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Easy Air Fryer Fried Twinkies Recipe

Easy Air Fryer Fried Twinkies

Chilled Twinkies are dipped in a thick vanilla batter and air-fried until puffed and golden. Serve them warm with powdered sugar for a fast, fun dessert.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 36 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 6 Hostess Twinkies, chilled or frozen
  • 1 cup All-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon Baking powder
  • 1 tablespoon Granulated sugar
  • 1 Large egg
  • 3/4 cup Milk, preferably whole or 2%
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
For the Basket and Serving
  • As needed Nonstick cooking spray
  • Optional Powdered sugar

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Place the Twinkies in the freezer for about 20–30 minutes so the filling firms and the cakes are easier to coat.
  2. Whisk the flour, baking powder, and granulated sugar in one bowl. In a second bowl, whisk the egg, milk, and vanilla, then stir the wet mixture into the dry ingredients just until combined.
  3. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) if your model requires preheating. Lightly coat the basket with nonstick cooking spray.
  4. Dip each chilled Twinkie completely in the batter, allowing excess batter to drip back into the bowl. Arrange the coated cakes in a single layer with space between them, then lightly spray the tops.
  5. Air-fry for 3–4 minutes, carefully turn each Twinkie, and cook for another 3–4 minutes. Remove them when the coating is puffed and golden brown.
  6. Let the fried Twinkies cool for 2–3 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Notes

Freeze or thoroughly chill the Twinkies before dipping, avoid overcrowding the basket, and do not use loose parchment because the batter needs air circulation and may stick. A pancake-mix variation can be made with 1 cup pancake mix, approximately 1/2 cup milk, and 1 egg.