Those who are in a hurry will find that air-frying frozen tamales is the most useful alternative. Cooking frozen tamales in an air fryer allows you to use any kind of tamale, including those made with veggies, poultry, or beef.
To cook frozen tamales in an air fryer, make sure your air fryer is preheated to 375 °F first. Now, spritz the tamales with oil to prevent them from drying out. Fill the air fryer basket with your frozen tamales, including the husks. Your tamale will be air-fried in 15 to 20 minutes.
However, you can continue reading for detailed information on How to Cook Frozen Tamales in Air Fryer, including tips.
How to Cook Frozen Tamales in Air Fryer- A Detailed Guide
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to cook frozen tamales in an air fryer.
- Set your air fryer’s temperature to between 375°F and 400°F (200°C) for around five minutes. This will guarantee that the tamales cook through and have a crispy outside.
- Take the tamales out of the freezer. Keep them in their original packaging if they come in corn husks or parchment paper. If they are not individually wrapped, you can wrap them in aluminum foil to help retain moisture.
- Arrange the tamales in a single layer in the basket of the air fryer. For the hot air to circulate properly, make sure there’s enough room between each tamale.
- Cook the tamales in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 15-20 minutes.
- To ensure the tamales are thoroughly cooked, open one of the tamales and check that the filling is hot and the masa (corn dough) is cooked all the way through. If they need a bit more time, place them back in the air fryer for an additional 3-5 minutes.
- Carefully use tongs or a spatula to remove the tamales from the air fryer after they are thoroughly cooked. Unwrap them when they’ve cooled a bit. Salsa, guacamole, or sour cream of your choice can be served alongside.
Tips: Tamales of varying sizes and thicknesses require different amounts of time in the air fryer. To make sure they're cooking evenly, check on them after around 10 minutes. Turn them over or rotate them if needed to make sure they brown evenly.
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How to Reheat Frozen Tamales in Air Fryer?
See the guidelines below if you have any leftover frozen tamales that you would like to reheat:
- To begin, preheat your air fryer to between 330° and 350°F.
- Place the tamales in the air fryer basket in a single layer. To ensure sufficient airflow and uniform cooking, take care not to overcrowd the basket. Fill the air fryer with approximately 2 teaspoons of water.
- Place the tamale-filled basket inside the air fryer and set the timer for 5 to 10 minutes. This ought to give the tamales ample time to warm completely. You can cook it for a few more minutes if you want a crispier texture.
- Check the tamales for doneness by cautiously opening the air fryer after the first 10 minutes of cooking. After the tamales have reached your desired temperature, take them out of the air fryer and allow them to cool for a short period.
How Long to Cook Tamales in Air Fryer?
Here are approximate cooking times for different types of tamales in an air fryer. All of these times are at a temperature of 375°F (190°C).
| Types of Tamales | Time | Remarks |
| Beef Tamales | 15 minutes | After 12 minutes, check for doneness. Make sure the beef filling is well cooked, and the outside is crispy and golden brown. |
| Chicken Tamales | 12-15 minutes | See for doneness after 10 minutes. Ensure the chicken filling is thoroughly cooked and the outer layer is slightly crispy. |
| Vegetarian Tamales | 10-12 minutes | Check for doneness at the 8-minute. Vegetarian fillings typically don’t need to cook for as long, so make sure the outside is lightly crispy, and the inside is hot and well-cooked. |
| Sweet Tamales (Dessert Tamales) | 10-12 minutes | After 8 minutes, check to see if it’s done. Sweet tamales may have fruit or dessert-like fillings. Cook until the filling is heated and the outer layer has a sweet, golden-brown finish. |
| Seafood Tamales | 12-15 minutes | Check after 10 minutes. Make sure that the outside is crispy and the seafood filling is heated through. |
| Mini Tamales | 8-10 minutes | Mini tamales will generally cook faster than regular-sized ones, so check for doneness sooner, around 5 or 6 minutes. |
FAQs
Can You Warm Up Tamales in Air Fryer?
Yes. Bring the air fryer’s temperature up to a medium setting. Use some cold water to wet the husks or wrappings of your tamales. Don’t crowd them when you put them in the fryer basket, and heat them for five minutes.
Do I Need to Defrost Tamales Before Steaming?
No. As said on the packaging, you can move straight from frozen to the steamer.
How Do You Know Tamales Are Done?
Make sure the masa is firm and cooked through and that the filling reaches a safe internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) before determining whether the tamales are done. When done, the outer layer should feel firm or somewhat crunchy to the touch. Top of Form
How Do You Keep Tamales Moist?
Let the tamale cool entirely before storing it. The tamale will stay wet and not go soggy from condensation if you do this. Tightly wrap the tamale with foil or plastic. This aids in forming a protective layer and stops the escape of water. To add moisture, reheat using steaming or microwaving with a damp paper towel.
Why Are My Tamales Still Mushy?
Undercooking or oversteaming them is likely the cause of this. Allowing the tamales to rest for a few minutes after cooking can help prevent them from becoming overly mushy. Tamales may be a bit mushy when they’re fresh from the steamer, but they’ll usually firm up after approximately 10 minutes of cooling.
Is It Better to Steam or Boil Tamales?
For tamales, steaming is usually preferred because it preserves a more desirable texture. If you boil them too long, they will get mushy; meanwhile, steaming guarantees even cooking and a firmer texture for the masa. Also, steaming is the best option if your order is undercooked.
Final Verdict
Using an air fryer to reheat frozen tamales is a quick and easy method to savor these tasty delicacies. The hot air circulation of the air fryer helps preserve the natural flavor and texture of the tamales without the need for a lot of oil or deep frying.
I hope after reading this article, you will have no trouble understanding How to cook frozen tamales in air fryer. So go ahead, give it a try, and elevate your tamale game with the help of your trusty air fryer!
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