Welcome to the ultimate guide for creating incredibly crispy and delicious dessert empanadas using your air fryer! This easy-to-follow recipe features convenient store-bought Goya empanada wrappers, offering a quick path to a delightful treat. For those seeking alternatives, we’ll also explore how to achieve equally fantastic results with puff pastry or pie crust, making this a versatile recipe for any home baker. Prepare to transform simple ingredients into golden, flaky pockets of sweet goodness.
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This culinary journey was first shared in 2017 and has since been updated to bring you even more refined tips and tricks for perfect air fryer empanadas. My goal is to empower you to create bakery-quality desserts right in your own kitchen with minimal fuss.
Table of Contents
What Are Empanadas?
If you’ve never had the pleasure of biting into a perfectly crafted empanada, you are in for an absolute delight! These savory or sweet filled pastries are a true culinary gem, cherished across many cultures. The name “empanada” originates from the Spanish verb “empanar,” which means “to wrap in bread,” perfectly describing this delectable dish.
At its core, an empanada is a stuffed bread or pastry that can be either baked until golden and flaky or fried until irresistibly crispy. While our focus today is on a sweet dessert version, empanadas are traditionally known for their incredible versatility, housing a wide array of fillings. From seasoned meats and vegetables to cheeses and fruits, the possibilities are endless. These delicious pockets are a staple throughout Latin America, South America, Spain, Portugal, and the Caribbean islands like Puerto Rico, each region boasting its unique twist on the classic.
For centuries, empanadas have been more than just food; they are a part of family gatherings, festive celebrations, and everyday meals, representing comfort and tradition. The beauty of the empanada lies in its simplicity yet profound flavor, offering a complete meal or a satisfying snack in a convenient, handheld form. Whether you’re exploring the spicy beef empanadas of Argentina, the cheesy chicken variations of Colombia, or the sweet guava and cheese pastries popular in the Caribbean, each bite tells a story of rich culinary heritage.
Why Air Fryer Dessert Empanadas?
The air fryer has revolutionized the way we approach many classic recipes, and empanadas are no exception. Opting for the air fryer instead of traditional deep-frying brings a host of benefits, especially when it comes to dessert empanadas, making them a healthier and more convenient option without sacrificing taste or texture.
- **Healthier Alternative:** One of the most significant advantages is the drastic reduction in oil. While traditional empanadas are often deep-fried, the air fryer achieves a similar crispness with just a fraction of the oil, or sometimes none at all, depending on the wrapper. This means you can indulge in these sweet pastries with less guilt.
- **Unbeatable Crispiness:** The air fryer circulates hot air around the food, mimicking the effect of deep-frying to create an incredibly crispy exterior. Your empanadas will emerge with a golden-brown, flaky crust that’s just as satisfying, if not more so, than their fried counterparts.
- **Quick and Efficient Cooking:** Air fryers cook food remarkably fast. Dessert empanadas can go from prep to plate in less time than it takes to preheat a conventional oven or set up a deep fryer. This makes them perfect for last-minute cravings or entertaining.
- **Easy Cleanup:** Less oil means less mess! There’s no large pot of oil to dispose of, and most air fryer baskets are non-stick and dishwasher-safe, simplifying the cleanup process considerably.
- **Consistent Results:** Air fryers typically offer precise temperature control and even heat distribution, leading to uniformly cooked and perfectly golden empanadas every time.
Embracing the air fryer for these apple cinnamon dessert empanadas allows you to enjoy a beloved treat with a modern, healthy twist, all while saving time and effort in the kitchen. It’s a win-win for deliciousness and convenience!
Choosing the Best Empanada Wrappers
The wrapper is the foundation of any great empanada, and selecting the right one can significantly impact the final texture and taste of your dessert. For this specific recipe, I highly recommend using store-bought Goya empanada wrappers. They are my absolute favorite and consistently deliver excellent results.
Goya Wrappers: My Top Pick
Goya empanada wrappers are known for their ideal texture and ease of use. They are usually found in the refrigerated or frozen section of grocery stores, particularly in Mexican or Latin American markets. These wrappers are designed to become wonderfully crispy when cooked, making them perfect for both savory and sweet fillings. If you have trouble locating them, I suggest calling local ethnic grocery stores in your area. They often carry Goya products or a high-quality substitute brand that will work just as well.
One of the key benefits of Goya wrappers is their pliability once thawed. This makes them easy to fill, fold, and seal, which is crucial for preventing any delicious apple cinnamon filling from leaking out during the air frying process. They also absorb flavor beautifully and achieve that coveted golden-brown hue in the air fryer.
Crafting the Perfect Apple Cinnamon Filling
The heart of these dessert empanadas lies in their luscious apple cinnamon filling. Creating a flavorful and perfectly textured filling is key to a truly unforgettable experience. This recipe uses a simple yet effective method to ensure your apples are tender, sweet, and beautifully spiced.
Selecting Your Apples
For dessert empanadas, I prefer using apples that hold their shape well when cooked and offer a good balance of sweetness and tartness. Honeycrisp apples are an excellent choice as they provide a crisp texture even after cooking and a delightful sweetness. Granny Smith apples are also popular for their tartness, which can balance the sweetness of honey and cinnamon, creating a more complex flavor profile. Feel free to use your favorite baking apples or a combination of varieties for added depth.
The Art of Thickening
A common challenge with fruit fillings is preventing them from becoming too watery, which can lead to soggy empanadas or messy leaks. This recipe addresses this by utilizing cornstarch to create a “slurry.” Cornstarch is a fantastic thickening agent that, when mixed with cold water and added to a warm mixture, activates to create a thick, glossy sauce. This ensures your apple filling remains perfectly contained within the empanada wrapper and has a pleasant, spoonable consistency.
Flavor Harmony
The combination of honey, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg creates a warm, inviting, and classic apple dessert flavor. Honey adds natural sweetness and a subtle floral note that complements the apples beautifully. Vanilla enhances all the other flavors, while cinnamon and nutmeg provide that comforting, aromatic spice blend synonymous with apple pies and crumbles. Don’t be afraid to adjust these spices to your preference; a pinch more cinnamon or a dash less nutmeg can customize the taste to your liking.
How to Make Air Fryer Empanadas: Step-by-Step
Making delicious Air Fryer Dessert Empanadas is a straightforward process once you have your ingredients ready. Follow these steps for golden, crispy, and perfectly filled pastries:
- **Prepare the Apple Filling:** In a saucepan, combine chopped apples, vanilla extract, honey, and nutmeg over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples have softened to your desired tenderness. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- **Thicken the Filling:** In a small separate bowl, whisk together cornstarch and a teaspoon of water to create a smooth slurry. Add this slurry to the cooked apple mixture in the saucepan and stir continuously for about 30 seconds. The filling will visibly thicken. Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool for at least 5 minutes before proceeding to prevent the wrappers from becoming prematurely soft.
- **Prepare the Wrappers:** Lay your thawed empanada wrappers flat on a clean work surface. Using a cooking brush dipped in water, lightly glaze the edges of each wrapper. This step is crucial as it softens the edges, making them more pliable and easier to seal.
- **Fill the Empanadas:** Place about 1 tablespoon of the cooled apple mixture onto the center of each empanada wrapper. Be careful not to overstuff, as this can make sealing difficult and lead to leaks during cooking. Use the back of a spoon to gently flatten and spread the mixture slightly, leaving ample space around the edges.
- **Seal the Empanadas:** Fold one half of the wrapper over the filling to meet the other edge, forming a semi-circle. Gently press down along the curved edge to seal. Then, use the tines of a fork to create decorative and secure indentations along the entire sealed edge. This crimping not only adds a classic empanada look but also ensures the filling stays put.
- **Egg Wash Application:** Whisk one egg in a small bowl to create an egg wash. Lightly brush the tops of each prepared empanada with this egg wash. The egg wash contributes to a beautiful golden-brown color and a slightly glossy finish once cooked.
- **Preheat and Load Air Fryer:** If your air fryer requires preheating, do so now to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spritz the air fryer basket with cooking oil (I prefer olive oil or avocado oil spray). Carefully place the empanadas in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, which can prevent even cooking and crisping.
- **Air Fry to Perfection:** Air fry the empanadas at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and wonderfully crispy. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of the wrappers.
- **Cool and Serve:** Once cooked, carefully remove the empanadas from the air fryer and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set and the crust to become even crisper.
Air Fryer Temperature and Cook Time
Achieving the perfect golden crisp on your Air Fryer Empanadas relies heavily on the correct temperature and cooking duration. For this recipe, I find that a consistent setting yields the best results:
- **Air Fryer Temperature:** I consistently use **400°F (200°C)** for my dessert empanadas. This high heat allows the wrappers to crisp up beautifully and cook the filling through without drying it out.
- **Cook Time:** The ideal cook time is typically **8-10 minutes**, or until the empanadas achieve a rich golden-brown color and are visibly crispy. It’s always a good idea to check them around the 8-minute mark, especially if you’re using a new air fryer model or a different type of wrapper. If they need a little more time to reach your desired crispness, add 1-2 minutes at a time.
Remember that all air fryers can vary slightly in their heating elements and fan strength. It’s always best to monitor your food during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent over-browning. The goal is a flaky, golden crust that provides a delightful contrast to the warm, soft apple filling.
Empanada Wrapper Substitutes
While Goya empanada wrappers are highly recommended for their convenience and excellent results, sometimes they might not be readily available, or you might simply prefer using a different type of pastry. Thankfully, several substitutes can work wonderfully, offering slightly different textures but still resulting in delicious air fryer dessert empanadas.
Puff Pastry
Puff pastry is an excellent substitute if you’re looking for an incredibly flaky and airy crust. You can find it in the frozen or refrigerated aisles of most grocery stores. When using puff pastry, thaw it according to package directions. Roll it out slightly if needed and cut it into circles using a cookie cutter or a bowl as a guide. The cook time in the air fryer will generally remain the same (8-10 minutes at 400°F/200°C), but keep an eye on it as puff pastry can brown quickly due to its butter content. The layers of butter in puff pastry create a magnificent rise and a delicate, crisp texture that is truly luxurious.
Pie Crust
Pre-made pie crusts, often found in the refrigerated section, also make a fantastic alternative. They offer a more tender and buttery crust compared to traditional empanada wrappers. Similar to puff pastry, simply roll out the pie crust and cut it into desired circles. The cook time will be comparable to empanada wrappers (8-10 minutes at 400°F/200°C). Pie crust empanadas tend to have a slightly denser, yet still delicious, texture perfect for holding a sweet fruit filling. For an extra touch, use a decorative crimping tool to seal the edges and add visual appeal.
Homemade Dough
For the ambitious baker, making your empanada dough from scratch offers the most control over flavor and texture. A simple dough using flour, butter or shortening, water, and a pinch of salt can be prepared. This allows you to customize the richness and crispness to your exact liking. However, this option requires more time and effort, making store-bought wrappers a preferred choice for convenience.
No matter which wrapper you choose, the key is to ensure it’s properly sealed to keep the filling intact. The cooking temperature and approximate time in the air fryer will remain consistent for all these options, so you can confidently experiment with different crusts to find your personal favorite.
Exciting Empanada Filling Variations
While apple cinnamon is a classic and beloved choice for dessert empanadas, the beauty of this dish lies in its incredible adaptability. Empanadas can be filled with almost anything, making them a fantastic canvas for both sweet and savory culinary creativity. Here are some inspiring filling substitutes to explore, categorized for easy selection:
Sweet Filling Ideas:
- **Other Fruits:** Replace apples with finely diced peaches, berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), cherries, or a mix of tropical fruits like mango and pineapple. Cook them down with a little sugar and a cornstarch slurry, just like the apples, to create a delightful fruit compote.
- **Cream Cheese:** A sweetened cream cheese filling (cream cheese, sugar, a touch of vanilla) makes for a wonderfully rich and tangy dessert empanada. You can even combine it with fruit for a “cream cheese danish” inspired treat.
- **Nutella/Chocolate:** A simple spread of Nutella or a few chocolate chips can create an indulgent, quick dessert empanada. Add some sliced bananas for a perfect pairing.
- **Dulce de Leche:** This thick, caramel-like sauce is a popular filling in many Latin American desserts and makes for an intensely sweet and satisfying empanada.
- **Pumpkin or Sweet Potato:** Cooked and mashed pumpkin or sweet potato, spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of brown sugar, creates a seasonal and comforting filling.
Savory Filling Ideas (for inspiration beyond dessert):
- **Shredded Beef:** A classic choice, often seasoned with cumin, garlic, onions, and bell peppers.
- **Chicken:** Cooked and shredded chicken mixed with vegetables, cheese, or a creamy sauce.
- **Red Peppers & Green Peppers:** Sautéed bell peppers, perhaps with onions and garlic, for a vegetarian option.
- **Beans and Corn:** A hearty and flavorful mix, often seasoned with chili powder or taco spices.
- **Olives:** Chopped green or black olives can add a briny depth to meat fillings.
- **Cooked Potato:** Diced and seasoned potatoes, sometimes mixed with peas or other vegetables, are common in vegetarian empanadas.
- **Goat Cheese:** Crumbled goat cheese with caramelized onions or roasted red peppers makes for a sophisticated savory pastry.
No matter your preference, always ensure your filling is not too wet, as this can make the wrappers soggy. If you’re using a very moist filling, consider adding a thickening agent like cornstarch or flour, especially for fruit-based options. Allow any cooked fillings to cool slightly before filling the wrappers to prevent them from tearing.
Storage and Reheating Tips for Crispy Empanadas
To ensure your delicious Air Fryer Dessert Empanadas remain as delightful as when they were first made, proper storage and reheating are key, especially for maintaining that coveted crispiness. No one wants a soggy empanada!
How to Store Empanadas in the Fridge:
Once cooled to room temperature, place your leftover empanadas in an airtight container or a sealable bag. Store them in the refrigerator for up to **3-4 days**. Storing them properly prevents them from drying out and helps maintain their freshness. While they will lose some of their crispness in the fridge, the filling will remain delicious.
How to Keep Empanadas Crispy / Reheat Instructions:
The best way to bring back the crispiness of a leftover empanada is by reheating it in the air fryer. This method works wonders and is far superior to a microwave, which will only make them soft and chewy.
- **Air Fryer Reheating:** Preheat your air fryer to **350°F (175°C)**. Place the refrigerated empanadas in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd. Reheat for **3-4 minutes**, or until they are heated through and the crust has regained its crisp texture.
- **Troubleshooting Crispiness:** If you find your empanadas aren’t crisping up as much as you’d like, a light spritz of cooking oil (such as olive oil or avocado oil spray) before reheating can help immensely. This extra boost of fat aids in creating a golden, crunchy exterior.
- **Oven Reheating (Alternative):** If you don’t have an air fryer, you can reheat them in a conventional oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place empanadas on a baking sheet and heat for 8-10 minutes, or until warm and crispy.
Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it will make the crust soft and compromise the texture. The air fryer is truly your best friend for crispy leftovers!
Freezer Tips for Make-Ahead Empanadas
Empanadas are fantastic for meal prepping or preparing ahead of time, and they freeze beautifully. This makes them a convenient option for quick desserts or snacks whenever a craving strikes. Here’s how to freeze and reheat your homemade air fryer dessert empanadas:
How to Freeze Empanadas:
There are two primary ways to freeze empanadas, depending on whether you want to cook them before or after freezing:
- **Freezing Uncooked Empanadas (Recommended for best results):**
- Prepare the empanadas up to the point of egg washing (after filling and sealing).
- Place them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Freeze for about 1-2 hours, or until they are solid. This prevents them from sticking together.
- Once frozen solid, transfer the uncooked empanadas to an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty sealable freezer bag.
- They can be stored in the freezer for up to **3-4 months**.
To cook from frozen: You can air fry them directly from frozen. Follow the regular cooking instructions (400°F/200°C for 10-15 minutes), adding a few extra minutes to the cook time since they are frozen. Apply the egg wash right before placing them in the air fryer.
- **Freezing Cooked Empanadas:**
- Allow freshly air-fried empanadas to cool completely to room temperature.
- Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
- Once solid, transfer to an airtight freezer-safe container or bag.
- They can be stored for up to **3-4 months**.
How to Reheat Frozen Empanadas:
Whether you’re reheating cooked frozen empanadas or cooking uncooked ones from frozen, the air fryer is your best tool for achieving a crispy exterior.
- **Reheating Cooked Frozen Empanadas (Air Fryer):**
- Preheat your air fryer to **350°F (175°C)**.
- Place the frozen, cooked empanadas in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry for **6-8 minutes**, or until heated through and crispy.
- **Reheating Cooked Frozen Empanadas (Oven):**
- Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)**.
- Place frozen, cooked empanadas on a baking sheet.
- Bake for **10-15 minutes**, or until warm and crisp.
Freezing is a fantastic way to enjoy these delightful dessert empanadas at your convenience, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.
More Empanada Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with these air fryer dessert empanadas, you’ll be thrilled to know the world of empanadas is vast and flavorful! Here are a couple of my other favorite empanada recipes that delve into savory fillings:
Beef Empanadas Recipe
Explore a classic with seasoned ground beef and melted cheese, perfect for a hearty appetizer or meal.
Shrimp and Red Pepper Empanadas
Discover a gourmet twist with succulent shrimp, sweet red peppers, and creamy cheese, offering a sophisticated flavor profile.
More Air Fryer Dessert Recipes
The air fryer isn’t just for savory dishes; it’s a game-changer for desserts too! If you enjoyed making these dessert empanadas, you’ll love these other sweet treats that come out perfectly in the air fryer:
Air Fryer Lemon Pound Cake
Air Fryer Blueberry Muffins
Air Fryer Cherry Turnovers
Air Fryer Cookies
Popular Air Fryer Recipes
Beyond desserts, the air fryer excels at creating crispy, flavorful main courses and sides with less oil. If you’re looking to expand your air fryer repertoire, try these popular and highly-rated recipes:
Air Fryer French Fries
Air Fryer Cheeseburgers
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Air Fryer Ribs
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe
Easy Air Fryer Dessert Empanadas
Course Appetizer, Dessert
Cuisine Latin American, South American
Keyword air fryer empanadas, empanadas in air fryer
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 164kcal
Author Brandi Crawford
Ingredients
- 12 empanada wrappers thawed
- 2 apples I used honey crisp. Use what you prefer.
- 2 tablespoons raw honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon water
- 1 egg beaten
- cooking oil I use olive oil.
Instructions
- Place a saucepan on medium-high heat. Add the apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, honey, and vanilla. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until the apples are soft.
- Mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl. Add to the pan and stir. Cook for 30 seconds.
- Allow the filling to cool for at least 5 minutes before loading it onto the empanada wrappers.
- Lay the empanada wrappers on a flat surface. Dip a cooking brush in water. Glaze each of the empanada wrappers with the wet brush along the edges. This will soften the crust and make it easier to roll.
- Add the apple mixture to each. Add 1 tablespoon of the apple mix per empanada. Do not overstuff. Flatten out the mixture with a spoon.
- Close the empanadas. Use a fork to seal the empanadas along the edges by creating indents in the crust. Press the fork down into the crust along the edge of each.
- Spritz the air fryer basket with cooking oil. Add the empanadas to the Air Fryer basket. Do not stack the empanadas. Cook in batches if needed.
- Use a cooking brush and brush the top of each empanada with the beaten egg (egg wash).
- Place the Air Fryer on 400 degrees. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until crisp.
- Cool before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute empanada wrappers for puff pastry or pie crust. The cook time is similar.
- I served these with optional sugar-free caramel.
- If you have trouble with crisping, spritz the empanadas with olive oil while air frying.
- This recipe was prepared to be a lightened-up and more healthy version of dessert. If you wish to have really sweet empanada hand pies, add your desired amount of sugar to the recipe and additional honey. Taste your mixture repeatedly until you obtain desired taste.
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Nutrition DataMacros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.