Air Fryer Twinkies — These are so good. There is nothing better than a warm, crispy Twinkie. Thanks to your air fryer, you can enjoy these tasty treats in less than 5 minutes, any day of the week.
If you have been thinking of making a batch of deep-fried Twinkies, look no further than your air fryer!
This is a classic American snack. If Twinkies are your favorite fair food, I am here to show you how to get this cream-filled snack in minutes without needing hot oil, but the result is the same: the crispy texture can not be beaten!
Can You Air Fry A Twinkie?
Yes!! Air frying a Twinkie is possible, resulting in a unique and delicious twist on the traditional treat. The hot circulating air of the air fryer crisps the outside of the Twinkie while keeping its inside soft and gooey. It’s a quick and easy way to add a delightful crunch to the classic creamy-filled sponge cake.
Why Air Fry A Twinkie?
Air frying a Twinkie elevates this classic treat to a whole new level. When air-fried, the Twinkie’s outer layer turns crispy and golden, offering a delightful contrast to its soft and creamy interior. The heat also makes the cream filling warm and slightly molten, giving a gourmet touch to an ordinary snack. It’s a perfect way to reimagine and enjoy a childhood favorite with an added twist of texture and taste.
If you have ever been to a state fair, you know it is one of the most popular fair recipes, and today, without a deep fryer, you can make this decadent dessert in minutes!
Check Out How To Make A Crispy Air Fryer Twinkies
Ingredients Needed For Crispy Air Fryer Twinkies
Dive into a delightful twist on a classic snack with these air-fried Twinkies! With just a few simple ingredients, you’re on your way to enjoying a crispy, golden treat bursting with creamy goodness.
Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below in the printable recipe card, at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.
- Twinkies: The show’s star, Twinkies, are delicious sponge cakes with a creamy filling, ready to be transformed with a golden crisp from the air fryer.
- Batter (optional): A light, sweet batter can add an extra layer of crispiness to the Twinkies, enhancing their flavor and texture.
- Candy Bars: Kit Kat or Twix Bars
- Dough: Biscuit Dough or Crescent Dough
- Powdered Sugar (optional): A powdered sugar dusting can elevate the air-fried Twinkies’ presentation and sweetness.
How To Make Air-Fried Twinkies
With a few simple steps, you can enjoy this favorite fair food in minutes; who doesn’t love a crispy Twinkie? Perfect to crave your sweet tooth!
Preparation: Preheating your air fryer to 370 degrees F (190°C) for 1-2 minutes.
Optional Batter: While preheating, prepare a light batter to coat the Twinkies. You can use a simple pancake batter or even a funnel cake batter. Dip each Twinkie into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated.
Stuffing Your Twinkie: Using a sharp knife, make a slit into the Twinkie, then add your candy bar to the hole.
Air Fry: Spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray, or line the air fryer basket with parchment paper. Place the Twinkies (coated or uncoated) 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.
Serve: Remove the Twinkies carefully from the air fryer, let them cool slightly, and then sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired.
Enjoy: Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy the crispy exterior and soft, gooey interior of the air-fried Twinkies!
Air Fryer Twinkie Variations
Air-fried Twinkies are already a fun twist on the classic treat, but you can take things to the next level with these creative variations:
- Chocolate-Dipped: Dip the Twinkies in melted chocolate after air frying and let them set. This adds an extra layer of richness.
- Twinkie S’mores: Once air-fried, slit the Twinkie in the middle and stuff with a piece of chocolate and a roasted marshmallow. Press together and enjoy!
- Nut-Crusted: Before air frying, dip the Twinkie in batter and roll in crushed almonds, pecans, or your nut of choice.
- Drizzles: After air frying, drizzle of raspberry sauce, Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
- Stuffed Twinkies: Before air frying, use a piping bag to add fillings, such as fruit jams, Nutella, or peanut butter, to the creamy vanilla filling.
- Fruit-Topped: After air frying, serve the Twinkies topped with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Batter Variations: Play with batter flavors—use cocoa powder for a chocolatey crust or add cinnamon and sugar for a churro-like taste.
- Wrapped Twinkies: You can wrap the Twinkie with crescent dough
- Twinkie Sliders: Slice air-fried Twinkies in half and add a scoop of ice cream in between for a delightful dessert slider.
Remember, the sky’s the limit! Feel free to get creative and mix and match different variations for a truly unique treat.
Pro Tips For The Perfect Air Fryer Twinkie
When aiming for the perfectly golden and delicious air-fried Twinkie, consider these pro tips:
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer. This ensures even cooking right from the start.
- No Overcrowding: Make sure the Twinkies are not touching each other in the air fryer. Overcrowding can prevent them from crisping up uniformly; depending on the size of your air fryer, you can probably fit 6-8 Twinkies in the air fryer basket.
- Flip or Rotate: Halfway through the cooking time, gently flip or rotate the Twinkies to ensure an even golden color on all sides.
- Watch the Clock: Twinkies can go from golden to burnt quickly. Keep a close eye, especially when making them in your specific air fryer.
- Use Non-Stick Spray: If you’re worried about sticking, lightly spray your air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray or parchment paper.
- Cooldown Time: After removing from the air fryer, let them cool for a minute or two. This allows the exterior to crisp up further while not scalding your mouth when you bite.
- Presentation Matters: Lightly dusting powdered sugar or a drizzle of your favorite sauce can elevate your air-fried Twinkies’ visual appeal and taste.
- Experiment with Batter: If you’re using batter, try different varieties to find your preferred texture and flavor. Thicker batter will give a more doughnut-like crust, while thinner batter provides a light crispiness.
With these tips, you’ll be on your way to creating perfect air-fried Twinkies every time!
Do I need to defrost the Twinkies before air frying?
No, you can air fry them straight from the freezer, especially if they’re pre-packaged. However, the cooking time may vary slightly based on their temperature.
Can I make my Twinkies instead of using store-bought?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade Twinkie recipe, you can certainly use that. Just ensure they’re fully assembled before air frying.
How long do air-fried Twinkies stay fresh?
Air-fried Twinkies are best enjoyed immediately while they’re warm and crispy. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container and consume them within 1-2 days for the best taste and texture.
Is air frying healthier than deep frying?
Generally, yes. Air frying requires significantly less oil than traditional deep frying, which reduces the overall fat content.
Can I use other fillings or different flavors of Twinkies?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with different Twinkie varieties or flavors available.
How do I know when the Twinkies are done in the air fryer?
They should have a golden-brown exterior. However, since air fryer models can vary, always watch them during the first batch to nail the perfect cooking time.
Can I reheat leftover air-fried Twinkies?
Yes, you can reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for 1-2 minutes or until they’re warm throughout.
Is it necessary to use batter when air frying Twinkies?
No, using pancake mix or batter is optional. Using batter will give them a crispy crust, but they can be air-fried without batter, too.
More Air Fryer Recipes
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- AIR FRYER DESSERT NACHOS
- EASY AIR FRYER BLONDIE BROWNIE CHEESECAKE SUNDAE
- AIR FRYER BANANA CARAMEL PIE
- AIR FRYER COPYCAT HOSTESS CUPCAKES
Don’t Forget To Pin!
Air Fryer Twinkies
Description
Ingredients
How To Make Air Fryer Twinkies–Version 1 (Plain)
- 2 Twinkies
- Cooking Spray
- 2 candy bars
How To Make Air Fryer Twinkies–Version 2 (Stuffed)
- 2 Twinkies
- 2 pieces Biscuit or Crescent Dough
Instructions
How To Make Air Fryer Twinkies–Version 1 (Plain)
- Spray your basket with cooking spray, add your Twinkies to the Air Fryer Basket, and set the temperature to 350 degrees F, air fryer setting, and cook for 4 minutes, flipping halfway
How To Make Air Fryer Twinkies–Version 2 (Stuffed)
- Roll out the crescent dough and cut into 2 pieces.
- Lay the Twinkie out in the center of the dough.
- Wrap the Twinkie around the dough. Sealing both sides, by pressing the steams together with your fingers.
- Continue to wrap the Twinkies up, until you are out of dough.
- Place on a greased air fryer tray or in a greased air fryer basket. Spray the dough, so it turns a golden brown and crisp up.
- Set in the air fryer and set the temperature to 320 degrees F, for 7 minutes. (air fryer setting)
- Plate, serve and enjoy!
Equipment
- Cooking Spray, optional
- Parchment Paper, optional
Notes
- 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.
- Airtight Container: Place the Twinkies in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. This will prevent them from drying out.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Nutrition
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NiklosDavid
Use frozen packed Twinkies or homemade and drop down in the batter. Fry nicely and let them float on the oil until the twinkies turn light brown. Dust some powdered sugar on the freshly fried twinkies and your cute little delicious twinkies are all set to melt in the mouth.