biggest win of cooking frozen mini empanadas in air fryer? They go from rock-solid frozen to crispy perfection in under 10 minutes. No deep fryer, no preheating the oven, no flipping halfway if you layer them right.

Healthier Than Frying

Air frying uses up to 85% less oil than traditional frying methods. That means you can indulge in crispy empanadas without the guilt. Cooking frozen mini empanadas in air fryer also avoids sogginess from microwaving.

Uniform Heat = Perfect Crunch

Unlike microwaves that leave cold spots, or ovens that dry out the crust, air fryers circulate hot air evenly. That’s exactly what frozen mini empanadas need to cook fast and crisp up nicely.

Frozen mini empanadas in the air fryer turn out golden, crispy, and ready in under 10 minutes. No thawing, no oil just a quick snack or party bite cooked to perfection.

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Prep Time 3

Cook Time 10

Resting Time 1

Total Time 13

Course Appetizer, Party Food, Snack

Cuisine Latin American, Spanish

Servings servings

Calories 210 kcal

Equipment

Air Fryer
Tongs

Ingredients

Main

1 box frozen mini empanadas any preferred brand

Optional

oil spray light mist to prevent sticking, optional

Serving Suggestions

dipping sauces cilantro lime, chipotle mayo, avocado crema, salsa

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 370°F (188°C) for 3 minutes.
Arrange frozen mini empanadas in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd.
Air fry for 8–10 minutes until golden brown and crisp. For larger empanadas, add 2–3 minutes, checking frequently.
Let empanadas rest for 1 minute after cooking to allow filling to set and prevent burns.
Serve warm with dipping sauces such as salsa, avocado crema, or chipotle mayo.

Notes

Recommended brands include Goya, Trader Joe’s, and Great Value. Always preheat the air fryer and avoid stacking to ensure crispiness. Leftovers can be reheated at 350°F for 4–5 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 7gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 380mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 50IUCalcium: 20mgIron: 1.4mg

Keyword Air Fryer, Easy Snacks, Empanadas, Frozen, Quick

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How to Cook Frozen Mini Empanadas in Air Fryer (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 370°F (188°C) and let it preheat for 3 minutes. This step ensures an even cook and maximized crispiness.

Step 2: Don’t Overcrowd the Basket

Place your frozen mini empanadas in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Overlapping them causes uneven cooking. If you’re doing a big batch, cook in rounds.

Step 3: Cook for 8–10 Minutes

Set your timer for 8 minutes, then check them. If they need more color or crunch, cook an additional 1–2 minutes.
Tip: No need to thaw beforehand—straight from freezer to fryer is perfect.

Step 4: Let Them Rest

After cooking, let your frozen mini empanadas rest for 1 minute. The steam inside finishes the cooking, and the filling sets, reducing the risk of burning your tongue!