Air Fryer Beaver Tails: A Tasty, Quick Treat

Beaver Tails are a Canadian fried dough pastry invented in 1978 by Pam and Grant Hooker. They are usually coated in cinnamon sugar, but there are many different flavour combinations and toppings to choose from. They are a cultural symbol of Canada and can be found at outdoor events, fairs, franchises, and even ski resorts. While traditionally they are fried, it is possible to reheat them in an air fryer.

How to make the dough for beaver tails

Beaver Tails are a Canadian fried dough pastry, usually coated in cinnamon sugar. The dough is light and airy, with a crispy exterior. While the traditional method is to fry the dough, it is possible to bake or air fry it, though this will result in a different texture.

Ingredients:

• Active or instant yeast
• Warm water
• Sugar
• Warm milk
• Melted butter
• Salt
• Vanilla extract
• Vegetable/Canola/Corn oil
• All-purpose/white wheat flour

Method:

Start by mixing the yeast, warm water, and a small amount of sugar in a large bowl. Let this mixture stand for a few minutes to activate the yeast. You will know it is ready when the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly.

Next, add the remaining sugar, warm milk, melted butter, salt, vanilla extract, oil, and most of the flour to the yeast mixture. Mix and scrape down the sides of the bowl. Keep adding flour, a little at a time, until a smooth dough ball forms.

Place the dough ball in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with plastic wrap or a warm towel. Let the dough rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, which should take around 30-45 minutes.

Once the dough has risen, gently deflate it and place it on a floured surface. Cut the dough into 8 even pieces and shape each piece into a thin oval, resembling a beaver tail. Use a sharp knife to score the top of the dough to create small square sections, mimicking the texture of a beaver's tail.

Cover the shaped beaver tails with a lint-free towel and let them rise for another 10 minutes.

Now you are ready to fry, bake, or air fry your beaver tails! If you choose to fry them, heat enough oil in a large skillet or deep pot to a temperature of around 350°F-385°F. Fry each beaver tail for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.

For baking or air frying, preheat your oven or air fryer to 350°F and cook the beaver tails for 2-3 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

Regardless of the cooking method, coat the beaver tails in cinnamon sugar immediately after cooking, while they are still warm, for the sugar to stick. Enjoy your freshly made Canadian treat!

Frying vs air frying beaver tails

Beaver Tails are a Canadian dessert, traditionally served coated in cinnamon and sugar. They are made with a light and airy dough that is fried to create a crispy exterior. While they can be baked or air-fried, frying is the traditional preparation method and will result in the best texture.

Frying Beaver Tails

Frying beaver tails involves heating a sufficient amount of oil in a large skillet or deep pot to a temperature of about 375°F to 385°F. The dough is then stretched into a beaver tail shape, thinned out, and enlarged before being carefully lowered into the hot oil in batches. Each side is fried for 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown. The fried dough is then drained on paper towels and coated in cinnamon sugar while still warm.

Air Frying Beaver Tails

Air frying beaver tails will not result in the same texture as traditional frying. However, it can be done by following the same steps as baking and then placing the baked beaver tails in an air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes, flipping them halfway through. This method will help to crisp up the exterior.

Tips for Frying Beaver Tails

• Ensure all ingredients are warm or at room temperature when preparing the dough.
• Allow the yeast to activate for at least 5 minutes with sugar and warm water until it becomes puffy and bubbly.
• Leave the dough to rise in a warm place, such as an oven with a 'proof' setting, a microwave, or a sunny spot in the kitchen.
• Lightly flour your hands when handling and shaping the dough to prevent sticking.
• Use a deep pot for frying and add enough oil so that it comes up 2" on the sides of the pot.
• Allow the oil to heat up before adding the first beaver tail to prevent the dough from absorbing too much oil.
• Test the oil temperature by using the handle of a wooden spoon or chopstick; if the oil bubbles around the wood, it is ready for frying.
• Coat the beaver tails in cinnamon and sugar while they are still warm to ensure the mixture sticks.

The history of beaver tails

Beaver Tails, the Canadian doughnut, are an iconic Canadian food. The pastry is a fried-dough dessert, made with whole wheat flour and pulled by hand to resemble the long, flat tail of a beaver. It is then topped with a variety of garnishes, from the classic cinnamon and sugar to whipped cream and Nutella.

In the late 1970s, Grant and Pam Hooker began selling Beaver Tails at the Killaloe craft and community fair in Ontario, using a recipe that was handed down to them by Grant Hooker's German-Canadian grandmother. She called the deep-fried pastries she made for breakfast "keekla", which is German for "little cake". It wasn't until their daughter likened the long, flat pastries to beaver tails that the name was coined and trademarked.

The flagship Beaver Tails store opened in Ottawa's Byward Market in 1980, and the pastry became even more popular when it appeared along the Rideau Canal in the winter of 1981. The donut-bannock hybrid became associated with ice skating on the canal, and it has been a beloved Canadian treat ever since.

The best toppings for beaver tails

Beaver Tails are a Canadian delicacy, typically served as a sweet treat at fairs and carnivals. The fried dough delicacy is traditionally coated in cinnamon and sugar, but there are endless flavour variations and combinations to choose from. Here are some of the best toppings for Beaver Tails:

Classic Cinnamon Sugar

The traditional Beaver Tail is coated in a generous layer of cinnamon and sugar. This classic combination provides the perfect amount of sweetness to the fried dough, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a classic dessert.

Chocolate Banana

For chocolate lovers, spreading Nutella or chocolate spread on top of a Beaver Tail and topping it with thinly sliced bananas creates a delicious combination. The sweetness of the chocolate pairs well with the fruit, making it a tasty treat.

Chocolate Strawberry

Another option for chocolate enthusiasts is to spread Nutella or chocolate spread on the Beaver Tail and top it with freshly sliced strawberries. This combination offers a delightful mix of flavours and textures, making it a fan favourite.

Apple Pie

For those who enjoy a more decadent option, adding a few spoons of apple pie filling on top of the Beaver Tail is a perfect choice. Drizzling some caramel sauce over the apple pie filling takes this treat to the next level.

S'mores

This variation is perfect for those who want a more indulgent treat. Start by spreading a layer of Nutella or chocolate spread on the Beaver Tail. Then, top it with crushed graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate chips. To make it even more special, use a kitchen torch to toast the marshmallows for a gooey and delicious treat.

Chocolate Peanut Butter

Chocolate and peanut butter is a classic combination that many people enjoy. Start by spreading a layer of Nutella or chocolate spread on the Beaver Tail. Then, melt a tablespoon of peanut butter and drizzle it over the top. Finally, add your favourite chocolate peanut butter candy, such as Reese's or M&M's, for an extra indulgent treat.

How to store and reheat beaver tails

Beaver tails are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored and reheated later. Here's a guide on how to store and reheat beaver tails:

Storing Beaver Tails:

Beaver tails can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. However, they are best eaten fresh on the same day. If you want to store them for a longer period, consider freezing them.

Freezing Beaver Tails:

To freeze beaver tails, cook and cool them completely. Do not coat them in cinnamon and sugar before freezing. You can wrap the beaver tails in plastic wrap (optional) and then place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. Frozen beaver tails can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Beaver Tails:

When you're ready to enjoy your frozen beaver tails again, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 5 minutes. You can reheat them using an oven, air fryer, or microwave.

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and heat the beaver tails for 3-5 minutes, or until they are warmed through and crispy.
• Air Fryer: Reheat the beaver tails at 350°F for 2-3 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even heating.
• Microwave: If you're in a hurry, you can use a microwave to reheat your beaver tails. However, they may become soft instead of crispy. Microwave for 15-30 seconds, depending on your desired level of warmth.

Once your beaver tails are reheated, you can coat them in cinnamon and sugar or top them with your favorite flavor combinations. Enjoy your freshly reheated beaver tails!

Frequently asked questions