Where can I find spiral duros if my grocery store doesn't carry them?

Look for duros (sometimes called duritos or pasta para duros) in Hispanic grocery stores, international markets, or online retailers like Amazon. They're inexpensive and come in various shapes, but the spiral ones work best for this copycat recipe.

Can I use an air fryer instead of deep frying?

Unfortunately, duros require the high heat and full immersion of oil to puff up properly. Air fryers don't create the same reaction, so deep frying is necessary for that authentic texture and expansion.

Why didn't my duros puff up completely?

The most common reason is oil temperature - if it's not hot enough (at least 350°F), the duros won't fully expand. Always use a thermometer to check. Also, make sure you're using fresh duros, as very old ones might not puff as well.

Can I make these less sweet?

Absolutely! You can control the sweetness by adjusting the amount of cinnamon sugar you use to coat them. You can also experiment with the cinnamon-to-sugar ratio to find your perfect balance of spice and sweetness.

Copycat Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists Recipe

Description

An easy and delightful treat, this copycat recipe for Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists uses simple ingredients to recreate the crunchy, sweet, and cinnamon-coated snack. Perfect for parties, movie nights, or whenever you have a craving for something sweet and satisfying, these duros-based twists puff up magically in hot oil, making them a fun and simple recipe to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale

For Frying

Vegetable oil (for frying)

For Duros

4 ounces spiral-shaped duros

For Cinnamon Sugar

1 cup cinnamon sugar

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Instructions

Prepare the Oil
Heat about 1 ½ inches of vegetable oil to 350°F in a high-sided skillet or saucepan. It’s important to maintain the proper temperature for even puffing and cooking.
Fry the Duros
Place a few spiral-shaped duros into the hot oil, ensuring not to crowd the pan. Let the duros puff up completely, which should take about 15 seconds. Avoid frying too many at once to prevent them from sticking together.
Remove and Drain
Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the puffed duros from the oil. Place them on a paper towel-lined tray to absorb excess grease. Repeat the frying process with the remaining duros in small batches.
Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, toss the warm duros with the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated with the sweet and spicy blend. Serve immediately while warm for maximum crunch and flavor.

Notes

Give Space: Fry in small batches to prevent the duros from sticking together while expanding in the oil.
Perfect Oil Temperature: Keep the oil at 350°F. If it’s too hot, you’ll end up with burnt spots; if it’s too cool, the twists may be greasy.
Customization: Feel free to adjust the cinnamon sugar mix to your preference—add extra sugar for sweetness, or even sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne or nutmeg for a unique twist.
Storage: For leftovers, ensure the twists are completely cooled, then store them in an airtight container to maintain their crunchiness.
Fun for Kids: Let children watch the duros puff up in the hot oil—it’s like kitchen magic!

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 200kcal
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 80mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg