Description
Crispy and delicious air fryer churros coated in cinnamon sugar, perfect for a sweet treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (240ml) water
- 1/3 cup (75g) unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 2 Tbsp (25g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp (1.5g) salt
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract
- oil spray
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar (for coating)
- 3/4 tsp (2.25g) ground cinnamon (for coating)
Instructions
- Prepare the Churro Dough: Start by mixing the water, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat until the butter melts. Remove from heat and stir in the all-purpose flour until a smooth, thick dough forms. Afterward, allow it to cool slightly before adding the eggs and vanilla extract. Mix until the dough feels soft and slightly sticky to the touch. This consistency is crucial; avoid making the dough too runny, as it will not hold its shape when piped.
- Pipe the Churros: Once the dough is ready, scoop it into a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe the churros onto a silicone baking mat or a baking sheet, ensuring they hold their shape well. If the dough starts flattening out, chill the piping bag in the refrigerator for a brief time until the dough firms up.
- Chill for Better Handling: After piping, place the churros in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes. This chilling step is essential to keep the churros firm and easier to handle while cooking.
- Air Fry the Churros: Preheat the air fryer at the desired temperature. Once heated, arrange the churros in the air fryer basket without overcrowding, as they will puff up during cooking. Air fry the churros for approximately 10 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Keep an eye on them, as they should release a sweet aroma as they cook.
- Coat in Cinnamon Sugar: Immediately after removing the churros from the air fryer, roll each one in the cinnamon-sugar mixture while still warm. This allows the sugar to stick well, creating a delicious outer layer. For best results, ensure that they are coated while hot.
Notes
- Storage Tips: Churros taste best served warm and do not keep well. Do not freeze baked churros.
- Expert Tips: Check the dough consistency before piping to prevent churros from turning out too soft. A thicker dough typically yields better results. Refrigerating piped churros for about 15-20 minutes improves their texture and makes them easier to handle. Use a light spray of oil on the churros before air frying to help achieve the desired crispiness. If the dough does not hold its shape while piping, chilling it longer will help.
- Reheating Instructions: If needed, reheat churros in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for 2-3 minutes to restore warmth.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair churros with rich chocolate sauce for dipping, serve alongside whipped cream for added sweetness, or garnish with fresh fruit for a colorful plate.
- Recipe Variations: Consider adding chocolate chips to the dough for chocolate churros, sprinkling a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick, or substituting vanilla with almond extract for a different flavor profile.
- Ingredient Notes: When selecting ingredients, use fresh eggs and quality unsalted butter for the best results. If you prefer, all-purpose flour can be substituted with a gluten-free blend at a 1:1 ratio; however, modifications may be necessary to achieve the desired texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 churro
- Calories: 204
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 91mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 61mg