Who doesn’t love churros? Those deliciously fried treats coated in sugar and cinnamon are a favorite at fairs and parties. However, they often leave us feeling a little guilty with their oily aftermath. That’s where the magic of the air fryer comes in! Making churros in an air fryer not only reduces the mess but also cuts down on the oil, letting you indulge in your favorite treat without the usual regret. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the simple steps to create perfect air fryer churros that are just as tasty as their deep-fried cousins.
Ⅰ. Time Preview
Preparation Time: 15 minutes to mix your dough and prepare the piping bag.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes in the air fryer.
Total Time: Ready in just 25 minutes, from start to finish!
Ⅱ. What You Will Need
To whip up these heavenly treats, you'll need a few kitchen staples and some specific ingredients:
Ingredients:
- Milk and Water Mixture:Combining milk and water in equal parts ensures your churros are rich in flavor but strong and stable in structure.
- All-purpose Flour:This is your base for creating the dough, giving your churros a soft yet firm texture.
- Lemon Zest: A zest of lemon adds a refreshing lift to the dough, brightening the deep flavors.
- Sugar: Coarse granulated sugar is perfect for creating that signature sweet crust.
- Cinnamon: Opt for Korintje cinnamon for a deeper, more aromatic flavor or stick with the classic Ceylon for a traditional taste.
Equipment:
- An air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- a spatula
- a piping bag with a star-shaped nozzle
Ⅲ. Cooking Steps
1.Prepare the Dough:
Heat the Milk and Water: In a small saucepan, mix equal parts of milk and water. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
Combine with Flour: In a mixing bowl, have your all-purpose flour ready. Once the milk and water mixture is boiling, pour it over the flour. Using a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon, stir vigorously to combine. Keep stirring to avoid any lumps until the dough is smooth and begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
Add Lemon Zest: Grate some fresh lemon zest into the dough for a burst of citrus flavor. Stir well to ensure the zest is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
2.Pipe the Dough:
Let the Dough Cool: Allow the dough to cool slightly for a few minutes, making it easier to handle and less likely to melt in the piping bag.
Prepare the Piping Bag: Fit a piping bag with a large star-shaped nozzle to give your churros their traditional ridged appearance.
Pipe the Churros: Grease the air fryer basket with a light coating of oil or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Carefully pipe the dough into the basket, creating strips about 4-6 inches long. Ensure there is enough space between each churro to allow for even cooking.
3.Cook the Churros:
Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). If your air fryer has a preheat function, use it to ensure consistent cooking.
Cook the Churros: Place the basket with the piped dough into the air fryer. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until the churros are golden brown and crispy. For even browning, flip the churros halfway through the cooking time.
4.Coat and Serve:
Prepare the Sugar and Cinnamon Mix: In a shallow dish, mix together coarse granulated sugar and cinnamon. Adjust the proportions to your taste, but a general guideline is to use about a half cup of sugar with two tablespoons of cinnamon.
Coat the Churros: As soon as the churros are cooked, remove them from the air fryer. While they are still hot, roll them in the sugar and cinnamon mixture until fully coated. The warmth of the churros will help the sugar stick.
Serve: Enjoy your churros warm, ideally with a side of rich chocolate dipping sauce or any other sweet accompaniment of your choice for an added indulgence.
Ⅳ. Conclusion
Making churros in an air fryer is not only feasible but also a healthier alternative to the traditional frying method. With less oil and mess, you can enjoy these delightful treats anytime at home. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without the extra calories!
