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Deliciously Crispy Air Fryer Churros: A Sweet Treat with Less Guilt

Churros, the beloved Spanish and Mexican treat, are a favourite at fairs and carnivals worldwide. Traditionally deep-fried, these sweet, doughy snacks can be quite indulgent, but with the advent of air fryers, making churros has become both easier and healthier. Here’s a guide on how to prepare scrumptious air fryer churros right in the comfort of your own kitchen.

What Are Churros?

Churros are dough pastries that are fried until golden brown, traditionally sprinkled with sugar and often served with chocolate dipping sauce. They have a delightful crunch on the outside and a soft, airy centre, making them a perfect accompaniment to a warm beverage or even as a dessert on their own.

The Air Fryer Advantage

The air fryer uses hot air circulation to cook food, giving you that crispy texture without the need for excessive oil. This means you can enjoy churros with a fraction of the fat and calories typically associated with their deep-fried counterparts. By utilising this cooking method, you can indulge in these sweet treats guilt-free!

Ingredients

To make your own air fryer churros, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Churros:

• 240ml water
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (plus more for brushing)
• 150g plain flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for dusting)

For the Chocolate Sauce:

• 100g dark chocolate
• 50ml double cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Churro Dough

1. Heat the Liquid: In a medium saucepan, combine the water, sugar, salt, and vegetable oil. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
2. Mix in the Flour: Once boiling, remove the pan from heat and quickly stir in the flour until the mixture forms a ball of dough. Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined. Let the dough cool slightly.

Step 2: Pipe the Churros

1. Prepare a Piping Bag: Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a resealable plastic bag with a corner snipped off.
2. Pipe: Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (around 390°F). Line the fryer basket with parchment paper. Pipe strips of dough into the basket, cutting them to your desired length.

Step 3: Air Fry the Churros

1. Brush with Oil: Lightly brush the piped churros with vegetable oil to encourage browning.
2. Cook: Air fry the churros for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar

1. Mix Sugar and Cinnamon: While the churros are cooking, combine the granulated sugar with ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl.

Step 5: Coat the Churros

1. Dust the Churros: Once cooked, toss the warm churros in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.

Step 6: Make the Chocolate Sauce

1. Melt the Chocolate: In a small bowl, melt the dark chocolate and double cream together in the microwave, stirring until smooth. Mix in the vanilla extract.

Serving

Serve your air fryer churros warm, with the chocolate sauce on the side for dipping. They make for a delightful treat or dessert any day of the week, and they are sure to impress friends and family alike.

Conclusion

Air fryer churros are a fantastic way to enjoy a classic treat while keeping things healthier. With a minimal amount of oil and straightforward preparation, you can whip up a batch in no time. So, dust off your air fryer, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to these irresistible sweet delights!