Reheating Tamales: Air Fryer Magic In Minutes

Tamales are a Mesoamerican dish that is beloved for its delicious filling encased in a steamed corn masa shell. They can be stuffed with meats or beans and cheese and are usually wrapped in a banana leaf or corn husk. While tamales are best served fresh, they can be reheated in several ways, including using an air fryer.

The air fryer is a convenient way to reheat tamales, but it is important to note that it may dry them out a bit due to the use of dry heat instead of steam. To reheat tamales in an air fryer, it is recommended to first unwrap them and spritz or coat them with oil to prevent them from drying out. Preheat the air fryer to between 300°F and 375°F, and then place the tamales in the basket in a single layer, leaving some space for air circulation. Heat for 8 to 22 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are warmed through.

While the air fryer is a popular choice for its convenience and speed, there are other methods for reheating tamales, such as steaming, microwaving, using an oven, stovetop skillet, or an Instant Pot. Each method has its own benefits and drawbacks, but all can help bring the delicious flavors of tamales back to life.

Preheat settings for an air fryer

If your air fryer has a preheat setting, simply hit the preheat button, set the temperature, and then enter the cooking time. The air fryer will alert you when it has reached the desired temperature.

If your air fryer does not have a preheat button, you can manually preheat it by heating it at 400 °F (204 °C) or the cooking temperature listed in your recipe for 3 to 5 minutes.

• If you want to speed up the cooking time. Preheating can reduce the average cooking time by a few minutes.
• If you want your food to be extra crispy. Preheating gets the hot air moving before you start cooking, resulting in evenly toasted food.
• If you are cooking thinly cut meats. The high heat of the preheated air fryer will create a perfect sear while the inside cooks.
• If you are reheating precooked or frozen foods. Preheating will help these foods cook evenly and quickly.
• If you are baking. Preheating will ensure that your baked goods start cooking immediately at an even temperature, resulting in perfectly baked treats.

On the other hand, there are also some situations where you might not want to preheat your air fryer:

• If you are cooking thick cuts of meat. Preheating can cause the outside of the meat to burn before the inside is cooked.
• If you want moist food. Preheating can remove moisture and change the texture of the food, so you might opt for a more gentle cooking method like an oven.
• If the manual says not to. Always follow the instructions in your air fryer's manual, as some models may not be equipped for preheating.

How to prepare tamales for the air fryer

Preparing tamales in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to reheat leftovers. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare and reheat tamales using an air fryer:

Firstly, it is important to note that tamales should be pre-cooked before reheating in an air fryer. The goal is to simply reheat the tamales, so ensure that the dough, meat, and other ingredients are already cooked.

For frozen tamales, it is best to thaw them before placing them in the air fryer. You can do this by leaving them in the refrigerator to defrost or by using the defrost setting on your microwave.

Next, prepare the air fryer by preheating it to a temperature between 300°F and 375°F. The temperature and timing will depend on your preference and the model of your air fryer.

While the air fryer is preheating, prepare the tamales. Coat the corn husks with a layer of vegetable oil. This will help the tamales retain moisture and prevent them from drying out.

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the tamales in the air fryer basket. Ensure that they are in a single layer and not overcrowded, allowing for proper air circulation.

Air fry the tamales for 8 to 22 minutes, depending on the temperature setting and your preference for crispiness. For a quicker reheat, a higher temperature for a shorter duration is recommended. For a slower, more gradual reheat, a lower temperature for a longer duration is better.

Flip the tamales halfway through the cooking process to ensure even heating and crispiness.

After the designated cooking time, remove one tamale and check its internal temperature. It should be at least 165°F, especially if the tamales contain meat. If the tamale is not warm enough, place it back in the air fryer and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes.

Once the tamales are heated through, serve them with your favourite toppings or sides, such as salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

Enjoy your freshly reheated tamales!

How long to air fry tamales

Tamales are a delicious Mexican dish, but sometimes you may have some leftovers. Reheating them in an air fryer is a great option, as it helps retain their moisture and texture. Here is a guide on how long to air fry tamales:

Pre-cooked or Frozen?

Firstly, it is important to note that the cooking time will vary depending on whether your tamales are pre-cooked or frozen. If you are using pre-cooked tamales, simply reheat them until they are warmed through. On the other hand, if you are using frozen tamales, you will need to cook them for a longer period to ensure they are thoroughly cooked and heated.

Temperature Settings

The temperature setting you choose will depend on your preference for cooking time. If you want a quicker cooking time, set your air fryer to a higher temperature of around 350-375 °F. This will cook your tamales in about 8-15 minutes. However, if you prefer a slower pace, set the temperature to around 325 °F, and cook for about 22 minutes.

Steps to Follow:

• Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature.
• Lightly spray or coat your tamales with oil to prevent them from drying out. This step is especially important if your tamales are exposed at one end.
• Place the tamales in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overcrowded.
• Air fry for the desired amount of time, flipping them halfway through.
• Check if the tamales are warmed through. If not, continue cooking in 3-minute intervals until done.
• Remove the tamales from the air fryer and serve with your favourite toppings or sides.

Tips:

• It is best to use pre-cooked tamales when using an air fryer.
• If your tamales are frozen, make sure to thaw them before air frying to ensure even cooking.
• Avoid overcooking the tamales, as this can lead to dryness.
• For moist and tender tamales, add a little water to the bottom of the air fryer to create steam.

By following these steps and adjusting the cooking time based on your preferred temperature, you can enjoy delicious, crispy, and evenly heated tamales from the comfort of your home.

How to prevent tamales from drying out

Yes, you can reheat tamales in an air fryer. Here are some tips to prevent them from drying out:

• Preheat the air fryer before adding the tamales. This will ensure even heating.
• Spritz or lightly spray oil onto the tamales to keep them from drying out.
• Add a little water to the bottom of the air fryer to create steam and help keep the tamales moist.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer. Leave some space between tamales for air circulation.
• Reheat only as many tamales as you plan to eat. Tamales are best when fresh out of the air fryer.
• Check the doneness of the tamales. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
• Reheat at a lower temperature, such as 330°F, to keep them moist. Higher temperatures will dry them out.
• For frozen tamales, preheat the air fryer to 350°F and cook for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• For thawed or cooked tamales, a quicker reheat time of 8 minutes at 375°F works well.
• Alternatively, a slower pace of 22 minutes at 325°F will also yield good results.

Other Reheating Methods:

If you want to explore other methods to reheat tamales, here are some options:

• Steam Method: This traditional method involves simmering water in a pot and placing tamales in a steamer basket or insert. Steam for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
• Microwave Method: For a quick reheat, wrap the tamale in a damp paper towel and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes.
• Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap tamales in foil or place them in an oven-safe dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.
• Stovetop Skillet Method: 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.

Other ways to reheat tamales

Tamales are a beloved staple of Mexican cuisine, and there are several ways to reheat them while retaining their original flavour and texture. Here are some alternative methods to using an air fryer:

Steamer Method

Fill a pot with a couple of inches of water and bring it to a simmer. Place the tamales in a steamer basket or a steamer insert and cover. Steam them for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re heated through. The steam keeps the masa moist and the filling flavourful.

Microwave Method

When short on time, the microwave is a convenient option. Wrap the tamale in a damp paper towel or a damp cloth and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes. Check if it's heated through, and if not, add a few more seconds. Keep in mind that the microwave can make the masa slightly chewy, so it’s best for convenience.

Oven Method

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the tamales individually in aluminium foil or place them in an oven-safe dish covered with foil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through. This method gives evenly heated tamales with a slightly crispy exterior.

Stovetop Skillet Method

For a unique twist, try using a stovetop skillet. 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 develops a crispy exterior while remaining tender inside.

Grilling Method

Grilling tamales adds a smoky flavour and a firmer texture to the masa. Allow the tamales to thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours before grilling. Preheat all burners of a gas grill to medium. Be careful, as corn husks can burn. Place the tamales on the grill and cook for 4-6 minutes, turning multiple times, until the corn husks develop visible grill marks.

Frequently asked questions