How to Cook Frozen Tamales in Air Fryer (No Steamer Needed – Ready in 15 Minutes!)

Last updated: February 17, 2026

Frozen tamales in air fryer are the quickest way to enjoy this classic comfort food without steaming or long cook times. You can cook them straight from frozen in just 15 minutes — no thawing required.

No steamer. No soggy texture. No hassle.

The air fryer creates lightly crisp edges while keeping the inside soft and perfectly steamy. Whether you’re making a quick lunch or an easy weeknight dinner, this method is simple, fast, and foolproof.

If you love quick frozen meals, you might also enjoy Frozen Mini Quiche in Air Fryer or Frozen Empanadas in Air Fryer for another easy snack option

Quick Air Fry Cooking Details

• Temperature: 375°F
  
• Cook Time: 15–16 minutes
  
• From Frozen: Yes
  
• Flip: Halfway
  
• Keep Husks On: Yes
  
• No Steamer Needed

Why Air Frying Tamales Is a Total Game-Changer

If you’ve only ever steamed tamales, you’re going to love this method. Cooking frozen tamales air fryer completely changes the experience — in the best way.

 Faster Than Steaming

Traditional steaming can take 30–45 minutes.
With an air fryer? You’re done in about 15 minutes — straight from frozen.

That means less waiting and more eating.

 Better Texture (No More Soggy Tamales)

Steaming can sometimes leave tamales overly soft or wet.
Air frying gives you lightly crisp edges while keeping the inside perfectly warm and fluffy.

You get contrast in every bite.

 No Thawing, No Mess

Forget defrosting. Forget boiling water.
Just place the tamales in the basket (husks on), set the temperature, and let the air fryer do the work.

Minimal cleanup. Maximum flavor.

 Perfect for Busy Days

Whether it’s a quick lunch, easy dinner, or late-night snack, this method makes tamales feel effortless.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to get started:

Frozen Tamales

Choose chicken, beef, pork, or vegetarian tamales — they all cook beautifully in the air fryer.

Non-Stick Cooking Spray or Oil (Optional)

Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket to prevent sticking and promote light crisping.

(Note: No thawing needed — cook straight from frozen.) Just like making Frozen Chicken Wings Air Fryeror Frozen Falafel Air Fryer, tamales cook beautifully straight from frozen

 Equipment

• Air fryer
  
• Tongs
  
• Cooking spray or oil brush
  
• Thermometer (optional)
  

 Recommended Air Fryer Tools (Optional)

To get the best results when making frozen tamales in air fryer, these small tools can make cooking easier and cleanup faster:

• Air fryer parchment liners – Help prevent sticking and make cleanup simple. 
• Silicone tongs – Safer flipping without tearing the husks.  
• Digital meat thermometer – Useful if cooking extra-large tamales.  

 You can check these recommended tools here.  

Best Air Fryers for Cooking Frozen Tamales

If you regularly cook frozen tamales in air fryer, having a reliable model makes a big difference in texture and cooking consistency. Here are two beginner-friendly options that work especially well:

 Ninja Air Fryer

• Heats quickly and cooks evenly
  
• Powerful airflow for crispy edges
  
• Great for small to medium families
  
• Easy-to-clean basket
  

 Check current price here (Insert affiliate link)

 COSORI Air Fryer

• Large basket capacity
  
• Simple digital controls
  
• Even cooking for frozen foods
  
• Great value for beginners
  

 My Tip:

If you cook frozen foods often (tamales, fries, nuggets), choose a model with at least 5–6 quart capacity for better airflow and crisping.

How to Cook Frozen Tamales in Air Fryer – Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re a novice to air fryers or need a tamale-specific guide this step-by-step guide will assist you in getting the right results.

1. Prepare Your Air Fryer

• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C)
• Lightly spray the basket of your air fryer with cooking spray that is non-stick or lightly rub the basket with olive oil in order to keep it from sticking.

2. Arrange Your Tamales

•  Keep the husks on — they help lock in moisture while cooking.
• Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not overcrowded. The proper circulation of air is crucial to getting that perfect crisp, crispy end.

3. Set the Timer and Cook

• If you’re wondering how long to cook frozen tamales in air fryer, 15–16 minutes at 375°F gives the best texture.
• Flip them every so often during cooking to ensure that they are evenly crisp on every side.

4. Serve and Enjoy

• After they have been cooked, remove Tamales from the air-fryer. Carefully remove the husks.
• Pair with Air Fryer Frozen Mushrooms or Air Fryer Green Bean Casserole for a complete dinner

Family Tip: If you’re serving tamales to kids, cut them in half and let them cool slightly before serving. Want another quick veggie side? These Simply Potatoes in Air Fryer are a perfect match with tamales.

Air Fryer vs Steaming Tamales: Quick Comparison

If you’re deciding between air frying and steaming, this quick comparison makes it easy:

Feature	Air Fryer	Steaming
Cooking Time	15–16 minutes (from frozen)	30–45 minutes
Texture	Lightly crisp edges, soft center	Very soft throughout
Thawing Needed?	No	No
Equipment Required	Air fryer only	Steamer + pot
Convenience Level	Very easy, minimal cleanup	Requires monitoring water
Best For	Quick meals & crispy edges	Traditional soft texture

Which Method Wins?

If you want speed, convenience, and a slight crisp on the outside, cooking frozen tamales air fryer is the clear winner.

If you prefer a fully soft, traditional texture and don’t mind extra time, steaming is still a solid option.

Serving Suggestions

Turn your air-fried tamales into a full, satisfying meal with just a few simple additions.

 Add Easy Sides

Balance the rich, savory flavor of tamales with:

• Pinto beans or black beans
  
• A fresh green salad with lime dressing
  
• Mexican-style rice for a heartier dinner
  

 Pair them with Air Fryer Carrots and Potatoes for a quick veggie side, or serve alongside your favorite homemade Mexican rice for a complete plate.

 Boost the Flavor

Tamales taste even better with bold toppings:

• Salsa verde or red salsa
  
• Fresh guacamole
  
• Sour cream or crema
  
• A few drops of hot sauce for extra heat
  

If you enjoy a little kick, a classic like Cholula adds just the right balance of heat without overpowering the flavor. 

 Don’t Forget the Drinks

Make it cozy with Mexican hot chocolate on cooler days, or keep things light and refreshing with agua fresca during warmer months.

Pro Tips for Crispy Frozen Tamales in Air Fryer

 Want to level up your tamale game? Here are a few bonus tips: Here are some other strategies to get the most out of your tamale:

• Cooking Different Tamale Sizes

Larger tamales could take an additional two minutes and smaller ones could cook a bit quicker. Change the cooking time according to your preference.

• Know Your Air Fryer

Different models of air fryers heat differently. Begin with the lower portion of cooking time and adjust according to your appliance’s performance.

• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket

Making batches of tamales ensures that every tamale has the right airflow, leading to uniform crispness.

• Reheat and serve with ease

To heat up leftover tamales, put them in an air fryer at 350 degrees for about 5-8 minutes. After that, they’ll taste as good as they did the first time.

• No Steamer? No Problem.

This technique is ideal to use if you’re trying to make frozen tamales at home without the use of a steamer No heavy equipment is required!

Feeling adventurous? Pair tamales with these bold Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls for a spicy twist.

Storage & Reheating

Storage:

• Cool completely
  
• Store in airtight container
  
• Refrigerate up to 3 days
  
• Freeze up to 1 month
  

Reheating:

• From fridge: 350°F for 5–7 minutes
  
• From freezer: 375°F for 8–10 minutes
  
• Flip halfway
  
• Keep husk on to maintain moisture
  

Need more reheating tips? See our full guide on Reheat Tamales in Air Fryer

Frequently Asked Questions

1 How long do you cook frozen tamales in air fryer?

Cook frozen tamales at 375°F for 15–16 minutes, flipping halfway through. Larger tamales may need 1–2 extra minutes.

2 Can you put frozen tamales straight into the air fryer?

Yes. No thawing is needed. Place them directly in the air fryer with the husks on for best moisture retention.

3 Should I remove the husk before air frying tamales?

No. Keep the husk on while cooking. It helps keep the inside soft and prevents drying out. Remove it after cooking before serving.

4 What temperature is best for cooking frozen tamales in air fryer?

The ideal temperature is 375°F (190°C). This gives a lightly crisp exterior while keeping the inside steamy.

 5 Why are my air fryer tamales dry?

Tamales can dry out if cooked too long or without the husk. Stick to 15–16 minutes at 375°F and avoid overcooking.

 Updated for Best Results

This article was recently reviewed and updated to reflect accurate air fryer temperatures, timing adjustments, and tested tips for cooking frozen tamales perfectly every time.

Make Frozen Tamales in Air Fryer Tonight – Quick & Easy

Cooking frozen tamales in air fryer is a complete game-changer for busy nights. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, quick lunch, or dinner, you’ll love how crispy and steamy they turn out every time.

Try making tamales with your air fryer today! Don’t forget to serve them with some interesting sides and post your creations by leaving a comment below. Need more ideas for your next recipe? Take a look at our other simple tasty air-fryer tips for your next meal concept.

Tamales that are delicious, and easy to prepare and Craving something snackable? Check out these crispy Air Fryer Frozen Mini Tacos too!