What are duros and where can I find them?

Duros are wheat-based pasta pellets that puff up dramatically when fried. You can find them in the Hispanic food section of many grocery stores, international markets, or Mexican specialty stores. They're sometimes labeled as wheat pellets, duritos, pasta para duros, or chicharrones de harina.

Why didn't my duros puff up properly?

The most common reason is oil temperature. If your oil isn't hot enough (at least 340°F), the duros won't puff correctly. Also, make sure you're using fresh duros—old ones might not expand as well. Finally, confirm you're using actual duros and not a similar-looking pasta that doesn't have the same puffing properties.

Can I bake or air fry these instead of deep frying?

Unfortunately, no. The puffing magic happens specifically due to the rapid heating in hot oil. Air fryers and ovens don't provide the immediate, intense heat needed for the transformation. Deep frying is essential for authentic cinnamon twists.

Is there a way to make these without all the sugar?

Absolutely! You can reduce the sugar or try alternatives like monk fruit sweetener or erythritol mixed with cinnamon. You could also try a light drizzle of honey or maple syrup instead of the dry coating. The twists themselves have very little flavor, so they're a great canvas for experimenting.

Taco Bell Copycat Cinnamon Twists Recipe

Name: Taco Bell Copycat Cinnamon Twists Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: Canola oil, or peanut oil, for frying; 1 ½ cups duros, spiral shaped; ¾ cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon cinnamon

These homemade Taco Bell Copycat Cinnamon Twists are a game-changer for your snack rotation! Crispy, airy, and coated in sweet cinnamon-sugar, they transform from plain pasta-like wheels into puffy, delicious treats in just minutes. Perfect for satisfying that fast-food craving without leaving your kitchen, these light and crispy delights will have everyone reaching for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lightning Fast: From start to finish in just 10 minutes! These treats are perfect when you need something sweet without spending hours in the kitchen.
Budget-Friendly: Made with just four simple ingredients that won’t break the bank, yet deliver that iconic Taco Bell taste.
Crowd Pleaser: Everyone from kids to adults goes crazy for these light, crispy, sweet treats. They’re perfect for parties, movie nights, or just because!
Better Than The Original: Making them at home means they’re fresher, crispier, and you can adjust the cinnamon-sugar ratio exactly to your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Duros: These spiral-shaped wheat pellets are the secret ingredient! They miraculously puff up when fried to create that iconic twisted shape. Look for them in the Hispanic food section of your grocery store or at international markets (sometimes labeled as “wheat pellets” or “duritos”).
Canola or Peanut Oil: For frying the duros to crispy perfection. These oils have high smoke points which makes them ideal for deep frying without imparting unwanted flavors.
Granulated Sugar: Creates that sweet coating that makes these twists irresistible. The fine texture helps it adhere perfectly to the warm twists.
Cinnamon: Adds that signature warm, spicy flavor that pairs perfectly with sugar. Make sure yours is fresh for the best flavor – that container that’s been sitting in your cupboard for two years might need replacing!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Sweet Twists

Vanilla Sugar: Add a splash of vanilla extract to your sugar mixture for extra flavor depth.
Chocolate Dusted: Mix cocoa powder with the sugar mixture for chocolate-cinnamon twists.
Maple Cinnamon: Replace some of the sugar with maple sugar for a delicious autumn-inspired twist.

Savory Options

Cheesy Twists: Skip the cinnamon sugar and toss hot twists with grated parmesan cheese and a pinch of garlic powder.
Ranch Twists: Sprinkle with dry ranch seasoning right after frying.
Spicy Twists: Add cayenne or chili powder to the sugar mix for a sweet-heat combo.

How to Make Taco Bell Copycat Cinnamon Twists

Step 1: Prepare Your Frying Station

Pour about 2 inches of canola or peanut oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pan. Heat the oil to 350°F using a candy or deep-fry thermometer for accuracy. Line a baking sheet with paper towels for draining.

Step 2: Fry the Duros

Carefully add about 10 duros to the hot oil. Watch the magic happen as they puff up almost immediately! Fry for 1-2 minutes, making sure they cook evenly by gently pushing any under-expanded pieces down into the oil. They should be light golden and fully puffed.

Step 3: Drain

Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the puffed duros from the oil and place them on the paper towel-lined sheet to drain excess oil. Continue frying the remaining duros in small batches.

Step 4: Add the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon and sugar until well combined. Place the still-warm twists in a zip-top bag, add the cinnamon-sugar mixture, seal, and shake gently until the twists are completely coated.

Step 5: Serve

Transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy immediately while they’re still warm and at their crispiest!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Oil Temperature Matters: Keep your oil between 340-360°F. Too cool, and your twists will be greasy; too hot, and they’ll burn before puffing properly.
Small Batches: Don’t overcrowd the pan – frying in small batches ensures each twist gets properly puffed and crispy.
Timing Is Everything: Have your cinnamon-sugar mixture ready before you start frying so you can coat the twists while they’re still warm for better adhesion.
Watch Closely: The duros puff up quickly and can burn if left unattended. Stay by your stove during the whole process.
Troubleshooting: If your twists aren’t fully puffing, your oil might not be hot enough. If they’re too crunchy or have dark spots, they may be cooking too long.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an amazing contrast of warm and cold.
Pair with Mexican hot chocolate or coffee for a delightful dessert combo.
Include them on a dessert platter with fresh fruit for balance.

Fun Presentations

Stack them in a tall glass for a dramatic presentation at parties.
Serve in paper cones for an on-the-go treat.
Create a DIY cinnamon twist bar with different sugar coatings for guests to try.

Make Ahead and Storage

Serving Immediately

These cinnamon twists are at their absolute best when served fresh from the fryer. The magical texture—light, crispy exterior with that distinctive airy crunch—is at its peak when they’re still slightly warm.

Storage Reality

I’ll be completely honest with you—these don’t store well at all. They tend to lose their crispness and become chewy or stale very quickly.

If You Must Store Them

If you absolutely need to store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for no more than 24 hours. They won’t be nearly as good as fresh, but they’ll still be edible.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended as the texture becomes completely compromised once thawed.

FAQs

What are duros and where can I find them?

Duros are wheat-based pasta pellets that puff up dramatically when fried. You can find them in the Hispanic food section of many grocery stores, international markets, or Mexican specialty stores. They’re sometimes labeled as wheat pellets, duritos, pasta para duros, or chicharrones de harina.
Why didn’t my duros puff up properly?

The most common reason is oil temperature. If your oil isn’t hot enough (at least 340°F), the duros won’t puff correctly. Also, make sure you’re using fresh duros—old ones might not expand as well. Finally, confirm you’re using actual duros and not a similar-looking pasta that doesn’t have the same puffing properties.
Can I bake or air fry these instead of deep frying?

Unfortunately, no. The puffing magic happens specifically due to the rapid heating in hot oil. Air fryers and ovens don’t provide the immediate, intense heat needed for the transformation. Deep frying is essential for authentic cinnamon twists.
Is there a way to make these without all the sugar?

Absolutely! You can reduce the sugar or try alternatives like monk fruit sweetener or erythritol mixed with cinnamon. You could also try a light drizzle of honey or maple syrup instead of the dry coating. The twists themselves have very little flavor, so they’re a great canvas for experimenting.

Final Thoughts

These Taco Bell Copycat Cinnamon Twists are a little bite of fast food magic you can create in your own kitchen. There’s something so satisfying about watching those simple spiral duros transform into puffy, cinnamon-sugar coated clouds in mere seconds. Perfect for satisfying late-night cravings or impressing friends with your “how did you make these?!” snacks, they’re bound to become a favorite treat. Don’t wait—grab some duros next time you’re shopping and treat yourself to this simple pleasure!