Ingredients:

  • 1 cup water
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, cubed
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar for coating
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine the water, cubed butter, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and salt. Bring to a rolling boil over medium heat.
  2. Add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the flour is fully incorporated and the dough forms a cohesive ball that pulls away from the sides of the pan.
  3. Remove from heat and let the dough rest for 5 minutes to cool slightly. Add the vanilla extract and the egg, beating vigorously until the mixture transforms into a glossy, velvety paste.
  4. Transfer dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Lightly grease the air fryer basket.
  5. Pipe 1-inch segments of dough directly into the basket, using kitchen shears to snip the dough. Space bites 1 inch apart.
  6. Set air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 10-12 minutes until the bites are a deep mahogany brown.
  7. While warm, brush the churro bites with 2 tablespoons of melted butter and toss in a mixture of 1/2 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon until well coated.