Ingredients:

  • 1 cup water
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, cubed
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 0.5 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar for coating
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 tbsp melted butter for coating

Instructions:

  1. Combine 1 cup water, 0.5 cup cubed butter, 2 tbsp sugar, and 0.5 tsp salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Note: This ensures the fat is evenly distributed before the flour hits. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
  2. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately remove from heat. Add the 1 cup sifted flour all at once and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon.
  3. Return to low heat and continue stirring for 1 minute until a smooth ball forms and a thin film appears on the pan.
  4. Transfer the dough to a bowl and let it cool for 5 minutes. Note: If the dough is too hot, it will scramble the egg.
  5. Add 1 tsp vanilla and the egg, beating with a spoon or hand mixer until the dough is glossy and holds a V shape when lifted.
  6. Transfer the mixture into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
  7. Line your air fryer basket with perforated parchment or lightly grease it. Pipe 1 inch to 2 inch pieces of dough, snipping with scissors, leaving space between each bite.
  8. Air fry at 375°F for 10 minutes until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
  9. While the bites are hot, whisk together 0.5 cup sugar and 1 tbsp cinnamon in a bowl.
  10. Brush the warm bites with 2 tbsp melted butter and toss in the cinnamon sugar until completely encrusted in sweetness.