Air-Fryer Sopes: A Quick, Easy, And Healthy Treat!

Sopes are a traditional Mexican dish that can be cooked in an air fryer. They are made from masa elote (corn dough) and are usually deep-fried, but air frying is a healthier alternative that reduces the mess and fat of the traditional method. Sopes are a versatile dish that can be topped with a variety of ingredients, such as refried beans, beef, pork, chicken, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, salsa, guacamole, and avocado crema. They are typically eaten as finger food, like an open-faced sandwich or pizza slice. This paragraph introduces the topic of cooking sopes in an air fryer, including information about the dish's origins, cooking method, versatility, and serving suggestions.

Air-frying sopes vs deep-frying them

Sopes are a traditional Mexican dish consisting of a fried corn masa base topped with savoury ingredients. They are usually deep-fried, but can also be cooked in an air fryer.

Air-frying sopes

To make sopes in an air fryer, first mix masa elote (corn dough) and water in a bowl. Form the mixture into small, thick patties, about 1/3 to 1/2 inch thick. Next, heat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and spray the sopes with cooking spray. Place them in the air fryer basket and cook for 3–5 minutes, or until golden brown.

Deep-frying sopes

To deep-fry sopes, heat an inch of oil in a deep, heavy skillet or medium saucepan to 360–400°F (180–200°C). Fry the sopes a few at a time, turning them regularly, for about 2 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

Comparison

Air-frying is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, as it uses little to no oil and produces less mess. It is also easier to clean up afterwards. However, deep-frying is the traditional method used in Mexico and gives the sopes a more authentic flavour.

How to make the dough for sopes

Sopes are a traditional Mexican dish made from masa elote (corn dough). The dough is then deep-fried to make thick, tortilla-like shells that can be topped with meat, vegetables, cream, sauces, and cheese.

To make the dough for sopes, you'll need corn flour, also known as masa harina, and water. This type of corn flour has a finer texture than regular cornmeal, and it is essential for making sopes because it provides structure and texture. You can find it at Mexican grocery stores or purchase it on Amazon. Look for one that is labelled as "instant" or "nixtamalized".

In a large bowl, mix the masa harina with a pinch of salt. Gradually add warm water and knead until the dough is smooth and pliable. The dough should be soft and moist but not sticky, so add more water or flour as needed to achieve this consistency. If it's too dry, add a little more water; if it's too wet, add a little more masa harina. The best way to describe the consistency you are looking for is similar to play dough.

Once you have the right consistency, take a small portion of the masa dough and roll it into a ball. The ball should be roughly the size of a golf ball.

What temperature and how long to air fry sopes

Sopes are a traditional Mexican dish that can be cooked in an air fryer. The temperature and cooking time for air-fried sopes depend on the recipe and the desired level of crispiness. Here is a comprehensive guide on air-frying sopes, including the temperature and cooking time:

Preparing the Sopes Dough:

Before air-frying the sopes, the dough needs to be prepared. Here are the steps to make the sopes dough:

• Combine masa harina and salt in a mixing bowl.
• Add warm water gradually and mix until you form a sticky dough that stays together without sticking to your hands.
• If the dough is too crumbly, add water a tablespoon at a time until you achieve a play-dough-like texture.
• If the dough becomes too sticky, add a little more masa harina.
• Form small balls of dough (about 60-65g each or the size of a golf ball) and roll them between your palms until smooth.
• Flatten the dough balls into small, round patties, and then create a lip around the edges to form a shallow bowl shape.

Air Frying the Sopes:

Once the sopes dough is prepared, you can air-fry them. Here are the temperature and cooking time recommendations:

• Preheat your air fryer to between 360-400 degrees Fahrenheit (180-200 degrees Celsius).
• Lightly brush or mist the uncooked sopes with vegetable oil or another cooking oil.
• Place the sopes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap.
• Air fry the sopes for 3-5 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness and browning.
• Check the sopes halfway through cooking to ensure they are cooking evenly and adjust the timing as needed.
• Remove the sopes from the air fryer once they are golden and crispy.

Filling and Serving the Sopes:

After air-frying, you can fill and serve the sopes:

• Layer refried beans on the bottom of each sope.
• Top with your choice of fillings such as lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, salsa, cheese, or vegan alternatives.
• Sopes are meant to be eaten with your hands, but you can also serve them with utensils.
• Enjoy the crispy and delicious air-fried sopes!

Note: The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer and the thickness of your sopes. Always monitor your sopes while cooking to prevent overcooking or burning.

What toppings to use for sopes

Sopes are a traditional Mexican dish consisting of a fried masa base with savoury toppings. They are usually about 1/3 to 1/2 inch thick, crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside. They are often made with corn masa and can be eaten as appetisers, snacks, or street food meals.

The toppings for sopes can be hot or room temperature, but the base is always served hot. Here are some topping ideas for your sopes:

• Refried beans are a popular base layer for toppings. You can use pinto or black refried beans, or even mash up other beans such as white beans, cannellini beans, and chickpeas.
• If you don't want to use beans, you can use a layer of mashed avocados mixed with lime juice and salt to secure the rest of the toppings.
• For meat toppings, shredded beef, pork, or chicken is traditional, but you can use any type of meat as long as it is generously seasoned. Other meat options include ground beef, ground turkey, and shrimp.
• For vegetarian options, you can top your sopes with stewed veggies, sauteed veggies, or even pickled veggies.
• Other toppings include lettuce, crema, cheese, salsa, guacamole, cilantro, and tomatoes.

How to store and reheat leftover sopes

Sopes are a delicious Mexican snack, but what happens when you have leftovers? Well, you can store and reheat them! Here's how:

Storing Leftover Sopes:

Firstly, let the sopes cool down to room temperature. You can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. To freeze sopes, spread them out on a baking sheet and pop them into the freezer for an hour. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer.

Reheating Leftover Sopes:

There are a few ways to reheat leftover sopes. You can use an oven, toaster oven, or even a grill. Here are the steps for each method:

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly oil a baking sheet and place the sopes on it. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through.
• Toaster Oven: Preheat your toaster oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a baking sheet or toaster oven tray and place the sopes on it. Toast for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
• Grill: Use a hot grill and cook the sopes until heated through. This will add a smoky flavor to your sopes.

Tips:

When reheating, you can fill your sopes with your desired filling and top with your favorite toppings. Just remember to drain any wet fillings, like beans, to prevent the sopes from becoming soggy. Also, don't overcook the sopes, as they can become dry and tough.

Frequently asked questions