How to Cook Perfectly Tender Tamales in the Air Fryer

How to Cook Tamales in an Air Fryer

Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish made with masa harina (corn flour), fillings, and lard or vegetable shortening. They are typically steamed or wrapped in corn husks and steamed. But did you know you can also cook tamales in an air fryer?

Cooking tamales in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy this delicious dish. The air fryer creates a crispy exterior and a moist, flavorful interior. Plus, you can cook multiple tamales at once, making it a great option for a busy weeknight meal.

In this article, we will show you how to cook tamales in an air fryer. We will also provide tips for making the best tamales possible. So if you’re ready to learn how to cook tamales in an air fryer, read on!

Step	Ingredients	Instructions
1	1 dozen corn husks	1. Soak the corn husks in warm water for at least 30 minutes. 2. Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2	2 pounds masa harina	3. In a large bowl, combine the masa harina, lard, baking powder, and salt. 4. Add the warm water and mix until the dough is smooth and pliable.
3	1 pound pork shoulder, cooked and shredded	5. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. 6. Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each piece of dough. 7. Fold the dough over the filling and seal the edges.
4	1 cup chicken broth	8. Place the tamales seam-side down in the air fryer basket. 9. Pour the chicken broth over the tamales. 10. Cook the tamales for 15-20 minutes, or until the dough is cooked through and the filling is hot.
5	Serve with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.

What are Tamales?

Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish made of masa (corn dough) filled with a variety of meats, vegetables, and cheeses, then wrapped in a corn husk and steamed. They are a popular street food in Mexico and can also be found in many Mexican restaurants in the United States. Tamales are typically eaten for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and they can be a filling and delicious meal.

Ingredients for Tamales

The ingredients for tamales vary depending on the filling, but the basic ingredients for the masa are as follows:

• Masa harina (corn flour)
• Water
• Lard or vegetable shortening
• Salt

The fillings for tamales can be anything from shredded chicken or pork to beans and cheese. Some popular fillings include:

• Shredded chicken
• Pork carnitas
• Chorizo
• Beans and cheese
• Mole poblano
• Picadillo

How to Cook Tamales in an Air Fryer

Cooking tamales in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make this traditional Mexican dish. The air fryer creates a moist and flavorful environment that is perfect for tamales.

To cook tamales in an air fryer, you will need:

• Tamales
• Corn husks
• Cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Spray the inside of the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
3. Place the tamales in the air fryer basket, seam side down.
4. Cook the tamales for 15-20 minutes, or until the masa is cooked through and the filling is hot.
5. Let the tamales cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tamales can be served with a variety of sauces, such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. They can also be topped with shredded cheese or cilantro.

Tamales are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for any meal. They are easy to make in an air fryer, and they come out moist and flavorful. So next time you’re looking for a quick and easy meal, give tamales a try!

Here are some additional tips for making tamales in an air fryer:

• Use fresh masa harina for the best results.
• Make sure the tamales are sealed tightly before cooking.
• Cook the tamales in batches so that they don’t overcrowd the air fryer.
• Let the tamales cool completely before serving.

With a little practice, you’ll be able to make perfect tamales in your air fryer in no time!

3. Steps for Cooking Tamales in an Air Fryer

To cook tamales in an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 dozen corn husks, soaked in hot water for at least 30 minutes
• 2 pounds masa harina
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup lard, melted
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped tomato
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/2 cup shredded chicken
• 1/2 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the masa harina, chicken broth, vegetable oil, and salt. Stir until the mixture is smooth.
2. Divide the masa harina mixture into 12 equal portions.
3. Place a corn husk on a flat surface. Spoon 1 portion of the masa harina mixture onto the center of the corn husk. Spread the masa harina mixture out to the edges of the corn husk, leaving a 1-inch border.
4. Place 1 tablespoon of lard, 1 tablespoon of chopped onion, 1 tablespoon of chopped green bell pepper, 1 tablespoon of chopped red bell pepper, 1 tablespoon of chopped tomato, 1 tablespoon of chopped cilantro, 1 tablespoon of shredded chicken, 1 tablespoon of grated Monterey Jack cheese, and 1 tablespoon of grated cheddar cheese on top of the masa harina mixture.
5. Fold the sides of the corn husk over the filling. Fold the bottom of the corn husk up over the filling. Fold the top of the corn husk over the filling and tuck in the ends.
6. Place the tamales on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Cook the tamales in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes, or until the masa harina is cooked through and the corn husks are browned.
8. Let the tamales cool for a few minutes before serving.

4. Tips for Cooking Tamales in an Air Fryer

Here are a few tips for cooking tamales in an air fryer:

• Soak the corn husks in hot water for at least 30 minutes before using them. This will help to soften them and make them pliable.
• Use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent the tamales from sticking.
• Cook the tamales in batches so that they do not overcrowd the air fryer.
• Check the tamales after 15 minutes of cooking. If the masa harina is not cooked through, continue to cook them for a few more minutes.
• Let the tamales cool for a few minutes before serving.

Here are some additional tips for cooking tamales in an air fryer:

• You can use any type of filling you like in your tamales. Some popular fillings include chicken, pork, beef, beans, and cheese.
• You can also add vegetables, such as corn, tomatoes, onions, and peppers, to your tamales.
• If you are making a large batch of tamales, you can freeze them after they are cooked. To freeze tamales, let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• To reheat frozen tamales, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. Then, cook them in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes, or until they are heated through.

Cooking tamales in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy this traditional Mexican dish. With a few simple tips, you can make delicious tamales that everyone will love.

How do I cook tamales in an air fryer?

To cook tamales in an air fryer, you will need:

• 6 tamales
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• 1 cup water

1. Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Lightly oil the air fryer basket.
3. Place the tamales in the air fryer basket, seam side up.
4. Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the air fryer.
5. Cook the tamales for 15-20 minutes, or until the masa is cooked through and the filling is hot.
6. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings.

What are the benefits of cooking tamales in an air fryer?

There are several benefits to cooking tamales in an air fryer, including:

• Convenience: Air fryers are quick and easy to use, making them a great option for busy cooks.
• Healthiness: Air frying tamales uses less oil than traditional methods of cooking, making them a healthier option.
• Flavor: Air frying tamales helps to create a crispy exterior and a moist, flavorful interior.

What are some tips for cooking tamales in an air fryer?

Here are a few tips for cooking tamales in an air fryer:

• Use fresh tamales: If you can, use fresh tamales instead of frozen tamales. Frozen tamales will take longer to cook and may not cook evenly.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Overcrowding the air fryer will prevent the tamales from cooking evenly. Only cook as many tamales as will fit in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
• Check the tamales frequently: Tamales can cook quickly in an air fryer, so it’s important to check them frequently to make sure they’re not overcooked.
• Serve immediately: Tamales are best served immediately after they’re cooked. If you need to reheat them, do so in the air fryer for a few minutes until they’re heated through.

What are some common mistakes people make when cooking tamales in an air fryer?

Here are a few common mistakes people make when cooking tamales in an air fryer:

• Using frozen tamales: Frozen tamales will take longer to cook and may not cook evenly.
• Overcrowding the air fryer: Overcrowding the air fryer will prevent the tamales from cooking evenly.
• Not checking the tamales frequently: Tamales can cook quickly in an air fryer, so it’s important to check them frequently to make sure they’re not overcooked.
• Reheating tamales in the microwave: Tamales are best served immediately after they’re cooked. If you need to reheat them, do so in the air fryer for a few minutes until they’re heated through.

  air frying tamales is a quick and easy way to enjoy this traditional Mexican dish. By following the steps in this guide, you can make perfectly cooked tamales that are moist and flavorful. Whether you’re looking for a new way to cook tamales or you’re just short on time, air frying is a great option. So next time you’re craving tamales, give air frying a try!

Here are a few key takeaways from this guide:

• Air frying tamales is a quick and easy way to cook this traditional Mexican dish.
• The key to air frying tamales is to wrap them tightly in foil to prevent them from drying out.
• Air frying tamales takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of the tamales.
• Air fried tamales are moist and flavorful, and they make a great addition to any meal.