Air Fryer Tamales: A Quick, Easy, And Delicious Treat

Tamales are a beloved staple of Mexican cuisine, with their delicious filling encased in a steamed corn masa shell. While the traditional method of reheating tamales involves steaming, some people enjoy the crispier texture that an air fryer provides. You can cook tamales from frozen in an air fryer, and the cooking time depends on the temperature you set. For example, at 375 °F, tamales can be cooked in 8, 16, or 18-22 minutes. To prevent the tamales from drying out, you can spritz or brush them with oil and cook them at a lower temperature for a longer time.

Reheating tamales in an air fryer

First, preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 325 and 375 °F. The specific temperature and time may depend on your preference and the model of your air fryer. For example, a quicker option is 8 minutes at 375 °F, while a slower option is 22 minutes at 325 °F. If you prefer a crispy texture, you can preheat your air fryer to 350 °F and heat the tamales for 8-10 minutes, turning them halfway through.

Next, prepare the tamales. Lightly spritz or brush oil onto the tamales to prevent them from drying out and sticking to the basket. If your tamales are exposed at one end, add oil to that end as well. It is recommended to leave the tamales in their corn husks, coating the husks with a layer of vegetable oil, and removing the husks only when the tamales are ready to be eaten.

Then, place the tamales in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overcrowded, with some space left for air circulation. If your basket holds more than two tamales, you can cook more at once, otherwise, cook them in batches.

Finally, air-fry your tamales for 12 to 22 minutes, depending on your chosen temperature, flipping them halfway through. Remove the tamales from the air fryer and enjoy!

How to prevent tamales from drying out

Yes, you can cook tamales in an air fryer. However, because you're using dry heat instead of steam to cook them, they may turn out a bit drier than with other cooking methods. Here are some tips to prevent your tamales from drying out:

Wrap them

Before placing your tamales in the air fryer, make sure they are wrapped well. You can use a steamer basket, foil, or a damp cloth to wrap them.

Use oil

Lightly spritz or brush some oil, such as vegetable or olive oil, onto the tamales before air frying. This will help keep them from drying out. If your tamales are exposed at one end, add oil to that end as well.

Add water

Adding a little bit of water to the bottom of the air fryer can help create steam and keep your tamales moist.

Don't overcook

Make sure not to overcook your tamales, as this will increase the likelihood that they'll dry out. Depending on the temperature you set your air fryer to, the cooking time for tamales can range from 8 to 22 minutes.

Oil coating for the tamales

Tamales are a corn-based dough that is steamed in a corn husk or banana leaf. The dough is made of masa, which is ground maize that has been soaked in lime water. They are traditionally served as part of the main meal and can be found in Latin America and southern North America.

When cooking or reheating tamales in an air fryer, it is recommended to coat the corn husks in oil before placing them in the air fryer. This helps to prevent the tamales from drying out and sticking to the air fryer basket. The type of oil used can vary, with suggestions including vegetable oil, olive oil, and non-stick cooking spray.

If the tamales are exposed at one end, it is recommended to add oil to that end as well. Some sources also suggest adding oil during the cooking process to prevent the tamales from drying out. It is important not to overcook the tamales, as this will increase the likelihood of them drying out.

To coat the tamales in oil, you can lightly spritz or brush the oil onto the corn husks. This will help ensure that the tamales do not stick to the air fryer basket and will help keep them moist during the cooking or reheating process.

Air fryer temperature and time settings

The temperature and timing settings for cooking tamales in an air fryer depend on whether you are cooking or reheating them, and whether they are frozen or not.

Cooking Frozen Tamales

To cook frozen tamales, first, spray the basket with some non-stick cooking spray or lightly brush with vegetable or olive oil to prevent the tamales from sticking. Then, place the tamales in the basket in a single layer, leaving the husk on. Set the temperature to between 350 and 375 °F for 15 to 22 minutes, flipping once halfway through.

Reheating Tamales

To reheat tamales, preheat your air fryer anywhere from 320 to 375 °F. Lightly spritz oil onto the tamales to keep them from drying out. Place your frozen tamales (husks included) into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch each other. Air-fry your tamales for 3 to 5 minutes, or 12 to 22 minutes, flipping them over halfway through.

Avoiding Dry Tamales

To avoid dry tamales, consider adding oil to the husks before and during the cooking process. Additionally, avoid overcooking the tamales, as this will increase the likelihood that they will dry out.

Other ways to reheat tamales

Tamales are a beloved staple of Mexican cuisine, and reheating them is a great way to enjoy them again. Here are some alternative ways to reheat tamales, each with its unique results:

Oven Method:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the tamales individually in aluminum foil or place them in an oven-safe dish covered with foil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through. This method gives you evenly heated tamales with a slightly crispy exterior.

Stovetop Skillet Method:

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it with oil or butter. Unwrap the tamales and place them in the skillet. Allow them to heat through, and you'll get a delicious crispy outer texture with a tender center.

Microwave Method:

For a quick option, wrap the tamales in a damp paper towel and place them on a microwave-safe plate. Set the microwave to medium heat and heat for 2-3 minutes, or until warmed through. This method is perfect when you're in a rush.

Steam Method:

The traditional steaming method is a go-to for reheating tamales. Fill a pot with a couple of inches of water and bring it to a simmer. Place the tamales in a steamer basket, ensuring the water doesn't touch the tamales. Steam them for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. This keeps the tamales moist and flavorful.

Each method offers a unique twist on reheating tamales, so feel free to experiment and find the one that suits your taste and convenience!

Frequently asked questions