Air Fryer Doughboys: A Tasty, Quick Treat?

Doughboys, also known as fried dough, are a beloved treat found in various forms across different cultures worldwide. They are made by stretching, flattening, or shaping dough and then deep-frying it in oil until it achieves a golden and crispy exterior with a soft, airy interior. This delicacy can be made at home and can be served as a sweet or savoury snack, depending on the toppings and fillings used.

Traditionally, doughboys are deep-fried in oil, but can they be made in an air fryer?

Doughboys vs Fry Bread

Doughboys and fry bread are both names for the same North American treat: fried dough. This treat is associated with outdoor food stands at carnivals, fairs, and festivals. It is made by deep-frying a portion of risen yeast dough, resulting in an irregular, bubbly appearance. The dough can then be topped with a variety of sweet or savoury toppings, such as sugar, cinnamon, honey, cheese, or garlic butter.

While the terms "doughboys" and "fry bread" are often used interchangeably, there are some subtle differences in how they are prepared and served. Doughboys are typically smaller, fried dough balls that are coated in sugar, cinnamon, or other sweet toppings. On the other hand, fry bread can be a larger, flat piece of fried dough that may be served with savoury toppings or used as a base for sandwiches.

Both doughboys and fry bread can be made in an air fryer, offering a healthier alternative to traditional deep-frying. Air frying reduces the amount of oil needed and results in a crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior, similar to the texture achieved by deep-frying.

When making doughboys in an air fryer, it is recommended to use a simple dough, such as frozen bread dough or refrigerated buttermilk biscuits. The dough is cut into small pieces, allowed to rise, and then placed in the air fryer basket in a single layer. They are then air-fried for a few minutes, flipped, and cooked for a few minutes more until golden brown. After cooking, they can be coated in butter, cinnamon, sugar, or other desired toppings.

Fry bread can also be made in an air fryer using a similar process. The dough is rolled out into a thin, flat shape and placed in the air fryer basket. It is cooked for a few minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Like doughboys, fry bread can be customised with various toppings to suit individual tastes.

Doughboy toppings

Doughboys can be topped with a variety of sweet or savoury toppings. For a sweet treat, you could try:

• Cinnamon and sugar
• Honey or maple syrup
• Nutella or other chocolate-hazelnut spread
• Fruit jams or preserves
• Whipped cream and fresh berries
• Powdered sugar glaze
• Peanut butter and sliced bananas
• Apple slices with caramel sauce
• Bacon bits with maple syrup
• Goat cheese and honey
• Smoked salmon and cream cheese

Savoury toppings include:

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

Air fryer benefits

Yes, you can make doughboys in an air fryer! Using an air fryer to make doughboys offers a healthier alternative to the traditional deep-frying method, reducing the amount of oil needed while still achieving a crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior.

Quick and Convenient

Air fryers are a convenient option for cooking, as they significantly reduce the time needed for preparation and cooking. They heat up faster than traditional ovens, and you don't have to wait for them to preheat. This makes them ideal for cooking small batches of food, saving you time and energy.

Easy Cleanup

The mess and splatter associated with deep frying are eliminated with air fryers. The non-stick air fryer basket makes cleanup a breeze, and it's usually dishwasher-safe, making post-cooking cleanup a breeze.

Healthier Option

Air fryers require a fraction of the oil used in traditional deep frying, making them a healthier option. This reduction in oil intake can have a positive impact on your health, as high consumption of fat from vegetable oils is linked to an increased risk of heart disease and higher rates of inflammation.

Versatile and Customizable

Air fryers are incredibly versatile and can be used for a wide range of foods, from roasted vegetables to chicken and even desserts. They are perfect for cooking frozen foods, reheating leftovers, and achieving a crispy texture without drying out the food.

Safer than Deep Fryers

Deep frying involves heating a large container of scalding oil, which can be dangerous. Air fryers eliminate this risk by using a fraction of the oil, so there is no risk of spilling or accidentally touching hot oil.

Reduces Risk of Toxic Compounds

Deep frying at high temperatures can lead to the formation of dangerous compounds like acrylamide, which has been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers. Air fryers, by using less oil and cooking at lower temperatures, reduce the risk of these toxic compounds forming in your food.

Air fryer doughboy cooking instructions

Ingredients

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

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.
• Lightly spray the air fryer basket 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 doughboys warm, as they are, or with additional toppings such as chocolate sauce, fruit compote, or a dollop of whipped cream.

Tips

• For a savoury option, coat the doughboys in olive oil and garlic salt instead of cinnamon and sugar.
• For a different sweet option, try a topping of honey, Nutella, or maple syrup.
• You can also make the dough from scratch using flour, water, yeast, and salt.

Doughboy alternatives

Doughboys, also known as fried dough, are a delicious treat that can be made in an air fryer. But what if you don't have an air fryer, or are simply looking for some new options to try? Here are some alternatives to making doughboys in an air fryer:

• Traditional Deep Frying: If you don't have an air fryer, you can always opt for the traditional method of deep frying. While it requires more oil and can be messier, it will give you that classic crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior.
• Baked Doughboys: For a healthier alternative, you can bake your doughboys in the oven. Place them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
• Stovetop Frying: You can also fry your doughboys on a stovetop in a skillet. This method allows you to control the temperature and ensure even cooking. However, it may require more oil and can be a bit messier.
• Doughboy Alternatives: If you're looking for something a little different, you can try making "pizza boys." After frying the dough, top it with spaghetti sauce and grated Parmesan cheese. You can also experiment with other toppings, such as Nutella, peanut butter, or honey.
• Different Types of Dough: While the recipes typically call for refrigerated buttermilk biscuits or bread dough, you can also try using pizza dough or even making your own dough from scratch with flour, water, yeast, and salt.
• Sweet and Savory Variations: Doughboys can be customized to your taste preferences. For a sweet option, try toppings such as cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, honey, or chocolate sauce. If you're feeling savory, go for olive oil, garlic salt, grated cheese, or herbs.

Frequently asked questions