Easy Air Fryer Churros: The Healthier Way to Enjoy This Classic Crispy Treat
Craving churros but seeking a lighter, less messy alternative to the traditional deep-fried indulgence? Our incredible recipe for Air Fryer Churros is your perfect solution! This innovative method brings you all the irresistible charm of authentic churros – a deliciously soft and tender interior encased in a golden, slightly crunchy shell – without the excessive oil, splatter, or extensive cleanup. Each delightful churro stick is generously tossed in a fragrant cinnamon-sugar coating, creating an utterly satisfying sweet treat that you can truly savor without the usual guilt. Get ready to transform your dessert experience with this quicker, cleaner, and equally delicious approach to homemade churros!
Why This Air Fryer Churros Recipe Is a Must-Try
This recipe isn’t just about making churros; it’s about revolutionizing how you approach and enjoy them. Traditional churros, while undeniably delicious, involve the process of deep-frying in hot oil. This can be a messy, time-consuming endeavor, and it adds a significant amount of fat to your dessert. Our innovative air fryer method effectively eliminates these drawbacks, offering a multitude of compelling reasons why it should quickly become your go-to churro recipe:
- Healthier Indulgence: By utilizing the circulating hot air of an air fryer, you drastically reduce the amount of oil required for cooking. This translates into churros that are significantly lighter and contain less fat compared to their deep-fried counterparts. You still achieve that satisfying crispiness without the heavy, greasy sensation, allowing for a more guilt-free indulgence.
- Quicker and Easier Preparation: Bid farewell to the hassle of managing a large pot of hot oil, which can be intimidating and dangerous. The air fryer streamlines the entire cooking process, significantly cutting down on active cooking time. Furthermore, less oil means virtually no splattering, leading to a much tidier kitchen after your baking adventure. More time saved means more time to enjoy your freshly made treats!
- Perfect Texture Every Time: The magic of the air fryer ensures a beautifully even, golden-brown exterior that is delightfully crisp to the bite. Inside, the carefully crafted choux pastry dough guarantees a soft, tender, and wonderfully airy texture. This combination creates the ideal textural contrast that is the hallmark of a truly great churro.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: These homemade air fryer churros are incredibly adaptable and perfect for a wide range of events. They make a fantastic addition to festive celebrations like Cinco de Mayo, add a fun twist to game day gatherings, serve as an exciting dessert for taco Tuesdays, or simply stand as an impressive yet effortlessly made treat for family and friends. Their convenient stick shape also makes them ideal for easy snacking at parties.
- Endless Dipping Possibilities: While these churros are undoubtedly delicious on their own, they are traditionally served with a delectable dipping sauce, and this recipe fully embraces that tradition. Elevate your churro experience by pairing them with a variety of irresistible sauces. Classic choices include a warm, rich chocolate sauce, luscious caramel, sweet dulce de leche, or even a creamy, hazelnut-infused Nutella. The possibilities are vast, allowing you to customize your sweet journey to perfection!
With this simple yet brilliant air fryer churros recipe, you get to savor all the sweet, cinnamon-sugar goodness of this beloved dessert in a fraction of the time, with less mess, and in a healthier format. It’s truly a win-win for any dessert enthusiast!
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Air Fryer Churros
Crafting these delectable churros requires only a handful of basic ingredients, many of which are likely staples in your kitchen pantry. The true artistry lies in how these simple components are combined and prepared to form the perfect choux pastry dough and the irresistible cinnamon-sugar coating. For all precise measurements, a comprehensive list of ingredients, and detailed instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card conveniently located at the very end of this guide. Below, we’ll delve a little deeper into the role of each key ingredient:
For the Churro Dough:
The foundation of every great churro is its unique dough, which is fundamentally a version of classic choux pastry, famously known as Pâte à Choux dough. This versatile dough is celebrated for its use in creating a diverse array of delightful pastries, ranging from delicate cream puffs and elegant éclairs (you might love our cream puff chocolate eclair cake!) to savory gougères. Its distinctive characteristic lies in its remarkable ability to puff up dramatically when cooked, resulting in a hollow, airy interior that perfectly complements the churro’s signature tender texture and crispy exterior. The essential ingredients for our churro dough include:
- Water: This serves as the primary liquid base. When heated with butter, it creates steam, which is absolutely vital for the dough’s dramatic rise and airy structure during cooking.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds a rich, buttery flavor and contributes significantly to the dough’s tender and moist texture. Using unsalted butter allows for precise control over the overall saltiness of the recipe.
- Granulated Sugar & Salt: These ingredients work in harmony to perfectly balance the flavors within the dough. The sugar offers a subtle hint of sweetness that enhances the final taste profile, while the salt rounds out the flavors.
- All-Purpose Flour: This provides the crucial structural integrity for the dough. When combined with the hot water and butter mixture, it cooks to form a paste, which then efficiently absorbs the eggs in the subsequent step.
- Eggs: Eggs are indispensable for binding the dough together and acting as the primary leavening agent. They introduce air and moisture into the choux paste, enabling it to puff up beautifully and achieve its characteristic light, airy interior when air-fried.
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
This simple yet iconic coating is what gives churros their signature flavor and appeal.
- Granulated Sugar: Forms the sweet, crunchy base of our irresistible coating, providing both sweetness and a delightful textural element.
- Ground Cinnamon: The quintessential spice that infuses churros with their warm, aromatic, and distinctly comforting flavor.
And remember, don’t overlook your favorite Dipping Sauce! While technically optional, a well-chosen dipping sauce truly elevates the entire churro experience. Popular and highly recommended choices include a luscious warm chocolate sauce, a rich and gooey caramel, a traditional sweet dulce de leche, or a creamy, decadent Nutella. Feel free to experiment and find your perfect pairing!
How to Make Perfect Air Fryer Churros: A Step-by-Step Guide
These comprehensive step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are thoughtfully provided to help you visualize and master each stage of crafting this delightful dessert. For your utmost convenience, you can easily Jump to Recipe to access the complete printable version of this recipe, which includes all precise measurements and full instructions, located at the bottom of this page.
- Prepare Your Baking Surface: Begin by taking a large cookie sheet and lining it with a sheet of parchment paper. Then, lightly spray the parchment paper with a thin, even coat of cooking spray. This crucial step will prevent the delicate churro dough from sticking when you pipe it out and during the freezing process.
- Create the Base Mixture: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the measured water, unsalted butter, a tablespoon of granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat on your stovetop. Stir the mixture occasionally to ensure the butter melts evenly and completely, and continue heating until the entire mixture comes to a vigorous boil. This ensures all solid ingredients are thoroughly dissolved and the liquid is hot enough for the next phase.
- Incorporate the Flour for Choux: Once the mixture reaches a full boil, immediately reduce the heat to low. Add all of the all-purpose flour at once into the saucepan. Using a sturdy wooden spoon, mix continuously and vigorously. You will notice the dough quickly coming together, forming a smooth ball that cleanly pulls away from the sides of the saucepan. Continue to stir and “dry out” the dough on low heat for an additional 1-2 minutes; this vital step helps achieve the perfect choux pastry texture, allowing it to puff properly later.
- Add the Eggs for Structure: Remove the dough from the heat and transfer it to a separate bowl. Allow the dough to cool for approximately 5 minutes. This cooling period is absolutely critical to prevent the eggs from scrambling when they are incorporated. Once cooled, add the eggs, one at a time, whisking vigorously after each addition until the mixture is completely smooth and entirely free of any lumps. The dough will feel sticky at this stage, but this is the perfect consistency for developing proper choux pastry.
EXPERT TIP: For a more efficient and less strenuous process, you can transfer the warm dough to a large mixing bowl (either a stand mixer or a sturdy bowl for a hand mixer). Use an electric hand mixer with a paddle attachment to thoroughly beat in the eggs until the dough achieves a smooth, glossy, and sticky consistency.
- Prepare for Piping: Carefully transfer all of the sticky churro dough into a large piping bag. Ensure the bag is securely fitted with a closed star tip (commonly an Ateco 846 or 869 is used). The distinctive star tip is absolutely essential for creating the classic ridged shape of churros, which not only gives them their iconic appearance but also helps them crisp up beautifully and evenly in the air fryer.
- Shape and Freeze the Churros: Using the piping bag, carefully pipe the dough into uniform 4-inch lengths onto the prepared parchment-lined cookie sheet. Strive for consistency in size, as this aids in even cooking. Once all the dough is piped, transfer the entire cookie sheet to the freezer for approximately 30 minutes, or until the piped dough pieces are firm enough to handle without losing their shape. This freezing step is absolutely vital as it helps the churros hold their distinctive form during air frying and prevents them from spreading excessively.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: While the churro dough is chilling in the freezer, take this time to prepare your air fryer. Lightly spray the basket of your Air Fryer with a thin, even coat of cooking spray to ensure no sticking occurs. Then, pre-heat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is essential as it ensures that the churros begin cooking immediately upon placement, which promotes optimal and even crisping.
- Air Fry the Churros: Once the air fryer is preheated and the churro dough is firm, carefully transfer the chilled churro dough pieces into the air fryer basket. Arrange them in a single layer, making sure there is ample space between each churro. This space is crucial for allowing the hot air to circulate freely around each piece, which is vital for achieving that desired crispy texture. Cook for approximately 8-10 minutes, or until the churros turn a beautiful golden brown and are satisfyingly crispy.
EXPERT TIP: It is imperative to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Depending on the specific size and model of your air fryer, you may need to cook the churros in multiple small batches. Overcrowding can lead to trapped steam, which prevents the churros from browning and crisping properly, resulting in a soggy rather than crunchy texture.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating: While your churros are air frying to perfection, take a moment to prepare their signature coating. In a medium, shallow bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Whisk them together thoroughly until the cinnamon is evenly and completely distributed throughout the sugar, ensuring every churro gets a consistent flavor.
- Coat the Churros Immediately: As soon as the churros are finished cooking and are still piping hot from the air fryer, immediately transfer them into the prepared cinnamon sugar mixture. Gently toss and roll them to ensure each churro is thoroughly and completely coated on all sides. The residual heat from the freshly cooked churros is key, as it helps the sugar mixture adhere perfectly, creating that classic sweet, slightly spiced, and crunchy crust.
- Serve and Enjoy: For the ultimate churro experience, serve your freshly made, warm air fryer churros immediately. They are at their absolute best when hot and crispy! Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce to complete this delightful dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Churros
Yes, absolutely! Freezing churro dough is an excellent strategy for meal prepping and ensures you can enjoy freshly made churros whenever a craving arises. To do this effectively, pipe your churro dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, just as you would for immediate air frying. Place the entire sheet into the freezer for approximately 30 minutes, or until the individual dough pieces are firm and solid. Once frozen, carefully remove them from the sheet, wrap each churro dough piece individually in plastic wrap, and then transfer them to a larger freezer-safe bag or an airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to cook them, simply remove the desired amount of frozen dough and allow it to thaw completely to room temperature before proceeding with the air frying instructions as per the recipe. This method ensures they cook evenly and achieve the perfect crispy texture.
While you can certainly prepare components of this churro recipe in advance, for the absolute best taste and texture, it is highly recommended to air fry them just before you plan to serve them. The fresh-from-the-fryer crispness is unparalleled. You can prepare the churro dough up to one day in advance. After making the dough, transfer it to an airtight container and store it securely in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to proceed with cooking, ensure the dough comes back to room temperature before piping and air frying. As an alternative, you can also pipe the dough and freeze it as detailed in the previous FAQ. The key takeaway is that serving them warm and fresh from the air fryer will yield the most delicious results.
An “eggy” flavor in churros is a common issue that typically arises if the eggs are incorporated into the dough while it is still too hot. Choux pastry relies on the eggs being fully and smoothly incorporated into a flour-butter mixture that has cooled sufficiently. If the dough remains too warm, the heat can cause the eggs to partially cook or scramble upon contact, leading to a distinct and undesirable egg taste in the final product. To prevent this, it’s crucial to strictly adhere to step 4 of the recipe, ensuring you allow the dough to cool for at least 5 minutes after removing it from the heat before you begin adding the eggs. If you’re in doubt, letting it cool for a few extra minutes won’t hurt.
Churros are undeniably at their peak deliciousness when served fresh, immediately after they’ve been air-fried and coated in that wonderful cinnamon sugar. Their crispiness is simply unparalleled at this stage. However, they do tend to become a bit soft and lose some of their initial crunch after sitting out for a while. If you happen to have leftovers, the best way to store them is in an airtight container at room temperature for a maximum of 2 days. To revive some of their delightful crispness, reheat the churros in a preheated Air Fryer at 375°F (190°C) for a quick burst of 2-3 minutes. It’s important to avoid microwaving them, as this method will only make them even soggier and less appealing.
Most air fryer models, regardless of whether they are basket-style or oven-style, can be successfully used to make delicious churros. The most critical factor for success is ensuring proper and even hot air circulation. Basket-style air fryers often perform exceptionally well due to their concentrated airflow. Regardless of the type you own, always make sure your air fryer has sufficient capacity to cook a reasonable batch of churros without overcrowding the basket. If you have a smaller air fryer, you will simply need to adjust by cooking your churros in more, smaller batches. For optimal results, always refer to your specific air fryer’s manual for any recommended cooking temperatures and times, as there can be minor variations between different brands and models.
While this particular recipe is developed using standard all-purpose flour, you can certainly experiment with gluten-free all-purpose flour blends. When choosing a blend, look for one that is specifically formulated for baking and ideally contains xanthan gum. Xanthan gum is a crucial ingredient in gluten-free baking as it helps to provide the structure and elasticity that gluten typically offers. The resulting texture of your churros might be slightly different – perhaps a bit denser or less airy – but many bakers have achieved great success adapting choux pastry recipes with high-quality gluten-free alternatives. Begin by using the same measurements and carefully monitor the dough consistency as you incorporate the flour and eggs, adjusting as needed.
Beyond the universally loved classics like chocolate, caramel, dulce de leche, and Nutella, there’s an exciting world of dipping sauces waiting to be explored with your churros! Consider pairing them with a rich and creamy cream cheese frosting for a delightful tangy contrast, or a vibrant berry compote (made from raspberries or strawberries) for a refreshing fruity kick. For those who enjoy a unique flavor profile, a spicy Mexican chocolate sauce offers a wonderful blend of sweet and heat. A simple vanilla bean glaze or a coffee-flavored dip can also provide a sophisticated and delightful accompaniment. Don’t hesitate to get creative in your kitchen and customize your churro experience with a variety of exciting dips!
These absolutely delicious golden-brown, cinnamon-sugar-coated air fryer churros are truly a sweet treat that you no longer have to feel guilty about! They flawlessly combine the cherished flavors of a traditional churro with the incredible convenience and health benefits of modern air frying. This makes them a fantastic and versatile addition to your dessert repertoire, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the unparalleled simplicity of their preparation and the pure joy of a healthier, yet equally indulgent, dessert.
Explore More Delicious Air Fryer Recipes for Every Craving
If you’ve just fallen in love with the effortless ease and consistently delicious results of air frying, then you’re in for a treat! There’s a whole world of culinary possibilities waiting to be discovered with your air fryer. This versatile appliance is perfectly capable of tackling everything from quick and satisfying breakfasts to wholesome dinners, and, of course, an abundance of other incredible desserts. Broaden your air fryer cooking repertoire with these other fantastic and easy-to-make recipes:
- Air Fryer Donuts
- Air Fryer Brownies
- Air Fryer Apple Fries
- Air Fryer French Toast Bites
- Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Air Fryer Apple Fritters
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Air Fryer Churros
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter
- 1 Tbsp granulated sugar
- a pinch of salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 eggs
- dipping sauce optional; chocolate, caramel, dolce de leche, Nutella
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Things You’ll Need
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Closed star piping tip
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Piping bag
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Large cookie sheet
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Parchment paper
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Medium saucepan
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Wooden spoon or electric hand mixer
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Air Fryer
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Shallow bowl
Before You Begin & Expert Tips
- It’s incredibly important to remember that every air fryer model is unique in its heating capabilities and cooking efficiency. Therefore, the exact cooking time required for your churros may differ slightly from the times suggested here. We strongly recommend testing one churro first to accurately determine your specific air fryer’s perfect cook time and temperature sweet spot, ensuring ideal results.
- If you happen to have leftover churros that have cooled down, you can easily reheat them to restore a good portion of their delightful crispiness. Simply place them back into a preheated Air Fryer at 375°F (190°C) for a quick 2-3 minutes. It’s crucial to avoid reheating them in a microwave, as this will unfortunately make them even soggier and less appealing.
- For optimal crispiness and to ensure your churros cook evenly, always make sure there is sufficient space between each churro in the air fryer basket. It’s vital not to overcrowd the Air Fryer, as this can trap steam and prevent the churros from browning properly, leading to a steamed rather than crispy texture. You may need to cook them in multiple batches.
- When it comes to incorporating the eggs into the choux pastry dough, if you find whisking by hand too strenuous, or if you simply wish to accelerate the process, feel free to transfer the slightly cooled dough to a stand mixer bowl or use an electric hand mixer. Beat the eggs in one at a time until the dough becomes perfectly smooth and well combined.
- The final quantity of churros you yield from this recipe will naturally depend on the length and thickness at which you pipe them. A consistent 4-inch length is generally considered a good standard size for even cooking and serving.
- Do not, under any circumstances, skip the freezing step! Chilling the piped churro dough is a vital step that helps it maintain its distinctive ridged shape and significantly prevents it from spreading too much during the air frying process. This ensures you achieve beautifully formed and textured churros.
Instructions
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Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper and spray lightly with cooking spray.
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In a medium saucepan, over medium-high heat, combine water, butter, 1 Tbsp sugar, and salt. Heat until butter is completely melted and the mixture comes to a full boil.
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Reduce heat to low, add 1 cup all-purpose flour, and mix continuously with a wooden spoon until the dough forms a smooth ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan. Continue mixing for 1-2 minutes to dry out the dough.
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Remove from heat and allow the dough to cool for 5 minutes. Then, add the 3 eggs and whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth with no lumps. The dough will be sticky.
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Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a closed star tip.
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Pipe dough into uniform 4-inch lengths onto the prepared cookie sheet. Place in the freezer for about 30 minutes, or until the dough is firm and easy to handle.
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Spray the Air Fryer basket with cooking spray and pre-heat to 375°F (190°C).
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Carefully transfer the chilled churro dough into the Air fryer basket, ensuring a single layer with space between each. Cook for 8-10 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
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In a medium shallow bowl, mix ½ cup granulated sugar with 1 tsp ground cinnamon.
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Once churros are done, immediately transfer them to the cinnamon sugar mixture and toss gently to coat thoroughly while still hot.
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Serve warm with your choice of dipping sauce. Enjoy!
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.