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Air Fryer Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists

Name: Air Fryer Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 4 ounces duros ( or duritos pasta ); 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

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Air Fryer Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists — Ditch the Drive-Thru, Embrace the Crunch: Air Fryer Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists at Home! ✨

Craving those irresistible Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists but want to skip the lines and the deep-fried guilt? We’ve got you covered! This recipe unlocks the magic of perfectly crispy, gooey-cinnamon swirls in the comfort of your kitchen, thanks to the air fryer revolution!

What Are Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists

Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists are a popular dessert item offered by the fast-food chain Taco Bell.

They are light, crispy, and twisted pasta-like snacks deep-fried until they puff up and become airy. After frying, they are immediately tossed in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar, giving them a sweet, spiced coating that’s both crunchy and irresistibly delicious. These twists are known for their unique texture, which is both crunchy and airy, making them a delightful treat to enjoy after a meal or as a snack on their own.

The secret to the unique texture of Taco Bell’s Cinnamon Twists lies in the type of pasta used, which expands when fried, creating a light and puffy snack. They are made from Duros, which is also called Duros de harina, duritos, durros, pasta para durito, chicharrones, or churritos. You can find them all at Amazon or your local Mexican grocery store.

Combining the sweet cinnamon-sugar coating with the crunchy texture makes them a favorite among Taco Bell customers, offering a distinct dessert option that stands out from typical fast-food offerings.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists

Embark on a delightful culinary adventure with the ingredients for Air Fryer Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists. This simple yet compelling recipe combines a handful of pantry staples to recreate the iconic fast-food treat, all from the comfort of your home. Each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving that perfect blend of crispy texture and sweet, cinnamon-infused flavor, promising a homemade snack that’s as satisfying as the original.

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.

Wheat Pellets (Duros): The base of the twists, wheat pellets or duros, are uncooked pasta that puffs up when fried or air-fried, mimicking the texture of Taco Bell’s Cinnamon Twists. These are the secret to achieving this recipe’s airy, crunchy texture.
Granulated Sugar: A vital component of the cinnamon-sugar mixture, granulated sugar adds a sweet crystalline coating that balances beautifully with the cinnamon’s warmth, creating the twists’ classic flavor profile.
Ground Cinnamon: This spice brings warmth, aroma, and depth to the cinnamon-sugar mixture, enveloping the twists in a cozy, spiced flavor that’s irresistibly inviting and perfectly complements the sweetness.
Cooking Spray: A light coating of cooking spray ensures the cinnamon-sugar mixture adheres well to the twists while also helping them to crisp up in the air fryer without the need for deep frying, making for a healthier version of the treat.

With these simple ingredients, you’re well on crafting a batch of Air Fryer Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists that will fill your kitchen with the warm, inviting aroma of cinnamon and sugar. This recipe is a testament to how easy and enjoyable it can be to recreate your fast-food favorites at home, offering a lighter take on a beloved dessert.

How To Make Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists In Air Fryer

Creating Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists in an air fryer is a delightful and straightforward process that brings the iconic fast-food treat into your kitchen with a healthier twist. Here’s how to make them:

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. This ensures that your wheat pellets start cooking at the right temperature for optimal puffing.

Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture: In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined. This mixture will coat the twists after they are air-fried, giving them their signature sweet and spicy flavor.

Cook the Wheat Pellets: Place the wheat pellets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they are not overcrowded to allow them to puff up properly. Spray a light coat of cooking spray over the pellets. Air fry for about 3-5 minutes or until they have puffed up and are lightly golden. The exact time may vary depending on your air fryer model, so keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

Toss with Cinnamon-Sugar: Immediately transfer the hot, puffed twists to a large bowl. While they are still warm, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture and toss gently to coat evenly. The warmth of the twists will help the sugar mixture to stick to them, creating a deliciously sweet coating.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve your Air Fryer Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists fresh and crisp for the best taste and texture. They make a great snack or dessert, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

Recipe Variations

Experimenting with recipe variations for Air Fryer Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists can add an exciting twist to this classic fast-food treat. Here are some creative ideas to customize and elevate your homemade cinnamon twists:

Chocolate Drizzle: After air frying and coating your cinnamon twists, drizzle them with melted chocolate. Dark, milk, or white chocolate can contrast the sweet and spicy cinnamon sugar with a deliciously rich flavor.
Vanilla Glaze: Mix powdered sugar with milk and vanilla extract to create a simple glaze. Drizzle this over the warm twists for a touch of creamy sweetness that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
Citrus Zest: Add a bit of grated orange or lemon zest to your cinnamon-sugar mixture for a citrusy kick. This can bring a refreshing brightness that pairs wonderfully with the warmth of the cinnamon.
Caramel Dip: Serve your cinnamon twists with caramel sauce for dipping. The buttery richness of caramel adds a decadent twist to the crispy, spiced treats.
Maple Cinnamon: Substitute granulated sugar with pure maple syrup when making your cinnamon-sugar mixture. This variation offers a unique, autumnal sweetness with a deeper flavor profile.
Spiced Sugar: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to your cinnamon-sugar mix for those who enjoy a bit of heat. The subtle spice enhances the cinnamon’s warmth and adds an unexpected kick.
Pumpkin Spice: Embrace fall flavors by adding a pumpkin spice blend to your cinnamon sugar. This mixture usually contains cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, offering a complex and aromatic flavor.
Nutty Crunch: After air frying, immediately toss the twists in cinnamon sugar and finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts. This adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the cinnamon.
Powdered Sugar Dust: For a snow-like effect, lightly dust your air-fried cinnamon twists with powdered sugar. This creates a visually appealing finish and adds a melt-in-your-mouth sweetness.
Honey Butter: Combine melted butter with honey and brush it over the warm twists before tossing them in the cinnamon sugar. This creates a sticky, sweet coating that’s utterly addictive.

By exploring these variations, you can discover your favorite way to enjoy Air Fryer Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists, whether you prefer them with extra sweetness, a hint of spice, or a touch of chocolatey decadence. Each variation brings its own unique flavor and texture to the table, making this classic snack even more enjoyable.

Pro Tips

To ensure your Air Fryer Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists come out perfectly every time, follow these pro tips. These suggestions are designed to help you navigate common pitfalls and enhance the flavor and texture of your homemade treats:

Correct Pellet Type: Ensure you’re using the correct type of wheat pellets (also known as duros). Not all wheat pellets will puff up correctly; you’re looking for the small, wagon wheel-shaped ones that are specifically meant to expand when cooked.
Even Coating: For a uniform cinnamon-sugar coating, place the air-fried twists in a large bowl while they’re still hot and sprinkle the mixture. Toss gently until each twist is evenly coated. The residual heat helps the sugar mixture to stick better.
Batch Cooking: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure each twist has enough space to puff up and cook evenly. Cooking in batches may take a bit longer, but it results in a better texture and even cooking for all your twists.
Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheating the air fryer ensures that the cooking environment is immediately at the optimal temperature for puffing up the twists. This leads to a more consistent texture and helps them to cook evenly.
Shake Halfway Through: Gently shaking the basket halfway through the cooking process can help the twists to cook more evenly and prevent any from sticking together. This ensures that each side gets a nice, crispy texture.
Adjusting Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon-sugar mixture according to your taste. Some might prefer a lighter coating for a subtler sweetness, while others may enjoy a more generous dusting for extra flavor.
Serving Warm: These twists are best enjoyed warm, straight out of the air fryer. Serving them warm ensures that they’re at their crispiest and most delicious, as they can soften as they cool down.
Storage and Reheating: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their texture. To recrisp, simply reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) before serving.
Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavor coatings. In addition to cinnamon-sugar, try out other spice mixes or sweet glazes to discover new favorite variations.
Regular Checking: Since air fryer models can vary significantly, start checking your twists a bit earlier than the recipe suggests. This helps prevent overcooking and ensures that each batch has the perfect crunch.

By keeping these pro tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to making delicious, crispy, and perfectly sweet Air Fryer Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists that rival the original. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!

Faq’s

What type of wheat pellets should I use for making Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists? Use the small, hard wheat pellets known as “duros” or “pasta para duros.” These are specifically designed to puff up when cooked, which is essential for achieving the light, airy texture of Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists.

Can I make these cinnamon twists without an air fryer? Yes, you can deep-fry the wheat pellets in oil at 350°F (175°C) until they puff up, then coat them with cinnamon sugar. However, using an air fryer is a healthier alternative that still delivers excellent results.

How do I prevent the cinnamon sugar from falling off the twists? Ensure the twists are still warm when you coat them with cinnamon sugar, as the warmth helps the sugar to stick. Alternatively, you can lightly spray the cooked twists with cooking spray before tossing them in the cinnamon sugar to help it adhere better.

Why did my wheat pellets not puff up in the air fryer? There could be a few reasons: the air fryer might not have been preheated properly, the wheat pellets might not be the correct type or were old, or they might not have been cooked at the right temperature. Ensure you’re using the correct type of pellets and that your air fryer is preheated.

How long do Air Fryer Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists last? While best enjoyed fresh, you can store these cinnamon twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them up again before serving.

Can I make these twists with regular pasta if I can’t find wheat pellets? Unfortunately, regular pasta won’t work as a substitute because it doesn’t puff up in the same way. It’s essential to use the specific type of wheat pellets called for in the recipe to achieve the correct texture.

Is it possible to make these twists with less sugar for a healthier version? Absolutely! You can reduce the amount of sugar in the cinnamon-sugar coating according to your preference. Alternatively, you can use sugar substitutes suitable for cooking to lower the calorie content.

Can I add other flavors to the cinnamon twists? Yes, feel free to experiment with adding other spices to the cinnamon sugar, such as nutmeg or cardamom, for different flavor profiles. You can also try making savory twists by using spices like paprika or garlic powder instead of cinnamon sugar.

How do I know when the twists are done cooking in the air fryer? The twists are done when they have puffed up and turned a light golden brown, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes depending on your air fryer. Keep a close eye on them, especially the first time you make them, to ensure they don’t overcook.

Can I cook multiple batches of twists at once in the air fryer? It’s best to cook them in single layers to ensure even cooking and puffing. If your air fryer is large enough, you might be able to cook more than one batch at a time, but avoid overcrowding to ensure each twist has enough space to expand and cook properly.

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