Air-Fried Cinnamon Twists: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Cinnamon twists are a popular dessert item offered by the fast-food chain Taco Bell. They are light, crispy, and twisted pasta-like snacks deep-fried until they puff up and become airy. The secret to their unique texture lies in the type of pasta used, which expands when fried, creating a light and puffy snack. You can easily make these cinnamon twists at home in an air fryer, and they will be ready in under 30 minutes. The ingredients you will need include wheat pellets, sugar, ground cinnamon, and cooking spray. The process involves preheating the air fryer, preparing the cinnamon-sugar mixture, cooking the wheat pellets, and tossing them with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. You can also experiment with different variations, such as adding a chocolate drizzle, vanilla glaze, or a nutty crunch.

Choosing the right wheat pellets

Wheat pellets, also known as "duros" or "pasta para duros", are an essential ingredient in making cinnamon twists in an air fryer. They are small, hard wheat pellets that puff up when cooked, creating the light and airy texture of cinnamon twists. Here are some tips for choosing the right wheat pellets for your cinnamon twists:

Section_break: Choose the Right Type of Wheat Pellets:

Look for small, wagon wheel-shaped wheat pellets specifically designed to puff up when cooked. These are typically called "duros" or "pasta para duros" and can be found at Mexican grocery stores or on Amazon. Avoid using regular pasta, as it will not puff up in the same way.

Check the Ingredients:

Make sure the wheat pellets you choose are made from wheat flour. Authentic duros are made from wheat flour, which is different from the wheat flour used in regular pasta. This unique flour composition is what allows the pellets to puff up and create the airy texture of cinnamon twists.

Consider the Flavor:

Wheat twists have a distinct savory flavor that will come through in the final product. While it may be slightly different from the cinnamon twists you are used to, it is still delicious. If you want a more authentic flavor, look for wheat pellets that are seasoned with chili and lime.

Storage and Shelf Life:

If you don't plan on using all the wheat pellets at once, check the storage instructions and shelf life. Some wheat pellets may need to be stored in a specific way, such as in an airtight container, to maintain their freshness and puffing ability.

Experiment with Brands:

Different brands of wheat pellets may vary in terms of flavor, texture, and puffing ability. Don't be afraid to experiment with different brands to find the ones that best suit your taste and preferences. You can typically find wheat pellets at Mexican grocery stores or on Amazon, giving you a range of options to choose from.

Preparing the cinnamon-sugar mixture

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

You will need granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. These two ingredients create the perfect blend of sweetness and warmth that defines the flavour of cinnamon twists.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

In a small bowl, add the sugar and cinnamon. Use a whisk or a spoon to mix them together thoroughly until they are well combined. The cinnamon should be evenly distributed throughout the sugar, creating a uniform mixture.

Step 3: Adjust the Ratio to Taste

Feel free to experiment with the ratio of cinnamon to sugar to suit your taste preferences. If you have a sweet tooth, you may want to add more sugar. On the other hand, if you prefer a spicier kick, add a bit more cinnamon. It's all about customising the mixture to your liking!

Step 4: Set the Mixture Aside

Once you've achieved the perfect blend, set the cinnamon-sugar mixture aside. It will be ready to use when your cinnamon twists come out of the air fryer. This mixture will give your twists that signature sweet and spicy coating that makes them so irresistible.

Tips for a Perfect Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture

• Start with a small amount of cinnamon and gradually add more to your sugar. This way, you can easily adjust the ratio to your taste.
• You can also add other spices to the mixture for unique flavour profiles. For example, a pinch of cayenne pepper or chilli powder adds a subtle heat, while nutmeg or cardamom provides a more aromatic and complex flavour.
• If you're short on time, you can use store-bought cinnamon-sugar mixtures or seasoning blends, such as Cinnadust seasoning from Cinnamon Toast Crunch.

Cooking the wheat pellets

To cook the wheat pellets, you'll need to follow a few simple steps. First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the wheat pellets, or "duros," will cook at the optimal temperature for puffing. Next, place the pellets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. Spray a light coat of cooking spray over the pellets to help them crisp up.

Now, you can air fry thesection of the template pellets. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model, but on average, it should take around 3-5 minutes for the pellets to puff up and turn a light golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

Once they are done, immediately transfer the hot, puffed twists to a large bowl. It is important that they are still warm when you coat them with the cinnamon-sugar mixture, as this helps the sugar stick to the twists. Sprinkle the mixture over the twists and toss gently to ensure an even coating.

And that's it! You've successfully cooked and coated your wheat pellets. They are now ready to be served and enjoyed as a delicious snack or dessert.

Coating the twists

Preparing the Coating Mixture:

Before you begin air-frying the wheat pellets or dough, it is essential to prepare the cinnamon-sugar mixture. In a small bowl, simply combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Stir or whisk the ingredients together until they are well mixed. Set this mixture aside until the twists are ready to be coated. You can adjust the ratio of cinnamon to sugar according to your preference. If you prefer a more pronounced cinnamon flavour, increase the amount of cinnamon relative to the sugar. On the other hand, if you have a sweet tooth, you may want to use more sugar than cinnamon.

Cooking the Twists:

Once the coating is ready, it's time to cook the wheat pellets or dough in the air fryer. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. This step is crucial to allow them to puff up and cook evenly. Depending on the recipe, you may want to brush or spray the twists with cooking spray, canola oil, or melted butter before air-frying. This step will help the coating stick to the twists and promote even browning. Air fry the twists according to your chosen recipe, typically between 4 to 7 minutes, or until they are golden brown.

As soon as the twists are done cooking, it's crucial to act quickly. Transfer the hot, puffed twists to a large bowl. While they are still warm, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over them. Gently toss the twists in the bowl to ensure each twist is evenly coated. The residual heat from the twists will help the sugar mixture adhere to the surface, creating a delicious, sweet coating. Be generous with the coating, and don't be afraid to add more if needed.

Serving the Twists:

Finally, it's time to serve your freshly made cinnamon twists! They are best enjoyed while still warm and crispy, as they can soften over time. These sweet treats can be served as a snack or dessert and are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. You can also experiment with various dipping sauces, such as cream cheese dip, chocolate sauce, or caramel sauce, to take your cinnamon twists to the next level.

Storing and reheating

Cinnamon twists are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored and reheated to be enjoyed later. If you plan to eat your cinnamon twists within a day, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to store them for longer, freezing is the best option to maintain freshness.

To store cinnamon twists in the freezer, first let them cool down to room temperature. Then, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil, ensuring that they are sealed as tightly as possible to avoid freezer burn. Place the wrapped twists into an airtight container or freezer bag, adding another layer of wrapping over the top of the twists before sealing. Label the container with the date, and try to eat within a couple of weeks. Check the twists every couple of weeks for any freezer burn.

To reheat, first thaw the cinnamon twists. You can do this by placing the airtight container with the twists into the refrigerator for 24 hours, or by placing the frozen twists out (still covered) at room temperature for about 4-5 hours. Preheat your oven to 350°F, and place your thawed twists onto a baking pan or cookie sheet. Brush the tops with butter, and bake for 8-10 minutes until warmed through. You can also sprinkle with powdered sugar or add more frosting before serving.

If you're short on time, you can also reheat cinnamon twists in the microwave by covering them with a damp paper towel and cooking in short bursts on a microwave-safe plate until warmed through.

Frequently asked questions