Air-Fried Bunuelos: A Quick, Easy, And Healthy Treat!

Yes, you can make bunuelos in an air fryer! Bunuelos are a fried snack, traditionally made with tortillas, cinnamon, and sugar. They can be made in an air fryer for a healthier alternative to deep-fried bunuelos. This method is also quicker, easier, and less messy than traditional frying.

Air-frying bunuelos

Bunuelos are a holiday staple in Colombia and Mexico. They are deep-fried cheese balls that are crunchy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. While traditionally made by deep frying, bunuelos can also be made in an air fryer.

Ingredients

• Flour
• Sugar
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Plant-based cream and butter
• Vanilla extract
• Cinnamon
• Salt
• Vegetable oil
• Milk
• Egg
• Cheese

Method

First, mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients. Then, add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until combined. Shape the dough into small balls. Place the dough balls in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. Air fry for 8-10 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, shaking the basket halfway through. Remove from the air fryer and, while still warm, roll the bunuelos in a cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.

Tips

• It is important to have the perfect ratio of flour to cheese. Too much flour will make the bunuelos tough, while too much cheese will make them greasy.
• The cheese needs to be very finely grated to achieve a smooth dough.
• The oil temperature needs to be consistent throughout the frying process. If the oil gets too hot, the bunuelos will crack and burst open.
• You can store any leftover bunuelos in an airtight container and reheat them in the air fryer.

Reheating bunuelos in an air fryer

Reheating Buñuelos in an Air Fryer

Buñuelos are deep-fried cheese balls that are crunchy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. They can be reheated in an air fryer to retain their crispiness and flavour. Here is a step-by-step guide to reheating buñuelos in an air fryer:

• Preheat the air fryer: Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for most foods or 300°F (150°C) for baked goods before reheating. This will ensure even heating and help to retain the crispiness of the buñuelos.
• Prepare the buñuelos: Place the buñuelos in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there is enough space for hot air to circulate. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can lead to uneven reheating.
• Lightly oil the buñuelos: To help maintain crispiness and prevent drying out, lightly spray or brush the buñuelos with olive oil or avocado oil before placing them in the air fryer.
• Reheat the buñuelos: Place the air fryer basket in the preheated air fryer and reheat the buñuelos for 3-6 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
• Check the internal temperature: To ensure food safety, use a food thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the buñuelos reaches at least 165°F (74°C).
• Serve and enjoy: Once the buñuelos have reached the desired temperature, remove them from the air fryer and serve them while they are still hot and crispy.

By following these steps, you can enjoy leftover buñuelos that taste just as good as freshly made ones. The air fryer helps to retain the crispiness and flavour of the buñuelos, making it a great reheating option.

Cinnamon sugar bunuelos in an air fryer

Cinnamon sugar buñuelos are a delicious snack that can be made in an air fryer. This recipe puts a spin on the traditional fried tortilla snack, resulting in a healthier, guilt-free treat.

Ingredients:

• 8 grain-free tortillas (or flour/corn tortillas)
• 1/4 cup of Primal Palate Cinnamon Sugar Cookie Seasoning (or coconut sugar and cinnamon)
• Avocado oil spray (or melted butter)

Method:

First, cut the tortillas into triangles to create chips. Grease your air fryer pan and spray (or brush) both sides of the tortilla chips with oil (or butter). Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, ensuring both sides are coated.

Cook the chips in batches to avoid overcrowding, which will prevent them from getting crispy. Air fry at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Once done, transfer the chips to a bowl and sprinkle with more cinnamon sugar.

Tips:

• These chips are perfect for snacking on their own or with sweet dips.
• They can be stored in an airtight container or ziplock bag for up to 3-4 days.
• Experiment with different spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or cayenne pepper, or even a hint of vanilla.
• For a gluten-free option, use corn tortillas.

Enjoy your Cinnamon Sugar Buñuelos!

Dairy-free bunuelos in an air fryer

Dairy-free bunuelos are a tasty treat and can be made in an air fryer. This recipe will give you a delicious, crispy, and crunchy result, perfect for a snack or dessert.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus 1/2 cup for the cinnamon sugar coating
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup dairy-free/vegan butter or plant-based cream
• 1/4 cup dairy-free/vegan butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• A pinch of salt

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• In a separate bowl, mix the dairy-free butter or cream, melted dairy-free butter, and vanilla extract.
• Add the wet ingredients to the dry, stirring until combined.
• Shape the dough into small, bite-sized balls.
• Place the dough balls in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching.
• Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The bunuelos should be golden brown.
• Remove from the air fryer and, while still warm, roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.

Tips

• You can use dairy-free butter or plant-based cream for this recipe, depending on your preference and what is available.
• If you want to make this recipe gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative, such as almond flour.
• For a different shape, you can cut the dough into triangles to make chips.
• You can also experiment with other spices, such as star anise, cardamom, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice.

Enjoy your dairy-free air-fried bunuelos!

Freezing and reheating bunuelos

Freezing and reheating buñuelos is a great way to make sure you always have some of these delicious treats on hand! Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Freezing Buñuelos:

Before freezing, it is important to let the buñuelos cool completely to room temperature. This helps to maintain their crispy texture. Once cooled, you can store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. If you are freezing cooked buñuelos, wrap them individually in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in the container or bag. Label the container with the date, and store them in the freezer for up to a month.

Reheating Buñuelos:

There are a few different ways to reheat buñuelos. One option is to place them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes. Alternatively, you can reheat them in an air fryer at 250°F (120°C) for 6 minutes. If you are short on time, you can also microwave them in 15-second intervals until warmed through. Keep in mind that the microwave may not give you the same level of crispiness as the other methods.

Tips for the Best Results:

• When freezing uncooked dough, it is recommended to thaw it overnight in the fridge before shaping and frying.
• If you are freezing cooked buñuelos, try to freeze them as soon as possible after frying to maintain freshness.
• To prevent sogginess, avoid stacking buñuelos when storing or reheating them.
• For the best texture, reheat buñuelos until they are warm and crispy, but be careful not to overcook them.
• If you are making a large batch, it is best to freeze or refrigerate the uncooked dough instead of the cooked buñuelos to maintain their quality.

Frequently asked questions