Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter plus 1 tablespoon, divided
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- 1 large egg
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For Cooking
- Neutral nonstick cooking spray (coconut oil spray recommended)
Instructions
- Boil Water Mixture: In a pan, combine water, 1/3 cup unsalted butter, salt, and sugar. Bring it to a boil over high heat to melt the butter and dissolve the sugar fully.
- Make Dough: Reduce heat to low and gradually add the flour while stirring continuously until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan. Turn off the heat.
- Cool Dough: Transfer the dough to a large mixing bowl and let it cool for 4-5 minutes to avoid cooking the egg when added.
- Mix Egg & Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla bean paste to the cooled dough. Use an electric hand mixer to blend everything smoothly until fully incorporated.
- Prepare Air Fryer & Piping Bag: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Spray the air fryer basket with a neutral nonstick cooking spray, preferably coconut oil spray. Fill a piping bag with the churro dough.
- Pipe Churro Bites: Pipe bite-sized churros directly onto the air fryer basket, spacing them to avoid overcrowding. Alternatively, spoon dollops into the basket for a rustic shape. Work in batches.
- Brush & Air Fry: Lightly brush the churro bites with melted butter. Air fry for 12-15 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy outside.
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a shallow bowl, combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the coating.
- Coat Churro Bites: Once cooked, transfer the churro bites into the cinnamon sugar mixture. Toss them to coat evenly. If the sugar doesn’t stick well, lightly brush the churros with melted butter or spray with water/nonstick spray before coating again.
- Serve: Serve your churro bites warm with chocolate syrup, honey, or Nutella for dipping and enjoy the delightful treat!
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Using vanilla bean paste adds a richer flavor than vanilla extract but either can be used.
- Brushing with butter before air frying enhances browning and flavor.
- If cinnamon sugar does not adhere well, a light brushing of melted butter or spray of water helps the coating stick perfectly.
- These churro bites are best enjoyed fresh and warm for optimal texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican