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

Sopes, a traditional Mexican dish, are made from masa elote (corn dough) and typically deep-fried. However, using an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep frying, as it reduces the mess, fat, and grease associated with traditional deep frying. Air-fried sopes are easy to cook and can be prepared with simple ingredients and your trusty air fryer. This method creates a crispy exterior and tender interior while preventing the sopes from becoming soggy due to topping moisture. You can air fry pre-made shells or prepare the dough yourself using corn flour and water, shaping it into small patties before air frying. The versatility of sopes allows for various toppings, making them a delicious and convenient Mexican appetizer or main course.

Air fryer vs deep frying

Sopes, a traditional Mexican dish, are made from masa elote (corn dough) and usually deep-fried. However, they can also be cooked in an air fryer, which is a healthier alternative to deep frying.

Air fryers have become incredibly popular in recent years, but deep fryers have been used for years to prepare our favourite fried treats, from doughnuts to fried chicken. Deep fryers use a lot of oil and can be messy, but some people prefer them for certain foods as they give a crispy, crunchy texture.

Air fryers, on the other hand, use a "super-convection" system of hot air circulation to fry food, which means you can use less oil and reduce the fat content of your food. They are also less messy and don't leave your house smelling of fried food. However, some people feel that air fryers are just small ovens and don't produce the same taste and texture as deep fryers.

Air fryers are typically more expensive than deep fryers but often go on sale. Deep fryers are usually more compact and easier to store.

So, which is better? It depends on your personal preferences, the type of food you are cooking, and how much space and money you have to spare. If you want to create super-crispy fries with a crunchy texture, a deep fryer might be the best option. But if you are looking for a healthier alternative that is less messy and doesn't use as much oil, an air fryer might be the way to go. Ultimately, both options have their pros and cons, and it's up to you to decide which one fits your needs and preferences better.

Sopes toppings

Sopes are a Mexican dish that can be topped with a variety of ingredients. They are made from masa elote (corn dough) and are usually deep-fried, but can also be cooked in an air fryer. Sopes are a versatile food that can be served as an appetizer, snack, or main course. They are often described as a thicker version of a tortilla, with a crispy exterior and soft interior.

When it comes to toppings, there are numerous options to choose from. Sopes can be topped with virtually any protein, including ground beef, shredded chicken, shredded beef, and shrimp. They can also be made vegetarian with beans, cheese, and veggies. Some common toppings include refried beans, lettuce, onions, salsa, sour cream, and cheese. Other options include guacamole, avocado crema, cabbage, crema, tomatoes, and cilantro. For exotic toppings, one could consider nopales (cactus), ceviche, kimchi, or sweet plantains.

It is recommended to prepare the toppings before cooking the sopes, as the sopes are best served warm. Chopped toppings can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator, and guacamole and avocado crema can be kept for up to a day without significant colour change. To prevent oxidation, press a piece of plastic wrap directly against the surface of the guacamole or crema.

When serving sopes, it is important to note that they are meant to be picked up and eaten like an open-faced sandwich or pizza slice. However, utensils can also be used if preferred. It is also suggested to serve the sopes immediately, as liquids in the toppings may cause the sopes to become soggy.

Making the dough

Sopes are a traditional Mexican dish made from masa elote (corn dough), which is then deep-fried. In this recipe, we will use an air fryer to cook the sopes.

Corn flour, also known as masa harina, is the best type of corn flour to use when making sopes. It has a finer texture than regular cornmeal and can be easily mixed with water to form a dough. When shopping for masa harina, look for one that is labelled "instant" or "nixtamalized" for the best results. Corn flour is essential for providing structure and texture to the sopes. The combination of corn flour and water creates a dough that can be moulded into the desired shape before frying. This dough also helps to prevent the sopes from becoming too greasy during cooking.

To make the dough, start by mixing the masa elote and water in a bowl. The dough should be moist and easy to work with. Keep a small bowl of water next to your working station to keep your hands moist while handling the dough. It is important to prevent the dough from drying out, so keep it covered at all times with a clean, damp kitchen towel or paper towels.

Once the dough is mixed, form it into small patties. The thickness of the patties will depend on your preference, but they are typically about 1/3 to 1/2 inch thick. The edges of the patties should be slightly thicker than the centre to create a cup-like shape, which will hold your toppings.

Reheating sopes

Sopes are a traditional Mexican dish that can be made in an air fryer. They are made from masa elote (corn dough) and are usually filled with savoury toppings like beef, pork, cheese, and vegetables.

You can reheat sopes in the microwave, on the stove, in the oven, or in an air fryer. If you're short on time, the microwave is a good option. Microwave the sopes on high for 20-30 seconds. You can even add refried beans and protein and microwave everything together. However, microwaving will cause the sopes to lose some crispiness.

To reheat sopes on the stove, heat a cast-iron skillet over low heat. Add the sopes and heat for about one minute on each side or until warmed through.

For the oven or air fryer method, the process is similar. First, transfer the sopes to a baking sheet, making sure they are in a single layer and not touching. Then, bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-5 minutes or until warmed through.

If you want to make a big batch of sopes and store them for later, you can freeze them. Let the sopes cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer bag and squeeze out the excess air. They can be frozen for up to one month. When you're ready to eat, let them defrost at room temperature and then reheat using one of the methods described above.

Air fryer models

Air fryers are a convenient countertop convection oven. They use a fan to circulate hot air to cook, crisp, or caramelize food faster than a standard toaster or traditional oven. They are also great for reheating food.

There are various air fryer models available in the market, including:

• Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart Air Fryer: This model has a wide, square-shaped basket that can accommodate batches of fries or wings without overcrowding. It is quiet, has a non-stick interior, and is very consistent and accurate. It also has a built-in preheating cycle that cuts down on cooking time.
• Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer: This air fryer is currently on sale and is a convenient tool for any home cook.
• Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer: This model is also on sale and is a great option for an air fryer toaster oven.
• Philips Dual Basket Air Fryer 3000 Series: This air fryer is also on sale and is a good option if you want to cook different items at different temperatures.
• ClearCook Air Fryer: This 6-quart model has a preheat function that is not very common in air fryers. It also has a digital control panel that is highly responsive, and a knob for easy programming.
• Ninja Max XL: This model has a 5.5-quart capacity and is great for cooking proteins like chicken, salmon, and pork chops. It is easy to program and clean, with a non-stick basket and removable cooking tray.

These are just a few examples of the many air fryer models available. Each model has unique features, sizes, and price points, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.

Frequently asked questions