Air-Fryer Turon: A Healthy Take On A Classic Dessert

Turon is a popular Filipino dessert, traditionally made by deep frying saba bananas wrapped in lumpia wrappers. However, you can also cook turon in an air fryer, which is a healthier alternative as it absorbs less oil. To make turon in an air fryer, brush the wrappers with oil, place them in the basket, and cook for 10 minutes before flipping and cooking for another 4 minutes.

Turon recipe ingredients

Turon is a famous Filipino snack or dessert, also known as banana lumpia. It is made by deep-frying bananas wrapped in spring roll wrappers. The key to delicious turon is to use very ripe plantains or saba bananas that are mostly black and semi-soft. The traditional fillings for turon are jackfruit and banana, but nowadays, people also experiment with other fruits such as mango slices, strawberries, or even thinly sliced apples.

To make turon, start by preparing the filling. Cut the bananas into uniform slices, about three millimeters thick. You can cut the banana into halves or thirds lengthwise, depending on their size. You can also add a few slices of ripe jackfruit. Dredge the banana slices in sugar until they are completely coated. You can use either brown or white sugar.

Next, assemble the turon. Place a spring roll wrapper on a clean surface in a diamond shape. Place a slice of banana and jackfruit in the center, about 2 inches from the corner. Fold the corner of the wrapper over the fruit and roll it up tightly. Dip your finger into the reserved jackfruit syrup to moisten the top corner and seal the roll. Repeat this process until all the fruit is used up.

Finally, fry the turon. Fill a medium saucepan with about 2 inches of oil and heat it to 350 degrees F. You can also use an air fryer set to 370-400°F. Dip each turon into the jackfruit syrup and carefully place it into the hot oil or air fryer. Fry for about 3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. If using an air fryer, cook for about 10 minutes, then flip and cook for another 4-9 minutes.

Air fryer temperature and time

Turon is a popular Filipino snack or dessert that is traditionally deep-fried. However, it can be cooked in an air fryer as a healthier alternative, absorbing significantly less oil.

When cooking turon in an air fryer, the temperature and time can vary slightly depending on the recipe and the desired level of crispiness. Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to between 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and 390 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to note that not all air fryers cook the same way, so adjustments may be necessary based on your specific air fryer model.

Once the desired temperature is reached, place the prepared turon into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded and have enough space for proper air circulation. Spray the tops of the turon with cooking spray or brush them with a light coating of oil to achieve a golden brown colour and crispy texture.

The cooking time for turon in an air fryer typically ranges from 5 to 16 minutes. For recipes that require a shorter cooking time, cook the turon for 5 minutes, then flip them over and air fry for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown and crispy. For recipes that require a longer cooking time, cook the turon for 10 minutes, then flip them over and cook for another 4 minutes. It is important to keep a close eye on the turon during the cooking process to ensure they reach the desired level of doneness without burning.

Tips for Optimal Results:

• Use ripe but firm bananas for the best flavour and texture. Overly ripe bananas may become mushy during cooking.
• Experiment with different fruits, such as mango slices, air-fried strawberries, or thinly sliced apples, to add unique flavours to the turon.
• For a warm spice complementing the sweetness of the filling, sprinkle ground cinnamon on the bananas before rolling them.
• If desired, add a slice of jackfruit to make the turon closer to its authentic version.

Oil coating and alternatives

Oil coating is an essential step in achieving the perfect golden brown wrapper and caramelized filling for your turon. While air frying is a healthier alternative to deep frying, a light coating of oil is necessary to ensure the wrapper crisps up and achieves the desired colour. This can be done by brushing vegetable oil on both sides of the turon before placing them in the air fryer basket.

If you are hesitant to use oil, there are a few alternatives you can try. One option is to use a cooking spray or spray oil, which allows you to apply a very light coating of oil to the turon or the air fryer basket. This method is convenient and helps prevent the turon from sticking to the basket. You can also spritz the spray oil directly on the turon itself for added convenience.

Another alternative is to use shortening, such as Crisco, instead of oil. Shortening has a higher melting point than oil, which makes it ideal for air frying as it can withstand higher temperatures without smoking or burning. It also helps to create a crispy texture on the outside of the turon.

It is worth noting that the type of air fryer you have may also determine whether or not you need to use oil. Some air fryers may require a light coating of oil to prevent sticking, while others may have non-stick surfaces that eliminate the need for oil altogether. Always refer to the instructions for your specific air fryer model to make an informed decision.

Turon wrapping and rolling

Turon, a Filipino snack, is a ripe banana wrapped in a spring roll wrapper and fried until golden and crisp. The traditional bananas used in this snack are Saba bananas, but you can also use plantains or regular bananas. Before wrapping the bananas in the spring roll wrapper, they should be sliced and coated in brown sugar.

When choosing a spring roll wrapper, opt for light and elastic wrappers, such as Spring House. Avoid thicker varieties like Menlo, which are usually used for egg rolls, as they cook quicker than the filling. To seal the wrappers, you can use water or a combination of flour and water paste. To ensure the wrappers remain soft and pliable, pre-peel them and keep them covered with a damp cloth.

To wrap the turon, place the banana slices coated in brown sugar in the centre of the wrapper. If you are using the one-step wrapping technique, fold the wrapper over the filling, then take the left and right corners and fold them towards the middle. Continue rolling upwards and seal the last corner with water.

Brush the turon with oil and place it in the air fryer. Fry at 370-400°F for 10-16 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time.

Turon serving suggestions

Turon, a Filipino banana lumpia, is a popular treat that can be served as a dessert or a snack. It is traditionally served at parties and gatherings and can be cooked in an air fryer.

The traditional way to serve turon is to deep-fry it, but it can also be cooked in an air fryer for a healthier alternative. The air fryer also ensures even cooking and a crisp texture. To achieve a golden-brown wrapper, brush the turon with a light coating of oil before placing it in the air fryer.

Turon is typically served warm, as the wrapper tends to lose its crispiness over time. It is a sweet treat, with a crunchy exterior and a soft, sweet filling. The classic combination includes ripe bananas, brown sugar, and jackfruit wrapped in a spring roll wrapper. However, there are many ways to reinvent this Filipino favourite.

• Experiment with different fruits: Try adding mango slices, air-fried strawberries, or thinly sliced air-fried apples for unique flavours.
• Add some spice: Sprinkle ground cinnamon on the banana before rolling. This warm spice complements the sweetness of the filling.
• Omit the jackfruit: Leave it out or substitute it with cream cheese if you don't like it or can't find it.
• Try a chocolate variation: Fill the lumpia wrappers with a chocolate mixture, and serve with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or powdered sugar. Sprinkle with sesame seeds for added texture.
• Add shredded coconut: The natural sweetness and texture of coconut complement the creamy banana, creating a tropical delight.

Frequently asked questions