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

Fried dough is a delicious treat that can be made in an air fryer. It is a quick and easy way to make this snack without the mess and hassle of traditional frying. This method is healthier, reducing the amount of oil needed, and can be made in a few simple steps.

Choosing the right oil for frying

When frying in an air fryer, you can use almost any oil, but it is important to pick the right oil for the recipe you are making. The type of oil you choose will depend on the temperature you are cooking at and the smoking point of the oil. Oils with a high smoking point include avocado oil, ghee (clarified butter), extra light olive oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil. Oils with a lower smoking point include extra virgin olive oil, butter, and vegetable oil.

If you are cooking at a temperature of 375 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, extra virgin olive oil is a good option. For higher temperatures, avocado oil, which has a smoking point of 570 degrees Fahrenheit, is a better choice. Other oils with high smoking points include ghee (485 degrees Fahrenheit) and extra light olive oil (468 degrees Fahrenheit).

In addition to the smoking point, you may also want to consider the taste of the oil. Some oils, such as deodorized avocado oil, organic virgin sesame oil, and grapeseed oil, are neutral in taste and will not change the flavor of your food. Others, like extra virgin olive oil and organic cooking sunflower oil, have a stronger taste that can enhance the flavor of milder dishes.

When frying in an air fryer, it is generally recommended to add between 5 ml and 30 ml of oil. This small amount of oil will help to create a yummy crunch without using excessive amounts of oil.

How to make the dough

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make the dough:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Butter (melted)
• Milk
• Powdered sugar (or cinnamon sugar) for sprinkling

Method

• Mix the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar) in a large bowl.
• Add the wet ingredients (melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract) to the dry mixture. Mix well, then transfer the dough to a board or flat surface and knead with your hands for about 2-5 minutes.
• Form the dough into a ball and let it rest for about 10 minutes.
• After the resting period, divide the dough into 8-16 pieces and roll each piece out until it is about 1/4-1/2 inch thick.

Tips

• You can use premade biscuit, croissant, or pizza dough instead of making your own dough. Simply roll out the dough into serving-size disks.
• For a vegan version, use plant-based milk and butter.
• For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend with an extra spoonful of tapioca starch.

Air fryer temperature and timing

Air Fryer Temperature:

Set your air fryer to 350°F (175-177°C). This temperature ensures that your dough cooks evenly and achieves a golden brown colour. If your air fryer doesn't require preheating, you can set it to this temperature once you place the dough inside.

Air Fryer Timing:

The timing will depend on the size and thickness of your dough pieces. For smaller, thinner pieces, cook for about 5 minutes, flipping them halfway through. For larger or thicker pieces, cook for an additional 3-5 minutes. Keep an eye on your dough to ensure it doesn't overcook or burn.

Tips for Optimal Results:

• Preheat your air fryer if necessary.
• Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with melted butter to prevent sticking.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook the dough in batches if needed.
• Flip the dough halfway through the cooking process for even browning.
• Brush the cooked dough with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar or other desired toppings while it's still warm.

By following these temperature and timing guidelines, you'll be able to create delicious, crispy, and golden fried dough treats in your air fryer!

Toppings and flavour combinations

There are endless possibilities when it comes to toppings and flavour combinations for your air-fried dough. Whether you prefer sweet or savoury, here are some mouth-watering ideas to get you started:

Sweet Toppings

• Cinnamon and sugar: The classic choice for a reason! Sprinkle on a generous mix of cinnamon and sugar for a warm, spicy kick.
• Honey or maple syrup: Drizzle on some honey or maple syrup for a golden, sticky treat.
• Nutella or chocolate-hazelnut spread: For a gooey, chocolatey delight, spread on some Nutella or a similar chocolate-hazelnut spread.
• Fruit jams or preserves: Add a fruity twist with your favourite jam or preserve.
• Whipped cream and fresh berries: A light and refreshing option—top with whipped cream and fresh berries.
• Powdered sugar glaze: For an extra sweet and refined finish, go for a powdered sugar glaze.
• Peanut butter and sliced bananas: Try something unique with a combination of peanut butter and banana slices.
• Apple slices with caramel sauce: Indulge in the classic combination of apples and caramel with this tasty topping.
• Bacon bits with maple syrup: Combine the sweet and savoury with a sprinkle of bacon bits and a drizzle of maple syrup.
• Goat cheese and honey: Experiment with different flavours by pairing goat cheese with honey.

Savoury Toppings

• Olive oil and garlic salt: A savoury favourite—drizzle on some olive oil and sprinkle with garlic salt.
• Grated cheese: Cheddar, Parmesan, or mozzarella—grate your favourite cheese on top for a tasty, savoury treat.
• Cream cheese, plain or flavoured: Spread on some cream cheese for a creamy, tangy twist.
• Pesto or marinara sauce: Try something savoury with a spread of pesto or marinara sauce.
• Shredded chicken or pulled pork: Add some protein with shredded chicken or pulled pork.
• Chopped herbs: Parsley, cilantro, or your favourite herb—chop and sprinkle on top for a fresh, savoury touch.
• Sliced olives or jalapeños: Bring some heat and flavour with sliced olives or jalapeños.

Storing and reheating instructions

Allow the fried dough to cool to room temperature before storing. Store the fried dough in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the fried dough individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

To reheat, use an air fryer, oven, or microwave. For the air fryer, preheat it to 350°F and place the fried dough in the air fryer basket for a few minutes until warmed through. This method helps retain the crispy texture. Alternatively, use an oven preheated to 350°F and warm the fried dough on a baking sheet for about 5-10 minutes. For a quicker option, microwave for 20-30 seconds, but note that this may affect the crispiness.

Frequently asked questions