How To Cook Twinkies In The Air Fryer

Tips for air frying Twinkies

If you've come across some of the viral clips showcasing this hack on social media, you might feel inclined to coat your Twinkies in butter before air-frying them, supposedly for a richer, crispier texture that melts in your mouth. However, since the cakes already have a good amount of fat, adding more isn't really necessary. Dennis Lee from The Takeout conducted his own experiment, cooking two Twinkies at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and found that while there was a slight difference in color and crispiness, the extra step wasn't worth it (and might have even made them overly greasy). So, you might want to skip the butter and save the toppings for later.

Most recipes for this delightful treat recommend preheating your air fryer to between 350 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the cooking time for the Twinkies can vary depending on your air fryer model. In a basket-style air fryer, you can expect them to cook for about three to five minutes. Remember, practice makes perfect: experiment with different cooking times to achieve your desired level of crispiness. Once your gooey treats are out of the fryer, finish them off with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, chocolate, or cinnamon for a delightful touch! For a more indulgent dessert, consider adding a scoop of ice cream, whipped cream, or fresh fruit. With just a box of Twinkies and an air fryer, you can whip up a delicious dessert in no time.