Air-Fryer Elephant Ears: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Elephant ears are a popular treat at fairs and carnivals. They are made of deep-fried dough, flattened into large, thin circles, and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. You can make elephant ears at home using a simple recipe and an air fryer. This method will give you a similar crispy and delicious result to traditional elephant ears, but with less oil.

Choosing your oil

When making elephant ears, choosing the right oil is crucial for achieving the perfect texture and flavour. Here are some factors to consider when selecting your oil:

Smoke Point

The smoke point of an oil refers to the temperature at which it begins to smoke and break down. For deep-frying, it is essential to choose an oil with a high smoke point to prevent it from burning and imparting an unpleasant taste to your food. Peanut, vegetable, and canola oils are recommended for frying elephant ears due to their high smoke points. These oils can withstand higher temperatures without breaking down, ensuring your elephant ears cook evenly and maintain their crispy texture.

Flavour

Different oils have distinct flavours that can subtly enhance your dish. For instance, peanut oil has a nutty aroma and taste, while vegetable and canola oils have more neutral flavours. Consider the other ingredients in your recipe and select an oil that complements them. If you want the cinnamon and sugar to shine, a neutral-flavoured oil like canola or vegetable oil might be best. However, if you want a more complex flavour profile, you could experiment with peanut oil or even try olive oil, as some recipes suggest.

Health Benefits

When selecting an oil, consider its health benefits and how it aligns with your dietary preferences or restrictions. For example, if you are looking for a heart-healthy option, olive oil is known for its monounsaturated fats, which can contribute to better cardiovascular health. Canola oil is also a good choice, as it is low in saturated fat and high in omega-3 fatty acids. If you are preparing elephant ears for someone with a nut allergy, you may want to avoid peanut oil and opt for a different variety.

Availability and Cost

The availability and cost of the oil are also important considerations. Some oils may be more readily available in your area, and certain specialty oils can be more expensive. Compare prices and opt for an option that suits your budget and is easily accessible. Remember that some oils have stronger flavours or unique properties that may require using less, so you might not need to purchase as much as you think.

Storage

Consider the smoke point and shelf life of the oil when storing it. Oils with higher smoke points tend to have longer shelf lives. Additionally, pay attention to the storage instructions. Some oils, like olive oil, are best stored in a cool, dark place, while others can be kept at room temperature. Proper storage will ensure your oil retains its quality and flavour for future use.

Preparing the dough

To make the dough for elephant ears, you'll need a combination of wet and dry ingredients. The exact quantities and ingredients may vary slightly depending on the recipe, but the general process remains the same. Here's a step-by-step guide to preparing the dough:

Step 1: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine milk, butter or shortening, sugar, and salt. Cook this mixture, stirring occasionally, until the butter or shortening melts and the sugar dissolves. Remove it from the heat and let it cool down to around 110°F (43°C). This temperature is important to activate the yeast in the next step.

Step 2: Add Yeast

Once your mixture has cooled down, it's time to add the yeast. Sprinkle the active dry yeast into the saucepan and let the mixture sit until it becomes foamy. This step is crucial, as it helps with the dough's rise and gives it a fluffy texture.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Transfer the yeast mixture to a large mixing bowl. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and knead it until a dough forms. You can do this by hand or using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment. The dough should be smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, you can add small amounts of flour until you reach the desired consistency.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Cover the dough and set it aside in a warm, draft-free place to rise. This process will take about 30 minutes. During this time, the yeast will continue to work, and the dough will become airy and puffy.

Step 5: Knead and Rest the Dough

After the initial rise, you'll want to knead the dough again to knock out some of the air. This step helps create a more even texture. Then, let the dough rest for another 5-10 minutes to relax the gluten, making it easier to roll out.

Step 6: Roll Out the Dough

On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a thin sheet. You can use a rolling pin or even a wine bottle if you don't have one. The dough should be rolled out evenly to a thickness of about 1/8 to 1/4 inch. If the dough shrinks back while rolling, let it rest for a few more minutes before trying again.

Step 7: Cut and Shape the Dough

Using a knife or a pizza cutter, cut the rolled-out dough into circles or desired shapes. The size can vary, but generally, they are cut into 6-8 pieces. You can also use cookie cutters to create fun shapes if you're making them for a themed event or party.

Step 8: Rest the Dough Circles

Before frying, it's a good idea to let the dough circles rest for a few minutes. This step helps the gluten relax further, ensuring that the elephant ears fry up nice and puffy.

Now that your dough is ready, you can move on to frying your elephant ears. Remember to heat your oil to the right temperature (around 365-375°F) before frying, and always be cautious when working with hot oil. Enjoy the rest of the elephant ear-making process!

Frying the dough

Firstly, heat the oil in a pan or deep fryer to a medium or high temperature. The ideal temperature is 365-375°F (180-190°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the oil's temperature and ensure it does not exceed 375°F, as this will burn the dough.

Next, take the prepared dough and roll it into balls of around 2 inches in diameter. Place these balls on a floured surface and flatten them into thin circles, roughly 1/2 inch thick. You can use a rolling pin, your hands, or your fingertips to do this.

Once the oil is hot, carefully place one or two of the flattened dough circles into the pan or deep fryer. The exact number will depend on the size of your pan and how many you can fit while still allowing space for the oil to circulate. Use tongs to carefully lower the dough into the oil, and fry for approximately 1-2 minutes on each side. Keep a close eye on the dough as it fries, as it can burn easily.

The elephant ears are ready to be turned over when they have puffed up and turned a golden brown colour. After frying both sides, remove the elephant ears from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess grease.

Repeat this process until all your dough has been fried. It is best to fry the dough in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and to ensure even cooking.

Coating the elephant ears

Firstly, prepare the cinnamon and sugar mixture. In a small bowl, mix together ground cinnamon and granulated or white sugar. The amount of cinnamon and sugar can be adjusted to your taste preferences. You can also add more cinnamon and sugar if you want to coat both sides of the elephant ears. This mixture will be sprinkled or dusted onto the fried dough, so make sure it is well combined.

Next, heat some oil in a deep fryer, large saucepan, or heavy pot. You can use peanut, vegetable, or canola oil for frying. Heat the oil to a temperature between 365-375 degrees Fahrenheit (180-190 degrees Celsius). This temperature is important to ensure the dough fries properly and becomes golden brown and crispy.

While the oil is heating, roll out the dough into thin sheets. You can use a rolling pin or a combination of your hands, fingertips, and a rolling pin to flatten the dough into circles. The dough should be rolled out to a thickness of around 1/2 inch. If you are making smaller elephant ears, you can roll the dough out thinner.

Once the oil is hot, carefully add the dough to the pan. Use tongs to handle the dough and place one or two pieces of dough into the oil, depending on the size of your pan. Fry the dough for approximately 1-2 minutes on each side, or until it is golden brown and puffed up. Keep an eye on the dough as it fries, as it can burn easily.

When the elephant ears are fried to perfection, remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels. This will help absorb any excess oil. It is important to let the elephant ears cool slightly before coating them, so they don't become soggy.

Finally, sprinkle or dust the cinnamon and sugar mixture onto the warm elephant ears. You can also brush the elephant ears with melted butter before coating them, to help the sugar mixture stick better. Make sure to coat the elephant ears evenly, so every bite is sweet and delicious.

Your elephant ears are now ready to be served and enjoyed! You can also add extra toppings, such as caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, or fruit preserves, for an even more indulgent treat.

Serving suggestions

Elephant ears are a sweet treat and can be served in a variety of ways. The traditional way is to sprinkle them with cinnamon and sugar, but there are many other options to explore. Here are some serving suggestions:

Cinnamon and Sugar

The classic way to serve elephant ears is by sprinkling them with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. This adds a sweet and snowy finish to the treat and is a popular choice for a reason. You can also add some melted butter to the mix, which will give it a richer taste and help the cinnamon-sugar mixture stick better.

Powdered Sugar

If you want to switch things up, you can opt for powdered sugar instead of regular sugar. This will give your elephant ears a delicate and sweet finish. You can also mix it with cinnamon for added flavour and a comforting aroma.

Caramel Sauce

For an indulgent treat, drizzle some caramel sauce on top of your elephant ears. This will add a sticky, sweet dimension to your pastry. You can make your own caramel sauce or use a store-bought one.

Chocolate Sauce

Chocolate lovers can drizzle some chocolate sauce on their elephant ears. This is a great option if you want to satisfy your sweet tooth. You can also add some chocolate chips or chunks to the centre of the biscuit dough before folding and air frying for a gooey surprise.

Fruit Preserves

Add a spoonful of fruit preserves or pie filling to the centre of your biscuit dough before folding and air frying. This will give your elephant ears a burst of flavour and a hint of sweetness. You can also dust them with granulated sugar and top with fresh berries and whipped cream for a refreshing take.

Nuts

For some added crunch and flavour, sprinkle finely chopped nuts such as pecans or almonds on top of your sugared elephant ears before folding and air frying. This combination is perfect for those who like their treats on the sweeter side.

Savory Version

If you're not in the mood for something sweet, you can make a savoury version of elephant ears. Skip the sugar and cinnamon, and instead sprinkle the biscuit dough with grated cheese and herbs. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.

Glazed Elephant Ears

For a shiny and sweet finish, make a simple glaze with powdered sugar and a little milk or water. Drizzle this over your elephant ears after air frying.

Ice Cream

Serve your elephant ears with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm, crispy pastry pairs wonderfully with the cold, creamy ice cream, creating a delicious contrast.

Feel free to experiment with different flavour combinations and toppings to create your own unique version of elephant ears. Enjoy your culinary adventure!

Frequently asked questions