Air-Fryer Sopapillas: Tortilla Twist

Sopapillas are a delicious treat common in Latin American and Tex-Mex cuisines. They are made by frying leavened dough, which causes it to rise and creates a hollow centre. The sopapillas are then dusted with either powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or drizzled with honey. You can also make sopapillas with flour tortillas, which are cut into quarters, fried, and then covered in a cinnamon and sugar mixture. This paragraph will outline how to make sopapillas with tortillas in an air fryer.

Cut tortillas into quarters

To cut tortillas into quarters, start by laying the tortilla flat on a clean surface. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, make two straight cuts across the centre of the tortilla. The first cut should go from the top edge to the bottom edge, and the second cut should be perpendicular, going from side to side. You should now have four evenly sized triangles.

For best results when making sopapillas, ensure your cuts are precise and that the triangles are of similar size. This will help them cook evenly in the air fryer.

If you are making a large batch of sopapillas, you can cut multiple tortillas at once by stacking them on top of each other and then making your cuts. Just be sure to apply even pressure with your knife or pizza cutter to cut through all the layers.

Once your tortillas are cut into quarters, you can move on to the next step of frying them.

Heat oil in an air fryer

Heating oil in an air fryer is a simple process, but there are some important safety precautions to keep in mind. Firstly, it is crucial to use the right type of oil with a suitable smoke point for air frying. Oils with high smoke points, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, avocado oil, peanut oil, and grapeseed oil, are ideal for air fryers. These oils can withstand the high temperatures of air frying without burning or smoking. Avoid using oils with low smoke points, such as flaxseed oil, or butter, as they can cause smoking and undesirable flavours.

When heating oil in an air fryer, always follow these steps:

• Read the user manual: Before adding oil to your air fryer, consult the user manual for specific instructions, safety guidelines, and recommendations.
• Use a small amount of oil: A little oil goes a long way in an air fryer. The recommended amount is generally between 5 ml to 30 ml, depending on the manufacturer's instructions.
• Apply oil directly to food: When air frying, it is best to apply oil directly to the food rather than pouring it into the air fryer basket. Use a small spray bottle or a measuring spoon to ensure you don't overuse oil.
• Prepare the air fryer basket: If you are coating your food with oil, do it in a separate bowl first. Then, transfer the coated food to the air fryer basket. For items like fish fillets, pizza, or chicken, you can pour a small amount of oil into the bottom of the basket.
• Preheat the air fryer: Before placing oiled food in the air fryer, ensure that it is preheated to the desired temperature. This helps prevent the oil from making your food greasy or soggy.
• Cook in a well-ventilated area: Always cook with oil in a well-ventilated area to avoid a buildup of heat and reduce the risk of fire.
• Avoid overcrowding: Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. This ensures proper air circulation and even cooking.
• Keep oil away from the heating element: Be careful not to let the oil come into contact with the heating element to prevent smoking and potential fire hazards.
• Clean the air fryer: Regularly clean your air fryer to prevent oil buildup, which can cause smoke and unpleasant odours. Use a strong degreaser like dish soap or a paste of water and baking soda for effective cleaning.

By following these steps and taking the necessary precautions, you can safely heat oil in your air fryer to create delicious, crispy sopapillas with tortillas.

Fry tortilla quarters

To fry the tortilla quarters, you will need to heat oil in your air fryer. You can use avocado oil or vegetable oil for this. Heat the oil to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oil is heating, cut your flour tortillas into quarters. You can also cut them into triangles if you prefer.

Once the oil is hot, carefully place the tortilla quarters into the air fryer. Fry them until they puff up, which should take around 45 seconds to 1 minute per side. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't burn. You will know they are done when they are golden brown.

When the tortilla quarters are nice and crispy, remove them from the air fryer. Place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

At this point, you can sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the fried tortilla quarters. You can also place the tortillas directly into a bowl of the cinnamon-sugar mixture and toss to coat. This will give them a nice, sweet coating.

Drain on paper towels

Once you've fried your sopapillas, it's important to drain them on paper towels. This step ensures any excess oil is removed, resulting in a crispier and less greasy final product. Place the sopapillas on a plate lined with paper towels, allowing them to rest for a moment. This brief resting period helps to absorb any lingering oil, ensuring your sopapillas are light and airy.

For best results, use a paper towel that is highly absorbent. This will help to quickly soak up any excess oil. Additionally, you may want to consider using a plate that is slightly larger than the air fryer basket, providing ample space for the sopapillas to rest without overcrowding.

If you're serving the sopapillas as a savoury side, you can simply sprinkle them with a pinch of salt while they're still hot. However, if you're opting for a sweet treat, you can dust them with powdered sugar, cinnamon-sugar, or even drizzle them with honey or chocolate syrup.

By following this draining step, you'll be able to enjoy your freshly made sopapillas without the excess oil, ensuring a delicious and satisfying bite every time.

Dust with cinnamon-sugar mixture

To make sopapillas with tortillas in an air fryer, you'll want to dust them with a cinnamon-sugar mixture. This is a key step in the process, as it adds a sweet, delicious flavour to the dish. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

Firstly, you'll need to prepare the cinnamon-sugar mixture itself. Mix ground cinnamon and sugar in a bowl, stirring them together until they are fully combined. You can adjust the ratio of cinnamon to sugar according to your taste preferences. The cinnamon provides a delightful, spicy warmth, while the sugar adds sweetness and a delightful crunch to the sopapillas.

Next, you'll want to prepare your air-fried tortillas. Cut the tortillas into quarters, creating triangles. Heat a suitable amount of oil in your air fryer—enough to cover the base of the basket or tray. When the oil is hot, carefully place the tortilla triangles into the air fryer. Fry them until they puff up, and then flip them over. Each side should take around 45 seconds to a minute to cook. You're aiming for a golden brown colour.

Once the tortillas are cooked, it's time to dust them with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. There are a couple of methods you can use. The first is to sprinkle the mixture over both sides of the tortillas. This is a quick and easy way to ensure an even coating. Alternatively, you can place the tortillas straight from the air fryer into a bowl containing the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Drag them through the mix, ensuring both sides are coated, then place them on a plate.

This dusting process is what gives sopapillas their signature sweet taste and delightful presentation. The cinnamon-sugar mixture should be generously applied, creating a delicious contrast to the savoury, crispy tortilla base.

Finally, you can finish off your sopapillas with some additional toppings. A drizzle of honey or chocolate syrup is a popular choice, adding an extra layer of sweetness. Some people also like to serve sopapillas with ice cream, fresh berries, caramel sauce, or whipped cream for a truly indulgent dessert.

Frequently asked questions