Air Fryer Picadillo Empanadas from Leftovers to Lovelies

Air Fryer Empanadas Made with Leftover Picadillo Easy

By Rafael MorenoSeptember 7, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever stare into your fridge wondering what to do with those leftovers? This Air Fryer Empanadas made with leftover picadillo recipe is your answer.

Honestly, these crispy, golden pockets of savory goodness are totally addictive.

Brief Overview

Empanadas are a staple across Latin America and Spain, each region with its own spin. These are quick Air Fryer Recipes Easy Dinner , ready in about 35 minutes.

This recipe makes 6 empanadas, perfect for a light lunch or a cheeky starter.

Main Benefits

Using the air fryer cuts down on fat while still giving you that satisfying crunch. These Air Fryer Recipes are a fantastic way to reduce waste and enjoy a new twist on a classic dish.

Trust me, these are special.

From Leftovers to Lovelies

Okay, let’s talk about this awesome Air Fryer Empanadas made with leftover picadillo recipe. Picadillo empanada variations ? The possibilities are endless, but we are starting with the original.

I was thinking, "How can I jazz up yesterday’s dinner?" And bingo! Air fryer picadillo empanada recipe was born!

I've always loved empanadas. They are the ultimate comfort food. Growing up, my grandma would make them. The whole house would smell incredible.

Now, with the air fryer, it is even easier. This Easy air fryer Latin recipes is all about speed and flavor.

I love trying new air fryer food all the time.

What You'll Need

For this Air Fryer Empanadas made with leftover picadillo journey, here's what you need: refrigerated pie crust (or empanada dough), leftover beef picadillo, an egg, and a few pantry staples.

Oh, and don’t forget cheese! A bit of Monterey Jack or queso fresco makes everything better. Don’t worry if you don’t have cheese, they're still amazing without.

Air Fryer Recipes Easy dinner is easy with this. I had a mishap once where the filling was too wet and the empanadas burst.

Don't make that same mistake!

Time to Get Cooking!

First, roll out your dough and cut out circles. Think Cornish pasties but way more fun. Then, add a generous spoonful of your air fryer leftover recipes picadillo filling and a sprinkle of cheese.

Seal those bad boys up, give them an egg wash, and chill for a bit.

Finally, into the Air Fryer Dinner Recipes they go! Set it to 375° F ( 190° C) and cook for 12- 15 minutes, flipping halfway.

Watch them closely! Every air fryer is different, and you don’t want any burnt offerings. Serve with sour cream and hot sauce for the full experience.

What a perfect Air Fryer Food

I find that it takes 13 minutes exactly in my Air Fryer .

Ingredients & Equipment for Amazing Air Fryer Empanadas

Let's dive into what you'll need to whip up these Air Fryer Picadillo Empanadas made with leftover picadillo. Don't stress.

It's all pretty straightforward! I promise, this is one of those Air Fryer Recipes Easy Dinner wins!

Main Ingredients

Pie Crust: 1 package (14.1 oz / 400g) refrigerated pie crust. Gotta let it get to room temp. Honestly, nobody wants to fight with cold, stiff dough.
Flour: 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour. For dusting. Because sticky dough is the enemy.
Egg Wash: 1 large egg , beaten with 1 tablespoon water. Gives them that golden glow.
Picadillo: 2 cups (approximately 500g) leftover beef picadillo. Quality picadillo is key! You want it flavorful.
Cheese (Optional): 1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack or queso fresco. Because cheese makes everything better, right?

Seasoning Notes

This is where you can get creative! The picadillo usually has it all! Salt, pepper, cumin. I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne.

It adds a lovely kick. If you're feeling brave, a tiny dash of cinnamon. Also, don't forget the flavour enhancers and aromatics

Essential spice combinations that will do wonders, are Salt, pepper, cumin and a pinch of cayenne. For Flavor enhancers and aromatics you can add a tiny dash of cinnamon.

Quick substitution options would be a tiny dash of ginger, or dried oregano.

Equipment Needed

Air Fryer: The star of the show.
Rolling Pin: To get that dough just right.
Cookie Cutter: 3-4 inch round . Or a small bowl. Improvise!
Fork: For crimping. Super important.
Baking Sheet: For holding the empanadas.
Parchment Paper: Optional, but it makes cleanup a breeze.

The essential tools are the Air Fryer, Rolling Pin and Fork. Some common household alternatives for those tools are a cutting knife, a glass and a tooth pick.

For anyone looking for great Air Fryer Recipes Easy , or maybe even particularly Air Fryer Recipes Easy Dinner , this one is a total game changer.

Even using it as one of your Air Fryer Dinner Recipes could be a great idea! You can look online for the Air Fryer Recipes or Air Fryer Food and you may find similar or alternative ideas!

One time, I tried making these with puff pastry instead of pie crust. Let me tell you, it was a complete disaster! The puff pastry puffed up way too much, and the filling exploded everywhere.

Don't make my mistake! Stick with pie crust or empanada dough for the best results, and follow the instructions for preparing an Air fryer picadillo empanada recipe

Air Fryer Picadillo Empanadas: Leftovers Transformed!

Honestly, are you tired of eating the same old leftovers? Me too! That’s why I’m obsessed with these Air Fryer Picadillo Empanadas .

They’re the perfect way to use up leftover picadillo and turn it into something amazing . Talk about Air Fryer Recipes Easy Dinner ! Imagine a Latin Cornish pasty delish .

We're talking about taking that flavorful mix of ground beef, olives, raisins, and spices, and wrapping it in flaky, golden crust.

According to a recent study, approximately 25-40% of food goes to waste, that stat alone tells us about how beneficial these Air Fryer Recipes are.

Prep Like a Pro: Empanada Edition

First things first, the mise en place is essential. Get your leftover picadillo ready (about 2 cups). If you are feeling extra Air Fryer Recipes Easy , grab a 14.

1 oz pack of refrigerated pie crust. Dust your work surface with a couple of tablespoons of flour.

Time saving tip: Use pre-made empanada dough if you can find it! It makes life so much easier. Plus, chilling your empanadas will prevent the dough from bursting during air frying.

step-by-step to Empanada Perfection

Roll It Out: On your floured surface, roll out the pie crust to about 1/8 inch thickness. Think pizza making, but smaller.
Cut and Fill: Use a 3-4 inch cookie cutter (or a small bowl as a guide) to cut out circles. Place about 1/3 cup of picadillo in the center. Maybe sprinkle with a little cheese.
Seal the Deal: Fold the dough over to form a half moon. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal. No soggy bottoms here !
Egg Wash and Chill: Whisk one large egg with one tablespoon of water. Brush those empanadas! Then, chill them for at least 15 minutes .
Air Fry Time: Preheat your air fryer to 375° F ( 190° C) . Place the empanadas in the basket without overcrowding.
Cook to Golden Brown: Air fry for 12- 15 minutes , flipping halfway, until golden brown. The crust should sound nice and crisp when tapped.
Serve and Enjoy: Let them cool slightly. Serve with sour cream, hot sauce, and cilantro. Olé!

Pro Tips for Air Fryer Empanadas

Don't overfill those Air Fryer Food ! Too much filling will cause them to burst. No one wants a picadillo explosion.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the picadillo for a spicier kick.
Want to get ahead? Assemble the empanadas, chill them, and then air fry them just before serving. Talk about amazing Air Fryer Dinner Recipes !

Now, honestly, aren't you glad you discovered this super easy air fryer Latin recipes ? I know I am. And that air fryer picadillo empanada recipe ? Total game changer.

So ditch the boring air fryer leftover recipes and hello to amazing Air Fryer Empanadas made with leftover picadillo.

Recipe Notes for Your Air Fryer Empanadas

Alright, let's dive into some essential deets to make your Air Fryer Empanadas made with leftover picadillo totally rock. We want these bad boys to be perfect.

Honestly, it is so easy! And who doesn’t love Air Fryer Recipes Easy for dinner? I've been making empanadas for years.

Trust me, these tips will help.

Serving Suggestions: Presentation is Key!

Okay, so you've got these gorgeous golden Air Fryer Food masterpieces. Let's plate 'em up! I love slicing them in half to show off that yummy picadillo empanada variations .

Plating & Presentation: Arrange three empanadas artfully on a plate. A dollop of sour cream or Mexican crema adds a cool contrast. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color. Boom! Restaurant worthy.
Sides & Drinks: Serve alongside Mexican rice for a hearty meal. Margaritas are always a good shout. Or a cold Mexican beer if you're feeling chill.

Storage Tips: Keep 'em Fresh!

We want to avoid waste. You know? And sometimes, you just can't eat them all at once.

Fridge Time: Refrigerate leftover empanadas in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing Fun: To freeze, wrap each empanada individually in plastic wrap. Then, pop them in a freezer bag. They'll last up to 2 months.
Reheating Magic: Reheat in the Air Fryer . Use air fryer leftover recipes . 350° F ( 175° C) for about 5- 7 minutes. Alternatively, the oven will work.

Variations: Let's Get Creative!

This Air Fryer Dinner Recipes is super adaptable. It fits all different preferences!

Dietary Adaptations: For a lower carb version, try using almond flour dough. For vegetarians, a black bean and corn filling is amazing.
Seasonal Swaps: In the fall, add roasted butternut squash to your picadillo. In the summer, fresh corn kernels are divine.

Nutrition Basics: Fuel Your Body!

It's always good to know what you're munching on! Air Fryer Recipes are normally healthier.

Simplified Stats: One empanada has about 350-400 calories. Plus, 15-20g protein and 20-25g fat.
Health Perks: Picadillo is packed with protein from the beef. It has fibre from the olives and raisins.

Making these Air Fryer Empanadas made with leftover picadillo is super satisfying. You’re turning something old into something amazing. Seriously, have fun with it and don't be afraid to experiment! It also an easy air fryer Latin recipes .

You got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Air Fryer Empanadas made with different fillings besides picadillo?

Absolutely! While this recipe highlights the deliciousness of using leftover picadillo, you can get as creative as you like. Think shredded chicken, seasoned ground beef, or even a vegetarian filling like black beans and corn. Just make sure your filling isn't too wet, or it could make the empanadas soggy.

My empanadas are bursting in the air fryer! What am I doing wrong?

Bursting empanadas are a common issue, but easily fixable! First, avoid overfilling the dough a little filling goes a long way. Second, make sure you’re crimping the edges tightly with a fork to create a good seal, almost like a Cornish Pasty.

Finally, chilling the assembled empanadas in the fridge for 15 minutes before air frying can really help the dough firm up and prevent bursting. It's like giving them a mini spa day before their air fryer adventure!

How do I store leftover Air Fryer Empanadas made with Picadillo?

Leftover empanadas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Alternatively, you can microwave them, but they might lose some of their crispiness.

Just like reheating pizza, air fryer is always the best!

Can I freeze these Air Fryer Empanadas made with Picadillo?

Yes, you can definitely freeze them! Assemble the empanadas, but don't air fry them. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag.

When you're ready to cook, you can air fry them straight from frozen, but you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. They're like little time capsules of deliciousness!

Are Air Fryer Empanadas made with Picadillo a healthy option?

Air frying is generally a healthier cooking method than deep frying because it uses less oil. However, the nutritional content will depend on the ingredients you use, especially the picadillo. Using leaner ground beef and controlling the amount of cheese can help reduce the fat content.

Consider serving them with lighter toppings like salsa and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier twist.