Air-Frying Tamales: A Quick, Easy, And Delicious Treat

Tamales are a traditional dish from Central America and southern North America, including countries such as Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala. They are made with 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. Once the dough is made, it is filled with various ingredients like meats, cheeses, vegetables, or fruits, and then wrapped in the husk or leaf before being steamed. The air fryer is a great way to cook or reheat tamales. It is quick and easy, and it ensures that your tamales will be crispy. However, it can make tamales a bit dry, so it is recommended to use oil on the husks before adding them to the air fryer.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for tamales in an air fryer depend on whether you are cooking or reheating them, and whether they are fresh or frozen.

Cooking Frozen Tamales

To cook frozen tamales in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to between 325°F and 375°F. Then, add your frozen tamales to the basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and do not touch each other. If you are cooking fresh tamales, you can spray the basket with a non-stick cooking spray or lightly brush with vegetable or olive oil to prevent sticking. However, if you are cooking frozen tamales, there is no need to defrost them first, and you can coat the husks in oil before placing them in the basket.

Cooking times for frozen tamales vary depending on the temperature. For example, at 375°F, cook for 8–16 minutes, and at 325°F, cook for 18–22 minutes. You may need to flip the tamales halfway through cooking.

Reheating Tamales

Reheating tamales in an air fryer is a great way to ensure they are nice and crispy without becoming soggy or dry. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F and place the tamales in the basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and do not touch each other. Add about 2 tablespoons of water to the air fryer to create steam and help keep the tamales moist. Reheat for 3–5 minutes, or 8–10 minutes, turning them halfway through.

The cooking time and temperature for tamales in an air fryer can be adjusted to suit your preferences and the level of crispiness you desire.

Oil usage

Before placing the tamales in the air fryer, it is recommended to lightly coat them with oil. This can be done by spraying the air fryer basket with a non-stick cooking spray or lightly brushing the basket with vegetable or olive oil. This step helps to prevent the tamales from sticking to the basket and makes cleaning easier.

When using frozen tamales, it is best to leave them in their corn husks. Coat the husks with a layer of vegetable oil or any cooking oil. This helps to retain moisture and keeps the tamales from drying out during the cooking process. It is important to note that the oil should be applied directly to the husks and not on the tamales themselves.

For even cooking and to prevent sticking, arrange the tamales in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't touch each other. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the tamales in batches.

During the cooking process, consider adding a small amount of oil to the exposed ends of the tamales. This will help prevent them from drying out and improve the overall texture. However, be cautious not to overcook the tamales, as this can also lead to dryness.

Additionally, some recipes suggest adding a small amount of water to the bottom of the air fryer, creating steam and further helping to keep the tamales moist. This is especially useful when reheating tamales, as it helps them retain their texture and flavor.

By following these oil usage guidelines, you can ensure that your tamales cook evenly, retain moisture, and have a delicious, crispy texture when cooked in an air fryer.

Reheating tamales

First, preheat your air fryer to between 300°F and 375°F. If you prefer a slower cook, you can set the temperature to 325°F. Next, lightly spritz or brush the tamales with oil to prevent them from drying out and sticking to the basket. Place the tamales in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't touch each other and leaving some space for air circulation. If you are reheating frozen tamales, leave the husk on. For thawed tamales, remove the corn husk or banana leaf before placing them in the air fryer.

Add about 2 tablespoons of water to the bottom of the air fryer to create steam and help keep the tamales moist. Air-fry the tamales for 3 to 22 minutes, depending on the temperature and whether they are frozen or thawed. Flip the tamales over halfway through the cooking time and adjust the temperature as needed.

Check that the tamales are warmed all the way through before serving. If not, return them to the air fryer and cook for a few more minutes. Serve with your favourite toppings and sides, such as salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or fresh lime juice.

While the air fryer is a convenient option for reheating tamales, there are also other methods you can use, such as steaming, microwaving, or baking in an oven. Each method will give your tamales a unique texture, so feel free to experiment to find the one that suits your taste and preferences.

Fillings

Tamale fillings are extremely versatile and can be tailored to individual preferences. The fillings can be savoury, spicy, or sweet, and can range from meats and cheeses to fruits, vegetables, and even vegan options.

For savoury tamales, traditional seasoned meats like chicken, beef, pork, and lamb are popular choices. Chicken can be cooked in a variety of sauces, such as mole or tinga, to add flavour and moisture to the tamales. Other meat options include braised rabbit, roasted turkey, duck, or shredded beef cooked in bacon grease. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try braised meat from your local BBQ joint, like brisket or pork, and throw it into your tamales.

For spicy tamales, you can incorporate green chile and cheese, poblano chilli, or chilli strips. You can also add robust spices like cinnamon and cloves to give your tamales an extra kick. If you're feeling creative, try adding kimchi or chilli to your beef filling.

For sweet tamales, you can fill them with fruits like pineapple, strawberries, or practically any fruit of your choice. You can also add sweet ingredients like chocolate, nuts, cream cheese, or even corn. For a unique twist, try sweet stewed pinto beans in piloncillo, cinnamon, and cloves, lightly mashed.

Vegan tamales are also an option, showcasing beans, cheese, and peppers. You can also create vegetarian tamales with vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or sweet potatoes.

When preparing your tamales, remember that the filling quantity can vary. Some tamales use the filling as a garnish or almost as a condiment to complement the dough, while others may have more generous fillings. The key to achieving the distinct taste of authentic tamales lies in the harmony of flavours and the simplicity of the ingredients.

Serving suggestions

Tamales are a staple in many households, especially in Mexican and Latin American cultures. They are made by steaming a flavorful filling wrapped in masa (corn dough) and a corn husk. While steaming is the conventional method for cooking tamales, an air fryer offers a quicker, crispier alternative without losing that beloved flavor and texture.

• Salsas: Tamales can be served with a range of salsas that enhance their flavor. Traditional red salsa and green salsa verde are both excellent options. You can also get creative and try something new, such as mango salsa.
• Crema or Sour Cream: A creamy topping like Mexican crema or sour cream can balance the spices in your tamales.
• Guacamole: Guacamole is a delicious and traditional accompaniment to tamales. It adds a creamy and spicy element to the meal.
• Hot Sauce: A squeeze of fresh lime juice or a dash of hot sauce can add a zesty kick to your tamales, balancing the rich and savory flavors.
• Sides: If you're looking for a heartier meal, you can pair tamales with some easy sides, such as vegetables or beans.

Remember, tamales are typically served as part of the main meal, and they are well worth the effort, especially when enjoyed with family and friends. So feel free to get creative and experiment with different toppings and sides to complement your air-fried tamales!

Frequently asked questions