Air Fryer Recipe: Churro Bites with Spicy Chocolate Dipping Sauce

 

Air Fryer Churro Bites with Spicy Chocolate Dipping Sauce

Indulge in a delightful twist on a classic treat with these Air Fryer Churro Bites! Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and coated in cinnamon sugar, these bite-sized churros are a healthier alternative to their deep-fried counterparts. The real star, however, is the accompanying spicy chocolate dipping sauce, which adds a sophisticated kick to every sweet bite. Perfect for a fancy dessert, a fun snack, or a unique party treat!

Ingredients

For the Churro Bites:

• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Cooking spray (e.g., avocado oil or coconut oil spray)

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the Spicy Chocolate Dipping Sauce:

• 1/2 cup (about 85g) good quality dark chocolate (60-70% cacao), finely chopped
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1-2 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
• Pinch of sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions & Method

Part 1: Prepare the Churro Dough

1. Boil Water Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and salt. Bring to a rolling boil over medium heat, stirring until the butter is melted and sugar is dissolved.
2. Add Flour: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the all-purpose flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan. This is called a "roux."
3. Cook the Roux: Return the saucepan to low heat and continue to stir for 1-2 minutes to cook out some of the moisture from the flour. This step is crucial for crispy churros.
4. Cool Slightly: Transfer the dough to a large mixing bowl. Let it cool for 5 minutes.
5. Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the dough. Beat with a wooden spoon or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment on low speed until the egg is fully incorporated and the dough is smooth and sticky. It might look curdled at first, but keep mixing until it comes together.
6. Prepare for Air Frying: Transfer the dough into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip (like Wilton 1M or 21).

Part 2: Air Fry the Churro Bites

1. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Pipe Churro Bites: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Pipe 2-3 inch long churro "fingers" directly into the air fryer basket, leaving space between them as they will expand slightly. Use kitchen shears or a knife to cut the dough cleanly from the piping bag. Do not overcrowd the basket; work in batches if necessary.
3. Spray and Cook: Lightly spray the piped churro bites with cooking spray. Air fry for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. Cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model.
4. Repeat: Remove cooked churro bites and repeat with remaining dough.

Part 3: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

1. Prepare Coating: While the churros are air frying, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon in a shallow dish or a paper bag.
2. Coat Churros: As soon as the churro bites come out of the air fryer, while still warm, toss them gently in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated.

Part 4: Make the Spicy Chocolate Dipping Sauce

1. Heat Cream: In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream, butter, and 1-2 tablespoons granulated sugar over medium-low heat until the butter is melted and the mixture is warm (do not boil).
2. Melt Chocolate: Remove from heat. Add the finely chopped dark chocolate, cayenne pepper, and sea salt. Let sit for 2-3 minutes to allow the chocolate to melt.
3. Whisk Smooth: Whisk the mixture until smooth and glossy.
4. Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Serve: Pour the spicy chocolate dipping sauce into a small serving bowl.

Part 5: Serve!

Serve the warm Air Fryer Churro Bites immediately with the Spicy Chocolate Dipping Sauce.

Tips for Success

• Don't Skip Cooking the Roux: Cooking the flour mixture on the stove for an extra minute or two helps to dry it out, which is essential for achieving a crispy exterior on your churros.
• Egg Temperature: Ensure your dough has cooled slightly before adding the egg. If the dough is too hot, it will cook the egg prematurely.
• Piping Bag: A strong piping bag and a sturdy star tip are crucial. The dough is thick, and a flimsy bag might burst. If you don't have a star tip, a round tip will work, but the churros won't have the classic ridges. You can also use a sturdy freezer bag with a corner snipped off, though the shape won't be as defined.
• Don't Overcrowd: Air fryers work by circulating hot air. Overcrowding the basket will prevent even cooking and crisping. Work in batches for the best results.
• Spray with Oil: A light spray of cooking oil on the churros before air frying helps them crisp up beautifully and achieve that golden-brown colour.
• Coat While Warm: Toss the churro bites in cinnamon sugar immediately after they come out of the air fryer. The warmth helps the sugar adhere.
• Adjust Spice: The cayenne pepper in the chocolate sauce is adjustable. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and add more to your preference. A tiny pinch of chilli powder can also be used for a different kind of heat.
• Reheating: If you have leftovers, you can reheat the churro bites in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes to crisp them up again. The chocolate sauce can be gently reheated in the microwave or a small saucepan.
• Variations:
• Different Dipping Sauces: Try a caramel sauce, raspberry coulis, or a simple vanilla glaze.
• Flavoured Sugar: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to your cinnamon sugar for extra aroma.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted white chocolate or milk chocolate over the churros after coating them in cinnamon sugar.

Enjoy your fancy churro bites!