Fried dough is a delightful treat that has been enjoyed by people all over the world for centuries. In the past, making fried dough often involved deep frying the dough in oil, which could make it quite heavy and greasy. However, with the advent of air fryers, it is now possible to make fried dough in a healthier and less messy way. In this article, we will explore how to make fried dough in an air fryer, resulting in a crispy and delicious treat that you can enjoy guilt-free.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you begin making fried dough in an air fryer, make sure to gather all the necessary ingredients. The good news is that you probably already have most of them in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
1. 2 cups of all-purpose flour
2. 2 teaspoons of baking powder
3. 1/2 teaspoon of salt
4. 1 tablespoon of sugar
5. 1 cup of milk
6. 2 tablespoons of melted butter or vegetable oil
7. Additional ingredients for toppings and flavorings (e.g., cinnamon, powdered sugar, Nutella, or jam)
Mixing the Dough
To make the dough for your fried dough, start by combining the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a mixing bowl. Mix these dry ingredients together until they are well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and melted butter or vegetable oil. Then, pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until a soft dough forms.
Once the dough has come together, transfer it to a lightly floured surface and knead it for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, you can add a little more flour. On the other hand, if it feels too dry, add a small amount of milk. Remember, the goal is to achieve a soft and pliable dough that is easy to work with.
Shaping and Preparing the Dough
To shape the dough for frying, start by dividing it into smaller portions. You can either make one large fried dough or several smaller ones, depending on your preference. Roll each portion of dough into a ball and then flatten it into a disk shape. The thickness of the disk will determine how crispy or soft the fried dough will be in the end.
After shaping the dough, it’s time to preheat your air fryer to around 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Preheating is important to ensure that the fried dough cooks evenly and becomes crispy on the outside.
Frying the Dough
Once your air fryer has reached the desired temperature, it’s time to fry the dough. Carefully place the shaped dough into the air fryer basket, making sure to leave some space between them to allow for proper air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer and the thickness of the dough, you may need to fry the dough in batches.
Set the timer for 6-8 minutes and let the air fryer work its magic. During this time, the dough will turn golden brown and become crispy. However, it is essential to keep an eye on the frying process to prevent the dough from burning. You can open the air fryer occasionally to check on the progress and flip the dough if necessary.
Adding Toppings and Flavorings
Once the fried dough is cooked to perfection, it’s time to unleash your creativity by adding delicious toppings and flavorings. There are numerous options to choose from depending on your taste preferences. Some popular choices include sprinkling the fried dough with powdered sugar, drizzling it with honey or maple syrup, spreading it with Nutella or jam, or dusting it with cinnamon.
Feel free to experiment with different combinations and create your own signature fried dough treat. You can even serve it alongside a scoop of ice cream for an extra special dessert.
Healthier Alternative
While fried dough may not be the healthiest treat in its traditional form, making it in an air fryer can significantly reduce the amount of oil and fat used. Air fryers use circulating hot air to cook food, resulting in a crispy exterior without the need for excessive oil. This makes air-fried fried dough a healthier alternative compared to deep-fried versions.
Additionally, by making your own fried dough at home, you have more control over the ingredients used. You can opt for whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour to increase the fiber content. You can also reduce the amount of sugar used or explore alternatives like honey or stevia.
Conclusion
Making fried dough in an air fryer is a wonderful way to enjoy this classic treat without feeling guilty about the excess grease. By following these simple steps, you can create a crispy and healthier version of fried dough that will satisfy your cravings. So gather your ingredients, mix the dough, shape and prepare it, fry it to perfection, and finally, add your favorite toppings. With an air fryer, you can indulge in the deliciousness of fried dough while keeping your health in mind.