Air-Fried Dough: Is It Possible?

Yes, you can make fried dough in an air fryer. It's a healthier alternative to deep-frying, as it requires significantly less oil to achieve the same crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior. The air fryer circulates hot air around the dough, cooking it evenly and quickly. You can make fried dough from scratch or use store-bought biscuit, croissant, or pizza dough.

Air fryer fried dough recipe

Ingredients

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

You can also use homemade pizza dough or store-bought pizza dough, or Rhodes frozen bread dough.

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.
• Spray the air fryer basket lightly 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 they are 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. The warmth of the dough will melt the butter, allowing the sugar and cinnamon to stick and create a deliciously sweet coating.
• Serve the Air Fryer Fried Dough warm, as is, or with additional toppings of your choice, such as chocolate sauce, fruit compote, or a dollop of whipped cream.

Tips

• Roll evenly: Aim for even thickness to ensure uniform cooking and prevent under or overcooking.
• Preheat your air fryer: This ensures that your fried dough starts cooking at the optimal temperature immediately, promoting even browning and crisping.
• Use parchment paper: To prevent sticking and make cleanup easier, consider placing a piece of parchment paper in the basket of your air fryer. Just make sure it's perforated or add holes to allow airflow.
• Do not overcrowd: Air fryers circulate hot air around the food. Overcrowding the basket will prevent the dough from cooking evenly and achieving a crispy texture.
• Flip halfway through: Flip the fried dough halfway through the cooking time for even browning and cooking.
• Brush, don't soak: When applying melted butter or other toppings, gently coat the fried dough with a pastry brush to ensure every nook and cranny is deliciously seasoned without making the dough soggy.
• Serve immediately: Fried dough is best enjoyed warm, straight out of the air fryer. If you must wait, keep it in a warm oven to maintain its texture.

Variations

You can also make fried dough balls, pizza-style fried dough, or apple cinnamon delight, among other variations.

How to make fried dough in an air fryer

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 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 fried dough warm, as is, or with additional toppings of your choice, such as chocolate sauce, fruit compote, or a dollop of whipped cream.

Tips:

• Roll the dough evenly to ensure uniform cooking and prevent under or overcooking.
• Preheat your air fryer to ensure the dough cooks at an optimal temperature.
• Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
• Flip the dough halfway through the cooking time for even browning.
• Brush the dough with butter or other toppings gently to avoid making the dough soggy.
• Serve immediately—fried dough is best enjoyed warm and crispy, straight out of the air fryer.

Variations:

• Chocolate-Hazelnut Spread and Banana: Spread chocolate-hazelnut spread over the warm dough, top with sliced bananas and chopped hazelnuts.
• Savory Cheese & Garlic: Mix melted butter with minced garlic and brush over the cooked dough. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top and return to the air fryer for a minute or until the cheese melts.
• Apple Cinnamon Delight: Top the fried dough with warm sautéed apples cooked with butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Drizzle with caramel sauce.
• Pizza Style Fried Dough: Spread pizza sauce over the fried dough, add shredded mozzarella and your choice of pizza toppings. Air fry until the cheese is bubbly.
• Lemon Sugar: Combine powdered sugar with finely grated lemon zest. Brush the fried dough with melted butter and sprinkle over the top.
• Jelly or Jam Glazed: Warm your favourite jelly or jam and brush over the fried dough, then sprinkle with powdered sugar.
• Nutella and Marshmallow: Spread Nutella over the fried dough and top with mini marshmallows. Return to the air fryer for a few seconds until the marshmallows melt.
• Pumpkin Spice: Mix powdered sugar with pumpkin spice seasoning and sprinkle over the buttered fried dough.
• Honey and Almonds: Drizzle honey over the cooked dough and sprinkle with sliced almonds and a pinch of sea salt.
• Bacon and Maple: Top the fried dough with crispy bacon bits and a generous drizzle of maple syrup.

Enjoy your delicious, crispy, golden fried dough treats!

Tips for making fried dough in an air fryer

• If you're making the dough from scratch, be sure to knead it thoroughly and let it rest before frying. This will ensure your dough is the right consistency and give it time to rise.
• When flattening the dough, aim for even thickness. This will ensure your doughnuts cook evenly and gives you more surface area for toppings.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) to ensure your dough cooks evenly and becomes golden.
• Use parchment paper or cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the dough in batches to allow hot air to circulate and ensure even cooking and that desirable crispy texture.
• Flip the dough halfway through the cooking time for even browning.
• When applying melted butter or other toppings, use a pastry brush to ensure every part of the dough is seasoned without making it soggy.
• Experiment with different types of dough, such as pizza dough or homemade dough, for varied textures and flavours.
• Get creative with your toppings! While powdered sugar and cinnamon are classic choices, you can also try chocolate sauce, fruit compote, whipped cream, or even savoury options like grated cheese and herbs.

Storing and reheating fried dough made in an air fryer

Storing and reheating fried dough is a simple process. Here are some tips to ensure your fried dough stays fresh and tasty:

Storing Fried Dough:

Firstly, allow the fried dough to cool completely before storing. Place the fried dough in an airtight container to maintain freshness. If you plan to consume it within a day, store it at room temperature. However, if you won't be eating it right away, it is best to refrigerate it for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, consider freezing. Wrap the fried dough pieces individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Fried Dough in an Air Fryer:

When you're ready to enjoy your fried dough again, simply preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Place the fried dough in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each piece to ensure even heating. Reheat for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy.

You can also reheat fried dough in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F and place the fried dough on a baking sheet. Warm them for about 5-10 minutes.

If you're in a hurry, you can use a microwave. However, microwaving may not retain the crispy texture as effectively as the air fryer or oven methods. Microwave for 20-30 seconds if you choose this option.

Serving suggestions for air fryer fried dough

Air fryer fried dough is a versatile treat that can be served as a dessert or a savoury snack. The fried dough can be served with a variety of toppings and fillings to suit your taste preferences. Here are some serving suggestions for air fryer fried dough:

Sweet Variations:

• Classic Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle the fried dough with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. This classic combination adds a warm, spicy note to the sweetness of the dough.
• Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle melted chocolate over the fried dough for a decadent treat. You can also use chocolate-hazelnut spread, such as Nutella, for an extra indulgent twist.
• Fruit Compote: Top the fried dough with a compote made from your favourite fresh or cooked fruits. This adds a sweet and tangy flavour to the dough.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top of the fried dough creates a light and creamy contrast to the crispy texture. You can also add fresh berries or other fruits for a more sophisticated dessert.
• Honey: Drizzle honey over the fried dough for a natural sweetness. This combination is simple yet satisfying.
• Maple Syrup: For a taste of breakfast, drizzle maple syrup over the fried dough. You can even add some crispy bacon bits for a sweet and savoury combination.
• Lemon Sugar: Combine powdered sugar with finely grated lemon zest and sprinkle it over the fried dough. This adds a refreshing citrus twist to the dish.
• Jelly or Jam: Warm your favourite jelly or jam and brush it over the fried dough. This variation is sweet and nostalgic.
• Marshmallows: For a gooey treat, spread marshmallow fluff or mini marshmallows over the fried dough and place it back in the air fryer for a few seconds until melted.
• Pumpkin Spice: Mix powdered sugar with pumpkin spice seasoning and sprinkle it over the fried dough. This variation is perfect for autumn and adds a warm, spicy flavour.

Savoury Variations:

• Cheese & Garlic: Mix melted butter with minced garlic and brush it over the fried dough. Sprinkle shredded cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar, on top and return it to the air fryer until the cheese melts. You can also add a dash of parsley for a savoury version.
• Pizza Style: Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the fried dough and add shredded mozzarella and your choice of pizza toppings such as pepperoni, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Air fry until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Pesto or Marinara Sauce: For a savoury twist, top the fried dough with pesto or marinara sauce and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
• Shredded Chicken or Pulled Pork: For a heartier option, top the fried dough with shredded chicken or pulled pork and your choice of barbecue or spicy sauce.
• Cream Cheese: Spread plain or flavoured cream cheese over the fried dough and top with chopped herbs, such as parsley or cilantro.
• Olives or Jalapeños: For a savoury and spicy kick, top the fried dough with sliced olives or jalapeños and sprinkle with grated cheese.
• Goat Cheese and Honey: For a sophisticated bite, spread goat cheese over the fried dough and drizzle with honey. The combination of sweet and tangy flavours is sure to impress.
• Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese: This variation is elegant and perfect for brunch. Top the fried dough with smoked salmon and cream cheese, and add a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright touch.

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