As a wife, mom, and grandmom with grown kids, I’ve learned that comfort food doesn’t have to include meat to be satisfying. These Air Fryer Vegan Empanadas are crispy on the outside, flavorful on the inside, and perfect for snacks, appetizers, or even a light dinner. The air fryer gives them that golden crunch without deep frying, making them lighter but still incredibly delicious.
If you enjoy plant-based air fryer recipes, you might also love Air Fryer Vegan Spring Rolls, Air Fryer Vegan Garlic Butter Mushrooms, Air Fryer Marry Me Tofu, or Air Fryer Vegan Jerk Jackfruit Wraps. All of them make wonderful additions to a vegan meal spread.
Ingredients
For the Dough (or use store-bought vegan empanada discs)
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup vegan butter, chilled
- ½–¾ cup cold water
For the Vegan Filling
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cooked lentils or black beans
- ½ cup diced bell peppers
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp tomato sauce or salsa
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough (if homemade)
In a bowl, mix flour and salt. Cut in vegan butter until crumbly.
Slowly add cold water and mix until a dough forms.
Wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
2. Make the Filling
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
Sauté onion and garlic until softened.
Add lentils or beans, bell peppers, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, pepper, and tomato sauce.
Cook for 3–5 minutes until mixture thickens. Let cool slightly.
If you enjoy hearty plant-based fillings, you might also appreciate the flavors in Air Fryer Low-Carb Cauliflower Shepherd’s Pie for another comforting vegan-inspired dish.
3. Assemble the Empanadas
Roll dough and cut into circles (or use pre-made discs).
Place a spoonful of filling in the center.
Fold over and seal edges with a fork.
4. Air Fry
Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly brush empanadas with olive oil.
Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crisp.
5. Serve
Let cool slightly before serving. Pair with salsa, guacamole, or a simple vegan dipping sauce.
These empanadas make a great appetizer alongside Air Fryer Vegan Spring Rolls or served with a side of Air Fryer Vegan Garlic Butter Mushrooms for a full plant-based meal.
Tips for Perfect Vegan Empanadas
- Do not overfill or they may burst open
- Seal edges tightly to prevent leaking
- Chill dough before rolling for easier handling
- Brush lightly with oil for a crisp golden finish
- Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding
Variations and Substitutions
- Use mashed sweet potatoes and black beans
- Add corn for sweetness
- Try spinach and mushrooms for a savory filling
- Use store-bought vegan pie crust for convenience
- Add chopped jalapeños for heat
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes to restore crispiness.
You can freeze uncooked empanadas and air fry directly from frozen, adding 2–3 extra minutes.
FAQs
Are empanadas traditionally vegan?
Traditional empanadas often contain meat, but this version is completely plant-based.
Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, just make sure it’s vegan-friendly.
Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F for about 15–20 minutes until golden.
Why are my empanadas opening?
Make sure the edges are sealed tightly and not overfilled.
What dips go well with vegan empanadas?
Salsa, guacamole, vegan sour cream, or chimichurri all work beautifully.
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Vegan Empanadas are crispy, satisfying, and perfect for anyone looking for plant-based comfort food. They’re easy to customize, simple to prepare, and cook beautifully in the air fryer.
Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, they’re a delicious way to enjoy vegan flavors with that irresistible golden crunch.
