Air Fryer Churros

Air Fryer Churros are a crispy, golden, and delicious treat without the hassle of deep frying. These homemade churros have a crunchy cinnamon-sugar coating with a soft, fluffy interior. They’re perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and can be served with chocolate sauce, caramel, or dulce de leche for dipping. With an air fryer, you’ll get that classic churro texture with less oil and less mess!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthier Alternative – Less oil than traditional deep-fried churros.
• Crispy & Golden – The air fryer gives them the perfect crunch.
• Quick & Easy – No need for messy frying or large amounts of oil.
• Perfect for Dipping – Pairs well with chocolate sauce, caramel, or dulce de leche.
• Kid-Friendly – A fun and tasty treat the whole family will love.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Churros:

• Water
• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Salt
• All-purpose flour
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

For the Coating:

• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Melted butter (for brushing)

Directions

1. Make the Dough – In a saucepan, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and stir in the flour until a dough forms. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the dough pulls away from the pan. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
2. Add Eggs & Vanilla – Once cooled, add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until the dough is smooth and glossy.
3. Pipe the Churros – Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe 4-5 inch churros onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Air Fry – Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Arrange the churros in a single layer, leaving space between them. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
5. Coat with Cinnamon-Sugar – Brush the warm churros with melted butter, then roll them in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.
6. Serve & Enjoy – Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8 churros
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 20-25 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Churros – Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolate twist.
• Filled Churros – Pipe dulce de leche or Nutella inside using a filling tip.
• Spicy Cinnamon – Add a pinch of cayenne or nutmeg to the cinnamon-sugar coating.
• Gluten-Free – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
• Vegan Option – Use dairy-free butter and replace eggs with a flaxseed egg substitute.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover churros in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness.
• Freezing: Freeze uncooked piped churros on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Air fry from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! Store the dough in the fridge for up to 24 hours, then pipe and air fry when ready.

Why are my churros not crispy?

Make sure the air fryer is preheated and avoid overcrowding the basket. Lightly spray them with oil for extra crispiness.

Can I use pre-made dough?

Yes, but homemade dough gives the best texture and flavor. If using store-bought pastry dough, follow the same air frying instructions.

What can I serve with churros?

Classic options include chocolate sauce, caramel, dulce de leche, or whipped cream.

Can I make mini churros?

Yes! Pipe shorter pieces and reduce the cooking time by 2-3 minutes.

Do I need to flip the churros while cooking?

Yes, flipping them halfway through helps them cook evenly on all sides.

Can I bake these instead of air frying?

Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes until golden brown.

What if my dough is too thick to pipe?

Let it cool slightly, then stir in an extra egg or a splash of warm water to loosen it up.

Can I make churros without a piping bag?

Yes! Use a plastic bag with a small cut in the corner or roll the dough into logs by hand.

How do I prevent the dough from sticking to the piping bag?

Lightly grease the inside of the piping bag or chill the dough before piping.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Churros are a quick, easy, and healthier way to enjoy this classic treat. With a crispy outside, soft inside, and a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating, these churros are perfect for any occasion. Serve them warm with your favorite dip and enjoy a delicious homemade dessert with less oil and effort. Try this recipe today and satisfy your churro cravings in minutes!

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