Air Fryer Frozen Tamales
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You will absolutely love making these frozen tamales in the air fryer! All you need to do is to put some frozen tamales in your air fryer and they will be perfectly cooked!
Air Fryer Frozen Tamales
You can use any variety of frozen tamales – beef, chicken, vegetable etc.! The ones I use happen to be from Trader Joe’s and come two to a package.
I like to keep a package or two in my freezer so I have them on hand in case I get a craving for tamales or run out of ideas for what to cook for dinner. These are also great for hungry kids as they cook quickly and are very filling on their own!
Imagine biting into these mouthwatering tamales, they are so yummy! The air fryer is ideal for cooking frozen tamales!
History of Tamales
Have you ever wondered where the tamale originated?
Tamales are a traditional dish from Central America and southern North America, including countries such as Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala. The dough of the tamale is made from what’s known as “nixtamalized” corn. This means that the corn is soaked and cooked in an alkaline solution first, usually limewater. The tamales can be filled with a variety of options, such as meat, cheese, fruit, vegetables, herbs, and chilies. The tamale is traditionally steamed in a corn husk wrapping which is removed before eating or can even be used as a plate if you like!
How to Prepare Air Fryer Frozen Tamales
This recipe is quite easy! All you will need is your air fryer and some frozen tamales!
No need to defrost, these can be cooked right from the freezer.
First spray the basket with some non-stick cooking spray or lightly brush with vegetable or olive oil to prevent the tamales from sticking.
Then place the tamales in the basket in a single layer. If your basket holds more than 2, feel free to cook more if you need to. Otherwise, do them in batches.
Set the temperature of the air fryer to 375F for 16 minutes.
When done, transfer to a serving plate. Remove the husk and enjoy warm!
If serving to children, I recommend cutting them in half and letting them cool down a bit first.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Frozen Tamales
These tamales are filling on their own and make a great lunch or quick dinner, but if you are looking for a heartier meal, you can pair with some easy sides, such as vegetables or beans! Or just serve with some hot sauce and guacamole on the side.
Take a look at these yummy suggestions below!
- Instant Pot Black Beans
- Instant Pot Pinto Beans
- Instant Pot Refried Beans
- Instant Pot Frozen Vegetables
- Easy Guacamole Recipe – Best Ever Authentic Mexican Restaurant-Style!
More Air Fryer Recipes
If you like this recipe for easy air fryer tamales, you should check out some of my other air fryer recipes! Here are some of my other go-to’s below! You can cook almost everything in the air fryer!
Air Fryer Frozen Tamales
Recipe Video
Ingredients
- 1 Package Frozen Tamales
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
Instructions
- First you will need to spray the basket of the air fryer with the non-stick cooking spray or brush with oil.
- Then open the package of tamales and place them in the basket in a single layer. Leave on the husk.
- Set the temperature to 375F for 16 minutes.
- When done, remove the husk before eating and enjoy warm!
Nutrition
See also:
- How To Cook Frozen Tamales In The Instant Pot
- Frozen Breakfast Burritos In The Air Fryer
- Frozen Potstickers In The Air Fryer
