3 Easy Ways to Cook Masa-Based Dishes Using the Slow Cooker, Instant Pot, and Air Fryer

Name: Masa Batter
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 cups of masa harina; 2 cups of warm water; 1 teaspoon of salt; 1/2 teaspoon of cumin powder; 1/4 teaspoon of chili powder; 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder; 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil

Steam and Cook Perfect Masa for Tamales or Dumplings in the Slow Cooker

Use the slow cooker to steam and cook your masa batter for tamales or masa-based dumplings. Simply wrap the masa in corn husks or parchment paper, set the slow cooker to "low," and allow it to cook gently for a moist and perfectly textured result, without constantly watching over it.

Quickly Steam Masa Dough for Tamales or Gorditas with the Instant Pot’s Steam Function

Use the Instant Pot's "steam" function to quickly steam masa dough. Whether you're making tamales, gorditas, or other masa-based dishes, the high-pressure steam will cook the masa evenly and lock in moisture for soft, flavorful results in a fraction of the time.

Crisp Up Masa-Based Treats Like Sopes or Fritters with the Air Fryer

After forming your masa batter into small patties or dough balls, use the air fryer’s "air crisp" function to quickly fry them to a golden crisp without excess oil. This technique works great for making crispy masa-based treats like sopes or small masa fritters.

Tips and Suggestions on Masa Batter

Proper Mixing

Masa batter is typically made with masa harina, which is a special type of corn flour used to make tortillas and tamales. Getting the right consistency is key to make a good masa batter. Start with masa harina and gradually add water until you get a dough-like texture. Too much water can result in a runny batter and make it difficult to stick to the food.

Additional Ingredients

You can add a few additional ingredients to the masa batter, such as salt, baking powder, or seasonings. Just be sure not to add too much as it can impact the texture and final result.

Temperature

The temperature of your ingredients and batter are also important. The masa harina and water should be at room temperature when mixing, and the batter should be chilled in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before use.

Frying Temperature

When frying anything with masa, make sure the oil is hot enough, which usually ranges between 350-375°F. If the oil is not hot enough, the batter may not stick and can break apart in the oil.

Ingredient Prep

It's important to prepare the ingredients well, so the masa batter sticks better. For instance, if you're making fried chicken or fish, pat the ingredients dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture before dipping them in the masa batter.

Classic Masa Batter Recipe

                        Ingredients
                        1 pie crust
8 cups thinly sliced peeled apples
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

                    

                        Instructions
                        Preheat oven to 400°F.
                            
In a large mixing bowl, combine sliced apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg,
                                and lemon juice. Stir until apples are evenly coated.
Pour apple mixture into a pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish.
Cut butter into small pieces and sprinkle over the top of the apples.
Cover with a second pie crust, making sure to crimp the edges of the crusts together
                                with a fork to seal.
Cut a few slits into the top of the crust to allow steam to escape.
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
                            
Let cool before serving.

                    

Cooking Time

Preparation Time 30 min

Cook Time 1 hr 15 min

Total time 1 hr 45 min

                        Nutrition Facts
                        Calories: 325
Fat: 11 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Carbohydrates: 56 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 38 g
Protein: 2 g

                    

Traditional Masa Batter