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
Scale
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
