Air Fryer Chicken Crispanada Recipe
If you are looking for a delicious, crispy, and comforting dish to whip up quickly, the Air Fryer Chicken Crispanada Recipe will absolutely steal your heart. This Latin-inspired stuffed pastry combines tender shredded chicken, melty cheddar, and a symphony of spices wrapped in a perfectly crisped empanada shell — all made effortlessly in the air fryer. Each bite bursts with warm, savory flavors and a satisfying crunch that feels indulgent without the mess of deep frying. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a snack to impress friends, or a fun meal for the family, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and mouthwatering flair.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the joy, and this recipe keeps it straightforward while ensuring every flavor and texture shines through. Each component plays an essential role – from creamy cheeses adding richness to the spices that bring a smoky, subtle heat, and the empanada dough creating that golden, flaky shell you’ll love biting into.
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast: The hearty, protein-packed base that’s tender and easy to mix with other ingredients.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Brings a sharp, gooey cheesiness that complements the chicken beautifully.
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened: Adds creamy texture and smooth bind to the filling.
- 1/4 cup diced green chilies (canned): Injects a mild kick and little bursts of flavor without overwhelming heat.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon cumin, 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika: These spices layer in smokiness and earthiness that make the filling truly unforgettable.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simply essential for balancing all those vibrant flavors.
- 1 package refrigerated empanada dough discs (or 8 small round pie dough cutouts): The golden vessels that hold all the deliciousness, crisping up beautifully in the air fryer.
- 1 egg (for egg wash): Helps achieve that shiny, inviting golden crust you’ll drool over.
- Cooking spray: To ensure your crispanadas come out perfectly crisp without sticking in the air fryer basket.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Crispanada Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Flavor-Packed Filling
In a medium bowl, combine your shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, diced green chilies, garlic powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well until the mixture is smooth and each bite will be bursting with those bold layers of flavor. This filling is the soul of your crispanadas – creamy, spicy, and packed with yum.
Step 2: Assemble the Crispanadas
Lay out your empanada dough discs and spoon roughly 2 tablespoons of the chicken filling into the center of each. Fold the dough over to create a neat half-moon shape, then press the edges together firmly. Use a fork to crimp the edges and seal the filling inside so it doesn’t escape during cooking. Don’t worry about perfection here—the rustic crimped edges add charm and promise deliciousness.
Step 3: Add the Egg Wash for That Golden Finish
Beat your egg and gently brush the tops of each crispanada. This step ensures your pastries will develop a beautiful, glossy golden crust once they hit the air fryer. It’s a small touch that makes a big visual and textural difference.
Step 4: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the crispanadas in a single layer—depending on your air fryer size, you might need to cook them in batches. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until each crispanada is irresistibly golden brown and crisp. Once cooked, let them cool for a couple of minutes so the filling sets just right and you avoid any fiery surprise bites!
How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Crispanada Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro or green onions adds a bright, fresh contrast to the rich filling. For a little zing, try serving your crispanadas with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of tangy salsa verde. These garnishes don’t just add flavor but also a welcome pop of color to the plate.
Side Dishes
Pair these crispanadas with a refreshing side salad, some Mexican street corn, or even a scoop of guacamole for a fuller meal. Their crunchy exterior and savory inside pair perfectly with light, zesty, or creamy sides that complement the dish without overshadowing it.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun gathering, arrange a platter of mini crispanadas with an array of dipping sauces like spicy chipotle mayo, cilantro-lime crema, or even a sweet mango chutney. This makes for a vibrant finger food spread that everyone will rave about. Alternatively, serve them with a bowl of comforting soup for a cozy twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover crispanadas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making them perfect for a quick snack or lunch the next day. Just be sure to cool them completely before covering to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze assembled but uncooked crispanadas by placing them on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy, air fry them straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time. This way, you’ll always have a batch of delicious Air Fryer Chicken Crispanada Recipe ready to go.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your crispanadas back into the air fryer at 350°F for about 3 to 5 minutes. This refreshes the crispy exterior perfectly without drying out the filling, unlike microwaving which can make the dough rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken breast?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully and adds extra flavor and moisture to the filling, making your crispanadas even more delicious with less prep.
How spicy is this Air Fryer Chicken Crispanada Recipe?
This recipe is mildly spicy thanks to the canned green chilies, but you can easily adjust the heat level by adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling if you love a kick.
Is there a gluten-free option for the dough?
Yes! You can substitute the empanada or pie dough with gluten-free pastry dough available at many grocery stores. Just keep an eye on the cooking time since gluten-free doughs can brown faster.
Can I make these ahead of time and bake later?
You sure can. Assemble your crispanadas and store them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. This saves time on the day you want to serve them super fresh and crispy.
What can I serve with this dish for a complete meal?
Light sides like Mexican rice, black beans, or a zesty salad complement the richness of the crispanadas beautifully, turning it into a satisfying, balanced meal everyone will enjoy.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like a golden, crispy pastry filled with savory chicken and spices to brighten your meal routine. The Air Fryer Chicken Crispanada Recipe is a joyful dish to make and share, effortlessly combining convenience and bold flavor. I genuinely hope you try this recipe soon and make it your go-to comfort food for fast, flavorful eats. Happy cooking!
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Air Fryer Chicken Crispanada Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 crispanadas 1x
Description
This Air Fryer Chicken Crispanada recipe offers a deliciously crispy and cheesy stuffed pastry filled with seasoned shredded chicken and creamy cheeses. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or snack, these crispanadas are made with empanada dough and cooked to golden perfection in an air fryer for a healthier alternative to traditional frying.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup diced green chilies (canned)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dough and Assembly
- 1 package refrigerated empanada dough discs (or 8 small round pie dough cutouts)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare Filling: In a medium bowl, combine shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, green chilies, garlic powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
- Assemble Crispanadas: Place about 2 tablespoons of the filling in the center of each empanada dough disc. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Use a fork to crimp and seal the edges securely to prevent filling leakage during cooking.
- Apply Egg Wash: Beat the egg in a small bowl. Brush the tops of each sealed crispanada with the beaten egg to help them achieve a golden, glossy finish when cooked.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat while you prepare the basket.
- Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Crispanadas: Arrange the crispanadas in a single layer in the basket, working in batches if necessary. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and Serve: Once cooked, remove the crispanadas from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving to enjoy the perfect balance of crispy exterior and flavorful filling.
Notes
- You can substitute turkey or rotisserie chicken for the shredded chicken.
- To make them spicier, add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling mixture.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pastry dough instead of traditional empanada dough.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Latin-Inspired, American
