Air-Fried Arepas: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Arepas are cornmeal cakes that originated in the region that is now Colombia, Venezuela, and Panama. They can be grilled, baked, or fried, and are often eaten as a side dish or stuffed with various fillings. Traditionally, they were cooked on a pan called a budare, but one of the best ways to make them is in an air fryer.

Using an air fryer to make arepas reduces the cooking time and results in a crispy exterior and soft interior. The first step is to prepare the dough, which typically includes precooked corn flour, water, and salt. The dough is then formed into balls and flattened into discs. After preheating the air fryer, the arepas are placed inside and cooked for around 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

For an extra crispy exterior, the arepas can be pan-fried for a few minutes before being placed in the air fryer. Additionally, the air fryer can be used to reheat leftover arepas or to cook them from frozen.

How to make the dough

Making the dough for arepas is simple and requires just a few ingredients. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Ingredients:

• Precooked corn flour (a special type of corn flour specifically for making arepas)
• Water at room temperature
• Salt
• Oil (optional)

Instructions:

• Dissolve salt into the water: Take a bowl and add water. Add salt and stir to combine and dissolve.
• Gradually add the precooked corn flour: Slowly add the precooked corn flour to the salted water, mixing with a spoon or your hands. The amount of water may vary depending on the brand of flour, but a ratio of 1:1 (one part flour to one part water) is typically used. Keep mixing until a loose dough forms.
• Adjust the dough consistency: If the dough is too dry and cracks easily, add a little more water to moisten it. If it's too watery, add some extra precooked corn flour to absorb the excess liquid.
• Let the dough rest: Once you have a soft and manageable dough that doesn't stick to your hands, cover it with a towel and let it rest for about 5 minutes.
• Form the arepas: Uncover the dough and grab a large handful. Roll it into a ball, then carefully press it between your palms to form a disc shape. The thickness of the disc will depend on your preference—thinner arepas will be crispier. If the dough cracks a lot, you may need to add a little more water. Gently pat along the edges to close any small cracks.

Now that you have your arepa dough ready, you can move on to cooking them. You can choose to cook them in an air fryer, on a pan, or even bake them!

How to shape the arepas

Shaping the arepas is a simple process, but there are a few key steps to follow to ensure the best results. Here's a detailed guide on how to shape your arepas for cooking in an air fryer:

Make a Dough Ball:

Start by scooping out a fist-sized portion of the arepa dough. Roll this portion into a ball between your palms. The dough ball should be smooth and free of cracks. If the edges crack easily, you can add a little more water to moisten the dough and make it easier to work with.

Flatten the Dough:

Gently press the dough ball between your palms to form a disc shape. The thickness of the disc will depend on your preference. For thinner, crispier arepas, aim for a thickness of around 1/4 inch. If you prefer them thicker and softer, go for a thickness of about 1/2 inch. Be careful not to make the disc too thin, as you want to ensure the arepa holds together when filled.

Smooth the Edges:

If there are cracks along the edges of the disc, use your hands to gently pat the dough and smooth out the cracks. A few small cracks are fine and will not affect the final result.

Consistency is Key:

It's important to ensure that your arepas are of even thickness so that they cook uniformly in the air fryer. Uneven thickness may lead to some parts burning or being undercooked. Take your time to shape each arepa carefully, aiming for consistency in size and shape.

Pre-Cooking Option:

Before placing your shaped arepas into the air fryer, you have the option to pre-cook them on a pan or griddle. This step is not mandatory but can help create those distinctive dark marks on the exterior of your arepas. It also helps to form a crust, giving your arepas a crispy texture.

Final Touches:

If you want to get creative, you can add a piece of cheese in the centre of the arepa dough before cooking. Ensure the dough completely covers the cheese, and then proceed with cooking. This will result in melted cheese inside your arepa, adding a delicious touch to your creation.

Now that your arepas are shaped and ready, it's time to cook them in your air fryer! Remember to follow the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer of your air fryer for the best results. Enjoy your freshly made, crispy, and fluffy arepas!

How to cook them in the air fryer

Step 1: Prepare the dough

First, you need to prepare the arepas dough. In a bowl, mix precooked corn flour with water and salt until a soft and manageable dough is formed. You can also add other ingredients to the dough, such as cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, or chopped cilantro, for extra flavour. The amount of water may vary depending on the brand of flour, but a ratio of 1:1 (one part flour to one part water) is typically used.

Step 2: Form the arepas

Once the dough is ready, form balls of dough that are approximately 2-3 inches in diameter. Then, flatten them to form the arepas, making sure they are evenly thick so they cook evenly.

Step 3: Preheat the air fryer

Set your air fryer to 375-400°F and preheat it for around 3-5 minutes.

Step 4: Place the arepas in the air fryer

Place the arepas in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not overlap. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Step 5: Cook the arepas

Cook the arepas for around 10-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The arepas are ready when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and soft and fluffy on the inside.

Step 6: Serve and enjoy!

Once the arepas are cooked, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Arepas can be enjoyed plain or filled with various toppings such as cheese, meat, avocado, or vegetables.

Tips for perfect arepas:

• Use good-quality precooked corn flour to achieve soft and fluffy arepas.
• Ensure the dough is well mixed and free of lumps before forming the arepas.
• Flatten the arepas evenly so they cook evenly.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket as this may affect the circulation of hot air and cause uneven cooking.
• Allow the arepas to cool for a few minutes before cutting or stuffing them, so they keep their shape.

How to make them extra crispy

To make extra crispy arepas in an air fryer, you can follow these steps:

Firstly, prepare your arepa dough as you usually would. This typically involves mixing precooked corn flour with water and salt, and sometimes oil, to form a soft and manageable dough. You can also add other ingredients to your dough, such as cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, or chopped cilantro, for extra flavour.

Next, form the dough into balls and flatten them into discs. For crispier arepas, you can make the discs thinner, around 1/4 inch thick.

Now, you can preheat your air fryer to around 375-400°F. While the air fryer is preheating, you can optionally place the arepas in a frying pan over high heat to brown them quickly.

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the arepas inside, being careful not to overcrowd them, and cook for around 10-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The arepas are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and soft and fluffy on the inside.

If you want your arepas to be extra crispy, there is an additional step you can take before placing them in the air fryer. After shaping the dough into discs, place them in a pot of boiling water for about 5 minutes. Then, drain the water and cook the arepas in the air fryer for 3 minutes on each side at 200°F.

Enjoy your super crispy air fryer arepas!

How to reheat cooked arepas

There are several ways to reheat cooked arepas, and the best method depends on the equipment you have available. Here is a detailed guide on how to reheat cooked arepas using different appliances:

Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (176-190°C). Wrap each arepa in aluminum foil to maintain moisture and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are thoroughly warmed.

Stovetop:

Use a non-stick or cast-iron skillet and heat it over medium heat. Place the arepas in the skillet without overcrowding and cook for about 5 minutes on each side, turning occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even crispiness.

Air Fryer:

Set the air fryer to 350°F (176°C) and preheat for 3-5 minutes. Place the arepas in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for about 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Microwave:

Cover the arepas with a damp paper towel and heat on medium power in 30-second intervals until warmed. The microwave is the fastest method, but it may not retain the crispiness of the arepas as effectively as other methods.

Toaster:

Place the frozen arepas directly into the toaster slots and set the toaster to the maximum heat level. Repeat the process if needed. Split the arepas in half and add your desired fillings.

It is important to note that arepas should be brought to room temperature before reheating to avoid temperature shock, which can lead to uneven heating or a change in texture. Additionally, always serve the arepas immediately after reheating to preserve the desired texture and flavour.

Frequently asked questions