Spanakopita Bites are a delightful twist on the classic Greek dish, Spanakopita.
These bite-sized morsels bring together the savory combination of spinach, feta cheese, and fresh herbs, all wrapped in a golden, crispy phyllo dough.
Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or party food, they offer a convenient, hand-held version of the traditional pie. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply looking for a flavorful treat, Spanakopita Bites deliver a burst of Mediterranean flavor in every bite.
What Are Spanakopita Bites?
Spanakopita Bites are miniatures of the classic Greek Spanakopita, which is a pastry filled with a mixture of spinach, feta, and herbs, typically wrapped in layers of phyllo dough. These bites are essentially smaller, individual servings that make for a more convenient way to enjoy the same delicious flavors. The phyllo dough becomes wonderfully crispy and flaky once baked, while the spinach filling inside remains rich, creamy, and savory. They’re often served as appetizers or snacks, making them perfect for parties or as a fun addition to a meal.
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Ingredients You’ll Need
To make Greek Air Fryer Spanakopita Bites, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Phyllo dough – This is the crispy outer layer that gives the bites their golden, flaky texture.
- Fresh spinach – The base of the filling, offering a mild, earthy flavor.
- Feta cheese – A tangy and creamy cheese that adds richness and character to the filling.
- Cream cheese – Helps to bind the spinach and feta together, adding a smooth texture.
- Dill – A fragrant herb that enhances the flavor profile with its fresh, slightly tangy taste.
- Garlic – Adds a savory depth to the filling.
- Olive oil or butter – Used to brush the phyllo dough for that crispy, golden finish.
- Salt and pepper – Essential seasonings to taste.
How to Make Greek Air Fryer Spanakopita Bites
Making Greek Air Fryer Spanakopita Bites is surprisingly simple, and using an air fryer ensures a quick and crispy result without the need for deep frying. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Prepare the Filling:
Start by sautéing the fresh spinach until wilted and moisture has evaporated. Allow it to cool, then chop it finely. In a large bowl, combine the spinach with crumbled feta cheese, cream cheese, minced garlic, and dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until the filling is smooth and well combined. - Prepare the Phyllo Dough:
Lay out a sheet of phyllo dough on a clean surface. Brush it lightly with olive oil or melted butter. Place another sheet of phyllo on top and brush again. Repeat this process for 3-4 layers of dough, ensuring each layer is coated with oil or butter to achieve a crisp, flaky texture. - Shape the Bites:
Cut the layered phyllo dough into strips (about 3-4 inches wide). Place a spoonful of the spinach and feta filling at the edge of each strip. Fold the dough into a triangle shape, folding over and over until you reach the end of the strip, sealing the edges as you go. - Air Fry the Bites:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the filled phyllo triangles in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them for air circulation. Lightly brush the tops with more olive oil or butter. Air fry for 10-12 minutes or until the phyllo dough is golden and crispy. - Serve and Enjoy:
Once the Spanakopita Bites are done, remove them from the air fryer and allow them to cool slightly. Serve warm and enjoy the delicious, crispy, and savory bites!
This method ensures a light, crisp texture with minimal oil, making it a healthier alternative to traditional deep frying!
Tips for the Best Spanakopita Bites
To ensure your Spanakopita Bites turn out perfectly, here are some helpful tips:
- Use fresh spinach: While frozen spinach works in a pinch, fresh spinach yields the best flavor and texture. Be sure to thoroughly drain and dry the spinach after cooking to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
- Don’t skip the butter or olive oil: Brushing each layer of phyllo dough with butter or olive oil is key to achieving that crispy, golden finish. Make sure every layer gets a light coating.
- Seal the edges well: When folding the phyllo dough into triangles, make sure to seal the edges tightly so the filling doesn’t escape during cooking. If needed, brush a little extra butter along the edges to help them stick.
- Keep phyllo covered: Phyllo dough dries out quickly. If you’re working with it for an extended period, keep it covered with a damp towel to prevent it from becoming brittle.
- Customize the filling: Feel free to add other herbs or spices to the filling to suit your taste. A pinch of nutmeg or a little grated Parmesan can add an extra layer of flavor!
Conclusion
Spanakopita Bites offer the perfect blend of crispy, flaky phyllo dough and a flavorful spinach and feta filling. They are easy to prepare, especially when using an air fryer for that crispy, healthier finish. Whether served as appetizers, snacks, or part of a Mediterranean-themed meal, these bite-sized treats are sure to impress. With just a few simple ingredients and these easy steps, you’ll be able to enjoy a taste of Greece in the comfort of your own home.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use store-bought frozen spinach?
Yes, frozen spinach can be used, but be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the filling. Fresh spinach is ideal, but frozen works just fine if you’re in a pinch.
2. How do I store leftover Spanakopita Bites?
Leftover bites can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer or oven for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.
3. Can I make these in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the Spanakopita Bites ahead of time, freeze them before cooking, and then cook directly from frozen. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the air frying time.
4. Can I make these without phyllo dough?
While phyllo dough gives these bites their signature crispy texture, you can substitute it with puff pastry, although the texture will be different.
5. Can I add meat to the filling?
Yes! If you’d like to make a meat version, you can add cooked ground lamb or chicken to the spinach and feta filling. Just be sure to cook the meat thoroughly before mixing it into the filling.
Greek Air Fryer Spanakopita Bites
Equipment
- 1 Air fryer (any model, but preferably with a basket)
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 Saute pan (for spinach)
- 1 Pastry brush
- 1 Sharp knife or pizza cutter (to cut phyllo dough)
Ingredients
- 6 sheets Phyllo dough
- 2 cups Fresh spinach chopped
- 1 cup Feta cheese crumbled
- 4 oz Cream cheese softened
- 1 tablespoon Fresh dill chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil or melted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the filling:
- Heat a small pan over medium heat and sauté the fresh spinach until wilted and the moisture evaporates. Remove from heat and allow it to cool. Once cooled, chop the spinach finely.
Mix the filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped spinach, crumbled feta cheese, cream cheese, dill, minced garlic, and season with salt and pepper. Mix everything until it’s well-combined and smooth.
Prepare the phyllo dough:
- Lay out a sheet of phyllo dough on a clean surface. Brush it lightly with olive oil or melted butter. Place another sheet of phyllo on top and brush again. Repeat this process for 3-4 layers of dough, ensuring each layer is coated with oil or butter.
Form the bites:
- Cut the layered phyllo dough into strips, about 3-4 inches wide. Place a spoonful of the spinach-feta filling at the edge of each strip. Fold the dough over the filling into a triangle shape, continuing to fold until you reach the end of the strip. Seal the edges well.
Air fry the bites:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the filled phyllo triangles in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring some space between each. Brush the tops lightly with olive oil or butter. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, or until the phyllo dough turns golden and crispy.
Serve:
- Once done, remove from the air fryer and let cool for a few minutes. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Frozen spinach can be used, but make sure it’s fully thawed and squeezed to remove any excess water.
- If you want to make the bites ahead of time, you can freeze them before air frying. Just cook them from frozen, adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.
- If you’re not a fan of dill, you can substitute it with other herbs like parsley, oregano, or thyme.
- Feel free to add other ingredients like onions, artichokes, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor!
