Air Fryer Twinkies are a quick and delicious twist on the classic snack cake, giving you a crispy, golden outside with a soft, creamy center. They’re fun to make, customizable with candy bars or toppings, and perfect for parties or indulgent treats. Ready in minutes, this recipe brings fair-style flavor straight to your kitchen!

Golden, crispy air fryer Twinkies served on a plate with powdered sugar.
Save This Recipe Form

Want to save this recipe?

Enter your email below & I will send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get more great recipes from me on occasion!

Air Fried Twinkies are a fun and nostalgic treat that’s incredibly easy to make at home!

With just a few simple ingredients, you can transform classic Twinkies into golden, crispy delights with a warm, creamy center.

Perfect for parties, carnivals-at-home, or a quick dessert fix, these air-fried goodies deliver that fried fair-food flavor—without the oil or mess of deep frying. Serve them with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent touch!

Crispy golden air fryer Twinkies on a plate, dusted with powdered sugar.

✅ Why You Will Love This Recipe!

🎡 Carnival vibes at home – Brings that fair-fried flavor without the fuss.

⏱️ Quick & easy – Ready in minutes with minimal prep.

🍰 Crispy outside, creamy inside – The texture contrast is irresistible!

🧁 Kid-friendly & fun – A treat the whole family will love.

💡 No deep fryer needed – Air fryer magic makes it lighter and cleaner.

Ingredients Needed

Ingredients needed for Air Fryer Twinkies on kitchen table.
  • Twinkies – Classic sponge cakes with a creamy vanilla filling
  • Kit Kats – Crisp wafer bars coated in smooth chocolate
  • Twix – Chocolate-covered caramel cookie bars with a satisfying crunch
  • Chocolate sauce (optional) – Rich, smooth topping for extra indulgence
  • Powdered sugar (optional) – Light, sweet dusting for a decorative finish

How To Air Fry Twinkies

Cutting the twinkie with a slit, to add the candy bars.

Preparation: Set air fryer temperature to to 370 degrees F (190°C) for 1-2 minutes.

Place the candy bar into the slit.

Stuffing Your Twinkie: Using a sharp knife, make a slit into the Twinkie, then add your candy bar to the hole.

Place stuffed twinkies into the air fryer basket.

Air Fry: Spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray, or line the air fryer basket with parchment paper. Place the stuffed Twinkies into the air fryer basket, ensuring they aren’t touching.

Cook: Set cook time for 4-6 minutes or until they’re golden brown. Ensure you flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Cooked twinkies on cutting board.

Serving: Remove the Twinkies carefully from the air fryer, let them cool slightly, and then sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy the crispy exterior and soft, gooey interior of the air-fried Twinkies!

Air fryer Twinkies with golden crust, topped with powdered sugar and chocolate drizzle.

Air Fryer Twinkies Recipe Tips

🔥 Preheat your air fryer – Helps give the Twinkies an even, crispy exterior.
🧊 Chill the candy bars first – If using Kit Kats or Twix inside, freezing them helps them hold shape while cooking.
🌪️ Don’t overcrowd the basket – Give each Twinkie space to crisp up properly.
⏱️ Watch the time closely – They cook fast! Check around the 4-minute mark.
🍫 Add toppings after frying – Drizzle chocolate sauce or sprinkle powdered sugar once they’re slightly cooled for best results.

Storing

Store leftover air fryer Twinkies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For best texture, reheat in the air fryer for 1–2 minutes before serving.

Golden air fryer Twinkies served on a plate with chocolate drizzle and powdered sugar.

Air Frying Twinkies Recipe Faqs

How long do I air fry Twinkies? Typically 4–6 minutes at 320°F, or until golden and crispy.

🍫 Can I stuff them with candy bars? Yes! Kit Kats or Twix work great—freeze them first so they don’t melt too quickly.

🧊 Can I make them ahead of time? They’re best fresh, but you can store and reheat them for up to 2 days.

🧁 Can I use off-brand snack cakes? Absolutely! Any cream-filled sponge cake will work just as well.

🍽️ Do I need to add toppings? Optional but fun—try chocolate sauce, powdered sugar, or sprinkles!

Crispy air fryer Twinkies on a plate, topped with powdered sugar and chocolate drizzle.

More Air Fryer Recipes

Don’t Forget To Pin!

Golden, crispy air fryer Twinkies served on a plate with powdered sugar.

Air Fryer Twinkies

5 from 5 votes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 13 minutes
Servings: 2 Servings

Description

Air Fryer Twinkies are a quick and delicious twist on the classic snack cake, giving you a crispy, golden outside with a soft, creamy center. They’re fun to make, customizable with candy bars or toppings, and perfect for parties or indulgent treats. Ready in minutes, this recipe brings fair-style flavor straight to your kitchen!
YouTube video

Ingredients 

  • 4 Twinkies
  • 2 Kit Kats, optional, for stuffing
  • 2 Twix bars, optional, for stuffing
  • 1/4 cup Chocolate sauce, optional, for drizzling
  • 1/4 cup Powdered sugar, optional, for dusting

Instructions

  • Optional Step: If using Kit Kats or Twix, freeze them for about 30 minutes to help them hold their shape during cooking.
  • Gently slice Twinkies down the middle (without cutting all the way through) and stuff with candy bars if using.
  • Place the Twinkies in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not touching.
  • Air fry temperature to 370 degrees F for 4–6 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
  • Let cool slightly. Drizzle with chocolate sauce and sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired.

Equipment

  • Cooking Spray, optional
  • Parchment Paper, optional

Notes

Storing and Reheating Air Fryer Twinkies:
Storing:
  1. Cool Completely: Before storing, ensure your air-fried Twinkies have cooled down to room temperature. This will help prevent any condensation, which could make them soggy.
  2. Airtight Container: Place the Twinkies in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. This will prevent them from drying out.
  3. Refrigeration: While Twinkies have a long shelf life, once they’ve been air-fried, it’s best to store them in the refrigerator if they’re not consumed within a few hours. This will help retain their freshness for up to 3 days.
  4. Freezing: If you wish to store them for a longer period, you can freeze the air-fried Twinkies. Wrap each Twinkie individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to a month.
Reheating:
  1. Air Fryer: For the best results, reheat Twinkies in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the Twinkies inside, ensuring they’re not touching, and heat for 2-3 minutes or until they are warmed through and regain their crispiness.
  2. Oven: Preheat your oven or toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the Twinkies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes or until they’re hot and crispy.
  3. Microwave: While it’s the quickest method, using a microwave might make them a bit soft. If you’re in a hurry, unwrap the Twinkie and microwave it on a plate for 20-30 seconds. Do keep an eye on it to prevent over-cooking.
Remember, when reheating, it’s crucial not to overdo it, as the filling can become extremely hot and might seep out. Always check the temperature before consuming.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 671kcalCarbohydrates: 102gProtein: 9gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 422mgPotassium: 390mgFiber: 5gSugar: 66gVitamin A: 56IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 151mgIron: 5mg

Share this recipe

We can’t wait to see what you’ve made! Mention @forktospoon or tag #forktospoon!