Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Frozen Empanadas Easy and Crispy

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a perfectly cooked empanada: that golden, crispy crust giving way to a warm, savory, or even sweet filling. While homemade empanadas are a labor of love, our busy lives often demand quicker solutions. That’s where the magic of your air fryer comes in, transforming frozen, premade empanadas into a delectable meal or snack in mere minutes. Forget the fuss of traditional baking or deep-frying; with an air fryer, you’re just a few steps away from **air fryer frozen empanadas** that are consistently crispy, convenient, and utterly delicious.

Why You’ll Love Cooking Frozen Empanadas in the Air Fryer

When time is of the essence, turning to frozen convenience foods can be a lifesaver, but often the results can be lackluster. Not so with frozen empanadas in an air fryer! This method isn’t just about speed; it’s about achieving culinary perfection with minimal effort. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen:

• Unbeatable Convenience: From freezer to table in approximately 15-20 minutes, these air fryer empanadas require virtually no prep. No thawing needed – simply unpackage and cook! This makes them an ideal solution for last-minute lunches, quick dinners, or an impromptu snack.
• Perfectly Crispy Texture: The air fryer’s circulating hot air is a game-changer for frozen foods. It ensures an incredibly golden-brown, crispy crust on the outside, mimicking the texture of deep-fried empanadas without the added oil or grease. Meanwhile, the interior filling remains wonderfully hot and tender, delivering a delightful contrast in every bite.
• Versatile & Adaptable: Whether you prefer savory beef, succulent chicken, wholesome vegetables, or even a sweet fruit filling, this cooking method works beautifully across all varieties of frozen empanadas. You can easily adapt this recipe to fit your specific dietary preferences or taste cravings.
• Widely Available Brands: While I particularly enjoy Trader Joe’s frozen empanadas, especially their chicken and chimichurri variety, you’re not limited! Popular options like Goya and Aldi’s Casa Mamita mini empanadas also yield fantastic results in the air fryer. Feel free to explore and find your own preferred brands and flavors.
• Effortless Cleanup: Compared to pan-frying or oven baking, air frying is incredibly neat. The minimal oil required means less mess, making cleanup a breeze.

These empanadas are so quick and convenient, they’re perfect for a simple, satisfying lunch. But don’t stop there! Prepare a few for a hearty dinner, perhaps alongside a fresh salad or some rice. They also make fantastic appetizers for gatherings, especially when paired with a variety of dipping sauces. You can even serve them as part of a handheld feast with other air-fried delights, like spicy Air Fryer Mahi Mahi tacos, for an ultimate flavor experience!

What You’ll Need for Air Fried Empanadas

Making crispy frozen empanadas in your air fryer is incredibly simple, requiring just a few basic items. You likely have most of these on hand already!

• Frozen Empanadas: Grab a pack of your favorite brand and flavor. This method works perfectly for regular-sized or mini empanadas, whether they’re filled with beef, chicken, vegetables, or even cheese.
• Air Fryer: Any model will do!
• Non-stick cooking spray, olive oil mist, or melted butter/egg wash: For achieving that extra golden and crispy crust.

How to Cook Frozen Empanadas in the Air Fryer: Step-by-Step Guide

Achieving perfectly crispy, tender frozen empanadas in your air fryer is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a delicious result every time:

1. Preheat Your Air Fryer: Begin by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial for even cooking and ensuring that the empanadas start cooking immediately, resulting in a crispier exterior. Always follow your manufacturer’s specific guidelines for preheating, as times can vary slightly.
2. Prepare the Empanadas: Carefully remove the frozen empanadas from all packaging. There’s no need to thaw them; they cook best directly from their frozen state.

3. Prevent Sticking: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with a nonstick cooking spray. This essential step prevents the empanadas from sticking to the basket, making them easier to flip and ensuring their delicate crust remains intact.

4. Enhance the Crust (Optional): For an extra golden-brown and delightfully crispy crust, consider brushing the empanada dough with an egg wash (a whisked egg and a tiny bit of water), melted butter, or giving them a light spray with olive oil mist. This step adds a beautiful finish and can slightly enhance the texture.
5. Arrange in the Basket: Place the frozen empanada discs in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket. Ensure there is adequate air space between each empanada. Overcrowding the basket can lead to uneven cooking and less crispy results, as the hot air needs to circulate freely around each piece. Cook in batches if necessary.

6. Air Fry: Air fry for 15 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Halfway through the cooking time (around the 5-7 minute mark), gently flip the empanadas to ensure both sides brown evenly and achieve maximum crispiness.
7. Check for Doneness: Empanadas are fully cooked when their internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check. If they aren’t quite ready or if you prefer a darker crust, add additional cook time in 1-minute increments until they reach your desired level of crispiness and doneness.
8. Rest Before Serving: Once cooked, carefully remove the hot empanadas from the air fryer and let them rest for 2-3 minutes. This brief resting period allows the fillings to set and prevents burns from the extremely hot interior.
9. Serve and Enjoy: Serve your perfectly air-fried empanadas immediately with your favorite dipping sauce. Dive into that satisfying golden crust and flavorful filling!

What Sauces to Serve with Air Fryer Empanadas

The right dipping sauce can elevate your air fryer empanadas from a simple snack to a gourmet experience. The best choice often depends on your personal preference and the specific filling of your empanada. Here are some fantastic options:

• Chimichurri: A classic pairing, especially with beef or chicken empanadas. Its fresh, herbaceous, and slightly tangy flavor cuts through the richness beautifully.
• Sour Cream: A cool, creamy dollop of sour cream offers a delightful contrast to savory fillings and can temper any spice.
• Avocado Ranch: Combining the creaminess of avocado with the zesty kick of ranch, this sauce is a crowd-pleaser and pairs well with almost any empanada flavor.
• Queso: For a cheesy, warm, and comforting dip, queso is an excellent choice. It’s particularly good with beef or bean empanadas. In fact, try them with my easy, creamy Air Fryer Queso Cheese Dip!
• Salsa: Whether it’s a mild pico de gallo or a fiery habanero salsa, this vibrant dip adds a fresh, zesty, and often spicy element.
• Cilantro Lime Sauce: Bright and refreshing, a cilantro-lime sauce adds a burst of citrusy flavor, perfect for chicken or vegetable empanadas.
• Southwest Ranch: A spiced-up version of classic ranch, offering a subtle smoky flavor that complements savory fillings.
• Chipotle Sauce: For those who love a smoky heat, a creamy chipotle sauce provides a delicious depth of flavor.
• Garlic Sauce: Simple yet potent, a good garlic aioli or creamy garlic sauce can enhance the savory notes of any empanada.
• Guacamole: Fresh, creamy, and flavorful, guacamole is always a welcome addition, especially for vegetable or chicken fillings.

Don’t be afraid to mix and match! Part of the fun is discovering your own favorite combinations. A dipping sauce can transform the flavor profile of your empanada, so experiment freely!

Recipe Pro Tips For the Best Air Fryer Empanadas 

To ensure your air fryer frozen empanadas turn out perfectly crispy and delicious every time, keep these expert tips in mind:

• Versatility with Fillings: While I’m highlighting air frying frozen chicken empanadas, remember that this versatile method works flawlessly for all varieties! Whether your chosen empanadas are filled with savory beef, hearty potato, sweet pumpkin, or creamy cheese, the air fryer will deliver excellent results. Adjust cooking time slightly for very dense or very small fillings.
• Monitor Your Air Fryer: My personal experience with frozen empanadas cooked perfectly at 15 minutes in a Ninja Foodi Dual Zone air fryer serves as a great guideline. However, every air fryer is different. Brands, models, and even the size and wattage of your appliance will cause cooking times to vary slightly. It’s always best to check for doneness around the 12-minute mark for full-size empanadas and adjust as needed.
• Maintain Optimal Temperature: Resist the urge to crank up the heat! 350°F (175°C) is truly the perfect setting for cooking the filling thoroughly without risking a burnt or overly darkened crust on your delicate dough. Higher temperatures might cook the outside too quickly, leaving the inside cold or unevenly heated.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: For truly crispy empanadas, air circulation is key. Place your empanadas in a single layer with ample space between each. If you try to cook too many at once, they will steam instead of crisp, leading to soggy results. Cook in batches if necessary – it’s worth the extra few minutes!
• Flip for Even Browning: As mentioned in the instructions, flipping your empanadas halfway through the cooking process is crucial. This ensures both sides get direct exposure to the circulating hot air, resulting in uniformly golden and crispy exteriors. You can also apply an additional spritz of olive oil or cooking spray when you flip them for an even crunchier crust.

Storage and Serving Tips for Leftover Empanadas

While air-fried empanadas are best enjoyed fresh, you might have a few leftovers. Here’s how to handle them to maintain their quality:

• Storing Leftovers: Any leftover cooked empanadas should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. They will remain fresh and safe to eat for up to 3 days. I generally do not recommend refreezing them after they’ve been cooked once, as the texture can suffer significantly, becoming dry and less appealing upon a second reheat.
• Reheating Empanadas: To bring your refrigerated empanadas back to life, the air fryer is once again your best friend! Cook them for 3-4 minutes at 350°F (175°C) in your air fryer. Keep in mind that reheating times can vary slightly depending on the size of the empanada and your air fryer model, so adjust as needed until they are thoroughly heated and crispy again. Be aware that each time empanadas are reheated, they tend to dry out a bit more, so savor them fresh whenever possible!
• Serving Ideas: Beyond being a quick lunch or dinner, air fryer empanadas are incredibly versatile. Serve them as an easy appetizer for game days, family gatherings, or casual get-togethers. A platter of various empanada fillings with a selection of dipping sauces makes for an impressive and effortless spread. They also make a fantastic addition to a packed lunch for work or school, reheated or enjoyed at room temperature.

Final Thoughts on Air Fryer Frozen Empanadas

There’s no doubt that air frying frozen empanadas is a culinary game-changer for anyone seeking a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal or snack. The simplicity of this method – cooking directly from frozen with minimal prep – combined with the air fryer’s ability to create that coveted crispy, golden crust and perfectly heated interior, makes it an undeniable winner.

Gone are the days of tedious mixing, stuffing, and rolling from scratch when time is short. While the joy of homemade empanadas is unparalleled, the convenience and quality offered by air-fried frozen varieties are hard to beat. You’ll be tempted to reach for them every time you need a speedy solution!

Whether you choose Trader Joe’s savory chicken and chimichurri empanadas, classic Goya beef, or the delightful Casa Mamita mini vegetable options, the air fryer delivers consistent results. These versatile handheld treats make an excellent last-minute lunch, a hearty component of an easy dinner when paired with simple sides like a fresh salad or rice, or a fantastic addition to any appetizer spread. Imagine a game day platter featuring these golden pockets alongside an array of tasty dipping sauces – pure perfection!

Embrace the ease and deliciousness that air-fried frozen empanadas bring to your kitchen. It’s a testament to how simple innovations can bring joy and flavor to even the busiest of days.