Ingredients:

  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream

Instructions:

  1. Combine 1 cup water, 1/2 cup cubed butter, 2 tbsp sugar, and 1/2 tsp salt in your saucepan. Bring it to a rolling boil until the butter is completely melted and bubbles are vigorous.
  2. Dump in the 1 cup of sifted flour all at once. Stir like your life depends on it with your wooden spoon until a smooth ball forms and a thin film covers the bottom of the pan.
  3. Remove from heat and let it sit for about 5 minutes. You want it warm to the touch, not piping hot.
  4. Beat in the 2 eggs one at a time. The dough will look like it's separating and sliding around at first. Keep stirring until the dough is glossy, thick, and holds a V shape when lifted. Add the 1 tsp vanilla at the very end.
  5. Transfer the mixture to a piping bag with a star tip. Lightly grease your air fryer basket. Pipe 2.5 cm (1 inch) lengths and snip them off with shears until the basket has a single layer with space between each bite.
  6. Cook at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes until the bites are puffed, deep golden brown, and feel firm to the touch. Don't open the basket too early, or the steam will escape and they'll deflate!
  7. While they cook, mix the 1/2 cup sugar and 1 tbsp cinnamon. As soon as the bites come out, toss them in 2 tbsp melted butter, then straight into the cinnamon sugar until every ridge is filled with crystals.
  8. Microwave the 1/2 cup chocolate chips and 1/4 cup heavy cream in 20 second bursts. Stir until the mixture is velvety and smooth.