Tamales are a beloved comfort food, steeped in tradition and rich cultural history. But if you’ve avoided making them on busy evenings due to the long prep and cooking time, here’s some good news: Frozen tamales in air fryer are a total lifesaver — quick, tasty, and zero hassle.
Wondering how to cook frozen tamales without a steamer? The air fryer is your answer — a game-changer for home cooks who love crispy results with minimal effort.
I’ll show you exactly how to make frozen tamales in the air fryer — step by step! The outside turns golden and crisp, while the inside stays soft and steamy. Let’s get started!
For more easy air fryer meals, try this Frozen French Bread Pizza in Air Fryer.
Table of Contents
Why Frozen Tamales in Air Fryer Are a Game-Changer
The process of cooking tamales in an air fryer has many advantages:
- Faster Cooking Time
Air frying frozen tamales is a major time-saver compared to steaming or boiling—without sacrificing flavor!
- Perfect Texture
Look forward to golden, crispy edges and a soft, steamy center every time. No more soggy tamales! - Convenience
No need to thaw! Just pop them in the air fryer with the husk on for an easy, mess-free cook that locks in moisture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to know to start:
- Frozen Tamales
Choose chicken, beef, or vegetarian tamales they all air fry beautifully.
- Non-stick Cooking Spray or Oil
Spray or brush lightly on the basket of your air fryer to keep tamales from sticking.
- Optional Accessories
You may want to consider the use of an air fryer liner to make for more efficient cleanup.
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
- Cook the tamales at 375°F for 15–16 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crisping
- 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.
- Serve hot, accompanied by your favorite side dishes and sauces.
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.
Serving Suggestions
Take your tamales to the next level and make them the level of a complete dinner or snack by following these pairing suggestions:
- Sides include: Air Fryer Carrots and Potatoes, pinto beans, black beans, or a fresh green salad.
- Condiments: Add salsa, guacamole or Sour cream, or drop of hot sauce to give it an additional spice.
- Drinks: Try pairing your drink with Mexican hot chocolate to create an intimate atmosphere or drink refreshing agua fruta on warm days.
Tamales also make a perfect quick lunch or dinner when you’re short on time.
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.
How to Store & Reheat Frozen Tamales After Air Frying
If you’ve got leftover Tamales, here’s how you can ensure they’re fresh
- Storage
Keep leftover tamales in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating
Make use of your air fryer to heat tamales up to 350°F for 5-8 minutes to bring back their texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I cook tamales in an air fryer without the husks?
A: Yes, you can — but for best results with frozen tamales in air fryer, keep the husks on while air frying. They help lock in moisture and keep the tamales from drying out.
Q2: Which frozen tamale brands are best suited for air frying?
A: Most grocery store brands work great. Many fans love using Trader Joe’s frozen tamales for their easy prep and consistent texture.
Q3: Is it necessary to preheat the air fryer beforehand?
A: Yes, preheating helps ensure even cooking and a crisp finish. Set your air fryer to 375°F before adding the tamales.
Q4: How are tamales traditionally cooked (without an air fryer)?
A: Traditionally, tamales are steamed over boiling water in a large pot or tamalera for 1 to 2 hours, depending on size. Steaming keeps them soft and moist but takes much longer than air frying.
This detailed guide from Serious Eats shows how authentic tamales are made step by step.
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!
Frozen Tamales in Air Fryer – Ready in 15 Min! Crispy Outside, Steamy Inside
Equipment
- airfryer
- tongs
- Cooking spray or oil brush
- Thermometer (optional)
Ingredients
- 3 –6 frozen tamales chicken, beef, or vegetarian
- Optional: Use cooking spray or lightly brush with oil for extra crispiness.
- Optional sides: black beans salad, or rice
- Optional toppings: salsa sour cream, guacamole
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–4 minutes.
- Prepare Basket: Lightly coat the air fryer basket with oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Place Tamales: Leave the husks on and arrange the frozen tamales in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding.
- Air Fry for 15–16 Minutes: Cook at 375°F, flipping halfway through for even crisping.
- Large tamales: May need an extra 1–2 minutes.
- Small tamales: Check 1–2 minutes earlier.
- Check & Serve: Once the tamales are golden and steamy, take them out and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Peel husks and serve hot.
Notes
- No thawing needed — cook straight from frozen!
- Don’t stack tamales; air circulation is key to even crisping.
- Oven-style air fryer? Use top rack for faster results.
- Kid-friendly tip: Cut tamales in half to cool quickly before serving.
- Serve with pinto beans, guacamole, or a fresh green salad.
- Try with Mexican hot chocolate or agua fresca for a traditional touch.
- Great for lunchboxes, party trays, or weeknight dinners.
