Frying Twinkies: Air Fryer Vs Deep Fryer

Deep-fried Twinkies are a classic American snack, but can you make them in an air fryer? The answer is yes! Air-fried Twinkies are a lighter alternative to the traditional deep-fried variety, and they can be made in just a few simple steps. This guide will take you through the process, as well as some tips and tricks to ensure your Twinkies are perfectly crispy and golden.

Air fryer temperature and duration

Air-frying Twinkies is possible and results in a unique and delicious twist on the traditional treat. The hot circulating air of the air fryer crisps the outside of the Twinkie while keeping its inside soft and gooey.

To achieve the perfect air-fried Twinkie, preheat your air fryer to 350°F/180°C for 2 minutes. Place the Twinkies in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not stacked. Air fry for 3-5 minutes, until the snack cakes are golden brown. The longer you air fry, the crispier they will become. For a crispier crust and a deeper colour, air fry for an additional 30 seconds per side or until the desired colour is achieved.

If you are coating your Twinkies in batter, you should change the cooking time to 6-8 minutes. It is also recommended that you line your air fryer basket with parchment paper to prevent mess.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the temperature of the Twinkies and the type of air fryer used.

Twinkie preparation

To make Twinkies in an air fryer, first remove the cellophane wrappers from the Twinkies. Place them in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not stacked. If you want to add a stick to your Twinkies, do so before placing them in the basket.

Next, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C). You can optionally line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or lightly spray it with non-stick cooking oil. This will help to prevent sticking and make flipping the Twinkies easier.

Now, it's time to air fry! Place the Twinkies bottom side up in the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F for 2 minutes, flipping halfway. For a crispier crust and deeper colour, air fry for an additional 30 seconds per side or until the desired colour is achieved.

Once the Twinkies are golden brown, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. They will continue to crisp up as they cool. Finally, enjoy your crispy air-fried Twinkies! You can sprinkle them with powdered sugar, if desired.

For a more indulgent treat, serve your air-fried Twinkies with a scoop of ice cream, fresh berries, or your favourite dipping sauce. Popular dipping sauces include chocolate sauce, raspberry sauce, caramel sauce, honey, or fruit syrups. You can also get creative and experiment with different toppings, such as caramel sauce, nuts, chocolate chips, or chopped candy bars.

Air fryer basket preparation

Preparing your air fryer basket is a crucial step in the process of making deep-fried Twinkies. Here is a detailed guide to ensure your basket is ready:

Firstly, it is important to line the air fryer basket with parchment paper. This creates a non-stick surface and makes cleaning up easier. Pre-cut parchment paper circles are recommended as they do not curl up and touch the food as much as rolled parchment paper. Alternatively, you can lightly spray the basket with non-stick cooking oil. However, avoid using wax paper as it will melt in the air fryer.

Once the basket is lined, remove the cellophane wrappers from the Twinkies. Ensure that you do not stack the Twinkies in the basket and that they are spaced out evenly to allow for uniform cooking. This is important as it ensures that hot air can circulate around each Twinkie, resulting in even browning and crispiness. If your air fryer tends to stick, a light coating of cooking spray in the basket before placing the Twinkies can help prevent sticking and make flipping them easier.

After preparing the basket and placing the Twinkies inside, you can proceed with the air frying process. Remember to keep a close eye on the Twinkies to prevent overcooking. The goal is to achieve a golden brown and crispy exterior.

Twinkie presentation

Twinkies are a beloved cream-filled sponge cake snack, often enjoyed straight from the packet. However, a new trend is emerging – air-fried Twinkies. This method of preparation takes the humble Twinkie to a new level, creating a crispy, golden treat with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Air-Frying Process

To achieve the perfect air-fried Twinkie, there are a few simple steps to follow. Firstly, it is recommended to freeze the Twinkies for at least 2 hours before frying. This helps to firm up the filling and creates a better texture contrast.

Next, preheat your air fryer to around 350°F for 2-5 minutes. While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare the Twinkies by inserting sticks into them (optional) and removing the cellophane wrappers.

Once the air fryer is ready, place the Twinkies inside the basket, ensuring they are not stacked or overlapping. Air fry in batches for 2-6 minutes at 350-400°F, until the cakes are golden brown. The longer you air fry, the crispier they will become.

Serving Suggestions

Air-fried Twinkies can be served in a variety of ways, depending on your preference. For a simple yet delicious option, dust them with powdered sugar. If you're feeling indulgent, drizzle with chocolate syrup, raspberry sauce, or caramel sauce. For a refreshing touch, add fresh berries on the side.

For a true fair-style treat, serve with a scoop of ice cream and your favorite dipping sauce. This combination is perfect for kids' parties or as a decadent dessert.

Air-frying Twinkies is a fun and easy way to elevate this classic snack. With a crispy exterior and a warm, creamy filling, air-fried Twinkies are a unique and tasty treat that's perfect for any occasion. So, the next time you're craving something sweet, why not give this unique dessert a try?

Twinkie alternatives

While Twinkies can be cooked in an air fryer, resulting in a crispy, crunchy texture, there are several alternative snacks that can be considered.

One alternative is Little Debbie's Cloud Cakes. Cloud Cakes are a copycat version of Twinkies and are available in banana flavour, which was the original Twinkie flavour. However, Cloud Cakes have been criticised for their tangy flavour and dry texture.

Mrs. Freshley's Dreamies Creme-Filled Cakes are another Twinkie alternative. These cakes have a good cream-to-cake ratio and a sweet vanilla flavour. However, they are very greasy and have a grainy texture.

Blue Bird Bakeries Bingles are also similar to Twinkies. Bingles have been praised for their moist texture and sweet vanilla flavour. They provide a good balance between cream and cake, making them a popular choice.

Tastykake Krimpets are a unique alternative to Twinkies. Instead of a creamy centre, Krimpets have a solid pound cake texture with frosting on top. They come in a variety of flavours, including butterscotch, spice cake, and pancake. However, some people may find them dry and mealy.

For those who enjoy red velvet cake, Red Velvet Bingles are another option. These combine the familiar taste of red velvet with the cream-filled snack cake concept.

Finally, Marinela Submarinos, a Mexican dessert, offers a Twinkie-like experience with strawberry-flavoured creme instead of the traditional vanilla.

Whether you're looking for a classic cream-filled sponge cake or something with a unique twist, these alternatives are worth considering if you're craving a sweet treat.

Frequently asked questions