Surullitos, or sorullitos, are a beloved traditional Puerto Rican snack, known for their crispy outside and tender, cheesy inside. These cornmeal-based fritters have evolved over time, and with the advent of kitchen appliances like the air fryer, making surullitos has become even easier and healthier. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to create an air fryer surullitos recipe that not only preserves the authentic flavors of Puerto Rico but also caters to health-conscious food lovers. Let's dive into the world of air fryer surullitos.
Why Air Fryer Surullitos?
Air frying surullitos offers several advantages:
- Health Benefits: With significantly less oil, you’re reducing the calorie count while still achieving a crispy texture.
- Convenience: No need to stand over a hot stove frying, just set the air fryer and forget it.
- Consistency: Air fryers cook more evenly, giving you a uniform batch of surullitos.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Surullitos
To make this traditional Puerto Rican recipe, you’ll need:
- 1 cup of water
- 1 cup of fine-ground cornmeal
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup shredded cheese (such as cheddar, Edam or Edam-like cheeses for authenticity)
- 1⁄2 cup milk (optional for a creamier texture)
Steps to Make Air Fryer Surullitos
Follow these steps to prepare and air fry your surullitos:
Preparing the Dough
- Bring water and salt to a boil in a saucepan.
- Gradually whisk in the cornmeal until it thickens. This should take about 3 to 5 minutes. You want a thick, almost dough-like consistency.
- Remove from heat, add butter and cheese, stirring until melted and fully integrated.
- If using, slowly incorporate the milk to achieve a softer dough.
📌 Note: The consistency should be thick enough to handle but not too stiff to form.
Shaping the Surullitos
- Once the dough is cool enough to handle, take small pieces and roll them between your palms to create cylindrical shapes, about 3 inches long and half an inch thick.
- You can prepare them in batches if necessary, keeping the remaining dough covered to prevent it from drying out.
Air Frying the Surullitos
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the surullitos in the basket, ensuring they are not touching. You might need to do this in multiple batches depending on your air fryer’s size.
- Cook for 6-8 minutes, turn them halfway through, and continue cooking until they are golden brown.
| Settings | Details |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 375°F (190°C) |
| Cooking Time | 6-8 Minutes |
| Turning | Halfway through cooking time |
🔄 Note: If your surullitos are larger, you might need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
Air fryer surullitos can be enjoyed in various ways:
- As a stand-alone appetizer with a dipping sauce like mojo (garlic sauce), mayo ketchup, or any favorite sauce.
- As a side dish accompanying a main course like arroz con gandules or pernil.
- For breakfast or brunch alongside eggs or as a delightful surprise with coffee.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Surullitos
- Ensure your cornmeal is finely ground to avoid a grainy texture.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed for better air circulation and uniform browning.
- For extra flavor, you can mix in different types of cheese or even add some herbs or spices to the dough.
The simplicity of the air fryer makes this classic Puerto Rican snack easier to create at home, allowing you to enjoy surullitos in a healthier way without compromising on taste. By reducing the amount of oil used, you're inviting not just flavor, but also nutrition into your kitchen. The golden-brown exterior with its tender, cheesy inside remains true to tradition, providing you with that authentic Puerto Rican taste we all love. Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or a fun breakfast treat, air fryer surullitos are a delightful addition to any meal. Let your culinary creativity fly with variations, and enjoy this taste of Puerto Rico with the modern convenience of air frying.
Can I make Surullitos without an air fryer?
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Yes, traditionally surullitos are deep-fried. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can fry them in vegetable oil at 350°F until they turn golden brown.
What can I substitute for cheese in this recipe?
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If you’re looking for a non-dairy alternative, try using nutritional yeast, or you can experiment with vegan cheese.
How do I store and reheat leftover surullitos?
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Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can place them back in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes until heated through or crisp them up in a toaster oven.
