Air Fryer Mini Chicken Empanadas with Cheddar and Green Chiles
These bite-sized empanadas feature tender chicken, melted cheddar cheese, and mild green chiles wrapped in flaky Pillsbury pie crusts. The air fryer creates perfectly golden, crispy exteriors while keeping the filling warm and flavorful. Perfect for parties, game day snacks, or quick weeknight appetizers. This streamlined version uses pre-made crusts and simple pantry ingredients, making restaurant-quality empanadas achievable in just minutes.
Ingredients
- 7 mini crusts from Pillsbury Mini Pie Crusts, softened as directed
- ¼ cup cooked chicken, diced
- 2 tablespoons tomatoes with mild green chiles, diced, well drained
- 2 tablespoons cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon onion, finely diced
- ⅛ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 dash salt
Instructions
- 1
Remove crust from pouch and slowly unroll on work surface
- 2
Separate into individual crusts and discard scraps
- 3
Mix chicken, tomatoes, cheese, onion, chili powder and salt in medium bowl
- 4
Spoon rounded tablespoonful of chicken mixture in center of each crust
- 5
Fold crust in half over filling and press edges firmly with fork to seal
- 6
Prick tops once with fork to vent
- 7
Set air fryer to 350°F and place four empanadas in basket
- 8
Cook 10 to 12 minutes until golden brown
- 9
Let rest 5 minutes without opening air fryer
- 10
Carefully remove empanadas with spatula
- 11
Repeat with remaining empanadas
Tips
Ensure crusts are properly softened before unrolling to prevent cracking and tearing during assembly.
Drain the diced tomatoes thoroughly to prevent soggy empanadas and ensure crispy crusts.
Don't overfill the empanadas as this can cause them to burst open during cooking.
Good to Know
Refrigerate cooked empanadas up to 3 days in airtight container. Reheat in air fryer at 300°F for 2-3 minutes.
Assemble empanadas up to 4 hours ahead, cover and refrigerate until ready to cook.
Serve warm with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for dipping.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip pricking the tops to avoid empanadas bursting from steam pressure
Don't open air fryer during resting time to prevent deflation
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I freeze these empanadas?
Yes, freeze assembled uncooked empanadas up to 3 months. Cook directly from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to cooking time.
What if I don't have an air fryer?
Bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes until golden brown, or pan-fry in a skillet with a little oil over medium heat.
How long do leftovers keep?
Cooked empanadas stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container.