Air-Fryer Fried Dough: Is It Possible?

Yes, you can make fried dough in an air fryer. It is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, reducing the amount of oil needed while still achieving a crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior. The air fryer circulates hot air around the dough, cooking it evenly and quickly. You can make fried dough from scratch or use store-bought dough, such as bread or pizza dough, and air fry it with a variety of sweet or savoury toppings.

Air fryer fried dough toppings

There are endless possibilities for toppings to put on your air fryer fried dough. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Sweet toppings:

• Cinnamon sugar
• Butter
• Honey or maple syrup
• Nutella or other chocolate-hazelnut spread
• Fruit jams or preserves
• Whipped cream and fresh berries
• Powdered sugar glaze
• Lemon sugar
• Chocolate sauce
• Caramel sauce
• Blueberry sauce
• Chocolate chips
• Marshmallows
• Pumpkin spice
• Honey and almonds

Savory toppings:

• Olive oil and garlic salt
• Grated cheese (like Parmesan or cheddar)
• Cream cheese, plain or flavored
• Pesto or marinara sauce
• Shredded chicken or pulled pork
• Chopped herbs (like parsley or cilantro)
• Sliced olives or jalapeños

Unique combinations:

• Peanut butter and sliced bananas
• Apple slices with caramel sauce
• Bacon bits with maple syrup
• Goat cheese and honey
• Smoked salmon and cream cheese

Air fryer fried dough ingredients

Air fryer fried dough is a quick and easy treat that you can make in your air fryer. It is a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods, as it requires significantly less oil. You can make this fried dough from scratch or use store-bought dough, such as frozen bread dough or buttermilk biscuits. Here are the ingredients and steps you'll need to make this delicious treat:

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of frozen bread dough or 1 can of buttermilk biscuits
• Butter, melted
• Powdered sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Cooking spray or olive oil spray
• Optional toppings: honey, maple syrup, Nutella, fruit jams, grated cheese, pesto, marinara sauce, etc.

Steps:

• If using frozen bread dough, thaw it overnight in the fridge.
• Separate the dough into 16 pieces (for bread dough) or remove the biscuits from the can (if using).
• Flatten each piece of dough into circles approximately 1/4 inch thick.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) if your model requires preheating.
• Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with melted butter to prevent sticking.
• Place the flattened dough in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. You may need to cook in batches.
• Set the air fryer to cook at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
• After 5 minutes, flip the dough and continue cooking for 3-5 minutes until golden brown and puffed up.
• Once cooked, remove the fried dough from the air fryer and place on a serving plate.
• Brush each piece of fried dough with melted butter and sprinkle with powdered sugar and cinnamon, if desired.
• Serve warm, as is, or with your choice of toppings.

Air fryer fried dough recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 can buttermilk biscuits with butter
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Optional Toppings:

• Honey or maple syrup
• Nutella or other chocolate-hazelnut spreads
• Fruit jams or preserves
• Whipped cream and fresh berries
• Garlic salt and olive oil
• Grated cheese (Parmesan or cheddar)
• Cream cheese, plain or flavored
• Pesto or marinara sauce
• Shredded chicken or pulled pork
• Chopped herbs (parsley or cilantro)
• Sliced olives or jalapeños

Method:

• Remove the buttermilk biscuits from the can and lay them out on a large cutting board.
• Using a rolling pin, gently flatten each biscuit into larger circles, approximately 1/4 inch thick. This will help them cook evenly and give you more surface area for toppings.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) if your model requires preheating.
• Spray the air fryer basket lightly with olive oil spray or brush with melted butter to prevent sticking.
• Place the flattened biscuits into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.
• Set the air fryer to cook at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, flip the dough and continue to air fry for 3-5 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up.
• Once cooked, carefully remove the fried dough from the air fryer and place them on a serving plate.
• While still warm, brush each piece of fried dough generously with melted butter. Then, sprinkle powdered sugar over the top, adding ground cinnamon as well if desired.
• Serve the air fryer fried dough warm, as is, or with additional toppings of your choice.

Tips:

• For a sweet treat, top with chocolate sauce, fruit compote, or a dollop of whipped cream.
• For a savoury option, try spreading pizza sauce over the fried dough, adding shredded mozzarella and your choice of toppings (pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms). Air fry until the cheese is bubbly.

Air fryer fried dough cooking time and temperature

Air fryer fried dough is a quick and convenient way to make a delicious treat without the mess of deep-frying. The cooking time and temperature for air fryer fried dough can vary depending on the type of dough used and the specific model of the air fryer. However, here is a general guide to help you achieve the perfect fried dough in your air fryer.

First, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) if your model requires preheating. This ensures that your dough cooks evenly and achieves a golden colour.

If you are using refrigerated buttermilk biscuits, start by removing them from the can and laying them out on a large cutting board. Gently flatten each biscuit into larger circles, approximately 1/4 inch thick, to ensure even cooking and provide more surface area for toppings.

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or brush it with melted butter to prevent sticking. Place the flattened biscuits into the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.

Set the air fryer to cook at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, flip the dough and continue to air fry for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until it is golden brown and puffed up.

Once cooked, remove the fried dough from the air fryer and place it on a serving plate. While it is still warm, brush each piece with melted butter and sprinkle with powdered sugar and ground cinnamon, if desired. The warmth of the dough will help the sugar and cinnamon stick, creating a sweet coating.

Serve the air fryer fried dough warm, as it is, or with additional toppings such as chocolate sauce, fruit compote, or whipped cream.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Fried Dough:

• Roll the dough evenly to a thickness of about 1/4 inch to ensure uniform cooking.
• Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature to promote even browning and crisping.
• Use parchment paper in the air fryer basket to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture.
• Flip the dough halfway through the cooking time for even browning.
• Gently brush the melted butter or other toppings onto the fried dough to avoid making it soggy.
• Experiment with different types of dough, such as pizza dough or homemade dough, for varied textures and flavours.
• Adjust the cooking time as needed, depending on the size and thickness of your dough and the model of your air fryer.

Air fryer fried dough storage

Air fryer fried dough is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days at room temperature or a week in the refrigerator. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months.

To retain the crispy texture, it is best to reheat the fried dough in an air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes or until heated and crispy. Alternatively, you can use an oven or a stovetop, but these methods may not keep the dough as crispy.

Storing Air Fryer Fried Dough:

• Allow the fried dough to cool completely to room temperature before storing.
• Place the fried dough in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
• If you plan to consume it within a day, you can store it at room temperature.
• For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating Air Fryer Fried Dough:

• For best results, reheat the fried dough in an air fryer.
• Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
• Place the fried dough in the air fryer basket and heat for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy.
• You can also reheat in an oven, microwave, or on a stovetop, but the texture may not be as crispy.

By following these storage and reheating instructions, you can enjoy your air fryer fried dough at its best, with a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior.

Frequently asked questions