Why I Love This Recipe
These Air Fryer Churros are a game-changer for anyone craving a crispy, warm, cinnamon-sugar-coated dessert without the mess of deep frying. The air fryer gives these churros a perfectly golden, crunchy exterior with a soft, chewy interior, and it’s so easy to make them at home. I love this recipe because it’s quick, fun to make, and can be served at any occasion—from a Mexican-themed party to a family treat. The best part? They are healthier than the deep-fried version but still pack all the flavor and texture you crave.
Air Fryer Churros
These air fryer churros are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, coated in cinnamon-sugar goodness. Perfect for a sweet treat or dessert.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Resting Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 20 minutes
Calories: 204 kcal per serving
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Oil spray (for greasing)
Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) if needed (depending on your model).
- Prepare a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper and spray lightly with oil spray to prevent sticking.
- In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once the butter is fully melted and the mixture is boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and add flour to the saucepan. Stir constantly with a rubber spatula to prevent lumps. Continue cooking until the dough forms and becomes smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the pan from heat and transfer the dough to a mixing bowl. Allow the dough to cool for about 4 minutes.
Step 2: Mix the Dough and Prepare for Piping
- Add eggs and vanilla extract to the bowl with the dough. Using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the mixture until it comes together. The dough should resemble gluey mashed potatoes.
- Use your hands to press any lumps together into a ball and then transfer the dough to a large piping bag fitted with a large star-shaped tip.
Step 3: Pipe the Churros
- Pipe the churros directly onto the prepared baking mat. Make 4-inch long strips of dough, and cut the ends with scissors. Make sure they are evenly spaced.
- Refrigerate the piped churros on the baking sheet for 1 hour. This step helps the churros hold their shape during cooking.
Step 4: Air Fry the Churros
- Carefully transfer the churros to the air fryer basket using a cookie spatula, leaving about 1/2-inch space between each churro to ensure they cook evenly. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Lightly spray the churros with oil spray to help them crisp up.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes or until the churros are golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
- While the churros are cooking, prepare the cinnamon-sugar coating by combining granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
- Once the churros are done, immediately transfer them to the cinnamon-sugar mixture and toss gently to coat. Do this while the churros are still warm to ensure the coating sticks.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
- Serve the churros warm, with a side of Nutella or chocolate dipping sauce for an extra indulgent treat!
Recipe Tips
- Churro Shape: Be sure to pipe the churros into uniform lengths to ensure they cook evenly. Using a star-shaped tip gives them the classic churro texture.
- Resting Time: Refrigerating the piped churros for 1 hour helps them maintain their shape and makes it easier to handle during air frying. Don’t skip this step for best results!
- Batch Cooking: Depending on your air fryer, you might need to cook the churros in batches. Make sure there’s enough space between each churro for the air to circulate and cook them evenly.
- Crispier Churros: If you like your churros extra crispy, increase the cooking time by a minute or two, but keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
- Dipping Sauce: Nutella or chocolate sauce works perfectly with churros, but feel free to experiment with caramel, dulce de leche, or even whipped cream for extra sweetness.
Notes
- Eggs: If the dough looks too runny, you can add another egg to help it hold its shape better. The dough should be thick enough to pipe without running.
- Air Fryer Variations: Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model. Always keep an eye on the churros, and if your air fryer runs hot, check them at the 8-minute mark to avoid overcooking.
- Customizing the Coating: If you prefer a less sweet coating, you can reduce the sugar or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cinnamon-sugar mix for a spicy twist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make these churros ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the churros ahead of time. Once they are coated with cinnamon-sugar, store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature. They are best enjoyed fresh, but they will keep well for a couple of days.
Q: What if I don’t have a piping bag?
If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a ziplock bag with the tip cut off or simply form the churros by hand. They might not have the signature ridged texture, but they’ll still be delicious!
Q: Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour for regular flour. The texture may vary slightly, but the churros should still turn out crispy and delicious.
Q: Can I deep fry these churros instead of using the air fryer?
Yes, you can deep fry them in hot oil (around 375°F). Frying will give them an even crispier texture, but using the air fryer is a healthier alternative with less oil.
Storage
- Room Temperature: Churros are best eaten fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back the crispiness.
- Freezing: If you have leftover dough, you can freeze it! After piping the churros, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the churros to a ziplock bag and store in the freezer for up to 1 month. To cook from frozen, air fry at 375°F for 12-14 minutes.
These Air Fryer Churros are the perfect dessert—crispy, sweet, and super easy to make! Whether for a themed party, a family treat, or a sweet craving, this recipe guarantees a crowd-pleasing snack everyone will love
