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The Recipe · No.326 · Arepas

Arepas, and where to source it

Arepas — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Arepas Venezuelan 5best2buy.com

Masarepa is precooked corn flour, not masa harina — using the wrong one gives you a dense hockey puck. The technique is hydration and rest: mix to a smooth dough that does not crack at the edges, let it hydrate 5 minutes, then griddle and finish in the oven so the inside cooks through while the crust sets.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep15 min
Cook20 min
Makes6 arepas
CuisineVenezuelan
Cost$$
Gluten-free
Contains  dairy
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 6 arepas
Masarepa
Precooked white corn flour; this specific flour is what makes an arepa an arepa.
2 cups
Queso fresco
Crumbled inside or mixed into the dough so it melts into the crumb.
1 cup
Chicken breast
Poached and shredded for a reina pepiada filling.
1 lb
Avocado
Mashed with the chicken for a creamy filling.
1
Warm water
Hydrates the flour into a smooth, crack-free dough.
2 1/2 cups
Local / market

Using chicken breast? It behaves the way it does for a reason — what this cut is for and how to cook it →

The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● Barely a splurge
A light hand — your arteries say thanks.
EffortEasy
Cook it with
Air fryerSheet pan
The Method
  1. MixStir the masarepa, salt, and warm water into a soft dough and let it rest 5 minutes to hydrate.
  2. ShapeDivide into 6 balls and pat into 1/2-inch discs, smoothing any cracks with wet hands.
  3. GriddleCook on a lightly oiled griddle over medium heat until a crust forms, about 5 minutes per side.
  4. BakeFinish in a 350F oven 10 minutes so the centers cook through, then split and stuff.
The Toolkit

Cast iron griddle · Mixing bowl · Bench scraper · Spatula · Sheet pan

Straight Answers
Can you make Arepas in an air fryer? — Yes

Yes — this is exactly what an air fryer does well. Work in a single layer so the air can move, and shake or flip halfway for even crisping. It runs a touch faster than the oven, so check early.

Can you freeze Arepas? — Not ideal

You can, but the crisp coating softens. Freeze the cooked pieces, then re-crisp them in a hot oven or air fryer — never the microwave.

Can you make Arepas ahead of time? — Prep ahead

Best fried to order — the crunch fades if it sits. Do the breading or shaping ahead and cook it fresh when you serve.

Is Arepas gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Arepas vegan? — No

No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

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© 2026 5best2buy.com · Recipe No.326

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