Sopapillas | Air Fryer Sopapillas

Sopapillas are a delicious, traditional Mexican dessert that is typically deep-fried and served with honey or cinnamon sugar. But did you know that you can also make them in an air fryer? This recipe will show you how to make a healthier, yet equally delicious version of this popular treat.

Why You'll Love This Sweet Treat

• Fast. A fresh, homemade dough treat that's ready in under 30 minutes with the help of your air fryer.
• Easy. Just mix together the dough, toss it in the air fryer, cover with cinnamon sugar and honey, and enjoy.
• Delicious. Packed with traditional cinnamon sugar flavor that's accentuated by the sweet flavors of honey.

These air fryer sopapillas are a tasty and healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried version. They are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, and the cinnamon sugar topping adds the perfect amount of sweetness. Give this recipe a try and see how easy and delicious it is to make sopapillas in an air fryer.

Why Don't My Sopapillas Puff Up?

There can be several reasons why your sopapillas are not puffing up:

1. Not enough leavening- Sopapillas rely on baking powder or yeast to create puffiness. If you don't use enough leavening or use old levener, your sopapillas will not puff up as much as they should.
2. The dough is too dry- If the dough is too dry, it won't puff up as well when it's fried. Make sure to add enough liquid (milk, water, etc.) to the dough to make it the right consistency.
3. Not rolling the dough thin enough- The dough should be rolled out as thin as possible, this will allow it to puff up more when it's air fried.

Also, remember that homemade sopapillas may not puff up as perfectly as the ones you get at a restaurant or a bakery, but that doesn't mean they will be less delicious.

What Is The Difference Between Sopapillas And Churros?

Sopapillas are a traditional Mexican and Tex-Mex dessert that is made from a light and fluffy dough that is deep-fried. They are typically served warm and drizzled with honey or sprinkled with cinnamon sugar.

Churros, on the other hand, are a traditional Spanish and Latin American dessert that is made from a denser dough that is also deep-fried. They are typically served warm and are often dusted with cinnamon sugar or served with a chocolate dipping sauce.

Churros are often shaped into long, thin strips, while Sopapillas are typically smaller and puffier.

Ingredients You'll Need

You won't belive how few ingredients you'll need to get a completely homemade sweet treat that your whole family will rave about. Here's what you'll need to grab before you get started:

For The Pastry

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Unsalted butter
• Warm water

For The Topping

• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon

How To Make Sopapillas In The Air Fryer

1. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the melted butter and warm water until a dough forms.
2. Knead the dough for about 2 minutes, then cover and let it rest for 15 minutes.
3. Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F.
4. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
5. Use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut the dough into circles.
6. Place the sopapillas in the air fryer basket, making sure to not overcrowd them.
7. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
8. Remove the sopapillas from the air fryer and let them cool slightly.
9. In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon. Brush the sopapillas with butter and sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
10. Serve warm and enjoy!

Variations

• Make them chocolatey. Instead of drizzling with honey, drizzle these with melted chocolate for a bite that is similar to a churro.
• Add a savory bite. Use an unseasoned sopapilla (no topping) as a fluffy bread alongside Mexican Pulled Pork for a bite that can't be beat.
• Make sopapilla cheesecake bars. Whip up some of my Keto Cream Cheese Frosting and spread it on top after you air fry for a quick sopapilla cheesecake.

How Long Do They Last?

Sopapillas are best enjoyed fresh, as they tend to lose their crispiness and texture over time. The shelf life of sopapillas will depend on how they are stored.

If you store sopapillas in an airtight container at room temperature, they will last for about 2-3 days. They will still be edible, but they may not be as crispy and fluffy as when they were first made.

If you want to extend the shelf life of your sopapillas, you can store them in the refrigerator. In an airtight container, they can last for up to a week.

How Do You Reheat Sopapillas In The Air Fryer?

To reheat sopapillas in the air fryer, you can follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F.
2. Place the sopapillas in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them.
3. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy again.
4. Remove the sopapillas from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving.
5. If desired, you can brush them with butter and sprinkle with a little cinnamon sugar mixture before serving to give them that freshly made taste.

It's important to note that the cook time may vary depending on the thickness of the sopapillas and the power of your air fryer. Start with 2-3 minutes and check on them frequently.

Reheating sopapillas in the air fryer is a quick and easy way to get that freshly fried taste without the added oil and fat. Plus, it's a great way to enjoy leftovers or even to make them in advance.

Can You Freeze Them?

You can also freeze sopapillas for longer storage. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, and they will last for about 3 months in the freezer.

To reheat frozen sopapillas, place them in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy again.

What To Serve With Them?

Sopapillas are versatile desserts that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Here are some popular ways to serve them:

• Drizzle honey- The traditional way to enjoy them is with a drizzle of honey. The sweetness of the honey complements the crispy and fluffy texture of the sopapillas perfectly.
• Sprinkle cinnamon sugar- Another popular way to serve them is with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. The combination of sweet and spicy adds a delicious flavor to the sopapillas.
• With ice cream- These are also delicious when served with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. The ice cream adds a creamy and cool contrast to the warm sopapillas.
• Enjoy a cup of coffee or hot chocolate- Sopapillas can also be enjoyed with a warm drink like coffee or hot chocolate. The warm drink will complement the sopapillas and make for a perfect dessert.

Ultimately, the way you serve them will depend on your personal preferences and the occasion. Feel free to experiment and try different toppings and pairings to find the perfect combination for you.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
• Kofta Kabab
• Air Fryer Turkey Burgers

Pin It!

If you love these air fryer sopapillas as much as we do, make sure you share them with your friends on Facebook and Pinterest so they can try them too! Don't forget to Pin it so you can make them again soon.