Air-Fryer Doughboys: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Doughboys are a delicious fried dough treat, also known as elephant ears, beaver tails, or frying saucers. They are a type of comfort food enjoyed by many and can be made at home with an air fryer. Making doughboys in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth without the mess of deep frying. The end result is a batch of delicious, crispy, golden doughballs that can be topped with anything from cinnamon and sugar to olive oil and garlic salt.

Choosing the right oil

When making doughboys in an air fryer, it is important to choose the right oil to ensure the best results. Here are some factors to consider when selecting an oil:

Smoke Point

The smoke point of an oil refers to the temperature at which it begins to burn and produce smoke. Different oils have different smoke points, so it is important to choose an oil with a high enough smoke point for air frying. Oils with a high smoke point include peanut oil, canola oil, and vegetable oil. Using an oil with a lower smoke point may result in undesirable flavours and potentially harmful compounds.

Flavour

The flavour of the oil you choose will also impact the taste of your doughboys. Some oils have a more neutral flavour, such as canola oil, while others can add a distinct flavour to your dish. For example, olive oil can add a fruity or peppery taste, depending on the type used. If you want a more subtle flavour, opt for oils with a neutral taste.

Health Benefits

When choosing an oil, consider the health benefits associated with different options. For instance, olive oil is known for its monounsaturated fats, which are considered a healthier type of fat. Other oils, such as avocado oil, have high levels of antioxidants and vitamins. Consider your health goals and choose an oil that aligns with your nutritional needs.

Cost and Availability

The cost and availability of the oil are also important factors to consider. Some oils may be more expensive or difficult to find than others. Compare prices and look for oils that fit within your budget. Additionally, check the availability of the oil at your local grocery store or online.

Allergies and Dietary Restrictions

If you or your guests have any allergies or dietary restrictions, be sure to choose an oil that accommodates those needs. For example, if someone is allergic to nuts, avoid using peanut oil. There are many alternative options available, such as sunflower oil or grapeseed oil, that can be used instead.

By considering these factors, you can choose the right oil for making delicious doughboys in your air fryer. Remember to store your oil properly, keeping it in a cool, dark place to maintain its freshness and quality.

Preparing the dough

To make doughboys in an air fryer, you can use store-bought or homemade dough. Here's a guide on preparing the dough, with a focus on the latter:

Ingredients

Section

To make your own dough, gather the following ingredients:

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Active dry yeast
• Salt
• Water
• Vegetable oil or olive oil
• Butter

Mixing the Dough

First, mix the dry ingredients, including the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt, in a large bowl. Whisk them together to combine. Then, add in the wet ingredients: water and oil. Mix everything together using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment. If you don't have a stand mixer, you can mix the dough by hand, but it may take a bit more effort.

Adjusting the Consistency

As you mix, pay attention to the consistency of the dough. If it seems too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it feels more manageable. On the other hand, if the dough appears too dry,section sprinkle in a small amount of water to bring it together.

Letting the Dough Rise

Once you've achieved the desired consistency, transfer the dough to a greased bowl. Cover the bowl loosely with plastic wrap or a clean dish towel. Let the dough rest in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 to 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This rising process is crucial for developing gluten and giving your doughboys a delightful chewy texture.

Shaping the Dough

After the dough has risen, it's time to shape it. Lightly flour a work surface and turn out the dough onto it. Sprinkle a little flour on top of the dough as well to prevent sticking. Use a rolling pin to flatten the dough to a thickness of about 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch. Then, use a knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into equal-sized pieces. You can make them as small or large as you like, depending on your preference.

Resting the Dough Pieces

Before cooking, it's a good idea to let the individual pieces of dough rest for a few minutes. This helps relax the gluten and makes the dough easier to work with. Let the pieces sit for around 10 minutes before proceeding to the next step.

Air fryer settings

To make doughboys in an air fryer, you'll need to preheat your appliance and prepare your dough. Here are the steps you should follow:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. This is the ideal temperature for cooking your doughboys without burning them.
• Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with melted butter. This step ensures that your doughboys don't stick to the surface and helps with the browning process.
• Place the circles of dough in the air fryer, leaving some space around each piece. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook in batches.
• Spray the tops of the dough with cooking spray or brush them with melted butter. This step helps with even browning and creates a crispy texture.
• Fry the doughboys in the air fryer for a total of 9 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Adjust the cooking time as needed, keeping in mind that they should be a nice golden colour when done.
• If desired, brush the cooked doughboys with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar, or other toppings of your choice.

Remember to always follow the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer of your air fryer for optimal results and safety.

Toppings and coatings

There are endless possibilities when it comes to toppings and coatings for doughboys made in an air fryer. For a sweet treat, you can sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on top, or brush them with butter, honey, maple syrup, chocolate sauce, Nutella, or jam. For a savoury option, try olive oil and garlic salt, or grated cheese like Parmesan or cheddar. You can also get creative with toppings like whipped cream and fresh berries, pesto or marinara sauce, shredded chicken or pulled pork, herbs, or sliced olives and jalapeños.

If you're feeling adventurous, try some unique combinations like peanut butter and banana slices, apple slices with caramel sauce, bacon bits with maple syrup, goat cheese and honey, or smoked salmon and cream cheese.

No matter which toppings or coatings you choose, the key to getting crispy, golden doughboys is brushing them with melted butter before adding your desired toppings. So, get creative and enjoy your delicious air-fried treat!

Storing and reheating

To reheat, you can use an air fryer, oven, or microwave. For the air fryer and oven, reheat at 350°F for a few minutes until warmed through. Using the air fryer will help retain the crispy texture. If you're short on time, the microwave is a quick option—heat for 20-30 seconds, but this may affect the crispiness.

Frequently asked questions