📝 About This Recipe
Transport yourself to the magic of the county fair with these light, crispy, and irresistibly sweet Elephant Ears. Traditionally deep-fried, this air-fried version achieves that iconic bubbly texture and buttery finish with significantly less oil. Each bite offers a nostalgic crunch of cinnamon sugar that melts into a soft, yeasty center, making it the ultimate homemade carnival treat.
🥗 Ingredients
The Dough Base
- 2 cups All-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 2 tablespoons Granulated sugar (for the dough)
- 1 packet Instant yeast (approx. 2.25 teaspoons)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt (fine sea salt)
- 3/4 cup Whole milk (warmed to 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter (melted and cooled slightly)
The Topping & Coating
- 1/2 cup Granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 tablespoon Ground cinnamon (high quality Ceylon preferred)
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter (melted, for brushing)
- 1 bottle Cooking oil spray (neutral oil like canola or avocado)
Optional Garnish
- 2 tablespoons Powdered sugar (for dusting)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together the flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, instant yeast, and salt until well combined.
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2
Add the warm milk (ensure it is between 105-115°F to activate the yeast without killing it) and 2 tablespoons of melted butter to the dry ingredients.
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3
Using a dough hook or a sturdy spatula, mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
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4
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for 60 minutes or until doubled in size.
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5
While the dough rises, prepare the topping by mixing 1/2 cup of sugar and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon in a wide, shallow bowl. Set aside.
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6
Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release air. Divide the dough into 6 equal-sized balls (roughly the size of a large lemon).
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7
On a lightly floured surface, use a rolling pin to flatten each ball into a very thin oval or circle, about 1/8 inch thick. They should look like large, floppy ears.
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8
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes to ensure an even cooking environment.
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9
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil. Place one dough sheet into the basket (you may need to slightly overlap or cook one at a time depending on basket size).
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10
Lightly spray the top of the dough with cooking oil. Air fry for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the dough is puffed and golden brown.
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11
Carefully remove the hot pastry from the air fryer. Immediately brush both sides generously with the 4 tablespoons of melted butter.
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12
Dredge the buttered pastry through the cinnamon-sugar mixture, pressing gently so the sugar adheres to all the nooks and crannies.
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13
Repeat the process with the remaining dough balls, keeping the finished elephant ears warm in a low oven if desired.
💡 Chef's Tips
For the best texture, roll the dough as thin as possible; the thinner the dough, the crispier the result. If your dough keeps shrinking back while rolling, let it rest for 5 minutes to relax the gluten. Don't skip the oil spray in the air fryer, as it helps create those characteristic golden bubbles. Use a silicone pastry brush for the butter to ensure even coverage without tearing the delicate pastry. If you prefer a 'fry bread' style, you can add a pinch of nutmeg to the dough for extra depth.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a side of chilled apple cider or a hot cup of coffee. Top with a drizzle of chocolate ganache or caramel sauce for an extra indulgent dessert. Add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream right in the center of the warm pastry. Pair with fresh sliced strawberries or a tart raspberry coulis to balance the sweetness. Dust with an extra layer of powdered sugar just before serving for that authentic fair look.