Air-Fried Elephant Ears: A Tasty, Crispy Treat

Elephant Ears are a popular treat at fairs and carnivals in the United States. They are large, crispy pieces of fried dough, typically topped with cinnamon sugar, and are so named because they resemble the size and shape of an elephant's ear. While traditional Elephant Ears are deep-fried, it is possible to make them in an air fryer. This method produces a similar crispy and delicious result while using less oil.

How to make elephant ears in an air fryer

Elephant Ears are a popular carnival and fair food in the United States. They are large, crispy pieces of fried dough, often sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. While they are traditionally deep-fried, you can also make them in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make Elephant Ears in an air fryer:

Ingredients:

• Buttermilk biscuits (or puff pastry sheets)
• Melted butter
• Powdered sugar (also known as confectioners' sugar)
• Ground cinnamon
• Assorted toppings (optional): additional powdered sugar, flavored syrups, chocolate drizzle, fruit preserves, etc.

Instructions:

Prepare the Biscuit Dough:

Separate the buttermilk biscuit dough into individual biscuits according to the package instructions. You can also use puff pastry sheets if you prefer.

Roll Out the Biscuits:

Use a rolling pin to roll out each biscuit into a thin, flat circle on a clean surface or cutting board. Brush one side of each flattened biscuit with melted butter, ensuring an even coat.

Air Fry the Elephant Ears:

Preheat your Air Fryer to 350 degrees F (175°C). The preheating step may be optional, depending on your air fryer model. Place the biscuits into the Air Fryer basket, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook the Elephant Ears for about 5-6 minutes or until they are golden brown and puffed up. The cooking time may vary depending on your specific air fryer model, so keep an eye on them.

Finish and Serve:

Once done, carefully remove the Elephant Ears from the Air Fryer and let them cool for a minute or two. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle powdered sugar and cinnamon on top, according to your taste. You can also get creative with other toppings, such as chocolate sauce, caramel, or fruit preserves. Serve your freshly cooked Elephant Ears while they are still warm and enjoy this delightful treat!

Tips for Making Air Fryer Elephant Ears:

• Use parchment paper or liners to prevent the Elephant Ears from sticking to the air fryer basket.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation. Cook in batches if needed.
• Keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary depending on your air fryer model.
• Lightly spray the Elephant Ears with cooking spray before air frying to achieve a golden-brown, crispy texture.
• Elephant Ears are best served fresh and warm, so serve them immediately after cooking for the crispiest results.
• Experiment with different toppings and fillings to create unique flavors, such as fruit preserves, nuts, chocolate chips, or even savory options.

Ingredients for elephant ears in an air fryer

Elephant ears are a popular treat at carnivals and fairs, and they can also be made at home in an air fryer. Here are the ingredients you'll need to make this delicious dessert:

Buttermilk Biscuits:

The base of your elephant ears. Buttermilk biscuits provide a flaky and tender texture to the dessert. You can separate store-bought or homemade buttermilk biscuit dough into individual biscuits and roll them out into thin, flat circles.

Melted Butter:

Melted butter is brushed onto the biscuit dough before and after air frying. It adds richness, helps the sugar and cinnamon mixture stick, and gives the elephant ears a glossy finish.

Powdered Sugar (Confectioners' Sugar):

Powdered sugar is sprinkled generously over the cooked elephant ears. It adds sweetness and a snowy finish to the dessert. It can also be mixed with ground cinnamon for added flavour.

Ground Cinnamon:

Ground cinnamon is often mixed with powdered sugar and sprinkled over the elephant ears. It gives a warm and comforting aroma to this sweet treat.

Toppings:

The fun part! You can get creative with assorted toppings to enhance the sweetness and flavour of your elephant ears. Some popular options include additional powdered sugar, flavoured syrups (like chocolate or caramel), fruit preserves, frosting, chocolate sauce, strawberry sauce, or even a scoop of ice cream!

Step-by-step instructions for elephant ears in an air fryer

Elephant Ears are a popular treat at fairs and carnivals, and you can make them at home in an air fryer! Here is a step-by-step guide to making this delicious dessert:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Firstly, gather your ingredients: milk, shortening, sugar, salt, and active dry yeast. Combine the milk, shortening, sugar, and salt in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the shortening melts and the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat and let the mixture cool to around 110°F (43°C). Once it has cooled, sprinkle in the yeast and let it sit until it becomes foamy.

Step 2: Knead and Rest the Dough

Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and gradually stir in the flour to form a dough. You can also add the flour in increments and knead until you get a smooth dough. Cover the dough and let it rest for about 30 minutes.

Step 3: Roll and Cut the Dough

After the dough has rested, roll it out into thin sheets. You can use a rolling pin for this step. Then, cut the dough into circles of about 2-inch diameter. If you want to make mini elephant ears, feel free to cut the dough into smaller portions.

Step 4: Air Fry the Dough

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Some air fryers may not require preheating. Place the dough circles into the air fryer basket, making sure they don't touch each other. You may need to cook them in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.

Step 5: Cook until Golden Brown

Cook the elephant ears for around 5-6 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up. Keep an eye on them, as cooking times may vary between different air fryer models. Once done, carefully remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute.

Step 6: Brush with Butter and Sprinkle Toppings

Brush the cooked elephant ears with melted butter. Then, it's time for the toppings! The traditional topping for elephant ears is a mixture of cinnamon and sugar, but you can also get creative and use other options. Some popular choices include powdered sugar, chocolate sauce, caramel, fruit preserves, or a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or water.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your freshly cooked elephant ears while they are still warm. Enjoy this sweet and crispy treat, perfect for satisfying your dessert cravings!

Tips for Making Air Fryer Elephant Ears:

• Use parchment paper or liners to prevent the elephant ears from sticking to the air fryer basket.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation.
• Keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary depending on your air fryer model.
• Lightly spray the elephant ears with cooking spray before air frying for a golden-brown, crispy texture.
• Elephant ears are best enjoyed fresh, so serve them immediately for the crispiest results.
• Experiment with different toppings and shapes to create your unique version of this treat!

Toppings for elephant ears

Elephant ears are a popular carnival and fair food, consisting of deep-fried dough that is puffed up and golden brown. They are typically topped with cinnamon and sugar, but there are many other toppings that you can add to enhance the sweetness and flavour. Here are some ideas for toppings to add to your elephant ears:

Powdered Sugar

Powdered sugar, also known as confectioners' sugar, is a simple but delicious topping. It adds a sweet and snowy finish to the dessert.

Cinnamon

Ground cinnamon is often mixed with powdered sugar for added flavour. It gives the elephant ears a warm and comforting aroma. You can adjust the amount of cinnamon to your taste preferences.

Melted Butter

Brushing melted butter onto the elephant ears adds richness and helps the sugar and cinnamon mixture stick.

Fruit Preserves

Fruit preserves or pie filling can be added as a topping or filling. For example, a dollop of cherry pie filling with whipped cream would make a delicious topping.

Chocolate Sauce

Chocolate lovers will enjoy drizzling chocolate sauce or Nutella on top of their elephant ears. You can also add a few chocolate chips or chunks to the centre of each pastry before folding and frying.

Caramel Sauce

Caramel sauce is another tasty option for a sweet topping. You can use store-bought or make your own with an easy recipe.

Nuts

For a nutty delight, sprinkle finely chopped nuts like pecans or almonds on top of the sugared side of the biscuit before folding and frying.

Savory Options

For a savoury twist, skip the sugar and cinnamon, and sprinkle the biscuit dough with grated cheese and herbs. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.

How to store elephant ears

Elephant ears are best enjoyed fresh and warm, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They may lose some of their crispiness, but you can reheat them in the air fryer to regain their signature texture.

Storing Cooked Elephant Ears:

• Let the elephant ears cool down to room temperature.
• Place them in an airtight container.
• Store at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Reheating Elephant Ears:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
• Warm the elephant ears for 1-2 minutes until heated through and crispy again.

Storing Uncooked Elephant Ear Dough:

• If you have prepared the dough but not yet fried the elephant ears, you can store the uncooked dough in the refrigerator.
• Place the dough in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Alternatively, you can freeze the uncooked dough for later use.

Freezing Uncooked Elephant Ears:

• Place the uncooked elephant ears on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer.
• Once they are frozen solid, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag.
• When you're ready to cook them, take them out of the freezer and place them directly into the air fryer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

Storing Cooked Elephant Ears in the Freezer:

• If you have cooked elephant ears that you want to freeze, allow them to cool completely.
• Wrap each elephant ear individually in plastic wrap or foil.
• Place the wrapped elephant ears in a freezer bag or airtight container.
• Label and date the container, and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Now you know how to store your elephant ears to enjoy them fresh and crispy whenever you crave this delicious treat!

Frequently asked questions