Air Fryer Duro: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Duros, or Duros de harina, are a popular Mexican street food, also known as pasta para duros, duritos, pin wheels, and Mexican wagon wheels, among other names. They are crunchy wheat chips in the shape of adorable wheels, doused in lime juice and generously sprinkled with a tongue-tingling spice mix or hot sauce. While traditionally deep-fried, some people have attempted to make them in an air fryer with varying degrees of success. One user on Reddit claims to have made them successfully in an air fryer by preheating it to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 minutes and then cooking for 2 minutes. However, another user strongly advises against it, claiming that the texture and taste are wrong and that the duros deserve better.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It's similar to preheating your oven before baking something. By preheating your air fryer, you ensure that your appliance is hot enough to properly cook your food from the moment you put it in. This helps to avoid undercooking and promotes even cooking and crisping.

To preheat your air fryer, simply turn it on and set it to the desired temperature. Most air fryers will take just a few minutes to preheat. You can usually find the preheat setting on the control panel of your air fryer, along with the temperature and timer settings. Refer to your air fryer's user manual for model-specific instructions.

Depending on the model, your air fryer may have a preheat light or a beep to indicate that it has reached the set temperature. If your air fryer does not have these indicators, you can use an air fryer thermometer to check the temperature. Place the thermometer probe inside the air fryer basket and wait until the desired temperature is reached.

Once your air fryer is preheated, you can proceed with adding your food. Remember to add a teaspoon or two of oil to help your food get crispy, unless your recipe specifically calls for a different amount. Also, be sure not to overcrowd the basket, as air fryers need space around the food to cook it evenly.

Oil the duros

To make duros in an air fryer, you'll need to start by oiling the duros. This is an important step as it will help the duros get nice and crispy. Here's a step-by-step guide to oiling your duros:

Step 1: Prepare the Oil

Before you begin, make sure you have the right type and amount of oil. Most recipes call for only a teaspoon or two of oil, so you don't need much. Vegetable oil or olive oil are good options. Have a cooking brush or spray bottle ready to apply the oil.

Step 2: Apply the Oil

Take your duros and lightly coat them with the oil. You can brush the oil on with a pastry brush or spray it on with a spray bottle. Make sure to get an even coating, but don't overdo it—too much oil can be counterproductive.

Step 3: Prepare for Cooking

Once your duros are oiled, they are almost ready for the air fryer. You can season them with salt or other spices at this point if desired. Just be sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket when you cook them, as this can affect the cooking process.

Step 4: Cook

Follow the standard instructions for cooking duros in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer, place the duros in the basket, and cook according to the recipe instructions. The cooking time will vary depending on the model of your air fryer and the specific recipe you are using.

Tips:

• If you want to make sure your duros are extra crispy, give the air fryer basket a shake once or twice during cooking to ensure even heating.
• Don't skip the preheating step! Just like with an oven, your air fryer needs to be hot and ready to go when you put the food in.

Cook time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for duros in an air fryer vary depending on the specific model and quantity being cooked. However, a standard range for air fryer cooking times and temperatures is between 5 to 25 minutes at 350° to 400°F.

For context, when making pasta chips in an air fryer, the chips are cooked for 5 minutes, flipped, and then cooked for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.

When making duros in an air fryer, one person recommends preheating the air fryer to 400°F and cooking the duros for 2 minutes. Another person recommends preheating the air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes and then cooking the duros for 2 minutes.

It is important to note that overcrowding the air fryer basket can result in uneven cooking. Therefore, it is recommended to cook duros in batches to ensure even cooking and optimal crispness.

Flip the duros

When making duros in an air fryer, flipping them is essential to ensure even cooking and the desired level of crispiness. Here is a detailed guide on how to "flip the duros":

Before placing the duros in the air fryer, it is important to prepare them properly. Start by gathering the necessary ingredients, which typically include dried chicharrones de harina (also known as duros de harina), vegetable oil or olive oil, and spices like kosher salt, ground cumin, ground chile, and ground cayenne pepper. You can also prepare a spice mix by combining these spices in a small bowl.

Now, let's get into the flipping technique:

• Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to the desired temperature, usually between 350°F-400°F. This step is crucial, as it ensures that your duros will cook evenly.
• Prepare the Duros: Place the desired amount of duros in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overcrowded, as this can affect the cooking process.
• Initial Cooking: Depending on the size and model of your air fryer, cook the duros for about 30 seconds to 1 minute on one side. This initial cooking time may vary, so keep a close eye on them to ensure they don't burn.
• Flipping Technique: Once the initial cooking time has passed, use tongs or a spatula to carefully flip each duro. Try to flip them gently but confidently to avoid breaking them.
• Continue Cooking: After flipping, allow the duros to cook for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute on the other side, or until they have opened completely and achieved the desired level of browning. Again, the exact cooking time may vary, so adjust as needed.
• Remove and Serve: Once the duros are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer using a slotted spoon or spatula and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings or spices.

Remember, the key to successful duro flipping is to do it confidently yet carefully to avoid breaking the delicate wheat crisps. Additionally, ensure your air fryer is preheated to the correct temperature and avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even cooking.

Seasoning

Preparing the Seasoning

Start by combining your chosen spices in a small bowl. You can make your own spice mix by mixing together ingredients such as kosher salt, ground cumin, ground arbol chile, and ground cayenne pepper. Alternatively, you can use a store-bought spice mix like Tajin or a hot sauce like Valentina or Tapatio. Adjust the quantities of each spice to your taste preferences.

Once you have prepared your spice mix, it's time to season your duros. After air frying the duros according to the instructions, squeeze fresh lime juice over them. Then, sprinkle the spice mixture generously over the duros. It is important to note that duros can get soggy quickly, so they are best enjoyed immediately after seasoning.

Creative Seasoning Ideas

While the classic combination of lime and spice is a favourite, you can also experiment with other seasonings to add variety. Here are some ideas to try:

• Doritos-flavoured Duros: Combine Doritos with the duros in a bag and shake until they are well coated.
• Cholula and Lime: Sprinkle Cholula sauce and lime juice over the duros and shake well.
• Hot Sauce and Chili Powder: Douse the duros in hot sauce and sprinkle with chili powder for an extra kick.
• Salsa: Drizzle salsa verde over the duros for a tasty variation.

Feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations of spices, sauces, and ingredients to find your favourite seasoning for duros. Enjoy exploring the possibilities!

Frequently asked questions