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| Fryoid shows how to reheat tamales in the air fryer for the perfect balance of crispy edges and warm, steamy centers—fast, easy, and no steamer required. |
Air Fryer Tamales (Crispy Outside, Perfectly Steamy Inside)
If you’ve ever reheated tamales and ended up with soggy masa or dried-out disappointment, this fixes that.
The air fryer gives tamales the best of both worlds: warm, fluffy centers with lightly crisp edges—no steamer, no microwave sadness.
This method works for homemade, store-bought, leftover, and frozen tamales, and it’s fast enough for weeknights or late-night cravings.
Why Reheat Tamales in the Air Fryer?
Let’s be honest—tamales deserve better than the microwave.
The air fryer:
- Reheats evenly without drying them out
- Adds a light crisp to the outside (optional but excellent)
- Takes under 15 minutes
- Requires zero special equipment
If you like texture, this is the move.
Air Fryer Tamales Recipe
⏱️ Time
- Prep: 2 minutes
- Cook: 8–12 minutes
- Total: ~12 minutes
Ingredients
- Cooked tamales (homemade or store-bought)
- Cooking spray or neutral oil (optional)
(That’s it. No overthinking.)
Recommended Tools for Perfect Air Fryer Tamales:
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👉 Amazon Shop - Olive Oil Spray Bottle (Air Fryer Safe)]
How to Reheat Tamales in the Air Fryer
1️⃣ Preheat
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 2–3 minutes.
This helps the tamales heat evenly from the start.
Using a consistent air fryer temperature matters.
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2️⃣ Prep the Tamales
- Leave tamales wrapped in their corn husks
- Lightly spray the outside of the husks if you want a crisp finish
👉 For softer tamales, skip the oil entirely.
3️⃣ Air Fry
- Place tamales in a single layer in the basket
- Cook at 350°F for 8–10 minutes
- Flip halfway through for even heating
For extra crisp husks, cook 10–12 minutes total.
Crowding ruins airflow. A bigger basket helps.
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4️⃣ Rest & Serve
Let tamales rest for 1–2 minutes before unwrapping.
They’ll finish steaming inside and be easier to handle.
How to Cook Frozen Tamales in the Air Fryer
No thawing needed.
- Temperature: 350°F
- Time: 12–15 minutes
- Flip halfway through
They come out hot in the center and lightly crisp outside—shockingly good for frozen food.
Frozen foods reheat best in air fryers with strong circulation.
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Want Them Extra Crispy?
Try this:
- Air fry with husks on for most of the cook time
- Remove husks for the last 2 minutes
- Return tamales directly to the basket
This gives you golden edges without drying the inside.
Crispier results tip:
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Want Them Soft Like Steamed?
Easy fix:
- Wrap tamales loosely in foil
- Air fry at 350°F for 8 minutes
You’ll get warm, soft tamales with zero crisp—perfect if texture isn’t your thing.
Best Tamales for the Air Fryer
This method works for almost all varieties:
- Chicken tamales
- Pork tamales
- Beef tamales
- Cheese & pepper tamales
- Sweet tamales (just skip the oil)
Corn husks protect the masa, so fillings stay moist.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Tamales
Keep it simple or dress them up:
- Salsa verde or salsa roja
- Sour cream or crema
- Avocado slices
- Pickled red onions
- Fried egg on top (highly recommended)
Tamales don’t need much—just a good sidekick.
Make it a full plate:
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Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Crowding the basket → uneven heating
- Skipping the flip → hot spots
- Too high heat → dry masa
Stick with 350°F. Trust it.
FAQs
Can you cook raw tamales in an air fryer?
No. Tamales need to be fully cooked/steamed first.
The air fryer is for reheating and crisping.
Can I stack tamales?
Not ideal. Single layer works best for even airflow.
Do I remove the husks?
Leave them on for reheating. Remove only if crisping at the end.
Cooking for a family?
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Final Thoughts
The air fryer might be the best way to reheat tamales, full stop.
Fast, consistent, and flexible depending on whether you want soft, crisp, or somewhere in between.
Once you try it, the microwave feels… unnecessary.
If you make tamales often, the right air fryer makes all the difference.
👉 Amazon Shop - Best Overall Air Fryer for Reheating & Crisping
Related Post:
Top 10 Most Popular Tamale Fillings in Mexico (Authentic + Delicious!)
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