How to Cook Frozen Empanadas? [Tips + Recipe]
The best thing about empanadas is that you can cook them in so many different ways. You can bake them, fry them, or even cook them in the microwave. But what if you’re in a hurry and don’t have time to cook them? That’s where the frozen empanadas come in. The essential question then is, how to cook frozen empanadas?
There are four different ways you can use to cook frozen empanadas. While the quickest one is using your microwave, the healthiest option would be to use an air fryer. However, if you need a faster solution, you can cook them in a deep fryer or bake them in the oven.
Frozen empanadas can be a lifesaver when you’re in a hurry, but you have to cook them the right way. They’ll be gooey and gross inside if you don’t cook them properly. Here’s how to cook frozen empanadas so that they turn out perfectly every time.
What Are Empanadas?
If you’re unfamiliar with empanadas, they are a stuffed dough pocket. And you can fill them with almost anything you can imagine: ground beef, chicken, cheese, veggies, fruit – you name it.
They’re a popular dish in Latin America and the Caribbean. You can find them in restaurants and street stalls all over the region, but they’re also becoming increasingly popular in the United States. You can also find empanadas in most grocery stores these days, and there’s a good chance your favorite restaurant offers them on its menu.
So what are empanadas? They’re essentially savory or sweet stuffed dough pocket. And they’re delicious.
How to Properly Cook Frozen Empanadas?
The great thing about frozen empanadas is that they’re already prepped and ready to go. All you have to do is cook them up, and you’ve got a delicious, homemade meal in no time.
There are many different ways to cook frozen empanadas, but which is the best way? In this article, I’ll show you how to cook frozen empanadas in the oven, deep fryer, air fryer, and microwave. I’ll also give you some tips on ensuring they come out perfectly every time.
Whichever way you choose, make sure the empanadas are cooked all the way through before serving.
How to Cook Frozen Empanadas in the Oven?
The best way to cook frozen empanadas is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the frozen empanadas on a baking sheet or even aluminum foil.
In order for them to bake nicely, ensure you leave some space between each of them. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown.
Cooking empanadas in the oven is my preferred way to cook them because it’s the easiest and requires no extra equipment. Let cool before serving. Enjoy!
How to Cook Frozen Empanadas in a Deep Fryer?
This process can be used for all types of empanadas, whether they’re beef, chicken, or vegetarian. The best thing about it is that it doesn’t require thawing them, and it is perfect for preparing a big batch of empanadas quickly.
While baking them in the oven might take more than 20 minutes, preparing them in the deep fryer will only take 5-8 minutes. They are done once they turn golden. Remove them and let them on a paper towel for several minutes before you start enjoying these delicious pastries!
How to Cook Frozen Empanadas in an Air Fryer?
If you have an air fryer, then cooking frozen empanadas is a breeze. Besides, if you’re looking for a healthier option, you can opt for using this method.
Simply preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C), place the empanadas in a single layer on the mesh rack, leaving enough space for air circulation, and cook for approximately 8 minutes or until they’re golden brown.
The end result is worth every minute of your waiting. The crust is crispy and flaky, and the filling is hot and cheesy. Plus, it’s a great way to avoid heating up your kitchen on a hot summer day.
How to Cook Frozen Empanadas in a Microwave?
Believe it or not, you can microwave your frozen empanadas. It’s a great option if you want to reheat them quickly and easily. However, since microwaves are small, you can only cook several empanadas at a time.
To microwave a frozen empanada, start by wrapping it in a moist paper towel. This will help the empanada stay moist while it cooks and prevent it from drying out.
Place on a microwave-safe plate or dish, and cook for 1 minute on high heat. Then flip the empanada over and cook for an additional 1 minute on high heat (or until heated through).
Be sure to let your empanada cool down before eating – the steam inside will be very hot!
What to Serve with Empanadas?
Empanadas make a great appetizer or main course, and there are endless ways to serve them.
You can serve them with dipping sauces like salsa, guacamole, or chimichurri sauce. Besides, you can top them with shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, and green onions for a simple but delicious appetizer.
Plus, there are numerous ways to combine them and create a delicious complete meal:
You can serve them with some sautéed veggies, or if you’re looking for something a little more hearty, grilled chicken is an excellent pairing for empanadas. The sweetness of the empanadas pairs perfectly with the savory flavor of grilled chicken.
How to Store Empanadas?
Storing frozen empanadas may seem like a straightforward task. Still, there are some tips to keep in mind for optimal flavor and texture.
The best way to store leftovers is to place them in an air-tight freezer bag and return them to the freezer immediately after cooking. This will help keep the empanada shells crisp and golden brown.
If you plan to keep your frozen empanadas for more than a week or so, I recommend layering them between pieces of parchment paper. This will help keep them from sticking together and could potentially prevent freezer burn. You can also use freezer-safe storage containers or plastic wrap instead of parchment paper.
Whichever method you use, ensure that you wrap your empanadas tightly and that all the air is removed. This trick will help them last longer and remain fresh tasting.
Oven Baked Frozen Empanadas
Ingredients
- 1 box Frozen Empanadas You can use any kind, but I used beef empanadas.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the frozen empanadas on a baking sheet or even aluminum foil. In order for them to bake nicely, ensure you leave some space between each of them.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown in color.
- Done and done! Enjoy your empanadas with your favorite dipping sauce as a snack or create a complete meal with sauteed vegetables and grilled chicken. The choice is on you! 🥟
