Air Fryer Tamales: The Quickest Way To Heat Them Up

Tamales are a beloved staple of Mexican cuisine, and reheating them is an art. While there are several ways to reheat tamales, using an air fryer is a popular and innovative method. Air fryers are a great option when you're in a hurry and want to enjoy a quick and easy meal. This guide will teach you how to reheat tamales in an air fryer to perfection.

How to prepare tamales for the air fryer

Tamales are a delicious Mexican dish that can be easily reheated using an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare and reheat tamales for the air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Tamales

Before reheating your tamales, there are a few things you should do to ensure they come out tasting great. Firstly, if your tamales are frozen, it is recommended to let them thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours before reheating. This will help ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most sources recommend preheating the air fryer to between 325°F and 375°F. However, the ideal temperature may depend on your preference for cooking time. For example, a temperature of 375°F will cook the tamales more quickly (in about 8 minutes), while a temperature of 325°F will take longer (about 22 minutes).

Step 3: Prepare the Tamales for Cooking

To prevent your tamales from drying out during the cooking process, it is important to keep them moist. One way to do this is to lightly spritz or brush oil onto the tamales before placing them in the air fryer. Additionally, if your tamales are wrapped in corn husks, it is recommended to keep them on during cooking, as they help retain moisture and provide aroma. If your tamales are not wrapped in husks, be sure to moisten them directly.

Step 4: Place the Tamales in the Air Fryer

When placing the tamales in the air fryer basket, ensure that you do not overcrowd them. Leave some space between each tamale to allow for proper air circulation.

Step 5: Cook the Tamales

The cooking time for your tamales will depend on the temperature of your air fryer. For example, at 375°F, cook the tamales for 18-22 minutes, and at 350°F, cook them for 8-10 minutes. Be sure to flip the tamales halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

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

The ideal temperature and time

• Preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 325 and 375 °F.
• Lightly spritz or brush oil onto the tamales to prevent them from drying out.
• Place the frozen tamales (with husks included) into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded and have some space for air circulation.
• Reheat for 8 to 22 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even cooking and crispiness.
• Remove the tamales from the air fryer and serve.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the number of tamales you are reheating and the specific model of your air fryer. Always ensure that your tamales are heated thoroughly before serving.

Oil coating for moisture

The oil coating on tamales is an important step in the reheating process, especially when using an air fryer, as it helps to prevent the tamales from drying out.

Choosing the Right Oil

When it comes to selecting an oil for your tamales, you have a variety of options, including canola, corn, avocado, vegetable, olive, and grapeseed oil. It's worth noting that oils like olive oil have a strong flavour that will be infused into the dough, so if you're looking for a neutral taste, opt for a milder option.

Spritzing or Soaking?

There are two main ways to apply the oil to your tamales: spritzing and soaking. The spritzing method involves lightly spraying the oil onto the tamales before placing them in the air fryer. This is a quick and easy way to ensure your tamales stay moist.

On the other hand, the soaking method requires you to moisten the wrappings or husks of your tamales with cold water before placing them in the air fryer. This technique is often used when reheating tamales in the microwave or air fryer to prevent them from drying out.

How Much Oil to Use

The amount of oil you'll need depends on the number of tamales you're reheating and the method you choose. If you're spritzing, a light coating is usually enough, but if you're soaking the husks, you'll need enough water to thoroughly moisten them.

Other Tips for Moisture

In addition to the oil coating, there are a few other ways to ensure your tamales stay moist during the reheating process:

• Use a damp cloth: Place a damp cloth over the tamales while reheating to maintain moisture and prevent dryness.
• Wrap them well: Whether you're using foil, a damp cloth, or a steamer basket, make sure your tamales are wrapped securely to prevent them from drying out.
• Don't forget the steam: The steam from the air fryer will also help to keep the masa moist, so ensure your tamales are heated through but not overcooked.

How to avoid overcooking

To avoid overcooking your tamales in the air fryer, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to preheat your air fryer to the right temperature. Most sources recommend preheating to between 325°F and 375°F. Secondly, you should moisten the tamales before placing them in the air fryer. You can do this by lightly spritzing them with oil or water, or brushing them with oil or water using a basting brush. This will help prevent them from drying out.

Thirdly, it is important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave some space between each tamale to allow for proper air circulation. Finally, pay attention to the cooking time. The cooking time for tamales in an air fryer can vary depending on the temperature and the number of tamales you are cooking. On average, it takes about 5 to 10 minutes to heat tamales in an air fryer, but it could take longer if you are cooking a larger batch or if your tamales are frozen. Check on your tamales regularly during the cooking process and adjust the timing as needed to avoid overcooking.

• If your air fryer has adjustable shelves, you can place the tamales on the middle or lower shelf to avoid direct heat and reduce the chances of overcooking.
• If your tamales have fillings that are prone to drying out, such as cheese or meat, consider adding a small amount of liquid (such as water or broth) to the air fryer basket to create some steam.
• If you are cooking a large batch of tamales, you may need to cook them in smaller batches in the air fryer to ensure even cooking and prevent overcooking.
• Keep an eye on your tamales during the cooking process. If they start to look dry or feel hard, they may be overcooking. Remove them from the air fryer as soon as they are heated through.
• The internal temperature of the tamales should reach 165°F to ensure they are safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature before serving.

Other reheating methods

Steam method

This traditional method is a go-to for reheating 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 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 flavorful.

Microwave method

When you’re in a rush, the microwave can be a lifesaver. Wrap your tamale in a damp paper towel or a damp cloth and microwave on high for about 1-2 minutes. Check for doneness, and if needed, add a few more seconds until heated through. Keep in mind that the microwave can make the masa slightly chewy, so it’s best for convenience.

Oven method

Preheat your 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 yields evenly heated tamales with a slightly crispy exterior, which some people love.

Stovetop skillet method

For a unique twist on reheating tamales, 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.

Grill method

Thaw out tamales for a few hours before grilling. If using a gas grill, preheat all burners on high, then grill the tamales for 4 to 6 minutes, turning them over once, until grill marks appear on the corn husks. If you aren't able to grill outdoors, tamales can be cooked in a hot lightly oiled large ridged grill pan over medium-high heat.

Frequently asked questions