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Crispy Air Fryer Churros: Easy Homemade Recipe with Chocolate Sauce

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These crispy air fryer churros are golden, crunchy on the outside, and tender inside, all without the mess of deep frying. Paired with a rich homemade chocolate sauce, they’re a nostalgic treat made easy for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cubed
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
  • Cooking spray or melted butter (for brushing churros before coating)
  • 3 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional, for chocolate sauce)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for chocolate sauce)
  • Pinch of salt (for chocolate sauce)

Instructions

  1. Combine water, butter, sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring until butter melts and sugar dissolves (about 2 minutes).
  2. Lower the heat and add flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides. Cook for 1 minute to dry it out slightly.
  3. Remove pan from heat and let dough cool for 5 minutes. Beat in eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each. Add vanilla extract and mix until smooth and glossy.
  4. Spoon dough into a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe 4-5 inch strips onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate.
  5. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes. Spray basket lightly with cooking spray.
  6. Place piped churros in the basket, spacing them out. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, turning once halfway, until golden brown and crisp.
  7. While churros are still warm, brush lightly with melted butter or cooking spray. Toss in a bowl with sugar and cinnamon until well coated.
  8. For chocolate sauce: In a heatproof bowl, combine chocolate and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring each time, until melted and smooth. Stir in butter, vanilla, and a pinch of salt.
  9. Transfer churros to a serving plate and pour chocolate sauce into a dipping bowl. Serve immediately.

Notes

For gluten-free churros, use a gluten-free flour blend and add an extra egg yolk. Vegan adaptations include plant-based butter, coconut milk, and egg substitutes. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket for best crispiness. Churros are best served hot but can be reheated in the air fryer. Chocolate sauce can be swapped for caramel or berry compote.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer churros, homemade churros, easy churros, chocolate sauce, cinnamon sugar, Spanish dessert, quick dessert, kid-friendly, party dessert

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/crispy-air-fryer-churros-easy-homemade-recipe-with-chocolate-sauce/