Air Fryer Churros Recipe

Oh, if you’ve ever dreamed of crispy, golden churros with that perfect cinnamon-sugar crunch—but without the mess and extra oil—then this Air Fryer Churros Recipe is going to be your new obsession. I love how it transforms a traditionally deep-fried treat into a lighter, fuss-free delight that still tastes indulgent. Whether it’s a weekend breakfast, a fun snack, or a party treat, these churros come out so beautifully every time!

What makes this Air Fryer Churros Recipe extra special is the ease and consistency the air fryer brings without compromising that classic texture. I’ve tried it several times, and every batch gets that golden crisp exterior with a soft, pillowy inside. Plus, tossing them in cinnamon sugar right after air frying seals the deal. It’s a win-win for homemade and healthier churros lovers alike.

this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients for this Air Fryer Churros Recipe are straightforward but carefully combine to create that classic churro taste and texture. Each has its part to play, and I’ll share some tips to help you pick the best versions at the store.

• Water: The base to create the dough; using cold or room temp water helps the dough come together smoothly.
• Unsalted Butter: Gives richness and flavor without extra salt interfering with balance.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to the dough and works for the cinnamon coating too.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness perfectly.
• All-purpose Flour: The main structure for the dough, so using fresh flour ensures better texture.
• Large Eggs: These bind the dough and contribute to the soft interior.
• Vanilla Extract: A subtle flavor boost that makes a noticeable difference in the final churros.
• Oil Spray: Essential for coating the air fryer basket and the churros to get that crispy exterior without frying in oil.
• Cinnamon: The star of the classic coating, ground cinnamon mixed with sugar brings that warm, spicy touch.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love experimenting with this Air Fryer Churros Recipe—sometimes I add a pinch of nutmeg or even a little orange zest to the dough. It’s super easy to adjust flavors, so feel free to make it your own to suit your palate or occasion.

• Variation: For a chocolate twist, add some cocoa powder to the dough and dust with powdered sugar instead of cinnamon sugar. I tried this once for a birthday, and it was a hit!
• Dietary Adjustment: To make this dairy-free, swap butter with coconut oil. It adds a subtle tropical note that pairs beautifully with cinnamon sugar.
• Difficulty Level: If you’re short on time, you can skip refrigerating before air frying, but expect the dough to spread a bit—still tasty, just less defined shapes.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Churros Recipe

Step 1: Bringing the Dough Together

Start by heating the water, butter, sugar, and salt in a saucepan until it boils. When it hits that rolling boil, turn the heat down to medium-low and add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously — it looks like a sticky blob at first, but keep stirring until it forms a smooth, cohesive dough that pulls away from the corners. I always use a rubber spatula here; it’s perfect for scraping and mixing without wasting any dough.

Step 2: Cooling and Mixing in Eggs

Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and allow it to cool for about 4 minutes; this helps prevent cooking the eggs when you add them. Next, add the eggs and vanilla extract, then use an electric mixer to combine thoroughly. The dough will look thick and sticky like gluey mashed potatoes. If you see lumps, don’t worry—grab your hands and smoosh everything together into a smooth ball. It’s a fun, hands-on step that really helps you feel connected to the dough!

Step 3: Piping and Chilling the Churros

Fit a large star-shaped piping tip on your piping bag and fill it with the dough ball. Pipe churros onto a silicone-lined baking sheet in 4-inch lengths, cutting with scissors after each one. This step is crucial for getting those classic ridges we all love on churros! Cover the tray and refrigerate the piped churros for an hour—this chilling firm ups the dough and helps keep the shape while air frying. Trust me, this chill time makes a huge difference.

Step 4: Air Frying to Perfection

Carefully lift the chilled churros with a small spatula and place them in your air fryer basket, spacing them about 1/2 inch apart so they crisp evenly. Give them a light spray with oil spray to help them brown beautifully. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, keeping an eye on the color—they should turn golden and slightly puffed. It’s best to cook in batches if your air fryer is small to avoid overcrowding, which can steam the churros instead of crisping them.

Step 5: Cinnamon Sugar Coating

While the churros are extra warm and fresh from the air fryer, toss them immediately in a shallow bowl of cinnamon sugar. This is when the sugar sticks best, giving you that delightfully sweet, spiced crust. Serve them up right away with your favorite dipping sauce—Nutella’s my go-to, but a dark chocolate sauce or dulce de leche are equally fantastic companions.

How to Serve Air Fryer Churros Recipe

Garnishes

I like to dust the churros with extra cinnamon sugar once more just before serving to enhance that crispy coating. Sometimes I sprinkle a pinch of powdered sugar too for a pretty touch. If I’m feeling fancy, a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce on top makes them look irresistible—and tastes even better!

Side Dishes

These churros pair perfectly with fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas for a balanced snack. Sometimes I serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—trust me, the contrast of warm churro and cold ice cream is dreamy. Hot coffee or a spiced chai latte also complement the cinnamon nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or special gatherings, I like lining churros up in a glass vase or tall jar, almost like edible flower stems, with dipping sauces on the side. Another idea I tried was skewering a few churros and dipping them in chocolate fondue—kids adored it! Making mini churros using a smaller pipette also works well for bite-sized treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. I find they lose a bit of crispness but are still tasty. For longer storage, using the fridge is an option but expect them to soften more.

Freezing

I’ve frozen piped, unbaked churros after refrigeration by placing the tray directly in the freezer until solid, then transferring to a sealed bag. This way, you can air fry fresh churros anytime you want without making the dough from scratch again.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop leftovers back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to revive their crunch. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that crispy texture intact.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Air Fryer Churros Recipe has become my go-to for quick indulgence without the guilt. I love how it’s approachable yet yields restaurant-quality treats you can enjoy anytime, no deep-frying required. If you’re craving something sweet, cinnamon-spiced, and crunchy, give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed by how easy and satisfying homemade churros can be with just an air fryer.

Print