Copycat Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists Recipe
Introduction
These crispy, cinnamon-sugar twists are a playful copycat of a popular fast-food treat. They’re simple to make at home with pantry staples and a quick fry, delivering a sweet, warm aroma and a satisfying crackle in every bite.
Ingredients
- 4 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 cups duros (dried wheat pasta twists)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Step 1: Mix sugar and cinnamon in a large bowl until evenly combined.
- Step 2: Heat oil to 375°F in a deep pot or fryer.
- Step 3: Fry duros in small batches for 5 to 10 seconds, until puffed and lightly golden.
- Step 4: Drain on paper towels for a few seconds to remove excess oil.
- Step 5: Toss the warm duros in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until coated.
- Step 6: Serve right away for best texture and flavor.
Tips & Variations
- For a lighter coating, reduce the cinnamon slightly or add a pinch of salt to balance sweetness.
- Use a candy thermometer to monitor oil temperature for consistent puffing.
- Experiment with brown sugar for a deeper caramel note.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in a 350°F oven or in the air fryer to revive crisp texture; avoid microwaving, which can soften them.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different oil?
Yes, you can substitute neutral oils like canola or peanut oil, but keep the temperature steady at about 375°F for best results.
What if I don’t have duros?
You can try puffed rice or small pasta twists similar in size, but duros are ideal for the classic texture and bite.
PrintCopycat Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists Recipe
Copycat Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists: a crispy, light, cinnamon-sugar snack made by frying puffed pasta twists until golden and tossing them in cinnamon sugar while warm.
- Prep Time: 0:10
- Cook Time: 0:10
- Total Time: 0:20
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 4 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 cups duros (dried wheat pasta twists)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prep the cinnamon sugar. In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until well mixed and evenly distributed.
- Heat the oil. In a deep pot or fryer, heat the vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C) so that the duros will puff quickly when fried.
- Fry the duros. Working in small batches, fry the duros for 5 to 10 seconds, or until they puff up and become light and crisp. Do not overcook; they should be pale and puffed rather than deeply golden.
- Drain briefly. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the puffed duros to paper towels and let drain for a few seconds to remove excess oil.
- Toss in cinnamon sugar. While still warm, immediately transfer the fried duros to the cinnamon sugar and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve. Serve right away for maximum crispness and flavor; best enjoyed fresh.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, pat the fried duros dry before tossing with sugar to remove excess moisture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 day; they may lose some crunch over time.
- If you don’t have a deep fryer, you can use a heavy pot with at least 2 inches of oil, monitoring the temperature with a kitchen thermometer.
Keywords: Copycat, Taco Bell, Cinnamon Twists, fried snack, cinnamon sugar, pastries, duros
