Air Fryer Chicken Crispanada

Let me tell you—this Air Fryer Chicken Crispanada is a total game-changer. It’s the perfect fusion of crispy and juicy, bringing together everything you love about savory handheld snacks with the added bonus of air-frying magic. Imagine a golden, flaky crust filled with tender, flavorful chicken, all crisped up to perfection. Best of all? It’s made in the air fryer, so you get that deep-fried texture without all the oil. Trust me, this is a dish you’ll want to add to your weeknight rotation.

Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner, a fun snack, or something to impress at your next gathering, these chicken crispanadas are sure to steal the spotlight. And the best part? They’re so easy to make—just a few simple steps and you’re on your way to crispy, cheesy chicken-filled bliss.

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Chicken Crispanada

Here’s why this recipe is going to be your new favorite:

Air-Fried Perfection: The air fryer gives the dough a crispy, golden finish without the mess of deep frying. You’ll get all the crunch and flavor you crave but with less oil.

Savory, Flavorful Filling: The chicken is cooked in a flavorful mixture of spices, cheese, and seasonings, so each bite is packed with savory goodness. It’s like a little flavor explosion in every mouthful.

Quick and Easy: No need for hours of prep! The air fryer cooks these crispanadas to perfection in just a fraction of the time it takes to bake or deep-fry them.

Customizable: You can easily tweak the filling to match your preferences. Want to make it spicy? Add some diced jalapeños or a little hot sauce. Want to make it vegetarian? Substitute the chicken with beans and veggies for a delicious plant-based version.

Perfect for Meal Prep or Snacks: These crispanadas make great leftovers or packed lunches. You can easily store them in the fridge and reheat them for a satisfying meal later in the week.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Ingredients in Air Fryer Chicken Crispanada

Chicken Breast

The star of this dish! Chicken breast gets seasoned and cooked until tender, then chopped into small, bite-sized pieces to fill the crispanada dough.

Empanada Dough

This dough is key to achieving that golden, crispy shell. You can use store-bought empanada dough for convenience, or if you’re feeling adventurous, make your own from scratch!

Cheese

A generous amount of cheese melts inside the crispanada, adding that gooey, melty factor. I recommend using a good melting cheese like mozzarella, but feel free to mix it up!

Onion & Garlic

These two ingredients create the savory flavor base. They add depth to the chicken filling and bring a great balance of sweetness and aromatic goodness.

Spices (Cumin, Chili Powder, Paprika)

A blend of spices gives this dish its signature flavor. The cumin adds an earthy depth, while chili powder and paprika contribute a subtle kick.

Olive Oil Spray

The key to getting that golden, crispy texture without the need for deep-frying. A quick spritz of olive oil on the crispanadas before air frying ensures they come out perfectly crisp.

Instructions

Let’s walk through the steps to make this delicious dish. It’s so easy, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner!

Season and Cook the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breast with cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook it in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked and lightly browned on the outside—about 7-8 minutes. Once done, chop the chicken into small pieces.

Sauté the Onions and Garlic

In the same pan, sauté the onions and garlic until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Combine with the chopped chicken, adding any extra spices you like at this point (feel free to get creative with your seasoning!).

Assemble the Crispanadas

Lay out the empanada dough discs on a clean surface. Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture in the center of each disc, and top with a small handful of shredded cheese. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape, and crimp the edges with a fork to seal them tightly.

Air Fry to Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the crispanadas with olive oil to help them get that golden, crispy finish. Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd. Air fry for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the crispanadas are golden and crispy.

Serve and Enjoy!

Once done, serve them hot with a side of salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping. These crispanadas are perfect for a snack, appetizer, or even a quick dinner!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 330 kcal (estimate)
Total Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 550mg
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 1g
Protein: 18g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Crispanada

There are so many ways you can serve these crispy, cheesy pockets:

• With Dipping Sauces: Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like salsa, sour cream, or a spicy chipotle mayo.
• On a Salad: Toss them on top of a fresh green salad with avocado and your favorite dressing for a fun and light meal.
• Tacos or Wraps: Slice them into smaller pieces and add to a taco or wrap with your favorite toppings for a twist on a classic taco night.
• As a Snack or Appetizer: These are great for parties or as a quick bite when you’re craving something savory.

Additional Tips

• Frozen Empanada Dough: If you want to save time, you can use frozen empanada dough discs. They make the process even easier, and you can skip the step of making the dough yourself.
• Spice Level: Adjust the spice level based on your preferences. If you love heat, try adding some diced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to the filling.
• Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses! A mix of cheddar, mozzarella, or even pepper jack can give your crispanadas a new twist.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the crispanadas ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just air fry them when you’re ready to serve.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of meat?
A1: Absolutely! Ground beef, turkey, or even shredded pork would work great in place of the chicken. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning to match the meat.

Q2: Can I make the dough myself?
A2: Yes! You can make your own empanada dough from scratch, but store-bought dough is super convenient and works perfectly for this recipe.

Q3: Can I freeze these?
A3: Yes! After assembling, you can freeze the uncooked crispanadas. Just place them on a baking sheet, freeze them, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to cook, just air fry them straight from frozen for an extra few minutes.

Q4: Can I bake these in the oven instead of the air fryer?
A4: Yes! If you don’t have an air fryer, bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Q5: How do I make these spicier?
A5: Add some diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or some hot sauce to the chicken mixture for an extra kick of heat.

Q6: Can I use a different cheese?
A6: Yes! Feel free to use cheddar, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses. Just make sure it’s a cheese that melts well!

Q7: How long will leftovers last?
A7: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to keep them crispy.

Q8: Can I add vegetables to the filling?
A8: Definitely! You can add some sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra flavor and texture.

Q9: Can I use whole wheat dough?
A9: Yes, whole wheat empanada dough can be used for a slightly healthier option. It will still give you that delicious crispy texture.

Q10: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A10: Yes! You can prep the chicken and filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just assemble the crispanadas and air fry.

Conclusion

These Air Fryer Chicken Crispanadas are the perfect balance of crispy, savory, and cheesy goodness. They’re easy to make, customizable to your taste, and ideal for busy days when you want a satisfying meal without a ton of effort. Whether you’re snacking, meal prepping, or serving them as part of a fun family dinner, these crispanadas are sure to impress!

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