Air Fryer Spanakopita Recipe: 7 Secrets for Perfectly Crispy Greek Bites

Looking to enjoy that flaky, savory bite of spanakopita without firing up the oven? This Air Fryer Spanakopita brings everything you love about the traditional Greek spinach and feta pie—crispy phyllo, herby filling, creamy tang—into your kitchen with less mess and faster results. Whether you’re serving it as a golden appetizer or a light main dish, this modern version doesn’t sacrifice flavor for convenience. In this post, we’ll walk you through how to air fry spanakopita from scratch (or frozen), keep it perfectly crisp, and answer the most common questions along the way.

Why Spanakopita Deserves an Air Fryer Twist

A Family Tradition Gets a Modern Upgrade

Growing up, spanakopita was always on our table during holidays and special dinners. It wasn’t just the taste—the rich blend of feta and spinach tucked into paper-thin layers of phyllo dough—but the ritual. My mom would defrost those delicate sheets the night before, prepare a mountain of herby filling, and layer each sheet lovingly with olive oil. We’d peek through the oven glass, waiting for it to puff up and turn golden.

When I started cooking on my own, I realized how intimidating traditional spanakopita can be for a weeknight dinner. That’s when I started experimenting with shortcuts—and the air fryer quickly became my favorite tool. With it, you can achieve the same satisfying crunch and warm filling in half the time. Even better? No need to turn on the oven, especially in warmer months.

Now, this Air Fryer Spanakopita recipe gives you all that flavor and texture with far less effort. It’s also perfect for small batches or quick snacks. Whether you’re using store-bought phyllo or making your filling from scratch, the air fryer offers a crispy, golden finish that rivals any oven-baked version.

Why the Air Fryer Method Works

Phyllo pastry is known for being finicky—it dries out quickly and bakes unevenly if not treated properly. But in the air fryer, the circulating hot air crisps the layers evenly without the risk of sogginess. The filling inside stays moist while the outside develops a satisfying crunch. You also don’t need as much oil, making this a lighter, faster way to enjoy spanakopita.

In fact, it’s one of the best ways to reheat leftover spanakopita too. Instead of turning rubbery or mushy in the microwave, a quick 3–5 minutes in the air fryer brings back that fresh-baked crispness. We’ll cover those tips in the final section of this post.

Need other appetizer ideas? You might also love trying Fried Mozzarella Cheese Sticks or Zucchini Spaghetti with Turkey Meatballs—both easy to make and crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients and Preparation Tips

 

Traditional Spanakopita Ingredients, Simplified

Spanakopita’s charm lies in its simplicity: just a few quality ingredients create that unforgettable balance of creamy, salty, and herbaceous flavors. To make this dish in the air fryer, you’ll use the same traditional components but in a slightly more compact format.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Frozen chopped spinach – make sure it’s fully thawed and well-drained to avoid sogginess

• Feta cheese – the saltiness adds depth; use a block and crumble it by hand for better texture

• Eggs – these bind the filling together

• Fresh parsley – adds brightness and freshness

• Onions and garlic – sautéed for a flavorful base

• Dill weed – dried or fresh, it brings that signature Greek flavor

• Phyllo dough (or fillo) – delicate, flaky, and key to the crispy layers

• Extra virgin olive oil – essential for brushing each phyllo sheet to ensure golden crispness

This version stays true to the original spanakopita recipe from The Mediterranean Dish, but is scaled to work perfectly in your air fryer basket.

Want to switch it up? You can also try a similar method using ingredients from our Lamb Souvlaki Recipe to create a meaty, spiced variation.

Smart Prep Tips for Perfect Texture and Flavor

To guarantee success when working with phyllo, it’s all about technique. Always keep your sheets covered with a slightly damp cloth while assembling to prevent them from drying out. Phyllo dough is delicate, but don’t let it intimidate you—handle it with care and patience.

For the filling, squeeze the spinach thoroughly. Any extra moisture will steam the inside of the pastry and make it soft instead of crisp. Using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to wring out the thawed spinach works well.

When assembling, layer 2 or 3 sheets of phyllo per spanakopita piece for structure. Lightly brush each sheet with olive oil—not too much, or it will become greasy in the air fryer.

Looking for more filling inspiration? Our Spinach Lasagna Rolls also use spinach and cheese, and can give you ideas for flavor pairings like nutmeg, fresh basil, or crushed red pepper.

Once your rolls or triangles are assembled, cover them with a towel or plastic wrap until ready to air fry—this helps avoid cracking from air exposure.

Air Fryer Method

How to Cook Spanakopita in the Air Fryer

One of the best things about making spanakopita in the air fryer is how quickly it turns golden and crispy—no need for long oven bakes. After assembling your spanakopita pieces (triangles or rolls), preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). If your model doesn’t have a preheat setting, let it run for 3–5 minutes empty.

Place a few spanakopita pieces in the basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch. Airflow is crucial for even crisping. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil or brush them for a richer finish.

Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway if needed, until they’re golden brown and the phyllo is shatteringly crisp. Cooking time may vary based on the size of your pastries and the power of your air fryer. Keep an eye on the first batch—once you find your perfect time, you’re good to go.

Want to try this method with a different dough? Our English Sausage Rolls use puff pastry and adapt well to air fryer baking too—just reduce the temperature slightly.

Tips for Freezing and Reheating Like a Pro

Homemade spanakopita can be frozen either before or after air frying. If freezing before cooking, assemble the pastries and place them on a tray lined with parchment paper. Freeze solid, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, cook straight from frozen—just add 2–3 minutes to your air fryer time.

Already cooked leftovers can also be frozen. Reheat straight from the freezer in the air fryer at 325°F for about 5 to 7 minutes. This helps the phyllo regain its crispness without overcooking the filling.

Making a big batch? Follow our storage guide from the Crispy Baked Walleye post for similar freezer-to-oven transitions. Label your containers with dates and reheat instructions for convenience.

Want to meal prep with less effort? Assemble the filling a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This makes next-day assembly quick and mess-free.

Serving Ideas & Flavor Pairings

The Best Sides and Sauces for Spanakopita

Spanakopita is rich, savory, and buttery—so it pairs best with fresh, tangy sides that brighten each bite. Whether you’re serving it as a starter, main, or snack, don’t skip the sauce and salad.

For dips, traditional Greek tzatziki is a perfect match. It brings coolness and acidity that cuts through the richness of feta and phyllo. Want something different? Try a side of homemade hummus or whipped lemon yogurt with dill.

As for salads, a crisp Greek village salad with cucumber, tomato, Kalamata olives, and red onion balances the dish beautifully. Or try pairing it with our refreshing Zucchini Spaghetti with Turkey Meatballs for a hearty, balanced Mediterranean plate.

Looking for a brunch idea? Add spanakopita to a platter with Breakfast Sausage Casserole and sliced oranges for a no-fuss Greek-inspired spread.

Creative Ways to Serve and Enjoy Spanakopita

Spanakopita can be served as elegant triangles for appetizers or cut into squares as a hearty main. Hosting a party? Make mini spanakopita bites using mini muffin tins lined with phyllo and filled with a teaspoon of the spinach-feta mixture.

For a casual family dinner, serve spanakopita with lemony roasted potatoes and a cup of chicken avgolemono soup. For a more modern twist, try layering it over a warm grain bowl with lentils and grilled vegetables.

Hosting vegetarians? Pair spanakopita with our High-Fiber, High-Protein Breakfast Bars for a delicious meat-free brunch buffet.

And don’t forget leftovers—reheat spanakopita in the air fryer for 5 minutes at 325°F. It regains its crisp shell and makes an excellent lunchbox addition

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Air Fryer Spanakopita

Can you cook spanakopita in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Spanakopita cooks beautifully in the air fryer. The circulating heat crisps up the delicate phyllo layers while keeping the spinach and feta filling tender and flavorful. Air frying gives you the same golden crunch as baking—often faster and with less oil.

How long do you air fry frozen spanakopita?
Air fry frozen spanakopita at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–12 minutes. If you’re using homemade frozen spanakopita, no need to thaw—just brush lightly with olive oil before air frying and flip halfway through for even crispiness.

What is spanakopita traditionally made of?
Traditional spanakopita is made with spinach, feta cheese, onions or leeks, herbs like dill and parsley, and eggs, all encased in thin sheets of phyllo dough. Some versions may also include garlic or scallions for added depth. This combination gives it its signature savory flavor and flaky texture.

How do you keep spanakopita crispy in the air fryer?
To keep air fryer spanakopita crispy, don’t overcrowd the basket. Always brush the phyllo with olive oil or lightly spray it before cooking. This ensures the layers brown evenly. For reheating leftovers, pop them back in the air fryer at 325°F for 3–5 minutes to restore crispness without overcooking the inside.

Can I make spanakopita ahead and reheat in the air fryer?
Yes! You can prepare spanakopita ahead of time and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours. When ready, cook it straight in the air fryer. Already cooked spanakopita can also be reheated directly in the air fryer until warmed and crispy, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.

Is spanakopita healthy or high in calories?
Spanakopita can be a healthy appetizer when eaten in moderation. It’s rich in calcium, iron, and protein thanks to spinach and feta. While phyllo adds carbs and fat, using olive oil instead of butter and air frying instead of deep frying makes it a lighter choice. Each piece averages around 200–250 calories.

What dipping sauce goes with spanakopita?
The classic dipping sauce for spanakopita is tzatziki, a creamy Greek yogurt sauce with cucumber, garlic, and lemon. Other great options include roasted red pepper dip, lemon tahini, or even a dollop of Greek hummus. Check our Homemade Tzatziki Recipe for the best flavor pairing.

Can I freeze homemade spanakopita before air frying?
Definitely. Assemble the pastries, place them on a tray to flash freeze, and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, air fry from frozen at 350°F, adding 2–3 extra minutes. This method preserves the flaky layers and saves time on busy days.

Air Fryer Spanakopita is proof that traditional flavors and modern cooking can go hand in hand. By blending the savory richness of Greek spinach and feta filling with the convenience of air frying, you get all the crispy, golden layers you love—without the long oven wait or excess oil.

This recipe stays true to the classic Mediterranean roots while making preparation and cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re hosting friends, prepping a lunchbox treat, or simply craving a flaky, savory snack, air-fried spanakopita delivers big flavor in every bite. With easy freezing and reheating options, it also fits perfectly into any meal prep plan.

If you’ve enjoyed this dish, try pairing it with a light Greek Salad or serving it alongside Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs for a satisfying dinner. And don’t forget to keep a batch of homemade Tzatziki ready for dipping!

Now that you know how to make spanakopita in the air fryer, you’ll never go back to store-bought again. It’s fresh, flaky, and full of love—just the way Alissa Recipes was meant to be.

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