Air-Fried Gorditas: A Tasty, Healthy Twist On A Classic

Gorditas are thick corn tortillas that have a pocket in the middle made for stuffing with delicious Mexican fillings. They are usually made by frying thick corn tortillas and then stuffing them with various fillings. However, it is possible to make gorditas in an air fryer. One way to do this is by using a Philips Airfryer, which has a starfish design that circulates hot air 360 degrees around the food, cooking it evenly inside and out. This method does not require the use of lard, and only a brush of olive oil on the top and bottom sides of each pocket is needed. The dough cooks and crisps up immediately without drying, and it is fluffy enough to easily stuff with your desired fillings.

Gordita fillings

Gorditas can be stuffed with a variety of fillings, both savoury and sweet. They are usually stuffed with cheese, beans, meat, or other types of fillings, and served with red or green salsa. Here are some ideas for savoury gordita fillings:

• Refried beans and cheese
• Chile verde (tender pork in a green chile sauce)
• Picadillo (a ground beef and potato mixture)
• Papas con chile (tender diced potatoes stewed in a green chile sauce)
• Pork stew (asado de Cerdo)
• Chicharron en Salsa Verde
• Chicken Tinga
• Scrambled Eggs in Salsa (red or green salsa)
• Shredded Beef in Salsa
• Potatoes Mexican Style
• Roasted Poblano Strips with cream
• Chorizo and potatoes
• Leftovers such as barbacoa beef

Some gorditas are stuffed prior to being cooked or fried, similar to the “pupusas” from El Salvador.

Gorditas can also be served as a base for toppings, such as shredded chipotle pork and chicken mole, or as a crumpet-like base for scrambled eggs with queso fresco, tomatoes and chiles.

Gorditas can be stuffed with just about any filling imaginable, from sautéed poblanos and queso fresco to scrambled eggs and chiles.

Air fryer benefits

Yes, you can make gorditas in an air fryer!

Quick and Efficient

Air fryers heat up and cook food faster than conventional ovens. They are also more energy-efficient, as they don't require heating a large oven cavity. This makes them ideal for small batches of food and for cooking in hot weather when you want to avoid heating up the kitchen.

Healthier Frying

Air fryers require a fraction of the oil used in deep frying, resulting in food with lower fat and calorie content. This can be beneficial for reducing the risk of health issues associated with high-fat diets, such as obesity, heart disease, and inflammation. Air fryers also eliminate the safety risks associated with deep frying, such as spilling or splashing hot oil.

Convenience and Versatility

Air fryers are convenient for reheating leftovers and frozen foods, often yielding better results than a microwave or conventional oven. They can also be used for a variety of cooking methods beyond frying, such as roasting, baking, and grilling.

Ease of Use and Clean-up

Air fryers are easy to use and require less clean-up than deep frying. They are a good option for those who want the taste and texture of fried food without the mess and hassle of traditional frying methods.

Space-saving

While air fryers do take up counter space, they are a good alternative to a full-size oven for those with limited kitchen space.

Even Cooking

Air fryers circulate hot air around food, resulting in evenly crisped food without the need to flip or rotate during cooking.

Perfect for Small Households

Air fryers are ideal for cooking small portions, making them a good option for singles, couples, or those cooking for one or two people.

Air Fryer Community and Resources

The popularity of air fryers means there is a wealth of online communities, recipes, and resources available to help you get the most out of your air fryer.

Masa dough

Gorditas are thick corn tortillas or corn cakes made from masa dough. The dough is made by mixing masa harina, water, and salt to create a dough. For every 2 cups of masa harina, you will need 1 3/4 cups to 2 cups of water. Some recipes also add a teaspoon of baking powder and a tablespoon of vegetable oil to the mix.

Roll the dough into 16 little balls. Lightly flatten the balls in between two sheets of plastic wrap using a tortilla press or a flat pan. Be careful not to press too hard, as you want the dough to be about twice as thick as a normal tortilla.

Remove the flattened masa from the plastic wrap and place it on a hot griddle. Let it cook for about 10 to 15 seconds, then flip it over and cook the other side for the same amount of time. Flip it over again and cook each side for about 1 minute, until brown spots appear.

The gordita should inflate and start to bubble up in the middle or the sides. Lightly press down on the sides with a spatula to help it inflate even more. Remove it from the griddle and place it on a plate. Cover it with a light kitchen towel and let it cool until it's cool enough to handle.

Use a butter or paring knife to cut a slit down the edge of one side. The gordita should now have a pocket that you can stuff with your desired fillings.

To fry the gorditas, heat some frying oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. You only need enough oil to fully submerge one side of the gordita. Fry each gordita on both sides for about a minute or two, until crispy. Remove from the oil and place on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.

Gorditas can be filled with a variety of savoury ingredients, such as cheese, beans, meat, salsa, and vegetables.

Gordita toppings

Gorditas are thick corn tortillas with a pocket in the middle for delicious fillings. They are incredibly versatile, and you can fill them with anything from meat to vegetables and cheese. Here are some topping ideas to get you started:

Refried Beans and Cheese

A classic combination, this filling is a popular choice for gorditas. The refried beans provide a creamy texture, while the cheese adds a salty, savoury flavour. You can use any type of cheese you like, from Cotija to cheddar.

Chile Verde

Chile verde is a mouthwatering filling made with tender pork cooked in a green chile sauce. The sauce is typically made with tomatillos, giving it a tangy, slightly acidic flavour that pairs perfectly with the juicy pork.

Picadillo

A hearty option, picadillo is a mixture of ground beef and potatoes. It's a comforting, savoury filling that will satisfy any meat and potato lover. You can also add other ingredients to the mixture, such as carrots, raisins, or spices like cumin and cinnamon.

Papas con Chile

This vegetarian-friendly option features tender diced potatoes stewed in a flavourful green chile sauce. It's a comforting and satisfying filling that will leave you wanting more. You can also add other vegetables to the mix, such as carrots or onions.

Braised Meats

Gorditas go well with various braised meats, such as barbacoa or carnitas. The slow-cooked, tender meats are full of flavour and make for a juicy and mouthwatering filling. You can also add other ingredients, such as onions, cilantro, or salsa, to enhance the flavour.

Savory Stews

Savory stews are an excellent choice for gordita fillings, providing a hearty and flavourful option. You can choose from a variety of stews, such as chicken, beef, or vegetable-based options. The key is to have a thick and juicy stew that complements the crispy gordita exterior.

Salsas and Guacamole

For a fresh and flavourful topping, look no further than salsas and guacamole. You can choose from a variety of salsas, such as salsa verde or pico de gallo, and pair them with creamy guacamole for a delicious combination. Add some chopped onions, cilantro, or a squeeze of lime for an extra kick.

Vegetables

Gorditas are a great way to enjoy your favourite vegetables. You can grill, roast, or sauté them to enhance their flavour. Popular vegetable options include nopalitos (cactus paddles), avocado, and grilled vegetables like zucchini or eggplant. You can also add cheese or salsa to create a well-rounded vegetarian gordita.

Sweet Toppings

While gorditas are typically savoury, you can also create sweet versions called Gorditas de Azucar. These are often made with wheat flour and topped with sweet fillings such as honey, fruit, or even ice cream. Get creative and experiment with different sweet combinations.

Gordita cooking methods

Gorditas are thick corn tortillas with a pocket in the middle for stuffing with delicious fillings. They are usually made from masa dough, which is a type of corn flour made from dried and ground hominy. The dough is formed into balls, flattened, and then cooked.

There are several methods for cooking gorditas, including pan-frying, baking, and deep-frying. Here is a step-by-step guide to each method:

Pan-Fried Gorditas:

• Step 1: Mix masa harina, water, and salt to create a dough. You can also add other ingredients like baking powder, lard, or vegetable oil to add flavour and improve the texture.
• Step 2: Roll the dough into balls, about 16-20 small balls or 8 larger balls, depending on your preferred size.
• Step 3: Flatten the dough balls between two sheets of plastic wrap or waxed paper using a tortilla press or a flat pan. The flattened dough should be about twice as thick as a normal tortilla, or around 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.
• Step 4: Heat a large skillet, griddle, or comal over medium-high heat. Place the flattened dough on the hot surface and cook for about 10-15 seconds on each side. Then, flip and cook for another 10-15 seconds to seal the dough.
• Step 5: Flip the gordita again and cook each side for about 1 minute, or until golden brown spots appear.
• Step 6: The gordita should inflate and start to bubble up in the middle or sides. Lightly press down on the sides with a spatula to help it inflate more.
• Step 7: Remove the gordita from the heat and place it on a plate. Cover it with a light kitchen towel to keep it warm.
• Step 8: When the gordita is cool enough to handle, use a knife to cut a slit down the edge to create a pocket for the fillings.
• Step 9: Fill the gordita with your desired fillings and enjoy!

Baked Gorditas:

• Follow steps 1-3 from the pan-fried method to prepare the dough and flatten it into discs.
• Step 4: Preheat your oven to 350°F.
• Step 5: Place the flattened dough discs on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are firm and lightly golden.
• Step 6: Once baked, use a knife to create a pocket in each gordita, fill with your desired fillings, and enjoy!

Deep-Fried Gorditas:

• Follow steps 1-4 from the pan-fried method to prepare and cook the gorditas on a griddle or comal.
• Step 5: Heat a large, heavy skillet over medium to medium-high heat and add enough oil for frying (such as canola or vegetable oil). The oil should be hot enough to bubble immediately when the edge of a gordita is dipped in.
• Step 6: Carefully place a gordita in the hot oil and fry for about 45 seconds on each side, or until puffed and golden. You may need to gently press the gordita down into the oil with a spatula to help it puff up.
• Step 7: Remove the gordita from the oil and drain on paper towels.
• Step 8: Cut a slit in the side of the gordita to create a pocket, fill with your desired fillings, and enjoy!

Air-Fried Gorditas:

Air-frying is another option for cooking gorditas, as mentioned in one source. An air fryer, such as the Philips Airfryer, can cook gorditas in about 10 minutes without the need for lard. A light brush of olive oil on both sides of the dough is enough to crisp up the gorditas without drying them out. The hot air circulation of the air fryer ensures even cooking, and adjustable temperature controls prevent over-cooking.

Gorditas are a versatile and delicious dish that can be cooked in a variety of ways. Whether you choose to pan-fry, bake, deep-fry, or air-fry them, the key to success is in the preparation of the masa dough and the creation of the pocket for fillings. Enjoy experimenting with different cooking methods and fillings to find your favourite gordita recipe!

Frequently asked questions