Introduction
Does the perfect churro, with its crispy, ridged exterior and soft, cakey inside, truly need a vat of deep frying oil to come to life? For years, I believed so. The scent of cinnamon and sugar mingled with hot oil is a fragrance tied to so many powerful memories for me a bustling state fair, a chilly evening stroll through a holiday market, the laughter spilling from a street vendor’s cart. That aroma always promised a moment of pure, unadulterated joy. But what if we could capture that same joy, that same soul warming comfort, right in our own kitchens without the fuss and mess? What if we could create magically delicious Air Fryer Churros that are just as satisfying? It’s a question I pondered one quiet afternoon, the hum of my air fryer in the background, a longing for a simple, sweet treat in my heart. I wondered if we could trade the intimidating pot of oil for the gentle, circulating heat of a modern kitchen marvel and still achieve that signature crunch and tender bite.
The answer, I discovered, is a resounding yes. This easy air fryer churros recipe is more than just a healthier alternative; it’s a revelation. It transforms a beloved, and sometimes intimidating, street food into an accessible, family friendly kitchen project. There’s a quiet magic in piping the soft dough, watching it transform from pale and tender to golden and crisp, all with a fraction of the oil. This method isn’t about chasing perfection; it’s about chasing connection, about creating new memories with my children, their hands dusty with cinnamon sugar, their faces lit up with the same delight I felt as a child. It’s about proving that the heart of a recipe isn’t in the method, but in the love and intention we pour into it. These churros carry the spirit of the classic, yet they feel lighter, simpler, and perfectly suited for a slow weekend morning or a spontaneous weeknight dessert. They are a testament to the idea that sometimes, small changes can lead to the most wonderful discoveries.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Churros Recipe
This recipe has quickly become a family favorite in our home, and I have a feeling it will in yours, too. It’s one of those rare treats that feels both special and incredibly simple. Here’s why you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe again and again:
- Surprisingly Simple and Quick: The dough, a classic choux pastry, comes together on the stovetop in minutes. From there, it’s a simple process of piping and air frying. You can have warm, homemade air fryer churros ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a last minute dessert craving. It’s a world away from the commitment and cleanup of deep frying.
- Healthier Indulgence: By using the air fryer, we eliminate the need for deep frying, which significantly reduces the amount of oil and fat. You get all the satisfying texture and flavor of a traditional churro but with a much lighter feel. It’s comfort food you can feel good about.
- Incredibly Crispy and Delicious: Don’t let the “healthier” part fool you. These churros are unbelievably crispy on the outside, thanks to the circulating hot air, while remaining wonderfully soft and fluffy on the inside. Rolled in a generous coating of cinnamon sugar, they deliver that classic, irresistible flavor we all love. They are truly the best air fryer churros recipe for achieving that perfect texture.
- A Fun, Family Friendly Activity: There’s something so joyful about making these churros together. The kids love helping to mix the cinnamon sugar and, depending on their age, can even try their hand at rolling the cooked churros. It’s a wonderful way to get everyone in the kitchen and create sweet memories along with a sweet treat. It’s almost as fun as making easy air fryer s’mores on a rainy day.
- Endlessly Customizable: This recipe is a fantastic base for all sorts of delicious variations. You can experiment with different dipping sauces, add spices to your dough, or even make savory versions. It’s a wonderful blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Whether you’re making air fryer churro bites for a party or full length ones for a family dessert, the possibilities are endless.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Churros
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, using pantry staples to create something truly special. Here’s what you’ll need:
- For the Churro Dough:
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
Substitutions: For gluten free air fryer churros, you can substitute the all purpose flour with a good quality 1 to 1 gluten free baking flour blend. For a dairy free or vegan air fryer churros version, use a plant based butter alternative and omit the eggs, using a commercial egg replacer or a flax egg (results may vary in texture).
How to Make Air Fryer Churros
Step by Step Instructions
Making air fryer churros from scratch is a beautifully simple process. Follow these steps, and you’ll be rewarded with golden, crispy perfection. Remember, cooking should feel like a dance, not a chore. Put on some music, take a deep breath, and let’s begin.
- Create the Cinnamon Sugar Mix: Before you start the dough, prepare your landing zone. In a shallow dish or on a plate, whisk together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. The aroma alone is enough to get you excited. Set it aside; its moment of glory will come soon.
- Start the Dough Base: In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, and salt. Place it over medium heat and bring it to a rolling boil. You want to see the butter fully melted and the mixture bubbling together harmoniously.
- Incorporate the Flour: Turn the heat down to low and add the all purpose flour all at once. This may seem dramatic, but it’s the right move. Immediately start stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon or spatula. The mixture will quickly pull away from the sides of the pan and form a thick, cohesive ball of dough. Keep stirring for about 60 seconds to cook the flour slightly. This step is crucial for the final texture.
- Cool the Dough: Transfer the hot dough ball to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or you can use a regular mixing bowl and a hand mixer. Let it cool for about 5 to 10 minutes. It should be just warm to the touch, not hot. This prevents the eggs from scrambling when you add them.
- Beat in the Eggs: With the mixer on low speed, add the eggs one at a time, waiting until the first egg is completely incorporated before adding the second. The dough might look separated at first, but keep mixing. It will come back together into a smooth, glossy, and thick paste. Beat in the vanilla extract.
- Prepare for Piping: Spoon the beautiful, glossy dough into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip (like a Wilton 1M). This star tip is what gives churros their iconic ridges, which are essential for catching all that cinnamon sugar and creating a super crispy air fryer churros texture.
- Pipe and Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Carefully pipe 4 to 5 inch lengths of dough directly into the basket, using a pair of kitchen scissors to snip the dough from the tip. Be sure to leave space between them; they need room to breathe and crisp up. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Cook to Golden Perfection: Air fry for 8 to 12 minutes, or until the churros are a deep golden brown and feel crisp to the touch. The exact time will depend on your air fryer model, so keep a close eye on them during the first batch.
- Coat and Serve: As soon as the churros come out of the air fryer, use a pastry brush to lightly coat them with the melted butter. Then, immediately roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until they are generously coated. Serve warm and enjoy the sound of that first crispy bite.
Pro Tips & Variations
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, the fun really begins. Here are some of my favorite tips and variations to elevate your Air Fryer Churros experience and make the recipe your own.
- Tip 1: The Importance of Warm Dough: Pipe the churro dough while it is still warm. Choux pastry becomes much stiffer and harder to pipe as it cools. If your hand starts to ache, the dough is likely too cold. Working quickly but calmly is the key to perfectly shaped churros.
- Tip 2: Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: This is my number one rule for almost anything I make in the air fryer, from crispy air fryer chicken wings to these churros. The magic of the air fryer comes from hot air circulation. If you overcrowd the basket, the churros will steam instead of crisp, leaving them soft and doughy. Cook in batches for the best results.
- Tip 3: For Uniform Churros: If you want perfectly straight churros, you can pipe the dough onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet and freeze them for about 15 to 20 minutes. Then, you can place the frozen dough strips directly into the preheated air fryer. This helps them hold their shape beautifully.
Variations:
- Chocolate Filled Churros: After the churros are cooked and cooled slightly, use a small piping tip to carefully fill them with a thick chocolate hazelnut spread or a chocolate ganache. It’s a delightful surprise inside.
- Spicy Chocolate Churros: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to your cinnamon sugar mixture for a gentle, warming kick that pairs wonderfully with a dark chocolate dipping sauce. It’s an ode to the more traditional Mexican Churros that often incorporate a hint of spice.
- Air Fryer Churro Bites: For a party friendly snack, make air fryer churro bites. Instead of piping 4 inch lengths, simply pipe small 1 inch dollops of dough. Reduce the cooking time to 5 to 7 minutes. They are perfect for dipping and sharing! You can also explore other bite sized air fryer desserts like air fryer donuts for more inspiration.
- Alternative Coatings: While air fryer cinnamon churros are classic, feel free to experiment. Try a mix of pumpkin pie spice and sugar in the fall, or finely crushed freeze dried raspberries mixed with sugar for a fruity twist.
Serving Suggestions
A warm churro is a beautiful thing on its own, but the right pairing can elevate it from a simple treat to an unforgettable dessert experience. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve them:
- Classic Chocolate Dipping Sauce: This is non negotiable in our house. A simple sauce of melted dark or semi sweet chocolate thinned with a little cream or milk is the perfect companion. The slight bitterness of the chocolate cuts through the sweetness of the churro beautifully.
- Dulce de Leche or Caramel Sauce: For an even more decadent treat, serve your churros with a side of warm, gooey dulce de leche. The creamy, milky caramel flavor is a heavenly match for the crispy cinnamon pastry.
– Fruit Coulis: A vibrant raspberry or strawberry coulis offers a bright, tangy contrast that cuts through the richness of the churros. It’s a refreshing and elegant option, especially during the spring and summer months.
- Coffee or Hot Chocolate: There’s nothing quite like a quiet moment with a warm churro and a hot drink. Pair them with a strong cup of coffee for a simple morning treat or a rich, creamy hot chocolate for the ultimate evening indulgence.
- Ice Cream: For a truly show stopping dessert, serve a few warm churros alongside a scoop of high quality vanilla bean ice cream. The contrast between the hot, crispy churros and the cold, creamy ice cream is pure bliss.
For those interested in the history and traditional preparation of churros, this Cinnamon Sugar Churros recipe provides a wonderful look at the classic deep fried method, which helps appreciate the convenience of the air fryer even more.
Storage & Reheating for Air Fryer Churros
While Air Fryer Churros are undeniably best when enjoyed fresh, sometimes you have leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat them to bring back some of that original magic.
Storage:
- Store leftover churros in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. It’s best to store them uncoated, as the cinnamon sugar can draw out moisture and make them soggy. If they are already coated, simply blot them with a paper towel before storing.
- I do not recommend refrigerating them, as the cool, moist environment will make them soft and stale very quickly.
Reheating:
- The best way to bring back that signature crispiness is to use the air fryer! Place the leftover churros in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 3 to 4 minutes. They will become wonderfully warm and crispy again, almost as good as fresh.
- If they were stored uncoated, you can brush them with a little more melted butter and toss them in fresh cinnamon sugar after reheating.
FAQ about Air Fryer Churros
Here are answers to a few common questions I get about making this recipe. I hope they help you on your churro making journey!
Why are my churros not crispy?
This is usually due to one of two things: overcrowding the air fryer basket or not cooking them long enough. Ensure you leave plenty of space around each churro for the air to circulate. If they still seem soft, simply add another 1-2 minutes to the cooking time until they are golden brown and firm to the touch.
Can I make these without a piping bag?
Yes, it’s possible to make air fryer churros no piping bag style. You can use a sturdy zip top bag and snip off one of the corners. You won’t get the classic ridges from a star tip, so they will look more rustic, but they will still be delicious! The ridges do help them get extra crispy, but it’s a great workaround if you don’t have a bag.
Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Absolutely. You can prepare the choux pastry dough up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface of the dough to prevent a skin from forming. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to make it easier to pipe before you’re ready to cook.
What kind of dipping sauces work best?
The classics are chocolate sauce and dulce de leche. However, you can get creative! A cream cheese frosting dip, a lemon curd, or even a tart fruit jam would be wonderful. Think about flavors that complement the warm cinnamon, just like you would when making an easy moist air fryer banana bread.
Final Thoughts on Air Fryer Churros
There is a quiet joy in recreating a beloved treat in a way that feels both new and familiar. These Air Fryer Churros are more than just a recipe to me; they are a reminder that the heart of cooking is connection. It’s the connection to our memories, to the people we share our table with, and to the simple ingredients that can bring so much comfort. I hope this recipe brings a little bit of that magic into your kitchen.
If you make these churros and love them, I would be so grateful if you would leave a comment and a rating below. And don’t forget to save this recipe to your favorite Pinterest board so you can find it again! For more stories and simple recipes that celebrate the beauty of everyday cooking, I’d love for you to subscribe to our newsletter. Happy cooking!
Air Fryer Churros
Equipment
- Air Fryer,
- Piping Bag
- Star Tip
- Medium saucepan,
- Stand Mixer
Ingredients
For the Churro Dough
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter cut into pieces
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted (for brushing)
Instructions
- Create the Cinnamon Sugar Mix: In a shallow dish or on a plate, whisk together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Set it aside.
- Start the Dough Base: In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, and salt. Place it over medium heat and bring it to a rolling boil.
- Incorporate the Flour: Turn the heat down to low and add the all-purpose flour all at once. Stir vigorously until the mixture forms a thick, cohesive ball of dough. Keep stirring for about 60 seconds.
- Cool the Dough: Transfer the hot dough ball to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Let it cool for about 5 to 10 minutes until just warm to the touch.
- Beat in the Eggs: With the mixer on low speed, add the eggs one at a time, waiting until the first egg is completely incorporated before adding the second. Beat in the vanilla extract.
- Prepare for Piping: Spoon the dough into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip (like a Wilton 1M).
- Pipe and Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Pipe 4 to 5 inch lengths of dough into the basket, using kitchen scissors to snip the dough. Work in batches, leaving space between churros.
- Cook to Golden Perfection: Air fry for 8 to 12 minutes, or until the churros are a deep golden brown and feel crisp to the touch.
- Coat and Serve: As soon as the churros come out of the air fryer, use a pastry brush to lightly coat them with the melted butter. Immediately roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until generously coated. Serve warm.
Notes
– Pipe the churro dough while it is still warm for easier handling.
– Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure proper crisping.
– For uniform churros, pipe dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, freeze for 15-20 minutes, then air fry from frozen. Variations:
– Chocolate Filled Churros: Fill cooled churros with chocolate hazelnut spread or ganache.
– Spicy Chocolate Churros: Add cayenne pepper to the cinnamon sugar mixture.
– Air Fryer Churro Bites: Pipe small 1-inch dollops and reduce cooking time to 5-7 minutes.
– Alternative Coatings: Try pumpkin pie spice sugar or crushed freeze-dried berries.
