Air-Fried Sopapillas: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Sopapillas are a traditional Mexican dessert that is typically deep-fried and served with honey or cinnamon sugar. However, you can also make a healthier version of this delicious treat in an air fryer. Air-fried sopapillas are a tasty alternative to the traditional deep-fried version, with the same crispy outside and fluffy inside texture. This recipe will show you how to make perfect air-fried sopapillas in under 30 minutes.

Choosing the right ingredients

The ingredients you choose for your sopapillas will depend on whether you are making a sweet or savoury version. For sweet sopapillas, you will need a cinnamon sugar mixture and honey to sprinkle and drizzle on top. For savoury sopapillas, you will need to fill the dough with ground meat and cheese and serve with salsa and sour cream.

For the dough, you will need flour, baking powder, salt, and either butter, shortening, or vegetable oil. You will also need water—hot, but not scalding, so you can work the dough with your hands. The water should be added gradually until the mixture reaches a dough-like consistency. You can also add melted butter to the dough, as well as milk to make it the right consistency.

For the cinnamon sugar coating, you will need granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. You can also sprinkle powdered sugar or use honey as an alternative to the cinnamon sugar mixture.

Preparing the dough

Next, you will prepare the wet ingredients. In another bowl, whisk together hot water and oil. You can use canola or vegetable oil; some recipes suggest using melted butter instead. The amount of liquid added will depend on the desired dough consistency.

Now, it's time to combine the wet and dry ingredients. Slowly incorporate the wet mixture into the dry mixture using a stand mixer with a hook attachment or your hands. Keep mixing until the dough forms. If you're using a stand mixer, let the hook knead the dough at a low speed for about five minutes.

Once the dough is ready, divide it into four pieces and roll each piece into a ball. Place the dough balls in a bowl and let them rest. The resting time is essential to allow the gluten in the dough to develop, making it easier to roll out. Aim for at least 15 to 20 minutes of resting time.

After the dough has rested, take it out and give it a quick knead on a clean, floured surface. Then, form it back into a ball. Using your palm, gently flatten the ball, and then cut it into two pieces using a knife or a pastry cutter. You now have two smaller balls of dough ready for the next step!

Place one of the dough balls on your floured work surface and cover the other with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel. Using a rolling pin dusted with flour, roll out the dough until it reaches the desired thickness. Aim for a thickness of about 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch. Repeat this process with the other ball of dough while the air fryer is preheating.

Shaping the sopapillas

After the dough is rolled out, it's time to cut it into individual sopapillas. You can use a knife, a cookie cutter, or even a glass to cut the dough into circles or squares. The size and shape of the sopapillas are up to your preference. However, keep in mind that you will need to ensure they are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket.

Once cut, place the sopapillas on a plate or tray and lightly coat them with non-stick cooking spray. This will help them to cook evenly and achieve a golden brown colour. You can also spray the air fryer basket with the cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Now your sopapillas are shaped and ready to be cooked! Place them into the air fryer basket and set the temperature and timer according to your recipe instructions. Remember to flip them over halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

Air-frying the sopapillas

Next, prepare your air fryer by preheating it to 350–375°F (175°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket and both sides of the dough with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray. Place the sopapillas in the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded, and set the timer. The cooking time will vary depending on the air fryer model and the thickness of the dough, but generally, they will take around 3–8 minutes to cook. Keep a close eye on them, as you will need to flip them halfway through the cooking process, and they are ready to be removed once they turn a golden brown colour.

Once cooked, remove the sopapillas from the air fryer and brush both sides with melted butter. Then, it's time to add the toppings. In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar and cinnamon, and sprinkle this generously over the sopapillas. Finally, drizzle with honey, and serve immediately.

Adding toppings and serving

Once your sopapillas are golden brown and crispy, it's time to add your toppings and serve. Brush the sopapillas with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. You can make your own cinnamon sugar by combining sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Alternatively, you can sprinkle with powdered sugar, granulated sugar, or a sugar alternative. For a more indulgent treat, drizzle with honey or melted chocolate. For a savoury option, fill the sopapillas with ground meat and cheese and serve with salsa and sour cream.

Sopapillas are best enjoyed fresh, straight out of the air fryer. They can become soft and chewy if served cold. However, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, simply place the sopapillas back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy.

Sopapillas are a versatile dessert and can be served in a variety of ways. For a traditional Mexican treat, drizzle with honey. If you prefer your desserts on the sweeter side, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. For a creamy contrast, serve with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. Sopapillas also pair well with a warm drink, such as coffee or hot chocolate, for a comforting dessert.

Frequently asked questions