Oh my gosh, you have to try these air fryer pumpkin empanadas! I was craving something sweet and cozy last fall, but didn’t want to deal with my oven heating up the whole kitchen. That’s when I discovered how magical the air fryer is for empanadas – they come out perfectly crispy every single time! The pumpkin filling gets all warm and spiced inside those golden pockets of dough. My kids go crazy for them (and honestly, so do I). Best part? They’re ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish. These little handheld treats have become our go-to dessert when we want that pumpkin pie flavor without all the fuss.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Pumpkin Empanadas
Listen, these pumpkin empanadas are about to become your new obsession – and here’s why:
- Crispy perfection: That air fryer magic gives you golden-brown, flaky crusts without any soggy bottoms
- Fast & easy: From mixing bowl to table in under 30 minutes (no oven preheating drama!)
- Flavor bomb: Warm pumpkin spice filling wrapped in buttery dough? Yes please!
- No mess: Unlike deep frying, your kitchen stays clean and grease-free
- Kid-approved: Perfect handheld size makes them irresistible for little (and big!) hands
Trust me, once you try this method, you’ll never want to bake empanadas any other way!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Pumpkin Empanadas
Here’s what you’ll need to make these little pockets of pumpkin joy:
- 2 cups pumpkin puree (homemade or canned – I use Libby’s)
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (trust me, pack it in there!)
- 1 tsp cinnamon (the good stuff)
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg (freshly grated if you’re fancy)
- 1/4 tsp cloves (just a pinch makes all the difference)
- 1 package empanada dough discs (find them in the freezer section)
- 1 large egg (for that gorgeous golden egg wash)
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Don’t stress if you need to swap things! Homemade pumpkin puree works great if you’ve got it (just drain it well). Out of brown sugar? White sugar plus a teaspoon of molasses does the trick. Dough discs can be store-bought (so easy!) or homemade if you’re feeling ambitious. And hey – feel free to play with the spices! Sometimes I add a dash of ginger for extra warmth.
How to Make Air Fryer Pumpkin Empanadas
Okay, let’s get to the fun part – making these little pumpkin pockets of joy! I promise it’s easier than you think, and the air fryer does most of the work for us.
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
First, grab a medium bowl and dump in that gorgeous pumpkin puree. Sprinkle in your brown sugar (make sure it’s packed tight!), cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Now here’s my secret – mix it just until combined, but don’t go crazy! Overmixing can make the filling too runny. You want it thick like pumpkin pie filling – spoonable but not drippy. Taste it (my favorite part!) and adjust spices if needed. Set this aside while we prep the dough.
Step 2: Assemble the Empanadas
Lay out your empanada discs on a clean surface. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of filling onto each one – trust me, less is more here! Overfilling leads to messy explosions (learned that the hard way). Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Now for sealing – I like using a fork to crimp the edges because it looks pretty AND seals tight. But if you’re in a hurry, just press firmly with your fingers. Pro tip: If the edges won’t stick, dab a tiny bit of water on them first.
Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection
Preheat that air fryer to 375°F – this is crucial for even cooking! While it heats, whisk your egg with a splash of water and brush it over each empanada. This gives them that beautiful golden shine. Arrange them in the basket with some space between (they need room to breathe!). Cook for 8-10 minutes until they’re gloriously golden brown. No peeking for the first 5 minutes – let that magic happen! When they’re done, let them cool just enough so you don’t burn your tongue (again, speaking from experience).
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Pumpkin Empanadas
After making dozens (okay, maybe hundreds) of batches, here are my foolproof tips:
- Less is more with filling – overstuffed empanadas burst open (ask me how I know!)
- Rotate halfway through cooking if your air fryer has hot spots
- Let dough discs thaw just enough to fold without cracking
- Egg wash makes them shiny – skip it if you’re lazy, but they won’t brown as nicely
- Don’t crowd the basket! Give those beauties space to crisp up properly
Follow these and you’ll get perfect empanadas every single time!
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Pumpkin Empanadas
Oh, the possibilities! These pumpkin empanadas shine all on their own, but here’s how I love to serve them: dusted with powdered sugar like my abuela did, dunked in whipped cream, or drizzled with warm caramel sauce. My husband swears they’re best with a strong cup of café con leche – the perfect pairing for a cozy morning treat! If you enjoy pumpkin spice desserts, you might also love these air fryer pumpkin muffins recipe.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Here’s the good news – these empanadas keep beautifully! Just pop any leftovers (if you have any!) in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When you’re ready for round two, toss them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes – they’ll come out just as crispy as when they were first made. Pro tip: I sometimes make a double batch just to have these ready for quick snacks all week!
Nutritional Information
Just so you know what you’re biting into (not that it stops me from eating three at a time!):
- Calories: 120 per empanada
- Sugar: 6g (that pumpkin spice goodness!)
- Fat: 4g (worth every delicious gram)
- Carbs: 18g (mostly from that flaky dough we love)
- Fiber: 1g (hey, pumpkin counts as a vegetable, right?)
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and vary based on ingredients used. But let’s be real – you’re here for the flavor, not the math! For more information on the nutritional breakdown of common spices like cinnamon, you can check out resources like the Nutrition Value website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze these pumpkin empanadas?
Absolutely! These freeze like a dream. Just assemble them (without egg wash), freeze flat on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. When cravings hit, pop them frozen into the air fryer – add 2-3 extra minutes to the cook time. Game changer for quick desserts!
Can I use butternut squash instead of pumpkin?
You bet! Butternut squash puree works great – just make sure it’s thick like pumpkin puree. The flavor’s slightly sweeter, which I actually love. Sweet potato puree works too in a pinch. The spice blend makes any squash taste amazing! If you are interested in using sweet potato, check out these air fryer sweet potato casserole cups recipe.
My empanadas keep bursting – help!
Oh honey, I’ve been there! Two fixes: 1) Use less filling (just 1 tablespoon per disc), and 2) Make sure your edges are sealed TIGHT. That fork crimping method I mentioned? It’s your best friend against filling explosions.
Try this recipe and share your results in the comments! I’d love to hear how your air fryer pumpkin hand pies recipe turn out.
Print
Crispy Air Fryer Pumpkin Empanadas Ready in 30 Minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 empanadas 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy and flavorful pumpkin empanadas made easily in your air fryer.
Ingredients
- 2 cups pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp cloves
- 1 package empanada dough discs
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Mix pumpkin puree, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in a bowl.
- Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each empanada dough disc.
- Fold the dough over and seal the edges with a fork.
- Brush each empanada with egg wash.
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
- Cook empanadas for 8-10 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Use homemade or canned pumpkin puree.
- Adjust spices to taste.
- Let empanadas cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Latin American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 empanada
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: air fryer pumpkin empanadas, easy dessert, pumpkin recipe