Air-Fryer Fried Dough: Quick, Easy, Delicious!

Making fried dough in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth without the mess of traditional frying. This method offers a healthier alternative to deep-frying, as it requires significantly less oil while still achieving a crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior.

To make fried dough in an air fryer, start by preparing your favourite fried dough recipe or using store-bought dough. Roll out the dough into thin circles or cut it into strips, depending on your desired shape. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175-177°C) and lightly spray the basket with cooking oil or line it with perforated parchment paper. Place the dough in the air fryer in a single layer, making sure the pieces do not overlap. Cook for about 5 minutes, then flip and continue air frying for an additional 3-5 minutes until golden brown.

Once cooked, brush the fried dough with melted butter and sprinkle with toppings of your choice, such as cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, or a savoury option like garlic salt and olive oil. Serve warm and enjoy!

Choosing the right oil for frying

When frying, it's important to consider the type of oil you use. Different oils have different smoke points, which is the temperature at which the oil starts to smoke. For air fryers, you want an oil with a high smoke point, as this will allow you to cook at higher temperatures without the oil breaking down. Here are some recommended oils for air frying, listed from highest to lowest smoke point:

• Avocado oil (570°F)
• Ghee (clarified butter) (485°F)
• Extra light olive oil (468°F)
• Soybean oil (460°F)
• Sunflower oil (450°F)
• Coconut oil (450°F)
• Peanut oil (450°F)
• Grapeseed oil (420°F)
• Canola oil (400-450°F)
• Vegetable oil (400°F)

It's also important to consider the taste of the oil and how it will complement your food. Some oils are neutral in flavour, such as deodorized avocado oil, organic virgin sesame oil, and grapeseed oil. These oils won't change the taste of your food and are great for spicy or strong-flavoured dishes. Other oils have a stronger taste, such as extra virgin olive oil and organic cooking sunflower oil, and can enhance the flavour of milder dishes.

When frying in an air fryer, it is recommended to add a small amount of oil (5-30 ml) to ensure even cooking and that desirable crispy texture. Additionally, always remember to remove moisture from the food before coating it with oil, and coat the food in a bowl rather than in the air fryer basket.

How to get the right consistency

The key to achieving the perfect consistency for your fried dough in an air fryer is to follow a few simple tips and techniques. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure your fried dough turns out delicious every time:

Ingredients and Dough Preparation:

Start by gathering your ingredients, which typically include all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, butter, and milk. You can also add vanilla extract for extra flavour. Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl, then add the wet ingredients and combine until a soft dough forms.

Once your dough is mixed, it's time to knead it. Transfer the dough to a flat surface and knead it with your hands for about 2 minutes. This step is crucial for developing the gluten in the dough and creating a smooth and elastic consistency.

After kneading, form the dough into a ball and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the gluten to relax and makes the dough easier to roll out.

Rolling and Shaping:

Divide the dough into 8-16 pieces, depending on the size you prefer. Roll each piece of dough into a circle about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. You can use a rolling pin to achieve an even thickness. This step ensures that your dough cooks evenly and gives you a larger surface area for toppings.

Air Fryer Preparation:

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175-177°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil or brush it with melted butter to prevent sticking. You can also line the basket with perforated parchment paper for easier cleanup.

Cooking the Dough:

Place the flattened dough circles into the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure 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 for about 5 minutes, then flip the dough and continue air-frying for an additional 3-5 minutes until golden brown and puffed up.

Toppings and Serving:

Once your fried dough is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and place it on a serving plate. Brush the warm dough with melted butter to add richness and help the toppings adhere. Sprinkle powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or both for a classic sweet option. You can also get creative with other toppings like chocolate sauce, fruit compote, whipped cream, or a savoury blend of olive oil and garlic salt.

Tips for Success:

• Aim for even thickness when rolling out the dough to ensure uniform cooking.
• Preheat your air fryer to ensure optimal cooking temperature from the start.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation and even cooking.
• Flip the dough halfway through the cooking time for even browning.
• Gently brush melted butter or other toppings onto the fried dough to avoid making it soggy.
• Serve the fried dough immediately while it's still warm and crispy.

The best toppings to use

There are endless possibilities when it comes to toppings for your air-fried dough. Whether you prefer sweet or savoury, there is a topping to suit any taste.

For a sweet treat, you could try:

• Powdered sugar
• Cinnamon sugar
• Honey
• Chocolate sauce
• Fruit compote
• Whipped cream
• Lemon sugar
• Nutella
• Marshmallows
• Pumpkin spice
• Honey and almonds
• Maple syrup and bacon
• Chocolate-hazelnut spread and banana
• Apple cinnamon delight

If you're after something savoury, you could try:

• Cheese and garlic
• Olive oil and garlic salt
• Pizza-style toppings
• Pesto or marinara sauce
• Pulled pork
• Herbs
• Olives or jalapeños

How to store fried dough

Storing fried dough correctly is essential to keep it fresh and tasty. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store fried dough to ensure it stays delicious:

Allow to Cool:

Firstly, it is important to let your fried dough cool down to room temperature before storing it. This will help prevent condensation from forming inside the container, which can make the fried dough soggy. Place the fried dough on a wire rack or a paper towel to cool down evenly.

Use an Airtight Container:

Once the fried dough has cooled, place it in an airtight container. This will help keep the fried dough fresh and prevent it from drying out or becoming stale. If you don't have an airtight container, a resealable plastic bag can also work.

Store at Room Temperature:

Fried dough is best stored at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Place a sheet of parchment paper or a paper towel between layers of fried dough to absorb any excess grease and prevent the pieces from sticking together.

Refrigerate if Consuming Within a Few Days:

If you plan on consuming the fried dough within a few days, you can store it in the refrigerator. However, make sure to keep it in an airtight container or well-sealed plastic bag to prevent it from drying out. The fried dough will stay fresh in the fridge for up to a week.

Freeze for Longer Storage:

If you want to store the fried dough for longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap each piece of fried dough individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. This will help prevent them from sticking together and make it easier to thaw individual portions as needed. Frozen fried dough can last for up to 2 months.

Reheat Properly:

When you're ready to enjoy your stored fried dough, it's essential to reheat it properly to retain its crispy texture. The best way to reheat fried dough is in an air fryer or oven. Reheat at 350°F for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy. You can also use a microwave for a quicker option, but it may not stay as crispy.

Remember, fried dough is best enjoyed fresh, but with proper storage and reheating techniques, you can still enjoy it in the days following preparation!

The difference between fry bread and fried dough

Fry bread and fried dough are very similar, and the names are often used interchangeably. However, there are some subtle differences between the two.

Fried dough is a North American food typically found at carnivals, fairs, and seaside resorts. It is made by deep-frying a portion of risen yeast dough, which gives it an irregular, bubbly appearance. The dough can be stretched, flattened, or shaped before frying, and it is often served with a variety of sweet or savoury toppings. Fried dough is also known by many other names, including fry dough, fry bread (bannock), doughboys, elephant ears, beaver tails, and scones.

On the other hand, fry bread specifically refers to a food with cultural significance in Native American history. Fry bread, or Navajo fry bread, originated when Native Americans were forced to relocate from Arizona to New Mexico and given canned goods and white flour, sugar, and lard by the government. This food holds a complicated significance, as it is both a symbol of Native pride and unity and a reminder of the painful history of Native Americans. Fry bread is a staple at intertribal fairs called powwows and is often served with various toppings, similar to fried dough.

While both fry bread and fried dough involve frying dough, the main difference lies in the cultural and historical significance attached to fry bread. Fried dough is more of a general term for a variety of similar fried bread dishes, while fry bread specifically refers to the dish with cultural roots in Native American history.

Frequently asked questions