Description
Air Fryer Chicken Crispanada is a delicious, healthier take on the classic empanada. These golden, crispy pastries are filled with a savory chicken mixture and cooked in the air fryer for a perfect, crisp texture. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, or as a fun appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
- 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 the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and garlic, cooking until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add the ground chicken to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks, about 6-7 minutes.
- Stir in the cumin, chili powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. If using peas, stir them in during the last minute of cooking.
- Remove from heat and let the chicken mixture cool slightly. If desired, mix in the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Place an empanada dough disk on a clean surface. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture into the center of the disk.
- Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and press the edges together to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative finish.
- Brush the top of each crispanada with an egg wash (1 beaten egg with a splash of water) and lightly brush with olive oil.
- Place the prepared crispanadas into the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, or until the crispanadas are golden brown and crispy. Flip halfway through cooking for even crisping.
- Remove from the air fryer and let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce such as salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.
Notes
- You can customize the filling with your favorite vegetables or spices. Try adding corn, black beans, or even a bit of jalapeño for heat!
- If you don’t have empanada dough, you can use pie crusts or puff pastry for a different texture.
- For a healthier version, you can use ground turkey or chicken breast instead of ground chicken.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fried
- Cuisine: Latin
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crispanada
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg