Borek is a popular Middle Eastern pastry that can be baked or fried. There are many variations on the recipe and different types of fillings. Some are rolled, like sigara borek (cigarette borek) and others are layered.
This air fryer version of a Turkish cheese roll is easy and delicious. It also freezes well so you can make it ahead and have it on hand when you need a snack.
1. How to make air fryer Sigara Borek
Sigara Borek are a Turkish cheese roll pastry that can be served as an appetizer, part of a mezze platter or even as a Turkish breakfast dish. The savory pastry is made with yufka dough, which is similar to phyllo dough, and filled with a savory mix of feta cheese, parsley and sometimes spinach. The rolled up phyllo pastry is then shallow-fried until crispy and golden brown. Although the preparation process takes a bit of time, it is worth it because the result is delicious!
To make the boreks, start by preparing the cheese filling. In a medium bowl, mix the crumbled feta cheese with chopped parsley and scallions. Set aside. Next, prepare the phyllo sheets. If you have frozen yufka, allow it to thaw at room temperature for 2-3 hours. If not, you can use regular phyllo pastries (also known as filo), which are thinner and come in rectangular shapes. They are available in supermarkets and some shops.
Once the phyllo sheets are prepared, place one on a flat surface and brush it with some water. Carefully lay another sheet on top of it, and again brush with water. Repeat the process until you have four strips of phyllo. It doesn’t have to be perfect; just as long as you can close and seal the phyllo tightly, you will be fine.
To fry the sigara boreks, add a couple of inches of oil to a pan and gently place the phyllo pastry rolls in the oil. Do not overcrowd the pan because they will not cook properly. When the phyllo is crispy and golden brown, remove from the pan and place on a paper towel to absorb the excess oil for a minute or two.
2. What are the ingredients for Sigara Borek
The ingredients for Sigara Borek are very simple and include phyllo pastry, eggs, milk or yoghurt, and feta cheese. You can find phyllo dough in most grocery stores and some delicatessens. You can also purchase it at a Turkish or Middle Eastern restaurant in your area. If you are new to this type of cuisine, it may be helpful to visit a local restaurant that serves this dish to get an idea of how they should be rolled and what types of dips to serve with them.
The eggs are important to this recipe because they will help the feta cheese stay oozy and creamy when fried. Yogurt or milk is also used because it helps the feta cheese bind together and become more chewy. This makes the savory appetizer extra flavorful and satisfying. Depending on the ingredients you choose, it is possible to make vegetarian or vegan versions of this Turkish snack.
If you are making a large batch of these borek, it may be a good idea to freeze them uncooked. This will save you time when it comes to preparing them for a party because there is no need to defrost them. To do this, place the phyllo rolls in a freezer-safe container in one layer and let them freeze for about an hour. Then transfer them to a freezer bag and keep them frozen until you are ready to fry them.
To fry these delicious savory cheese rolls, heat up a few inches of vegetable oil in a skillet or deep fryer. When the oil is hot, gently add a few borek and fry them until they are golden brown. Remove them from the pan and drain excess oil on a paper towel before serving. These tasty Turkish pastries are a great appetizer or snack on their own or as part of a mezze platter.
3. Can you freeze air fryer Sigara Borek
You can freeze air fryer Sigara Borek by placing them in an airtight container in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat them, simply remove the phyllo rolls from the freezer and fry them in hot oil. There’s no need to thaw them before frying, but be careful not to overcrowd the pan. This can cause the phyllo to ooze out of the filling and splatter on the outside of the pan.
To prepare the phyllo for freezing, separate each sheet into three large rectangles. Then, place one piece of cheese on each rectangle and fold in the edges towards the middle. Roll tightly and set aside. Repeat the process until all of the phyllo leaves are filled and rolled. When ready to eat, simply reheat in the air fryer until golden brown. Enjoy! Note: You can also freeze the phyllo rolls uncooked. Just be sure to wrap them in parchment paper so they don’t touch each other and then transfer them into a airtight container or freezer bag for storage.
4. Are air fryer Sigara Borek healthy
Sigara Borek is a traditional Turkish dish made with phyllo dough filled with a cheese or mince filling. It is then rolled vertically and takes the shape of a cigarette. It is often served as an appetizer or meze and is usually deep fried. You can make these delicious boreks at home or buy them in stores.
The phyllo pastry used in Sigara Borek is rich in calcium, vitamin A and folic acid. It also contains antioxidants that help to fight inflammation and keep the eyes healthy. The ingredients in this recipe are also high in fiber, which helps to lower blood cholesterol levels.
Another ingredient in this recipe is paprika, which is rich in vitamins and minerals. It is a good source of vitamin A, capsaicin and carotenoid antioxidants, which all help to improve eye health, reduce blood sugar levels and promote heart health. You can find paprika at most grocery stores. It is also an excellent source of iron. It is important to use high-quality paprika, as low-quality paprika can contain toxins and heavy metals.
5. What is the cooking time for Sigara Borek in an air fryer
Borek is a popular pastry in the Balkans and the former Ottoman empire. It’s made with phyllo or yufka pastry and filled with a variety of ingredients. There are many different types of borek, and they are named according to their fillings, shapes or how they are cooked. For example, if the dough is cooked in water, it’s called su boregi; if it’s baked, it’s called rose borek or gul borek; and if it’s rolled into a cigar shape, it’s called sigara boregi or cigarette borek.
Sigara Borek is a delicious finger food or appetizer. It can be served with a variety of dipping sauces, such as Thai style tomato chili jam or Tirokafteri (Spicy Whipped Feta Dip). They are also great as part of a mezze platter. These phyllo cheese rolls can be frozen, uncooked, for up to 3 months. Just place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and make sure they don’t touch one another before freezing.