How do I keep this recipe from turning soggy?

Cook in a single layer, leave space for airflow, and avoid adding too much oil or sauce before the food has crisped.

Can I adjust the seasoning?

Yes. Keep the same cooking method and adjust salt, spice, herbs, citrus, or sauce to match your taste.

How do I know the cooked green or brown lentils is done?

Use the visual cues in the instructions first: the outside should be browned or crisp and the center should be hot and tender. For meat or seafood, confirm doneness with a food thermometer.

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Snacks

Air Fryer Spiced Lentil and Sweet Potato Empanadas

Name: Air Fryer Spiced Lentil and Sweet Potato Empanadas
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Latin American
Ingredients: 1 cup cooked green or brown lentils, drained and rinsed; 1 cup sweet potato, peeled and diced; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional for mild heat); Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 8 gluten-free empanada or pie crust discs (store-bought or homemade); 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 tablespoon lime juice; Non-stick cooking spray or a light brush of oil for air fryer basket

By Airfryfeast Test KitchenReviewed by Airfryfeast Editorial TeamPublished Mar 31, 2026 · Updated Jun 16, 2026

Latin American 27 mins air-fryer-friendlyvegetarianveganhealthyeasygluten-freecrispsnackablekid-friendlyfamily-friendly30-minutes-or-lessv2

Make these crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Spiced Lentil and Sweet Potato Empanadas—a vegan, gluten-free snack ready in under 30 minutes. Full of savory spices and natural sweetness, they’re ideal for healthy snacking or a quick family-friendly meal with Latin American flair.

Prep 15 min

Cook 12 min

Total 27 min

Servings 8

Difficulty easy

Cuisine Latin American

Ingredients

Servings 8

1 cup cooked green or brown lentils, drained and rinsed
1 cup sweet potato, peeled and diced
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional for mild heat)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
8 gluten-free empanada or pie crust discs (store-bought or homemade)
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tablespoon lime juice
Non-stick cooking spray or a light brush of oil for air fryer basket

Ingredients for Air Fryer Spiced Lentil and Sweet Potato Empanadas

Instructions

Steam or boil the diced sweet potato until tender, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and lightly mash, leaving some texture.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent, 3-4 minutes.
Add minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in cooked lentils and mashed sweet potato. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, to blend flavors.
Remove from heat. Mix in chopped cilantro and lime juice. Adjust seasoning as needed and let filling cool for 5 minutes.
Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
Place one empanada disc on a clean surface. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of filling in the center, leaving edges clear.
Fold the disc over into a half-moon shape. Press edges firmly and crimp with a fork to seal.
Lightly spray or brush empanadas with oil on both sides to ensure crisping.
Arrange empanadas in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overlapping.
Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
Remove and cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with your choice of dipping sauce or fresh salsa.

Air Fryer Spiced Lentil and Sweet Potato Empanadas cooking in the air fryer

Tips

Air Fryer Model Notes

Cook Air Fryer Spiced Lentil and Sweet Potato Empanadas in a single layer when possible. Basket models may need batches; oven-style models may need a tray rotation halfway through for even browning.

Crispiness Control

Pat the cooked green or brown lentils dry, avoid crowding, and use only a light coat of oil or sauce before cooking. Add wet sauces near the end when you want the outside to stay crisp.

Doneness Cues

Look for browned edges, a hot center, and the texture described in the instructions.

Reheat In The Air Fryer

Reheat leftovers at 325 F to 350 F in a single layer until hot and crisp again. Add fresh herbs, citrus, or sauce after reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Air Fryer Spiced Lentil and Sweet Potato Empanadas ahead of time?: You can prep the ingredients and seasoning ahead, but air fry close to serving for the best texture.
How do I keep this recipe from turning soggy?: Cook in a single layer, leave space for airflow, and avoid adding too much oil or sauce before the food has crisped.
Can I adjust the seasoning?: Yes. Keep the same cooking method and adjust salt, spice, herbs, citrus, or sauce to match your taste.
How do I know the cooked green or brown lentils is done?: Use the visual cues in the instructions first: the outside should be browned or crisp and the center should be hot and tender. For meat or seafood, confirm doneness with a food thermometer.

Ingredient Replacements

Customize these Air Fryer Spiced Lentil and Sweet Potato Empanadas to suit dietary preferences or ingredient availability with these substitutions:

Lentils: Replace with cooked black beans or chickpeas for a different texture while retaining high protein and vegan/gluten-free qualities.
Sweet Potato: Use butternut squash or pumpkin puree for a similarly sweet, moist filling.
Olive Oil: Swap with avocado or coconut oil to vary healthy fat sources, keeping the recipe dairy-free and low-fat.
Empanada Crust: If gluten-free crusts are unavailable, rice paper wrappers or homemade gluten-free dough using almond or coconut flour blends work well for paleo and ketogenic diets.
Spices: Adjust chili powder quantity for milder or spicier versions; substitute smoked paprika with regular paprika for a lighter smoky flavor.
Lime Juice: Substitute with lemon juice for a different citrus twist.

These swaps maintain the empanadas’ vegan, gluten-free, and healthy profile without compromising taste or texture.

Storage

Store leftover Air Fryer Spiced Lentil and Sweet Potato Empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cool the food before sealing so excess steam does not soften the texture.

Freeze only if the main ingredient and coating are freezer-friendly. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat in the air fryer at 325 F to 350 F in a single layer until hot and crisp again. Add fresh herbs, citrus, or sauce after reheating for the best flavor.

Read related air fryer guides and cooking tips.

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Air Fryer Spiced Lentil and Sweet Potato Empanadas

Recipe Details

Ingredients

Instructions