The best ways to reheat empanadas

We are sure that empanadas need no introduction. These amazing cakes are popular all over the world, although their origin lies mainly in the Latino and Filipino cultures.

Whether you tried them as a kid or they’re a new discovery, we’re convinced you can’t go wrong with a batch of delicious empanadas.

What are the best ways to reheat empanadas?

The ones we most recommend are using the oven or the toaster. Microwaving empanadas can cost them quite a bit of texture and flavor. They can end up rubbery and dry, while empanadas made in the oven will be slightly crispy and flavorful.

The key to reheating empanadas is to carefully follow a quick list of steps. Skipping even one can affect its taste.

If you want to reheat the best empanadas without compromising their flavor, we recommend that you keep reading.

How to reheat the best empanadas

Empanadas can be made ahead of time and reheated without losing flavor or texture, but only if you do it right.

Empanadas do require a bit of attention when reheating them, as there are two factors to keep in mind. First: the dough.

It is very easy for it to dry out, especially in the microwave.  While it will certainly get hot, it will feel rubbery, dry, and hard to chew.

The second thing to keep in mind is the filling of your empanadas. The empanadas come with a wide variety of fillings, ranging from vegetables, mushrooms to minced meat.

Especially when it comes to meat, it’s quite easy for the filling to accidentally dry out.  A dry empanada doesn’t taste like it did right after being cooked. 

This doesn’t mean you necessarily have to make a fresh batch of empanadas every time you get a craving. They freeze decently well, and you can also keep them in the fridge for a few days.

We know that in this day and age, time is short.

Even if you like to cook, you may not have time to make empanadas every time you feel like eating them. Their preparation can take a long time, especially if they are made from scratch.

Save yourself the time you spend in the kitchen and prepare a large number of empanadas that you and your family will be eating for weeks, and let us show you the best way to reheat them.

Ways to reheat empanadas

When it comes to reheating empanadas, there are three main ways that give the best results:

1. In the oven . Preheat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Arrange the empanadas in a single layer on a cookie sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes.
2. In a toaster oven . In the same way as in a normal oven, only perhaps longer.
3. In a skillet or deep fryer at 325 degrees Fahrenheit.  Preheat a considerable amount of oil (enough to cover the empanadas) and fry them until golden.

These methods apply to already cooked empanadas, but they work well with uncooked empanadas as well.

But what if you find that you only have a microwave? In that case, you can use it to reheat empanadas. It’s a less than ideal option, but it will work.

To reheat empanadas in the microwave, place them on a microwave-safe plate, side by side. Don’t heat them too long in the microwave. We recommend intervals of 15 seconds, after which you will check if the texture and heat suit you.

Although these methods alone will allow you to enjoy empanadas as good as when they were freshly made, there are more details to the perfect empanada.

If you want to wow your friends and family—even with something you made a couple of days ago—check out our complete step-by-step guide to empanadas.

Step-by-step guide to reheat empanadas

Empanadas can be reheated from various states.

You may have a frozen batch that has already been cooked or one that hasn’t. You may have a batch that you have stored in the fridge. You can even have empanadas that you have kept out of the fridge for a few hours.

All of these different empanadas require a slightly different approach. It is important that you know well what you have to do to preserve its flavor. Keep reading below for our step-by-step guide.

How to reheat empanadas in the oven

This is by far the most recommended method, although it rivals using the toaster oven. When you bake your empanadas instead of microwaving them, you make sure all the flavor stays.

1. Start by placing the empanadas side by side in an ovenproof dish or on a wire rack.
2. Preheat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Heat the empanadas for about 10 minutes.
4. When they’re almost done reheating, you can cover them with aluminum foil for the last 2 minutes.
5. After 10 minutes, check to see if you’re happy with how crispy your empanadas are.

How to Reheat Empanadas in a Toaster Oven

A toaster oven is a good alternative to a regular oven and will work well for empanadas. It is definitely a superior option to heating them in the microwave.

The downside is that you won’t be able to reheat as many empanadas as if you were using a regular oven.

1. Put all of your empanadas on the rack of the toaster oven. Place them side by side, don’t layer them.
2. Set the toaster oven to heat to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Heat the empanadas for about 10 minutes.
4. You may need to reheat the empanadas for a longer time. After 10 minutes, take out the pan and check to see if the empanadas are hot all over. If not, pop it back into the toaster oven for a few more minutes.

How to Reheat Empanadas in a Skillet or Deep Fryer

Although this method is most commonly used for making empanadas from scratch, you can also reheat them this way. You just have to be careful not to burn them! This method is only suitable for frozen empanadas.

1. Do not defrost your empanadas. Keep them frozen.
2. Preheat enough oil to completely cover the empanadas.
3. Fry the empanadas at 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Don’t fry them too long; when they reach a nice golden color, you can take them out.
5. Let them rest on a paper towel for a minute or two before eating.

How to make empanadas in the microwave

As we have said, this method is not ideal. Microwaved empanadas tend to get soggy and lose some of their flavor, especially if you try to microwave them after they’ve been frozen.

However, if you only have a microwave and no other options, you can get a decent result, as long as you’re careful.

1. Place empanadas on a microwave-safe platter or plate.
2. Place them next to each other without overlapping.
3. Reheat on medium-low heat for 30 seconds each time.
4. After each 30 second interval, check the patties and make sure they are not too soggy or rubbery.
5. If the empanadas are okay, you can continue reheating them until they are heated through.

How to reheat frozen empanadas

In addition to the method mentioned above, which works great for frozen empanadas, you can also use the oven or a toaster.

1. If you wrapped the empanadas individually before freezing, unwrap them.
2. Preheat oven or toaster oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Place the empanadas on a rack in the oven, side by side.
4. Heat them slowly. Check from time to time so they don’t get too hot.

Now that you know how to reheat empanadas, you’re all set! We know your days are probably very busy, but that’s no reason to give up empanadas.

You can make an entire batch ahead of time. Nothing prevents you from enjoying your favorite empanadas even if they were made days or weeks before!

Related questions

We hope our guide has been complete and has helped you choose the right method to reheat your empanadas. To make sure you’re fully prepared, we’ve also included this section to answer some of the most common questions.

How to freeze empanadas?

Properly freezing empanadas has a huge impact on the flavor when you reheat them. For pre-baked empanadas, we recommend wrapping each empanada individually.

To prevent freezer burn, be sure to wrap the empanadas tightly in plastic wrap. Once you’ve wrapped them all, store them in an airtight container. Don’t forget to tag it!

Can unbaked empanadas be frozen?

If possible. Place the unbaked empanadas on a baking sheet that you have previously lined with parchment paper, or another option is to store them on a silicone baking mat.

Make sure they don’t touch: leave a little space between each patty. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. You can keep them for up to three months, but of course, the sooner you eat them, the better.