Air-Fried Tamales: A Tasty, Quick Treat

Tamales are a traditional dish from Central America and southern North America. They are made from nixtamalized corn, which means the corn is soaked and cooked in an alkaline solution, usually limewater. The dough can be filled with meat, cheese, fruit, vegetables, herbs, and chillies, and is traditionally steamed in a corn husk wrapping.

If you're looking for a quick and easy way to cook tamales, you can use an air fryer. This method has gained popularity in recent years, with many people opting to cook their tamales this way. The cook time for tamales in an air fryer depends on the temperature you choose—a higher temperature will cook the tamales faster, but may result in a drier texture.

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the process of making tamales. By preheating to the right temperature, you ensure that your tamales cook evenly and efficiently.

To preheat your air fryer to 375°F, start by turning on your air fryer and setting the desired temperature. Different models of air fryers may have different preheating functions, so refer to your specific model's instructions.

Once you've set the temperature, give the air fryer a few minutes to heat up. The time it takes to preheat will vary depending on the model and its wattage. Most air fryers will have an indicator light or a sound to let you know when they've reached the set temperature.

When preheating, it is a good idea to also place the air fryer basket inside. This helps the basket reach the desired temperature as well, ensuring that your tamales start cooking as soon as they are placed inside.

Preheating your air fryer to 375°F is a great temperature for cooking tamales. This temperature falls within the recommended range of 325°F to 375°F for reheating tamales. At this temperature, you can cook your tamales for 12 to 22 minutes, flipping them over halfway through, for a quick and efficient cooking process.

Remember, the preheating time may vary depending on your air fryer model, so always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for the most accurate information.

Coat the tamales in oil

Coating tamales in oil before air frying is a crucial step to ensure they don't dry out. The air fryer cooks with dry heat, so the oil helps to retain moisture and prevent the tamales from drying out.

There are a few ways to coat the tamales in oil. One way is to leave the tamales in their corn husks and coat the husks with a layer of vegetable oil. If the tamales are exposed at one end, it's a good idea to add oil to that end as well. Alternatively, you can lightly spritz or brush oil directly onto the tamales themselves. This will help keep them moist during the cooking process.

It's also important to note that adding oil to the air fryer basket before placing the tamales inside is recommended to prevent sticking. This can be done by spraying the basket with a non-stick cooking spray or lightly brushing it with vegetable or olive oil.

By following these steps and coating the tamales in oil, you can help ensure that they come out moist and delicious.

Place tamales in the air fryer basket

To place tamales in the air fryer basket, 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. If your basket holds more than two tamales, feel free to cook more if needed. Otherwise, do them in batches. Leave the tamales in their corn husks and coat the husks in a layer of vegetable oil. This will help to retain moisture and prevent them from drying out.

If the tamales are exposed at one end, add oil to that end as well. You can also spritz the tamales themselves with a light olive oil to prevent them from drying out.

Cook for 12-25 minutes

So, you want to make tamales in an air fryer? You've come to the right place!

First, let's talk about the benefits of using an air fryer to cook or reheat tamales. Tamales are a corn-based dough that is typically steamed in a corn husk or banana leaf. The dough, called masa, is made from ground maize that has been soaked in lime water. When tamales are reheated in the air fryer, they regain their moisture and become nice and tender. The air fryer circulates hot air around them, heating them evenly and quickly. There's also no risk of them drying out or becoming tough.

Now, let's get into the step-by-step guide for cooking tamales in your air fryer:

Step One: Prepare Your Tamales

If you're using frozen tamales, there's no need to defrost them. Simply leave them in their corn husks, which help retain moisture and prevent drying out. If the tamales are exposed at one end, you can add some oil to that end as well.

Step Two: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to a temperature between 325°F and 375°F. The specific temperature will depend on your preference for cooking time. A higher temperature will cook your tamales faster, while a lower temperature will result in a slower cook.

Step Three: Coat Your Tamales in Oil

Lightly spritz or brush your tamales with vegetable oil or olive oil. This step is important to prevent your tamales from sticking to the air fryer basket and to help maintain moisture.

Step Four: Arrange Tamales in the Air Fryer Basket

Place your tamales in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't touch each other. Leave some space between them to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking.

Step Five: Cook for 12-25 Minutes

Depending on the temperature you've set your air fryer to, the cooking time will vary. For a quicker cook, you can opt for a higher temperature of 375°F and cook your tamales for around 12-18 minutes. If you prefer a slower pace, you can set your air fryer to 325°F and cook them for around 22 minutes.

Regardless of the temperature, remember to flip your tamales halfway through the cooking process for even heating.

Step Six: Enjoy Your Tamales!

Once your tamales are heated through, carefully remove them from the air fryer and enjoy! You can serve them with your favourite toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

And that's it! You now know how to make delicious, moist tamales in your air fryer. So, go ahead and give it a try. Your family and friends will surely enjoy this tasty treat.

Serve with your favourite sides

Tamales are a traditional dish from Central America and southern North America, including countries such as Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala. The dough of the tamale is made from "nixtamalized" corn, which means the corn is soaked and cooked in an alkaline solution—usually limewater. Tamales can be filled with a variety of options, such as meat, cheese, fruit, vegetables, herbs, and chillies.

When serving tamales, you can choose from a range of side dishes to elevate your meal. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Vegetables and Beans: Tamales can be quite filling on their own, but if you're looking for a heartier meal, pairing them with some vegetables or beans can be a great option. You can try Instant Pot Black Beans, Instant Pot Pinto Beans, or Instant Pot Refried Beans as easy and quick side dishes.
• Hot Sauce and Guacamole: For those who like a little extra kick, serving tamales with hot sauce and guacamole on the side can add a spicy and creamy dimension to your meal.
• Salsas and Corn: If you want to enhance the flavour and texture of your tamales, consider serving them with a salsa. Black Bean and Corn Salsa can be a great option to incorporate more beans and vegetables into your meal.
• Mexican Street Corn: For a true taste of Mexico, serve your tamales with Mexican Street Corn. This side dish is sure to add a burst of flavour and colour to your plate.
• Cheese: If your tamales turn out a little drier than expected, you can add some melted cheddar cheese on top to make them more palatable and indulgent.
• Soups and Salads: For a well-rounded meal, you can serve tamales with a soup or salad. Try the Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup or the Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad for a flavourful and refreshing side.
• Casseroles: If you're looking for something more substantial, casseroles can be a great option to serve with tamales. Try the Chile Relleno Casserole or the Layered Chicken Enchilada Casserole for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Remember, tamales are quite versatile, so feel free to get creative with your side dishes! You can experiment with different flavours and ingredients to find your perfect combination.

Frequently asked questions