Air Fryer Churros
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these air fryer churros are a delicious and healthier twist on the classic fried treat.
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Using an air fryer for churros reduces oil usage while still achieving a crispy texture. To get the best results, preheat your air fryer and avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even cooking.
About this dish
Air fryer churros are a lighter take on the classic Spanish-style pastry, made from a simple choux dough and finished with a generous cinnamon-sugar coating. They’re piped into the air fryer, where the high heat helps them puff, set, and brown without the need for deep frying.
For this version, the air fryer gives the churros a crisp exterior while keeping the inside tender and slightly eggy. Expect a batch that’s best eaten warm, with a texture that’s closest to traditional churros when they come straight from the basket and get rolled in cinnamon sugar right away.
Ingredients
- 1 cup water (cold)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into pieces)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (plus extra for coating)
- 0.25 teaspoons salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (sifted)
- 2 units large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoons ground cinnamon (for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Remove from heat and stir in the flour until the mixture forms a ball.
- Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool slightly.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Fill a piping bag fitted with a star tip with the dough.
- Pipe 3-4 inch long strips onto a parchment-lined air fryer basket, leaving space between each churro.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Mix sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish.
- Roll the warm churros in the cinnamon sugar mixture until coated.
- Serve immediately with chocolate sauce or your favorite dip.
Tips
Please verify air fryer temperature and cook time as models vary; adjust as needed for best texture and doneness.
Variations & substitutions
- Swap the cinnamon sugar for vanilla sugar if you want a milder, sweeter coating.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar for a warmer spice profile.
- Use a chocolate dipping sauce, caramel sauce, or dulce de leche alongside the churros instead of the usual dip.
- Pipe the dough into shorter churro bites for easier sharing and faster serving.
- Dust the warm churros with powdered sugar before coating them in cinnamon sugar for extra sweetness.
What to serve with
- Warm chocolate sauce is the classic pairing and works especially well with the crisp cinnamon coating.
- Serve with dulce de leche for a rich caramel-like dip.
- Fresh berries add a bright contrast to the sweet, buttery churros.
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream makes this feel like a dessert platter.
- Strong coffee or espresso balances the sweetness nicely.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make air fryer churros ahead of time?
They’re best served immediately, since the coating and texture are at their crispiest right after cooking. You can make the dough ahead and pipe it later, but the finished churros will always be best fresh.
How do I store leftover churros?
Store cooled churros in an airtight container at room temperature for a short time, or refrigerate them if needed. They’ll soften as they sit, so they’re not ideal for long storage.
How do I reheat churros in the air fryer?
Reheat them briefly in the air fryer until warmed through and lightly crisp again. Recoat with cinnamon sugar after reheating if the coating has melted or fallen off.
Can I use frozen churro dough or frozen piped churros?
This recipe is best made from fresh dough, since the batter is mixed and piped before air frying. If you freeze piped dough, it may need extra time and the texture may not be as even.
How do I know when the churros are done?
They should be golden brown and look crisp on the outside after 10-12 minutes in the preheated air fryer. If they still look pale or soft, give them a little more time, checking closely so they don’t overbrown.
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