If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into a golden, crispy pocket of savory goodness that’s bursting with flavorful ground chicken and spices, then you are in for a treat with this Air Fryer Chicken Crispanadas Recipe. Combining the ease of the air fryer with a delicious homemade filling, these crispanadas offer the perfect balance of textures with a crunchy exterior and juicy, seasoned chicken inside. Whether for a family dinner, party appetizer, or quick snack, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for anytime comfort food that feels special yet is so simple to whip up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Air Fryer Chicken Crispanadas Recipe is quick and straightforward. Each item plays a vital role, from the tender ground chicken to the spices that create warmth and depth, all the way to the dough that crisps up beautifully in the air fryer.
- 1 lb ground chicken: The star protein, lean and perfect for absorbing all the rich spices.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and a subtle crunch when cooked down.
- 1/2 red bell pepper, finely chopped: Provides color and a hint of fresh, mild peppery flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: For that aromatic punch that wakes up the taste buds.
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin: Brings a warm, earthy note that complements the chicken.
- 1/2 tsp chili powder: Adds subtle heat and a smoky undertone for complexity.
- 1/2 tsp paprika: Sweet and mild, paprika enhances the color and depth of flavor.
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper: A bit of sharpness to balance the other spices.
- Salt to taste: Essential for bringing all the flavors together perfectly.
- 1/4 cup frozen peas (optional): A pop of color and slight sweetness that contrasts the savory filling.
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional): Melts into the filling for extra richness and gooey texture.
- 1 package refrigerated empanada dough or pie crusts (about 10–12 disks): The crispy shell that holds everything—a convenient shortcut.
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing): Helps achieve that perfect golden crisp on the outside.
- 1 egg (for egg wash): Adds a beautiful sheen and encourages browning on the crust.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish, optional): A fresh herbal note to brighten each bite.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Crispanadas Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by heating a bit of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic, sautéing until they soften and become fragrant—around 4 to 5 minutes. This base infuses the filling with wonderful sweetness and aroma.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Chicken
Next, toss in the ground chicken and break it apart with your spoon. Cook it thoroughly until it loses its pink hue and starts to brown slightly, which takes about 6 to 7 minutes. This browning adds incredible flavor depth to your crispanadas.
Step 3: Season the Filling
Sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir everything well and allow the spices to meld with the chicken for a couple more minutes. If you’re using frozen peas, stir them in now for a subtle sweetness and a lovely pop of green.
Step 4: Let the Mixture Cool
Once cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and allow the filling to cool slightly. This step is crucial so that when you add cheese—if you’re including it—it melts gently without becoming oily or separating.
Step 5: Assemble the Crispanadas
Take one disk of empanada dough and spoon about two tablespoons of the chicken mixture into its center. Fold the disk over to form a half-moon shape and press the edges together firmly. For a nice decorative and secure seal, run a fork along the seams.
Step 6: Prepare for Air Frying
Mix the egg with a splash of water to create your egg wash, then brush it over the top of each assembled crispanada. Follow this with a light brush of olive oil to enhance crispness and golden color during cooking.
Step 7: Air Fry the Crispanadas
Place the crispanadas in your air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they have room to crisp up without sticking. Cook them at 375°F (190°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning and crispy perfection all over.
Step 8: Cool and Garnish
Once out of the air fryer, let the crispanadas rest briefly so they firm up just a little. Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of fresh flavor and a lovely color contrast right before serving.
How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Crispanadas Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped cilantro or a dollop of sour cream takes these crispanadas over the top, adding freshness and creaminess that balance the spiced chicken filling beautifully. Consider a light drizzle of salsa or a wedge of lime to brighten each bite.
Side Dishes
Complement your Air Fryer Chicken Crispanadas Recipe with fresh salads, such as a tangy cabbage slaw or a simple mixed greens salad with a citrus vinaigrette. Rice and beans or a warm corn salad also pair naturally to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your crispanadas on a wooden board lined with parchment paper for a festive, casual appeal. Arrange them alongside small bowls of dipping sauces like guacamole, pico de gallo, or chipotle mayo to make your spread interactive and colorful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover crispanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh while preserving their crisp exterior and flavorful interior.
Freezing
If you want to prepare crispanadas ahead of time, freeze them before air frying by placing them on a baking sheet until solid, then transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, ready to bake straight from frozen.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers or previously frozen crispanadas, reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes. This method revives their crispiness beautifully without drying out the filling.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground turkey for chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well in this recipe and will yield a similarly delicious crispanada with a slightly different flavor profile.
What if I don’t have refrigerated empanada dough?
You can use refrigerated pie crusts or even make a simple homemade dough if you prefer. The key is to have a dough that crisps up nicely in the air fryer.
Can these crispanadas be made vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the ground chicken for sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a mixture of beans for a hearty vegetarian filling that still packs a flavorful punch.
Is it necessary to flip the crispanadas halfway through cooking?
Flipping ensures even browning on both sides, but if your air fryer circulates air very efficiently, it’s possible to skip this step. Just keep an eye on them to avoid uneven cooking.
What dipping sauces pair best with this recipe?
Traditional options like salsa, guacamole, and sour cream are always winners, but you can also experiment with spicy aioli or a tangy chimichurri for a fresh twist.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Chicken Crispanadas Recipe is a delightful combination of convenience, flavor, and texture that’s perfect for any occasion. Once you try them, you’ll marvel at how easy it is to create something so crispy and full of robust, comforting flavors. Go ahead, give this recipe a whirl and share the joy of homemade crispanadas with your family and friends — they’ll thank you for it!
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Air Fryer Chicken Crispanadas Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Latin American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Air Fryer Chicken Crispanadas are crispy, flavorful turnovers filled with a seasoned ground chicken mixture. Made with a blend of spices, vegetables, and optional cheese, these golden pockets are cooked to perfection in the air fryer for a healthier twist on a classic empanada. Perfect as appetizers or a satisfying snack, they come together quickly and deliver a deliciously crispy bite every time.
Ingredients
For the Chicken 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)
For the Crispanada Dough & Assembly
- 1 package refrigerated empanada dough or pie crusts (about 10–12 disks)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
- 1 egg (for egg wash, beaten with a splash of water)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer. Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to fully preheat while you prepare the filling.
- Sauté the vegetables. Heat a small amount of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion, red bell pepper, and garlic, cooking for about 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Cook the ground chicken. Add the ground chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon to ensure even cooking.
- Season the mixture. Stir in cumin, chili powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors. If using peas, add them during the last minute of cooking.
- Cool and add cheese. Remove the skillet from heat and allow the chicken mixture to cool slightly. Mix in shredded cheddar cheese if desired.
- Prepare the dough. Place one empanada dough disk on a clean surface. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the chicken filling into the center.
- Fold and seal. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly and crimp with a fork to seal properly and add a decorative finish.
- Apply egg wash and oil. Brush the top of each crispanada with the beaten egg wash, then lightly brush with olive oil to promote browning and crisping.
- Arrange in air fryer. Place crispanadas in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook in batches if necessary for even cooking.
- Air fry crispanadas. Cook at 375°F for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through the time to ensure even cooking on both sides.
- Cool and garnish. Remove the crispanadas from the air fryer and let cool for a few minutes. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.
- Serve. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces such as salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.
Notes
- You can customize the filling by adding vegetables like corn or jalapeños for extra flavor and texture.
- Make sure not to overfill the dough to prevent the filling from leaking during cooking.
- If you don’t have empanada disks, you can use pie crust cut into circles.
- Egg wash helps achieve a beautiful golden crust but can be omitted for a vegan glaze alternative.
- These crispanadas reheat well in the air fryer or oven to maintain crispiness.
