Air-Fryer Tamales: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Tamales are a beloved staple of Mexican cuisine, and there are several ways to reheat them. One of the best methods is to use an air fryer as it is quick and easy, and it ensures that your tamales will be nice and crispy. To reheat tamales in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 330-375°F. Lightly spritz oil onto the tamales to keep them from drying out. Place the frozen tamales (husks included) into the air fryer basket and air fry for 8-22 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

Air fryer temperature and time

The ideal temperature and time for reheating tamales in an air fryer depend on the type of tamales and the desired texture. Here are some general guidelines:

Temperature

The recommended temperature range for reheating tamales in an air fryer is between 325°F and 375°F. Some sources suggest a lower temperature of 330°F to keep the tamales moist and prevent them from drying out.

Time

The cooking time will depend on the temperature set. For example, at 375°F, the cooking time is around 8-15 minutes, while at 325°F, it can take up to 22 minutes. For frozen tamales, increase the cooking time to about 15-20 minutes, ensuring they are heated through.

Tips for optimal results:

• Preheat the air fryer to ensure even heating.
• Add a little water to create steam and maintain moisture.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer by placing the tamales in a single layer, allowing adequate space for air circulation.
• Flip the tamales halfway through the cooking process for even heating.
• Spritz the tamales with oil to prevent drying.
• For frozen tamales, there is no need to defrost; cook them directly from frozen.
• Always check that the tamales are heated through before serving. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.

How to prevent tamales from drying out

Tamales are a beloved staple of Mexican cuisine, and reheating them is a great way to enjoy them again. Here are some tips to prevent your tamales from drying out when using an air fryer:

Firstly, it is important to preheat your air fryer to the right temperature. Most sources recommend preheating to 350°F (175°C). However, some suggest that you can experiment with temperatures between 325 to 375 °F, depending on your preferred cooking time.

Secondly, you can spritz or spray a small amount of oil onto the tamales before placing them in the air fryer. This will help keep them moist and prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can wrap the tamales in a damp paper towel or cloth to maintain moisture.

Thirdly, ensure you leave some space between the tamales in the air fryer basket for better air circulation and even heating. Avoid stacking or overcrowding the tamales, as this will affect their shape and texture.

Additionally, it is recommended to remove the tamales from their husks before placing them in the air fryer. This allows for better heat penetration and a crispier texture. However, some people opt to leave the husks on, and this is also possible, though it may require a little longer cooking time.

Lastly, keep an eye on the tamales while they are cooking, and adjust the timing as needed. The cooking time can vary depending on the number of tamales, their size, and the temperature of your air fryer. Most sources suggest cooking for around 8-10 minutes, or up to 20 minutes for frozen tamales, but it is important to check on them regularly to prevent overcooking.

By following these tips, you can enjoy delicious, moist and flavourful tamales with a slightly crispy exterior, without them drying out.

Reheating frozen tamales

Preparing the Air Fryer and Tamales:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 325°F and 375°F. The higher the temperature, the quicker the cooking time. For example, at 375°F, the tamales will cook in 8-12 minutes, whereas at 325°F, they will take around 22 minutes.

Next, lightly spritz or coat your frozen tamales with oil. This will prevent them from drying out. It is recommended to leave the tamales in their corn husks, coating the husks with oil as well.

Air Frying the Tamales:

Place the oiled tamales (husks included) into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are arranged in an even layer with space for air circulation. Air fry for 12-22 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even cooking and crispiness.

Serving:

Once the tamales are hot and warmed through, remove them from the air fryer and serve with your favorite toppings and sides.

Tips:

• If possible, use tamales wrapped in corn husks at both ends to help retain moisture.
• Ensure the tamales are pre-cooked, as the goal is to reheat them without overcooking, which can lead to dryness.
• Work in batches if you have a large number of tamales to ensure even heating.
• For extra moisture, place a damp cloth over the tamales while reheating.
• Always check the doneness of your tamales before serving. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.

Alternative Reheating Methods:

While the air fryer is a convenient and innovative option, there are other methods to reheat frozen tamales, including the traditional steaming method, the microwave, oven, stovetop skillet, and the Instant Pot. Each method has its advantages and can produce slightly different textures, so choose the one that suits your preferences and equipment available.

Other reheating methods

Tamales are a beloved staple of Mexican cuisine, with their delicious filling encased in a steamed corn masa shell. While an air fryer is a great option to reheat tamales, there are several other methods to achieve equally tasty results. Here are some alternative ways to reheat tamales:

Steamer Method

The traditional and go-to method for reheating tamales is steaming. This technique helps retain the original flavour and texture of the tamales. Simply fill a pot with a couple of inches of water and bring it to a simmer. Place the tamales in a steamer basket or insert, ensuring they are still in their husks, and cover. Steam for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. For frozen tamales, add an extra 10 minutes to the steaming time.

Microwave Method

When short on time, the microwave is a convenient option. Wrap each tamale in a damp paper towel or cloth and place them on a microwave-safe plate, leaving some space between them. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, checking for doneness and adding a few more seconds if needed. Keep in mind that the microwave can make the masa slightly chewy, so it is not ideal if you are looking for a softer texture.

Oven Method

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap each tamale individually in a few layers of aluminium foil, removing any air. Place them in an oven-safe dish or on a sheet pan, leaving some space between them. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through. This method yields evenly heated tamales with a slightly crispy exterior.

Instant Pot Method

For a quick and easy lunch, an Instant Pot is a great option. Start by heating your Instant Pot to high. Dampen your tamales and let them warm for about 10 minutes, ensuring they are spaced apart. This method is perfect for reheating frozen tamales as it ensures thorough cooking.

Stovetop Skillet Method

For a unique twist, try using a stovetop skillet to reheat your tamales. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it. Place the tamales in the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes on each side, or until the masa is crispy on the outside and tender inside.

Tips for Reheating

When reheating tamales, it is important to prevent them from drying out. Use a damp cloth or wrap them in foil, husks, or a steamer basket to maintain moisture. If reheating from frozen, simply add a few extra minutes to the heating time. Always check that your tamales are thoroughly heated before serving, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

What to serve with tamales

Tamales are a beloved staple of Mexican cuisine. They can be reheated in an air fryer, or using other methods such as steaming, microwaving, or using an oven.

Savory Sides

• Rice: Spanish rice or cilantro lime rice are perfect if you're looking for a traditional Mexican dinner.
• Beans: Try refried beans, charro beans, or creamy pinto beans.
• Corn: Mexican street corn, or elote, is a flavorful option. You can use corn on the cob, frozen sweet corn, or canned corn.
• Roasted potatoes
• Bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers
• Guacamole
• Tortillas: Flour tortillas are the best type to serve with tamales.
• Black bean and corn salad
• Chips and salsa: Try making pico de gallo by combining chopped tomatoes and onions with minced jalapeños, cilantro, lime juice, and salt.
• Pozole
• Chile colorado
• Chile verde
• Chile relleno
• Enchiladas
• Taquitos/flautas
• Tortilla soup
• Pico de gallo
• Mole: a delicious chocolate-chile sauce that’s easy to make if you have a high-powered blender and access to dried chiles.

Sweet Sides

• Apple and walnut salad
• Horchata
• Atole
• Ponche
• Mexican hot chocolate
• Jamaica
• Sugar glass bottle Mexican Coke

Frequently asked questions