Frying Fried Dough: Optimal Temperature For T-Fal Fryers

To make fried dough in a T-Fal fryer, you'll need to heat the oil to 350°F (175°C) or 375°F (190°C). This can be done using the Broil or Air Fry settings, respectively. Once the oil is hot, carefully place small portions of dough into the fryer and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Be sure not to overcrowd the fryer, and use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the fried dough when it's done. Serve warm with your favorite toppings, such as powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or maple syrup.

How to make the dough

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make the dough:

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Milk
• Vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Toppings of your choice (e.g. powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, maple syrup, cheese, bacon, garlic)

Instructions

• In a mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
• In a separate small bowl, mix together the wet ingredients: milk and vanilla extract.
• Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until a sticky dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add a little more milk, a tablespoon at a time.
• Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it gently for a minute to ensure it is well combined.
• Divide the dough into smaller portions, about the size of a golf ball, and roll each portion into a ball.
• Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or skillet over medium heat until it reaches a temperature of 350°F (175°C). Use a candy thermometer for accuracy.
• Carefully drop a few dough balls into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry them for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown.
• Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the fried dough from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess oil.
• Repeat the frying process with the remaining dough balls until all are cooked.
• Allow the fried dough to cool slightly before serving. Optionally, dust them with powdered sugar or sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for added sweetness.

Tips

• Use a light touch when mixing the dough to prevent it from becoming tough.
• Ensure the oil reaches the correct temperature before frying to prevent the dough from absorbing too much oil and becoming greasy.
• Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying to maintain the oil temperature and prevent the dough from becoming soggy.
• This fried dough recipe is versatile and can be customised with various sweet or savoury toppings.

How to roll the dough

To roll out your fried dough, you'll first want to make sure you have a well-floured surface to work on. The dough can be a bit sticky, so be sure to use a considerable amount of flour.

Turn the dough out onto your floured surface and flatten it with a rolling pin. You'll want to roll it out until it's very thin—about 3/8" thick or 1/4" thick. If you're making elephant ears, you can aim for 1/2" to 3/4" thick.

Once your dough is rolled out, you can cut it into pieces. For County Fair-style fried dough, cut the dough into eight pieces and roll each out into a thin 5" round. For a more bite-sized option, divide the dough into smaller portions, about the size of a golf ball, and roll each portion into a ball.

If you're using pre-made dough, be sure to let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.

How to heat the oil

Heating the oil is a crucial step in making fried dough. Here is a detailed guide on how to heat the oil to ensure perfect results:

• Use a suitable pot or skillet: Choose a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or skillet made of cast iron or enamel-coated cast iron. This will ensure even heat distribution and help maintain a consistent temperature.
• Measure the oil: Pour vegetable oil into your chosen pot or skillet to a depth of about 1 inch (or 2 cups if using a 10-inch diameter pan). This will provide enough oil for frying without creating splattering issues.
• Heat the oil: Place the pot or skillet on the stove and turn the heat to medium or medium-high. Heat the oil until it reaches a temperature of 350°F (175°C to 190°C). Use a candy thermometer or an instant-read thermometer to monitor the temperature accurately. You can also test the oil's readiness by dropping a small piece of dough into it; if it sizzles and fries nicely, the oil is ready.
• Avoid overcrowding: When frying the dough, work in batches and avoid overcrowding the pan. This will help maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
• Adjust the heat as needed: Keep an eye on the oil temperature throughout the frying process. If it drops below 350°F, adjust the heat slightly to bring it back up. If the oil gets too hot, carefully slide the pan off the burner for a moment to lower the temperature.
• Stay safe: Frying involves high temperatures and hot oil, so it's important to take safety precautions. Use long tongs or a slotted spoon to handle the dough, and be cautious of splattering oil. Always monitor the frying process to prevent overheating or potential fires.

By following these steps, you'll be able to heat the oil to the ideal temperature for frying your dough and create delicious, crispy fried treats.

How to fry the dough

Frying dough is a fun and easy activity to do with the whole family. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to fry dough:

Step 1: Making the Dough

First, add all the dry ingredients to a large mixing bowl. This includes flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and yeast. Then, add in your milk, water, or butter and mix everything together. You can use a fork or a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step.

Step 2: Kneading the Dough

Once the ingredients start to combine, transfer the dough to a board or flat surface and knead it with your hands for about 2 minutes. After kneading, form the dough into a ball and let it rest for 10-15 minutes.

Step 3: Heating the Oil

Pour vegetable oil into a heavy-duty pot or skillet to a depth of about 1/4 " to 2". Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches a temperature of around 350-375°F (175-190°C). Use a candy thermometer or an instant-read thermometer to monitor the temperature.

Step 4: Shaping the Dough

While the oil is heating, divide the dough into 8 pieces and roll each piece into a thin, flat circle about 1/4 " to 3/4" thick. You can use a rolling pin to help you get an even thickness.

Step 5: Frying the Dough

Carefully lower one piece of dough into the hot oil. Fry the dough in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each piece for about 1 minute on each side, or until it turns light brown and puffs up. Use a slotted spoon, spatula, or tongs to turn the dough and remove it from the oil when it's done.

Step 6: Serving the Fried Dough

Transfer the fried dough to a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack to drain excess oil. Repeat the frying process with the remaining dough balls until they are all cooked. Once all the dough is fried, serve it warm with your choice of toppings. You can sprinkle the fried dough with powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or other sweet toppings, or go for a savoury option with marinara sauce and cheese.

How to serve the fried dough

There are many ways to serve fried dough, and it is a popular treat all over the world. Fried dough can be served sweet or savoury, depending on your preference.

For a sweet treat, you can sprinkle the fried dough with cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, or confectioner's sugar. You can also drizzle honey, maple syrup, chocolate syrup, or caramel sauce on top. Some other sweet toppings include Nutella, fruit, or blueberry sauce.

If you're looking for a savoury option, you can serve the fried dough with marinara sauce and cheese, or top it with garlic, onion powder, or herbs.

No matter what toppings you choose, brushing the fried dough with melted butter will add a crucial boost of flavour and moisture.

Fried dough is best served warm and fresh, but it can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours or frozen for up to 3 months.

Frequently asked questions