Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists: Taco Bell Style!

Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists are a popular dessert item offered by the fast-food chain Taco Bell. They are made from Duros, a type of wheat pasta that puffs up when fried, creating a light and airy texture. The secret to their unique texture lies in the type of pasta used, which expands when fried. This copycat recipe will teach you how to make these delicious treats in an air fryer, so you can enjoy them at home without the deep-fried guilt!

The correct ingredients: wheat pellets/duros, sugar, cinnamon, and cooking spray

Wheat Pellets/Duros:

The base ingredient of the twists is wheat pellets or duros, a type of uncooked pasta that puffs up when fried or air-fried. This is what gives the twists their signature airy, crunchy texture. Duros are also known by various names, including "Duros de harina", "duritos", "durros", "pasta para durito", "chicharrones", and "churritos". They are typically found in Latin American cuisine and can be purchased at specialty Mexican markets, Amazon, or even Walmart.

Sugar:

Granulated sugar is a vital ingredient in the cinnamon-sugar mixture that coats the twists. It adds a sweet crystalline coating that balances well with the warmth of the cinnamon. The sugar also helps to create the classic flavour profile associated with the twists.

Cinnamon:

Ground cinnamon is the spice that gives the cinnamon-sugar mixture its distinctive character. It brings warmth, aroma, and depth to the coating. The cinnamon envelops the twists in a cosy, spiced flavour that complements the sweetness of the sugar perfectly.

Cooking Spray:

A light coating of cooking spray is applied to the wheat pellets before air frying. This helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture adhere to the twists and also contributes to crisping them up without the need for deep frying. Cooking spray is a healthier alternative to deep frying and still delivers excellent results.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The air fryer temperature and timing are crucial factors in achieving the perfect Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists. Here's a detailed guide to ensure you get it right:

• Preheat the Air Fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). This step is important as it ensures the wheat pellets, or "duros," cook at the right temperature to puff up optimally. Preheat for 3-5 minutes to create a consistent cooking environment.
• Cook the Wheat Pellets: Place the wheat pellets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. This spacing is necessary for even cooking and puffing. Spray the pellets lightly with cooking spray, and then air fry for 3-5 minutes. Keep a close eye on them, as the exact time may vary depending on your air fryer model. You'll know they're done when they've puffed up and turned a light golden brown.
• Avoid Overcrowding: To achieve the best texture and even cooking, cook the wheat pellets in batches. While it may take a bit longer, this ensures each twist has enough space to puff up properly.
• Shake the Basket: Gently shake the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking process. This helps prevent the twists from sticking together and ensures that each side gets crispy.
• Check Early: Since air fryer models vary, start checking on your twists a little earlier than the recipe suggests. This precaution will help prevent overcooking and ensure a perfect crunch.
• Timing for Deep Frying: If you choose to deep fry the wheat pellets instead, heat the oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Fry the pellets in small batches until they puff up, which should take about 1 minute. Continue frying for another 5 seconds until they turn golden brown.
• Reheating and Storage: To recrisp leftover twists, pop them in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Store any leftover twists in an airtight container at room temperature. They'll stay fresh for up to 3 days.

How to prepare the cinnamon-sugar mixture

Preparing the cinnamon-sugar mixture for Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists is a simple process. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Combine Cinnamon and Sugar: Start by taking a small bowl and adding granulated sugar to it. The exact amount of sugar can vary depending on your taste preferences, but a commonly recommended ratio is 100g of sugar.
• Add Cinnamon: Next, add ground cinnamon to the sugar. The amount of cinnamon can vary depending on how strong you want the cinnamon flavour to be. A good starting point is 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and you can adjust from there. You can also experiment with other spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
• Mix the Ingredients: Using a spoon or a whisk, mix the cinnamon and sugar together until they are well combined. You can also use a small food processor or spice grinder to ensure a thorough mix.
• Adjust to Taste: Before proceeding, it's a good idea to taste the mixture to see if it suits your preference. If you want a more sugar-forward taste, like the ones served at Taco Bell, add more sugar. For a stronger cinnamon flavour, add a bit more cinnamon and mix again.
• Set Aside: Once you're happy with the mixture, set it aside until your wheat pellets (duros) are ready to be coated.

The cinnamon-sugar mixture is a crucial component of the Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists, providing the sweet and spiced coating that makes these treats so irresistible. You can adjust the ratio of cinnamon to sugar to suit your taste and even experiment with additional ingredients to create your own unique twist.

Frying the wheat pellets/duros

• Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and preheat it for 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures that your wheat pellets start cooking at the optimal temperature for puffing up.
• Prepare the wheat pellets: Place the wheat pellets/duros in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they have enough space to puff up properly. Do not overcrowd the basket.
• Spray with cooking spray (optional): Lightly coat the wheat pellets with cooking spray. This step is optional but helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture adhere better to the twists.
• Air fry the wheat pellets: Air fry the wheat pellets/duros for approximately 3-5 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning. The twists are done when they have puffed up and turned a light golden brown. The exact time may vary depending on your air fryer model.
• Check for doneness: After 3-5 minutes, carefully open the air fryer and check if the wheat pellets have puffed up and achieved a light, crispy texture. If not, you may need to air fry them for an additional minute or two.
• Repeat in batches: Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to repeat the process in batches to ensure even cooking and puffing.
• Toss with cinnamon-sugar: As soon as the wheat pellets are done, remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a large bowl. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the hot twists and toss gently to coat them evenly. The warmth of the twists will help the sugar mixture stick.

By following these steps, you'll be able to fry the wheat pellets/duros to perfection and create delicious and crispy Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists.

Coating the twists with the cinnamon-sugar mixture

To coat the twists with the cinnamon-sugar mixture, you should first prepare the mixture by mixing granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. The ratio of cinnamon to sugar can be adjusted to your preference. For a more sugar-forward taste, similar to Taco Bell's, use more sugar. For a stronger cinnamon flavour, add more cinnamon.

Once the wheat pellets are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over them. Toss the twists gently to ensure they are evenly coated. The residual heat from the wheat pellets will help the sugar mixture stick.

If the cinnamon-sugar mixture is not sticking, you can lightly spray the cooked twists with cooking spray before tossing them in the mixture.

Frequently asked questions