Duros, also known as pasta wheels, are a popular and delicious snack that originated in Mexico. These crunchy treats are made from wheat flour and cornmeal, and are typically deep-fried to achieve their trademark texture. However, with the rising popularity of air fryers, people have been wondering if it’s possible to make duros in an air fryer. In this article, we will guide you on how to make delicious duros in an air fryer, providing you with a healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried version.
Gather Your Ingredients
What You’ll Need:
To make duros in an air fryer, you’ll need a few simple and readily available ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
– 1 cup of wheat flour
– 1 cup of cornmeal
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1 teaspoon of chili powder (optional, for added flavor)
– Water (as needed to knead the dough)
– Cooking spray (to prevent sticking)
Why Air Fryer?
Duros are traditionally deep-fried in oil, which adds a significant amount of unhealthy fats and extra calories. However, by using an air fryer, you can enjoy crispy duros with a fraction of the oil. Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food, creating a crispy texture similar to deep frying but with little to no oil. This makes them a healthier alternative for those who are mindful of their calorie intake or following a low-fat diet.
Making the Duro Dough
To start making your duros in an air fryer, you first need to prepare the dough. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the wheat flour, cornmeal, salt, and chili powder (if using). Use a fork or whisk to ensure that all the dry ingredients are well-mixed. This will ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 2: Adding Water and Kneading
Gradually add water to the dry ingredients, a little at a time, and mix with your hands or a wooden spoon until a firm dough is formed. Be careful not to add too much water, as it can make the dough sticky and difficult to work with. The dough should be smooth and pliable, similar to pizza dough.
Step 3: Resting the Dough
Once the dough is mixed and kneaded, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rest for about 20-30 minutes. This resting period allows the dough to relax and results in a more tender and elastic texture.
Shaping and Air Frying the Duros
After the dough has rested, it’s time to shape and air fry your duros. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Preheating the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. This will ensure that the duros cook evenly and achieve a crispy texture.
Step 2: Rolling and Cutting the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. You can use a rolling pin or a tortilla press to achieve the desired thickness. Once rolled out, use a knife or a pizza cutter to cut the dough into small squares or rectangles, approximately 1-2 inches in size.
Step 3: Air Frying the Duros
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the cut duros in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they have some space between them for even cooking. Cook the duros in batches if necessary.
Step 4: Cooking and Flipping
Cook the duros in the air fryer for 8-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure that they cook evenly on both sides. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent burning, as air fryers can vary in heat intensity.
Step 5: Cooling and Serving
Once the duros are cooked to a golden brown color and have achieved a crispy texture, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool on a wire rack. This will allow them to become crispier as they cool down. Serve the duros as a standalone snack or alongside your favorite dips, such as salsa or guacamole.
Experiment with Flavors
One of the best things about making duros in an air fryer is that you can get creative with the flavors. While the traditional duros recipe calls for salt and chili powder, you can experiment with various spices and seasonings to customize the taste. Consider adding garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a unique twist. Let your taste buds guide you and have fun with the flavors!
Conclusion
With the help of an air fryer, making delicious duros at home has become easier and healthier. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy the crispy goodness of duros without the guilt of deep frying. Gather your ingredients, make the dough, shape and air fry, and you’ll have a batch of crunchy duros to enjoy as a flavorful snack anytime. So put your air fryer to good use and surprise your taste buds with this Mexican delight!