If you are craving a delightful, crispy, and flavorful snack that feels like a festive treat, the Air Fryer Chicken Crispanadas Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These golden pockets of seasoned ground chicken wrapped in flaky dough are bursting with vibrant spices and a tender filling that makes every bite a joy. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, this recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy homemade crispanadas quickly and effortlessly using an air fryer, making the classic dish lighter without sacrificing any of its comforting goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating these Air Fryer Chicken Crispanadas is simple and relies on a handful of fresh and pantry staples that work together beautifully to build rich flavor and a perfect texture in each bite.
- Ground chicken: The main protein for a juicy, lean, and tender filling.
- Onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor when sautéed.
- Red bell pepper, finely chopped: For a subtle crunch and vibrant color.
- Garlic, minced: Elevates the savory profile with its aromatic punch.
- Ground cumin: Brings a warm earthiness that grounds the spices.
- Chili powder: Adds a subtle smoky heat that sings.
- Paprika: Enhances both the color and mild peppery notes.
- Ground black pepper: For an extra layer of mild spice.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
- Frozen peas (optional): Provides a pop of color and mild sweetness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (optional): Melts into the filling for a creamy twist.
- Refrigerated empanada dough or pie crusts: The golden, flaky shell holding all the goodness inside.
- Olive oil: For brushing to aid crisping and add a slight richness.
- Egg: Used in an egg wash to give the crispanadas a beautiful golden finish.
- Fresh cilantro (optional): Adds a fresh, herbaceous garnish that brightens the dish.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Crispanadas Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Start by setting your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures your crispanadas cook evenly with that perfect crispy exterior.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
In a skillet heated over medium, add a touch of oil and toss in the finely chopped onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Let them soften and release their aromas, about 4 to 5 minutes—this is where your flavor foundation begins.
Step 3: Brown the Chicken
Next, introduce the ground chicken to the pan. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until completely browned, taking about 6 to 7 minutes. This step is crucial for building that rich, savory base in your filling.
Step 4: Spice Things Up
Sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir everything together and allow the spices to mingle for 2 to 3 minutes. If you opted for peas, toss them in now—they contribute a pleasant burst of sweetness.
Step 5: Cool and Add Cheese
Remove the skillet from heat and let your mixture cool slightly. Here’s the fun part: gently fold in shredded cheddar cheese if you want that gooey, melty texture inside your crispanadas—it’s an irresistible addition.
Step 6: Fill the Dough Disks
Lay out an empanada dough disk on a clean surface. Spoon about two tablespoons of your chicken mixture right into the center, being careful not to overfill for easier sealing.
Step 7: Seal Your Crispanadas
Fold the dough over to shape a half-moon and press the edges firmly to seal. Use the tines of a fork to crimp the edges—this not only keeps the filling inside but also adds a lovely decorative touch.
Step 8: Brush With Egg Wash and Oil
Prepare an egg wash by beating one egg with a splash of water. Brush this over the top of each crispanada, then lightly brush with olive oil. These steps guarantee a glossy, golden crust.
Step 9: Arrange in the Air Fryer
Place the crispanadas evenly in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Depending on your air fryer size, cook in batches to ensure even airflow and consistent crisping.
Step 10: Air Fry Until Golden
Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through to brown both sides evenly. When they’re a gorgeous golden brown and crispy, they are ready to come out.
Step 11: Cool Slightly Before Serving
Let the crispanadas rest just a bit to avoid burning your mouth and to allow the filling to settle for the best texture.
Step 12: Serve and Enjoy
Plate these beauties and pair them with your favorite dipping sauce like salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for an extra touch of yum.
How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Crispanadas Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro brightens up each crispanada and adds a lively burst of color along with a fresh flavor that beautifully complements the savory filling.
Side Dishes
Consider serving these crispanadas alongside a crisp green salad, some zesty Mexican rice, or a light corn slaw. These sides provide a balance of freshness and texture that rounds out the meal flawlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, arrange your crispanadas on a colorful platter with small bowls of different dips to invite dipping and sharing—making it perfect for parties or casual get-togethers. You can also stack them like little empanada towers for a fun visual presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover crispanadas cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, they will stay fresh for up to three days while maintaining their flaky texture.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked crispanadas by placing them on a tray lined with parchment paper, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container once solid. They freeze beautifully for up to one month, perfect for a future snack or meal.
Reheating
To reheat, pop leftover crispanadas back into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to refresh their crispness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that delightful crunch—air frying is the best way to reawaken those crispy edges.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat in this Air Fryer Chicken Crispanadas Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground beef, turkey, or even pork can be swapped in depending on your preference. Just adjust cooking times slightly to ensure the meat is fully cooked and seasoned well.
Is it necessary to use the egg wash?
While the egg wash isn’t mandatory, it really helps achieve that beautiful golden color and shine on the crispanadas. You can skip it if you prefer, but expect a paler finish.
Can I make these crispanadas vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the ground chicken with a mixture of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and beans. Add your favorite spices to keep the filling flavorful and satisfying.
What dipping sauces go best with these crispanadas?
Salsa, guacamole, and sour cream are classic choices that complement the spices well. You could also get creative with a spicy chipotle mayo or a tangy cilantro-lime dip.
How do I prevent the dough from getting soggy?
Make sure your filling isn’t too wet by cooking off excess moisture in the skillet before assembling. Also, sealing the edges well and brushing with egg wash and oil help achieve a crispy crust.
Final Thoughts
The Air Fryer Chicken Crispanadas Recipe is a total game-changer for anyone who loves crispy, flavorful bites without the fuss and mess of traditional frying. It’s quick, versatile, and perfect for sharing with family or impressing friends at your next gathering. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll be reaching for the recipe again and again!
Print
Air Fryer Chicken Crispanadas Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 crispanadas
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Latin American
Description
This Air Fryer Chicken Crispanada recipe features savory ground chicken seasoned with aromatic spices and mixed with vegetables, all encased in crispy empanada dough. Prepared quickly and cooked using an air fryer, these delightful half-moon shaped crispanadas are golden, crunchy, and perfect as an appetizer or snack. The option to add cheese and garnish with fresh cilantro enhances their flavor, while the air frying method provides a healthier alternative to traditional frying.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Dough and Finishing
- 1 package refrigerated empanada dough or pie crusts (about 10–12 disks)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for cooking the crispanadas evenly and to achieve a golden crispy crust.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat a little oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Cook Ground Chicken: Add the ground chicken to the skillet. Cook it until browned, breaking apart the meat with a spoon as it cooks, about 6-7 minutes. This ensures the chicken is fully cooked and evenly crumbled for the filling.
- Add Seasonings and Peas: Stir in ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Allow the mixture to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld together. If using frozen peas, stir them in during the last minute to cook through but remain tender.
- Cool and Add Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and let the chicken mixture cool slightly so it doesn’t melt the dough. If desired, fold in shredded cheddar cheese to add creaminess and flavor.
- Assemble Crispanadas: Lay a disk of empanada dough on a clean surface. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the chicken filling onto the center of the dough disk.
- Seal Dough: Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal tightly and use a fork to crimp the edges, giving them a decorative finish and ensuring they don’t open during cooking.
- Apply Egg Wash and Olive Oil: In a small bowl, beat the egg with a splash of water to create an egg wash. Brush the top of each crispanada with the egg wash to give a shiny, golden crust. Lightly brush the tops with olive oil to enhance crispiness.
- Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the prepared crispanadas into the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Space them out to allow hot air circulation. Cook in batches if necessary depending on your air fryer size.
- Air Fry Crispanadas: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping the crispanadas halfway through the cooking time to promote even browning and crisping on both sides.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove the crispanadas from the air fryer and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired for added freshness and color.
- Serve: Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces such as salsa, sour cream, or guacamole to complement the savory flavors of the chicken crispanadas.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground chicken with cooked lentils or plant-based meat alternative.
- The peas and cheddar cheese are optional but add flavor and texture.
- Make sure to not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Use refrigerated empanada dough or pie crust dough disks for convenience, or make your own dough if preferred.
- Leftover crispanadas can be reheated in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness.
