Tiffany Haney
Pupusas are a popular South American street food, commonly served as an appetiser, main dish, or side. This traditional Salvadoran dish is made of a thick corn tortilla, with a variety of savoury fillings, including cheese, beans, and meat. Pupusas can be cooked in a variety of ways, including pan-frying, baking, and air frying. In this article, we will focus on how to cook pupusas in an air fryer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cooking Method | Air Fryer |
| Temperature | 200C/400F |
| Time | 4 minutes |
| Flip | Halfway through |
| Oil | Vegetable Oil, Olive Oil |
| Filling | Cheese, Beans, Meat |
| Side Dish | Curtido, Salsa |
| Calories | 242-421 kcal |
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What You'll Learn
Air fryer temperature and time
The air fryer temperature and time for cooking pupusas depend on whether you are cooking them fresh or reheating them.
If you are cooking fresh pupusas, place them in a greased air fryer basket and set the air fryer to 200C/400F for 4 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
For reheating pupusas, you can use a lower temperature of 350 for 5-7 minutes. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave at 15-second intervals until they are heated through.
It is recommended to reheat pupusas individually for best results. One way to do this is to wrap the pupusa in a damp paper towel, squeeze out the water, and then microwave it for about 90 seconds.
Pupusas can also be cooked in a non-stick pan on the stovetop. Add oil to the pan and place it over medium heat. Once hot, add the pupusa and cook for 3 minutes on each side until it starts browning.
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Filling options
Pupusas are a popular South American street food, and they are incredibly versatile when it comes to fillings. The most basic filling is cheese, and you can use any type of cheese you like, from mozzarella to Mexican blends, feta, or even vegan cheese. If you want to keep it simple, you can add just a tablespoon of refried beans to the cheese filling for some extra protein.
For a more traditional Salvadoran pupusa, fill your pupusas with refried beans and cheese, and serve with curtido (a type of cabbage slaw) and salsa. You can also add meat to this combination, such as shredded pork or skirt steak. Pupusas are often served as an appetizer or side dish, and they go well with Spanish rice, guacamole, or sour cream.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can try some less traditional but still delicious filling options. For example, you could fill your pupusas with black beans, diced jalapenos, and jack cheese, or add meat such as pulled chicken or chicharron. You can also add vegetables like cabbage, or get creative and add your favourite taco fillings.
Remember, there is no wrong way to fill a pupusa, so feel free to experiment with different combinations of cheeses, beans, meats, and vegetables to find your favourite!
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Gluten-free considerations
Pupusas are naturally gluten-free, as they are made primarily with masa harina corn flour, which is a precooked cornmeal that has been dried and treated with limewater. However, it is important to ensure that the corn flour used is certified gluten-free, as some brands may no longer carry this certification. When purchasing corn flour, look for packages that say "'gluten-free' and are preferably certified by a trusted organisation.
Additionally, when preparing pupusas, it is important to avoid cross-contamination with gluten-containing ingredients. This includes using separate utensils, equipment, and surfaces that have not come into contact with gluten. It is also important to read the labels of any canned ingredients, such as refried beans, to ensure they do not contain gluten additives.
When filling pupusas, there are a variety of gluten-free options to choose from. Traditional fillings include cheese, refried beans, meat, or vegetables such as mashed potatoes and chorizo. However, it is important to note that if you are using cheese, opt for a dairy-free option to maintain a gluten-free dish.
Finally, when cooking pupusas in an air fryer, ensure that the air fryer basket is well-greased to prevent sticking. Cook the pupusas at 200C/400F for 4 minutes, flipping them halfway through. This will result in golden and crispy pupusas that are safe for those following a gluten-free diet.
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Storing and freezing pupusas
Pupusas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days if they are well-wrapped and stored in an airtight container. They can also be kept at room temperature for up to two hours.
To freeze pupusas, it is recommended to wrap each cooled pupusa individually in plastic wrap or aluminium foil to prevent them from sticking together and to protect them from freezer burn. Then, place the wrapped pupusas in a resealable freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Label the bag with the date. Pupusas can be frozen for up to three or four months.
To reheat frozen pupusas, it is best to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, although they can be defrosted in the microwave if you are short on time. Reheat the thawed pupusas in a skillet or comal over medium heat until warmed through. An air fryer set to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for five to seven minutes can also be used to reheat them.
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Reheating pupusas
Pupusas can be reheated in an air fryer, and it is one of the best methods to do so—they will be crispy and taste almost the same as freshly cooked pupusas. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the pupusas in the basket and heat for 3-7 minutes or until the tortilla is crispy. Flip the pupusas halfway through the reheating process to allow both sides to crisp up.
You can also reheat pupusas on the stovetop, in the oven, or in the microwave. To reheat on the stovetop, use a skillet or a heavy-bottomed pan, like a cast-iron pan, over medium heat. Lightly oil the pan before placing the pupusas inside. The stovetop is a popular method as it is quick and allows you to crisp up the tortilla while reheating the filling. The oven and microwave are also effective methods to reheat pupusas, but the microwave will not give you a crispy exterior.
When reheating leftover pupusas, it is important to note that cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the pupusas. Always wear kitchen gloves or use mitts when handling the pupusas, as they will be hot.
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Frequently asked questions
Set your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-7 minutes to reheat pupusas.
Set your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 4 minutes, flipping the pupusas halfway through.
Popular fillings include refried beans, cheese, shredded pork, ground beef, and vegetables.
Pupusas are often served with curtido (a zesty cabbage slaw), salsa, and hot sauce.
Pupusas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
