Make Trader Joe’s tamales directly from frozen in your air fryer in only about 20 minutes. They’re available in a variety of flavors and perfect as a snack or main course!
Remove the tamales from the plastic packaging (but keep the corn husk wrappers on)
10 ounce package frozen Trader Joe's tamales
Place the frozen tamales into your air fryer’s basket or rack in a single layer, seam side down, allowing some air space between each one to promote even cooking
Cook on the air fry setting at 375°F (or the closest setting your air fryer has) for 15-20 minutes, pausing halfway through to flip them, until hot in the center (add additional time in small increments if needed)
Rest for 1-2 minutes, then peel back the husk and enjoy. Caution: they will be hot, so be careful!
Notes
Each package of frozen TJ’s tamales usually contains 2 (though sometimes it varies), and a serving size is considered 1 tamale. You can make as many at a time as fit in a single layer in your air fryer’s basket or rack without adjusting cooking time
If you don’t have a TJ’s near you, other brands of frozen tamales work as well! Try any wrapped frozen tamale brand like Cedarlane, Texas Tamale Company, or El Monterey
I did not preheat my air fryer for this recipe. If you do, you can drop 2-3 minutes of cooking time generally (but it will vary between air fryers)
My tamales were hot after 20 minutes total (without preheating) in a Ninja air fryer. Other brands and models of air fryers will vary slightly
Store any leftover tamales with their husks in an airtight container or zippered bag in the refrigerator for up to a week. I do not recommend refreezing after they have been cooked from frozen once
To reheat refrigerated tamales in the air fryer, place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer in the husk. Air fry at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, turning once, until re-heated through!
Exact nutritional values will vary based on the variety of tamales, any sauces or sides added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only. Values are for Trader Joe’s beef tamales only (others will vary)
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