Air Fryer Breakfast Empanadas with Sausage and Cheese
Crispy handheld breakfast pastries filled with scrambled eggs, savory breakfast sausage, tender diced potatoes, and melted cheddar cheese. These golden empanadas offer all the flavors of a complete breakfast in a convenient portable form. The air fryer creates a perfectly flaky crust while keeping the filling warm and creamy. Perfect for busy mornings, brunch gatherings, or meal prep when you want a satisfying breakfast you can eat on the go.
Ingredients
- 2 prepared rolled pie crustspuff pastry1:1flakier texture
thaw before using
- 4 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
- ½ pound breakfast sausageturkey sausage1:1healthier
use same amount
- 1 can potatoes, diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- 1
Preheat a skillet over medium high heat
- 2
Add breakfast sausage to the hot skillet and brown and crumble, drain, then place sausage back onto the skillet
- 3
Combine eggs and milk in a mixing bowl and whisk, pour into the hot skillet with the sausage and scramble
- 4
Add drained diced potatoes into a small mixing bowl and toss with salt and pepper, add to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes
- 5
Add cheese and stir until melted
- 6
Unroll pie crusts onto a wooden cutting board and stack on top of each other
- 7
Use the lid of a mason jar or a biscuit cutter to cut circles into the pie
- 8
Scoop 2 tbsp of egg filling onto one side of the pie circle, fold in half and use a fork to crimp and seal the edges
- 9
Brush empanadas with melted butter and sprinkle a pinch of pepper over the top
- 10
Add to the air fryer and cook for five minutes at 320 degrees F using air fryer setting
- 11
Serve warm
Tips
Make sure to drain the sausage well to prevent soggy empanadas from excess grease.
Seal the edges tightly with a fork to prevent filling from leaking during cooking.
Don't overfill the empanadas or they'll be difficult to seal and may burst open.
Good to Know
Refrigerate cooked empanadas for up to 3 days in airtight container
Assemble empanadas up to 24 hours ahead, refrigerate, then air fry when ready
Serve immediately while hot and crispy for best texture
Common Mistakes
Don't skip draining the sausage to avoid greasy filling
Avoid overfilling to prevent bursting during cooking
Don't skip sealing edges well to prevent leaking
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
use same amount
FAQ
Can I make these in a regular oven instead?
Yes, bake at 375 degrees F for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Can I freeze these empanadas?
Yes, freeze assembled uncooked empanadas for up to 3 months. Cook from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes.
What if my empanadas open during cooking?
Make sure edges are sealed tightly with fork tines and avoid overfilling with more than 2 tablespoons of mixture.