Air-Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Churro Bites

Serves 4 · 20 min prep · 25 min cook

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup water
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp plus 1/2 cup for coating granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• as needed cooking spray or oil mist
• 1/2 cup chocolate sauce or dulce de leche for dipping

Instructions

1. 1In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a rolling boil, stirring until the butter is fully melted.
2. 2Reduce heat to low, add the flour all at once, and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon for 1–2 minutes until the dough forms a smooth ball that pulls away from the sides of the pan.
3. 3Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool for 5 minutes so it is warm but not hot. Beat in the eggs one at a time with a hand mixer or sturdy spoon until fully incorporated and the dough is glossy and pipeable; stir in the vanilla.
4. 4Spoon the dough into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip (or a zip-top bag with a 1/2-inch corner snipped). Pipe 1 1/2-inch lengths onto a parchment-lined tray, cutting each piece with scissors or a knife; you should get 30–40 bites.
5. 5Preheat the air fryer to 375°F for 3 minutes. Lightly mist the air-fryer basket with cooking spray, arrange a single layer of churro bites without overcrowding, and mist the tops lightly.
6. 6Air-fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, until the bites are puffed, deep golden, and crisp on the outside. Repeat with remaining dough in batches.
7. 7While still hot, toss the churro bites in a shallow bowl with the remaining sugar mixed with the cinnamon until evenly coated.
8. 8Serve immediately with warm chocolate sauce or dulce de leche for dipping. Best eaten within 30 minutes while the exterior is still shatteringly crisp.