Air-Fried Oreos: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Air fryers are a convenient way to make fried Oreos, a popular treat at carnivals and fairs. This recipe allows you to recreate this indulgent dessert at home without the mess and calories of deep-frying. The air-fried version is also healthier, as it does not require submerging the Oreos in a vat of oil. The preparation is simple and only requires a few basic ingredients, such as Oreos, crescent dough, and powdered sugar. You can also experiment with different fillings like Nutella, peanut butter, or marshmallow fluff for an extra surprise. The air fryer gives the Oreos a flaky and buttery texture, making them a delicious treat that's hard to resist!

Choosing the right oil

When it comes to choosing the right oil for your air fryer, there are a few factors to consider: the type of food you're cooking, the temperature you'll be cooking at, and the smoke point of the oil. Taking these into account will ensure your food turns out perfectly and that you don't damage your air fryer.

Smoke Point

The smoke point of an oil is the temperature at which it begins to break down and emit smoke. If an oil reaches its smoke point, it will affect the taste of your food, giving it an undesirable burnt flavour. Therefore, it's essential to choose an oil with a higher smoke point than the temperature you are cooking at.

Recommended Oils

• Avocado Oil is a great option as it has a very high smoke point of around 520°F (271°C) or 570°F, according to different sources. It also has a neutral flavour and is rich in heart-healthy unsaturated fats.
• Light Olive Oil has a smoke point of around 465-470°F (or 468°F, according to another source). It is also known as refined or extra light olive oil and has a lighter colour and more neutral flavour than extra virgin olive oil.
• Ghee (Clarified Butter) has a smoke point of around 482-485°F. It is a common ingredient in French and Indian cuisine, with a high smoke point and a great option for air frying.
• Sunflower Oil has a smoke point of 450°F and is rich in vitamin E and unsaturated fats. It has a light flavour, making it a good choice for air frying.
• Peanut Oil has a pleasant nutty flavour and a high smoke point. It is commonly used for stir-frying and deep frying.
• Grapeseed Oil has a smoke point of 420-421°F and is a good all-purpose cooking oil with a clean taste.
• Canola Oil has a smoke point of 400-450°F and is suitable for cooking at temperatures below 400°F.
• Vegetable Oil has a smoke point of 400°F.

Oils to Avoid

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil has a low smoke point of 320-374°F (or 375°F, according to another source), so it's best to avoid using it for recipes cooked above this temperature.
• Butter has a low smoke point of 200-250°F, making it unsuitable for air frying.

How Much Oil to Use

When air frying, you only need a fraction of the amount of oil you would use for deep frying or sautéing. A light coating of oil on your food is usually enough. You can brush or spray the oil onto your food or the air fryer basket. If you're using an oil spray, ensure it's a non-aerosol, non-pressurised spray to prevent damage to your air fryer.

Preparing the batter

There are two main methods for preparing the batter for fried Oreos in an air fryer. The first method involves using pancake batter, while the second method uses crescent roll dough.

Pancake batter

To make the pancake batter, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup pancake and baking mix (such as Bisquick)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• Nonstick cooking spray
• 12 chocolate sandwich cookies (such as Oreos)
• Confectioners' sugar, for dusting

First, cut two sheets of parchment paper to fit the basket of your air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a medium bowl, whisk together one egg, milk, and vanilla extract. Add the pancake mix and granulated sugar, and whisk until smooth. The batter should be thick, so adjust the consistency by adding more pancake mix if needed.

Crescent roll dough

Alternatively, you can use crescent roll dough as a batter substitute. You will need the following ingredients:

• 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 ounces)
• 8 Oreo cookies (regular, stuffed, double-stuffed, or specialty flavors)
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 minutes. Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles. Place an Oreo cookie on the widest part of each crescent roll triangle. Fold the dough over the cookie and press to seal, ensuring the cookie is fully enclosed.

Tips for the perfect batter:

• For the pancake batter method, use whole milk for the best flavor and texture.
• The batter should be very thick. Keep adding pancake mix until it is thick enough to hold its shape without dripping.
• When placing the Oreos in the air fryer, put one dipped Oreo in each of the four corners of the basket to keep the parchment paper in place while they cook.
• For the crescent roll dough method, you can add a surprise filling such as Nutella, peanut butter, or marshmallow fluff before wrapping the dough around the Oreo.
• Be sure to leave space between each cookie when cooking, as the crescent dough will expand.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for fried Oreos in an air fryer vary depending on the recipe used. Here is a breakdown of the cooking instructions for different recipes:

Recipe 1:

• Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray.
• Cook the Oreos for 4 to 5 minutes.
• Flip the cookies and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, until golden brown.

Recipe 2:

• Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 minutes.
• Prepare the dough by unrolling and separating crescent rolls.
• Place an Oreo on the wider end of each piece of dough and wrap it up, pressing to seal.
• Spray the air fryer basket with oil or brush with vegetable oil.
• Cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 4 to 5 minutes.

Recipe 3:

• Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 minutes.
• Prepare the crescent dough by rolling it out and pinching the seams together.
• Cut the dough into squares and place an Oreo in the middle of each square, wrapping the dough around.
• Seal the seams and place in the air fryer basket.
• Cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until golden brown.

Recipe 4:

• Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 minutes and spray with cooking spray.
• Prepare the crescent dough by unrolling and separating into triangles.
• Add a teaspoon of filling (peanut butter, Nutella, etc.) to each crescent triangle and top with an Oreo.
• Wrap the dough around the Oreo, pressing to seal.
• Air fry for 4 to 5 minutes, until golden brown, ensuring proper spacing between cookies.

Recipe 5:

• Line the base of the air fryer with non-stick parchment paper.
• Prepare the keto-friendly batter by mixing dry and wet ingredients separately, then combining them.
• Dip the Oreos in the batter and place them in the air fryer.
• Cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes.
• Flip the Oreos and cook for an additional 3 minutes at the same temperature.

Note that the cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer and the desired level of doneness. Always refer to the specific recipe instructions for the best results.

Adding fillings

There are a variety of fillings that can be added to fried Oreos made in an air fryer.

One option is to add a teaspoon of creamy peanut butter, Biscoff, Nutella, or marshmallow fluff on top of each Oreo before wrapping it in the dough. This adds a creamy texture and extra sweetness to the dessert.

Another option is to create a powdered sugar glaze to pour on top of the fried Oreos. Alternatively, you can serve them with chocolate or caramel sauce for dipping or drizzling.

You can also experiment with different types of Oreo cookies, such as mint or golden Oreos, to switch up the flavour.

Storing and reheating instructions

Air-fried Oreos are best enjoyed fresh out of the fryer, but if you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, simply pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F for a minute or two. You can also reheat them in the oven, but avoid using the microwave, as this may affect their texture.

If you have any leftover batter, you can store it in the refrigerator for a day or two, or freeze it for up to 30 months.

Frequently asked questions