Hot Air Fryer Fried Dough: Is It Possible?

Yes, you can make fried dough in an air fryer. This cooking method offers a healthier alternative to traditional deep-frying, reducing the amount of oil needed without compromising on taste or texture. The air fryer circulates hot air around the dough, cooking it evenly and quickly, resulting in a crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior.

To make fried dough in an air fryer, you'll need a simple dough made from flour, baking powder, sugar, milk, egg, and oil. Roll out the dough, cut it into desired shapes, and place the pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 350-375°F for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown. You can then add your favourite toppings or seasonings, such as cinnamon sugar, garlic butter, or parmesan cheese.

Health Benefits of Using an Air Fryer

Yes, you can make fried dough in an air fryer. Here are some health benefits of using an air fryer:

Reduced Fat Content

Air fryers can reduce the fat content of fried foods by a significant amount—up to 70%-80% in some cases. This is because air fryers require only a fraction of the oil that deep fryers use, which means less fat and fewer calories in your food.

Lower Calorie Intake

Air fryers can also help lower your calorie intake. Deep-fried foods are high in fat and calories, so swapping them for air-fried alternatives can be a healthier option.

Reduced Harmful Compounds

Air frying can reduce harmful compounds that are produced when frying foods in heated oil, such as acrylamide, which has been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers. Air frying can also reduce polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), another carcinogen produced when oils are heated to high temperatures.

Convenience and Ease of Use

Using an air fryer is incredibly easy and convenient. It requires less clean-up than deep-frying methods since there is no messy oil to dispose of. Air fryers are also quicker and more hands-off, as you don't need to constantly monitor the cooking process.

Taste and Texture

Despite using less oil, air-fried foods still retain the delicious taste and texture of traditional fried foods. The food remains crispy and golden brown, with a mouth-watering aroma, and a delightful contrast between the crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior.

Weight Management

Deep-fried foods are associated with a higher risk of obesity due to their high fat and calorie content. By switching to air-fried foods and reducing your intake of unhealthy oils, you can promote weight loss and improve your overall health.

Safety

Deep-frying involves heating a large container of scalding oil, which can be dangerous. Air fryers, on the other hand, do not pose the same safety risks. There is no risk of spilling or splashing hot oil, making them a safer option for cooking.

Nutrient Preservation

Convection heat used in air fryers may help preserve certain nutrients during the cooking process, such as vitamin C and protective plant compounds called polyphenols.

In summary, using an air fryer to make fried dough offers several health benefits, including reduced fat and calorie intake, lower levels of harmful compounds, convenience, improved taste and texture, weight management, safety, and potential nutrient preservation.

Convenience and Ease of Using an Air Fryer

Using an air fryer to cook fried dough is incredibly easy and can save you a lot of time in the kitchen. Here are some benefits of using an air fryer in terms of convenience and ease:

• Less Clean-Up Required: Air fryers require less clean-up than deep-frying methods since there is no messy oil to dispose of.
• Time-Efficient: Air fryers are much quicker than traditional deep-frying methods.
• No Need to Babysit: You don't have to constantly watch over the dough while it’s cooking in the air fryer.
• Easy to Use: Air fryers are user-friendly and simple to operate. Most air fryers come with guides or recipe books to help you get started.
• Safe to Use: Air fryers are safer than deep frying as they minimise the risk of hot oil splashes.

Tastiness and Texture of Fried Dough Made in an Air Fryer

Air fryer fried dough has a unique texture that makes it a hit with people who love traditional fried dough. The taste and texture benefits of air-fried dough include:

• Air-fried dough is crispy and delicious, just like traditional fried dough.
• Despite the reduced oil content, the dough retains its lovely brown colour and mouth-watering aroma.
• The dough is evenly cooked and crispy on all sides, creating a delightful sensation in every bite.
• The convenience of the air fryer, coupled with a tastier and better-textured result, are all compelling reasons to give air-fried dough a try.

Some people may be hesitant to try air-fried dough, as deep-frying is the traditional method for making fried dough. However, the air fryer provides a healthy option to enjoy fried dough without compromising on taste and texture. By adjusting the temperature, cook time, and using a generous amount of oil, you can get a delicious and healthier version of fried dough in your air fryer.

How to Make Fried Dough in an Air Fryer

Ingredients

Get the following ingredients to make fried dough in an air fryer:

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons of baking powder
• 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons of oil
• Additional oil for frying
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Method

Making the Dough

• Combine the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar in a large mixing bowl.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and oil.
• Add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture and mix until it forms a smooth dough.
• Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until it becomes stretchy.
• Roll the dough into ¼ inch thickness and then cut it into 2-inch circles.

Air Frying the Dough

• Preheat the air fryer at 375°F and add some oil to the fryer drawer to prevent the dough from sticking.
• Place the dough circles on the fryer basket, making sure that you do not layer them.
• Cook the dough for 5-6 minutes until it turns golden brown.
• Flip the dough on the other side halfway through cooking.
• Take out the fried dough and let it cool for a few minutes before dusting it with powdered sugar.

Tips

• Only add a small amount of oil to the air fryer drawer to prevent sticking.
• Preheat the air fryer for a few minutes before adding the dough circles.
• Make sure not to stack the dough in the air fryer basket.
• Flip the dough halfway through cooking for even browning.
• Let the dough cool for a few minutes before dusting it with powdered sugar.

Troubleshooting and FAQs

Common Problems

• Uneven cooking: The lower part of the dough is cooked perfectly, but the upper part remains uncooked. This is due to the air circulation in the air fryer.
• Dough sticks to the air fryer basket: This is caused by insufficient oil on the dough.
• Dry fried dough: The dough is overcooked or the temperature is too high.

Tips and Tricks

• Always preheat your air fryer to ensure a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process.
• Brush the dough with oil to prevent it from sticking to the air fryer basket and to make it more flavourful and crunchier.
• Flip the dough halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking on both sides.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow hot air to circulate evenly and prevent uneven cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I air fry frozen fried dough? Yes, preheat the air fryer, brush the dough with oil, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
• Do I need to add seasoning to the dough before air frying? It's not necessary, but you can sprinkle on some powdered sugar or cinnamon after cooking.
• What type of dough is suitable for air frying? Any type of fried dough, including donuts, churros, and beignets. Just remember to brush the dough with oil first.
• Can I store air-fried dough? Yes, in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Frequently asked questions