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Irresistible Air Fryer Churros: A Delightful Treat Made Easy

Churros, those scrumptious, crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside treats, are a beloved dessert that originated in Spain but have won the hearts of dessert lovers around the world. Traditionally deep-fried, churros can be a bit daunting to prepare at home, not to mention the mess and calories that frying entails. Thankfully, the advent of the air fryer has revolutionised churro-making, allowing us to enjoy this delectable snack with less hassle and fewer calories. In this article, we’ll explore how to make delicious air fryer churros that are just as indulgent as the traditional version, yet a tad healthier and incredibly easy to whip up.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the churros:

• 240ml water
• 80ml vegetable oil (plus extra for greasing)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 150g plain flour
• 1 large egg

For the cinnamon sugar coating:

• 50g granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Equipment Needed

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Piping bag fitted with a star nozzle
• Baking paper

Step-by-Step Method

1. Prepare the Dough

Begin by combining the water, 80ml of vegetable oil, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt in a medium saucepan. Heat this mixture over medium-high heat until it starts to boil. Once boiling, remove it from the heat and stir in the plain flour until combined.

Next, let the dough cool for a few minutes before adding the egg. Mix continuously until the egg is fully incorporated and the dough becomes smooth and cohesive. The dough will be thick, so don’t be disheartened if it seems a bit stiff; this is normal for churro dough.

2. Pipe the Churros

Line the air fryer basket with baking paper and lightly grease it with oil to prevent sticking. Then, transfer your churro dough into a piping bag fitted with a star nozzle.

Pipe strips of dough onto the prepared basket, ensuring they’re about 15cm long and leaving space between each churro to allow for expansion during cooking.

3. Air Fry the Churros

Preheat your air fryer to 190°C (375°F). Once preheated, place the basket with the piped churros into the air fryer. Cook them for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crisp. Flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure they brown evenly.

4. Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

While the churros are cooking, prepare your cinnamon sugar by combining the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a mixing bowl.

Once the churros have finished cooking, take them out of the air fryer, and while they are still warm, roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.

5. Serve and Enjoy!

Your delightful air fryer churros are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them warm, perhaps with a side of rich chocolate sauce for dipping, or simply on their own. They make an ideal treat for a movie night, a sweet snack during the day, or even as a decadent breakfast treat!

Tips for Perfect Churros

• Consistency of the dough: Make sure the dough is not too runny; it should hold its shape when piped. If it seems too wet, you can add a little extra flour.
• Space them out: Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. If necessary, cook in batches to ensure even cooking.
• Experiment with flavours: Feel free to add zest from an orange or lemon to the dough for a zesty twist, or try infusing your cinnamon sugar with nutmeg for an extra layer of flavour.

Conclusion

Air fryer churros offer an incredible way to enjoy this iconic dessert without the guilt of deep-frying. They’re quick, easy, and absolutely delicious—perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. So dust off your air fryer and give this easy recipe a try; your taste buds will thank you! Whether for a casual snack or a delightful dessert, these churros are sure to impress. Happy cooking!