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How Long Do Empanadas Last in the Fridge?
Empanadas are one of those magical foods—crispy, handheld, flavorful, and versatile. You can bake them or fry them, make them savory or sweet, and fill them with practically anything. But one question keeps coming up: How long do empanadas last in the fridge?
Whether you’re meal prepping, stocking leftovers from a party, or trying to keep your business inventory fresh, knowing the proper shelf life of empanadas in the fridge is key to keeping them safe and delicious.
In this complete guide, we’ll break down how long different types of empanadas last in the fridge, how to store them properly, how to tell when they’ve gone bad, and the best ways to reheat them. We’ll also compare fridge storage vs. freezer storage and offer pro tips to keep your empanadas in peak condition.
Empanada’s Shelf Life at a Glance
Empanada Type | In the Fridge (Cooked) | In the Fridge (Uncooked) |
---|---|---|
Baked, meat-filled | 3–4 days | 1–2 days |
Baked, veggie/cheese | 3–4 days | 1–2 days |
Fried, meat-filled | 2–3 days | 1 day max |
Sweet dessert empanadas | 3–5 days | 1–2 days |
Always store in an airtight container, and label with the date!
Why Proper Storage Matters
Food Safety First
Storing empanadas the right way helps prevent:
• Spoilage
• Bacterial growth (especially with meats or cheese)
• Cross-contamination from other foods in the fridge
Texture and Flavor Preservation
Improper storage leads to:
• Soggy crusts
• Rubbery fillings
• Odor absorption from other foods
Storing Cooked Empanadas in the Fridge

Step-by-Step
1. Cool completely before refrigerating
2. Place in an airtight container or wrap individually in foil
3. Store on the middle shelf, not the fridge door
4. Use within 3–4 days for best flavor and safety
Bonus Tip: Use parchment paper between layers if stacking empanadas to avoid sticking.
How Long Do Fried Empanadas Last?
In the Fridge
Fried empanadas have a shorter shelf life than baked ones. The oil and crisp crust break down faster.
• Fried, meat-filled: Eat within 2 days
• Fried, veggie, or cheese: Eat within 2–3 days max
Reheating Tips
Fried empanadas reheat best in an oven or air fryer, never a microwave.
• Oven: 350°F for 10–12 minutes
• Air fryer: 350°F for 6–8 minutes
• Avoid wrapping in foil while reheating—this traps moisture and ruins the crisp
Storing Uncooked Empanadas in the Fridge
Raw and Filled Empanadas
If you’ve prepped your empanadas and want to cook them later:
• Store for no more than 1–2 days
• Keep them well covered
• Place on a parchment-lined tray
• Don’t stack unless using parchment between layers
Raw Dough Only
Empanada dough (wheat-based) can be kept in the fridge:
• For up to 2 days, wrapped tightly
• Rest at room temp for 15 minutes before rolling
How to Tell If Empanadas Have Gone Bad
Signs of Spoilage
• Sour or off smell
• Slimy texture on crust
• Filling leaking or separating
• Mold on dough or around edges
• Discoloration of meat or cheese
Trust Your Senses
When in doubt, don’t eat it. Toss any empanada with even a hint of spoilage.
Can You Freeze Empanadas Instead?
Why Freezing Is Better for Longer Storage
If you won’t eat them within 3–4 days, freeze them. They’ll last up to:
• 3 months (uncooked)
• 2 months (cooked)
How to Freeze
1. Let cool fully (if cooked)
2. Flash freeze on a tray for 2 hours
3. Transfer to freezer bags with labels
4. Reheat straight from frozen—no need to thaw
Baked vs Fried: Which Stores Better?
Baked Empanadas
• Hold up better in the fridge
• Retain shape and flavor
• Reheat evenly
Fried Empanadas
• Can become soggy quickly
• Shorter fridge life
• Best enjoyed fresh or next-day only
Best Containers for Storage
Use:
• Glass or BPA-free plastic containers
• Silicone-sealed lids
• Stackable trays with parchment
Avoid:
• Loose foil or plastic wrap (lets air in)
• Paper towels (they stick)
• Metal trays (can cause off-taste)
FAQs
No. Store meat, veggie, and sweet empanadas separately to avoid flavor cross-contamination.
Don’t double-store. If the filling is already 3–4 days old, cook or freeze the empanadas right away.
• Oven: 350°F, 10–12 min
• Air fryer: 350°F, 6–8 min
• Microwave: Not recommended (makes them soggy)
Sample Storage Timeline
Day 1: Make and cook empanadas
Day 2–3: Store leftovers in fridge
Day 4: Eat or freeze remaining ones
Day 5+: Discard if not frozen
Storing Empanadas for Business or Catering
Label Everything
• Date
• Type
• Quantity
Rotate Stock (FIFO)
Use the first in, first out method to ensure freshness.
Add Reheat Instructions for Customers
Include oven temp and time for best results.
Conclusion
So how long do empanadas last in the fridge? On average, you’ve got 3 to 4 days to enjoy cooked empanadas before they start to decline in texture or freshness. Fried versions don’t last quite as long, and uncooked empanadas should be cooked or frozen within 1–2 days.
Proper storage and reheating make all the difference between a soggy leftover and a mouthwatering snack. Use airtight containers, label your batches, and trust your senses. And when in doubt? Freeze it.
Because good empanadas deserve to be eaten at their best.
Disclosure: Our blog contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.
source https://sazonytumbao.com/how-long-do-empanadas-last-in-the-fridge/
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