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

Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish that can be made at home or enjoyed at restaurants. They are typically steamed in corn husks, but with the rise in popularity of air fryers, many are now choosing to cook tamales in this appliance. Air-frying tamales is a quick and easy way to enjoy a tasty meal, and it can be done with any variety of frozen tamales, such as beef, chicken, or vegetable. The air fryer's hot air circulation creates a mouthwatering crispy exterior while keeping the interior tender, making it a convenient option for those craving a homemade tamale without the hassle of traditional cooking methods.

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the process of making tamales. By setting the temperature to 375°F (190°C), you create the ideal environment for your tamales to cook evenly and efficiently. This temperature falls within the range of 325 to 375 °F that is recommended for cooking tamales in an air fryer.

Preheating your air fryer to 375°F ensures that your tamales retain their moisture and flavour. This is because the higher temperature creates a more intense circulation of hot air, which is what the air fryer is known for. The hot air surrounds the tamales, cooking them from all sides and creating a crispy exterior while keeping the interior tender and moist.

The preheating process also allows you to prepare the tamales by removing the corn husks and wrapping them in aluminium foil. This step helps to further prevent moisture loss and gives you the option to add extra flavourings, such as a slice of cheese, a dollop of salsa, or a sprinkle of herbs and spices.

Additionally, preheating at 375°F is a good temperature for cooking both meat and vegetarian tamales. This is because it allows for the proper spacing between each tamale in the air fryer basket, ensuring that the hot air reaches all sides of each tamale.

The preheating time at this temperature will vary depending on your air fryer model, but it usually takes just a few minutes. This step is crucial to ensuring your tamales cook evenly and efficiently, resulting in a delicious, crispy texture that pairs well with toppings such as creamy avocado, salsa verde, or salsa roja.

Oil the tamales to prevent them from drying out

To prevent your tamales from drying out in the air fryer, it is important to oil them. Oiling the tamales helps to keep them moist and prevents them from drying out. This is especially important if you are using an air fryer, as the dry heat can make the tamales drier than other reheating methods.

There are a few things to keep in mind when oiling your tamales:

• Use a light coating of oil: You don't want to drench the tamales in oil, a light coating is enough to keep them moist. You can use a spray oil or brush the oil onto the tamales.
• Choose the right type of oil: Neutral-flavoured oils like vegetable oil, canola oil, or avocado oil are best. Avoid using oils with strong flavours like olive oil, as it can alter the taste of your tamales.
• Oil the husks: If your tamales are in corn husks, be sure to coat the husks with oil as well. This will help keep the tamales from drying out and make it easier to remove the husks when it's time to eat.
• Don't overcook the tamales: Keep an eye on your tamales while they're in the air fryer and don't leave them in for too long. Overcooking can increase the chances of your tamales drying out.
• Add oil during the cooking process: If your air fryer allows you to open it and check on the tamales, you can add a bit more oil during the cooking process if needed.

Place tamales in the air fryer basket

When placing the tamales in the air fryer basket, it's important to ensure they are arranged in a single layer, with a small gap between each tamale. This allows for proper air circulation and even cooking. The number of tamales you can fit in the basket will depend on the size of your air fryer, so you may need to cook them in batches. It is also recommended to brush or spray the basket with oil or non-stick cooking spray to prevent the tamales from sticking.

If you are cooking frozen tamales, there is no need to defrost them first. Simply place them in the air fryer basket while still frozen. It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size, thickness, and filling of your tamales, so you may need to adjust the timing accordingly.

For fresh tamales, it is generally recommended to preheat your air fryer to a lower temperature, around 350°F (175°C), and cook the tamales for approximately 10-15 minutes. This will give you a crispier texture on the outside while keeping the inside tender.

When cooking frozen tamales, a higher temperature of 375°F is typically used, and the cooking time is around 15-22 minutes. It is important to keep an eye on them and adjust the time as needed to avoid overcooking or burning.

Whether you are cooking fresh or frozen tamales, be sure to follow any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer of your air fryer for the best results.

Cook for 12-22 minutes

Once you've prepared your air fryer and tamales, it's time to cook them. The cooking time will depend on the temperature you've set your air fryer to. For a quicker option, you can cook your tamales for 12 minutes at 375 °F. If you prefer to take your time, you can cook them at a lower temperature of 325 °F for up to 22 minutes. It's up to you how long you choose to cook them for!

When cooking, remember to leave some space between each tamale in the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation. This will help them cook evenly. If you're cooking frozen tamales, there's no need to defrost them first—just pop them straight into the air fryer!

While your tamales are cooking, you can prepare some tasty sides. Tamales are delicious on their own, but they can be even better when served with sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad. If you're short on time, a simple side of vegetables or beans will do the trick!

Check for doneness

Checking for doneness is an important step in the process of making tamales in an air fryer. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure your tamales are fully cooked and safe to eat:

Firstly, it is crucial to understand the desired doneness of tamales. The masa (dough) should be moist and soft, not dry or hard. The filling should be thoroughly cooked and piping hot. This ensures that the tamales are not only tasty but also safe to consume.

When cooking tamales in an air fryer, the doneness can be determined by checking the internal temperature of the tamales. Use a meat thermometer and insert it into the centre of a tamale. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (74°C). This temperature reading indicates that the filling has reached a safe temperature and any harmful bacteria have been eliminated.

If you don't have a meat thermometer, there is another way to check for doneness. Carefully open one of the tamales and inspect its interior. The masa (dough) should appear moist and soft, not dry or crumbly. Additionally, the filling should be hot and cooked thoroughly. If you notice that the tamale is still undercooked, continue cooking in 5-minute increments until it is done to your liking.

When cooking frozen tamales, it is important to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook the frozen tamales for approximately 15-20 minutes. Always check the doneness by monitoring the internal temperature or visually inspecting the tamales' interior, as mentioned above.

For fresh tamales, the cooking time is generally shorter. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook the fresh tamales for about 10-15 minutes. Keep a close eye on them and adjust the cooking time as needed to achieve the desired level of crispiness and doneness.

In summary, checking for doneness when making tamales in an air fryer involves monitoring the internal temperature and inspecting the appearance and texture of the tamales. By following these instructions, you can ensure that your tamales are cooked to perfection and safe to enjoy.

Frequently asked questions