The Ultimate Guide to Reheating Empanadas

Empanadas are flaky and delicious pastries filled with meat, cheese, or other savory fillings. While best when freshly made, leftover empanadas can easily be reheated to regain their just-baked taste and texture. Here are several methods for reheating empanadas using common kitchen appliances.

Reheating Empanadas in the Oven

The oven allows you to reheat multiple empanadas at once while crisping up the pastry shells.

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Place empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Be sure to leave space between each one.
3. Bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through and the crust is crispy.
4. Check frequently to avoid overbaking. The filling can burn if baked too long.
5. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Tips:

• For frozen empanadas, extend baking time to 20-25 minutes.
• Brush empanada tops with oil or egg wash before baking for an extra golden crust.
• Add a rack below the baking sheet to crisp the bottom crust.

Reheating Empanadas in the Air Fryer

The air fryer uses super hot, circulated air to quickly reheat and crisp empanadas.

Instructions:

1. Preheating air fryer to 350°F.
2. Place 2-4 empanadas in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd.
3. Cook 7-10 minutes until heated through and the shells are crispy.
4. Check frequently and flip empanadas halfway for even cooking.
5. Let cool slightly before serving.

Tips:

• For frozen empanadas, cook 10-12 minutes.
• Lightly brush empanadas with oil before air frying for extra crunch.
• Air fry a test empanada first to determine cooking time.

Reheating Empanadas in the Microwave

The microwave provides a quick reheating method, though the pastry shells may soften.

Instructions:

1. Place 1-2 empanadas on a microwave-safe plate.
2. Microwave on high in 30 second intervals until heated through, about 1-2 minutes total.
3. Check frequently; do not overheat or filling can boil over.
4. Let stand 1 minute before eating, as filling will be very hot.

Tips:

• Cover empanadas with a paper towel to prevent splattering.
• Microwave time will vary based on wattage and number of empanadas.
• Finish by crisping in oven or air fryer if desired.

Q&A on Reheating Empanadas

Q: What is the best way to reheat empanadas to keep the pastry flaky?

A: The oven is ideal for keeping empanada shells nice and flaky when reheating. Preheat oven to 350°F and place empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crisp.

Q: How do you reheat frozen empanadas?

A: Frozen empanadas will take longer to reheat. Place them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. You can also reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. Check frequently to avoid burning.

Q: Can you reheat empanadas in the microwave?

A: Yes, you can microwave empanadas to quickly reheat them. Place 1-2 empanadas on a microwave-safe plate and microwave in 30 second intervals until heated through, about 1-2 minutes. The pastry may soften though.

Q: Should you brush empanadas with anything before reheating?

A: Brushing the tops of empanadas lightly with oil or egg wash before baking or air frying will help them get extra crisp and golden brown.

Q: How do you keep empanada fillings from getting too hot and boiling over?

A: Be very careful not to overheat or microwave empanadas too long. Check them frequently while reheating. Allow empanadas to cool slightly before eating so the filling has time to set.

Other Tips for Reheating Empanadas

• Let empanadas cool slightly before serving after reheating so the filling can thicken.
• Reheat empanadas on parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
• Flip empanadas over halfway during reheating for even heating.
• Add a baking rack under the pan when oven heating to crisp the bottom crust.
• Air fry in small batches to prevent crowding and uneven cooking.
• Microwave in 30 second intervals to avoid overheating or boiling fillings.

Recipes

1. Beef Empanada

Ingredients:

• 2 sleeves empanada dough discs
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 egg, beaten

Instructions:

1. Cook ground beef with onion, garlic, cumin, salt and pepper until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Place heaping spoonfuls of beef mixture onto empanada dough discs. Brush edges with egg wash.
3. Fold dough over filling and press edges with a fork to seal.
4. Bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.
5. Reheat leftovers in oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.

2. Cheesy Chicken Empanadas

Ingredients:

• 2 sleeves empanada dough discs
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese
• 1⁄4 cup salsa
• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix together chicken, cheese, salsa, cilantro, salt and pepper.
2. Spoon filling onto empanada dough discs. Brush edges with egg wash.
3. Fold dough over filling and crimp edges with a fork to seal.
4. Bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.
5. Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.

3. Veggie Empanadas

Ingredients:

• 2 sleeves empanada dough discs
• 1 cup shredded zucchini
• 1⁄2 cup corn kernels
• 1⁄2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1⁄4 cup diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix together all filling ingredients.
2. Spoon filling onto empanada dough discs. Brush edges with egg wash.
3. Fold dough over filling and crimp edges with a fork to seal.
4. Bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.
5. Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.

Product Recommendations

Ovens

• GE JT5000SFSS: 30-inch electric single wall oven with convection cooking
• LG LDE4415ST: 30-inch electric double wall oven with EasyClean®
• Bosch HBL8451UC: 30-inch electric single wall oven with convection
• Whirlpool WOS31ES0JS: 30-inch electric single wall oven with convection cooking
• Frigidaire FFEB2726TS: 27-inch electric single wall oven with self-cleaning mode

Air Fryers

• Cosori CO130-AO 12-in-1 Air Fryer Oven Combo
• Ninja AF101 Air Fryer
• Instant Vortex Plus 7-in-1 Air Fryer Oven
• Philips Premium Airfryer XXL
• Chefman 6.3 Quart Digital Air Fryer+ Rotisserie

Microwaves

• Toshiba EM925A5A-BS Microwave Oven
• Panasonic NN-SN67HS Microwave Oven
• GE JES1097SMSS Microwave Oven
• Sharp R-1874T 850W Microwave Oven
• Frigidaire FFCM1622TS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave

No matter how you reheat them, empanadas are a crave-worthy snack or appetizer. With proper heating, you can enjoy leftover empanadas that are hot, delicious, and crispy.