Golden, crispy, and coated in a sweet cinnamon-sugar blend, churros are a classic treat that instantly bring joy. Making them in the air fryer gives you all the crunchy goodness of traditional churros without the mess of deep frying. These churros are light, fluffy inside, and pair perfectly with chocolate sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 2 ½ tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- Nonstick cooking spray
For the coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Optional for dipping:
- Warm chocolate sauce
- Dulce de leche
How To Make Air Fryer Churros
- Make the dough (choux pastry):
- In a medium saucepan, bring water, butter, sugar, and salt to a simmer.
- Add flour all at once and stir vigorously until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides.
- Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Add eggs and vanilla:
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each until smooth. Stir in vanilla. The dough should be thick but pipeable.
- Pipe churros:
- Transfer dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
- Pipe 4–5 inch strips onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spray lightly with cooking spray.
- Air fry:
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place churros in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 10–12 minutes until golden brown.
- Coat in cinnamon sugar:
- While warm, roll churros in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
You Must Know
- Don’t overcrowd the basket — cook in batches for even crisping.
- If your dough feels too stiff, add 1 tsp milk at a time until pipeable.
- A star tip is essential to get that classic ridged churro texture.
Topping Variations
- Chocolate drizzle – Melt chocolate chips and drizzle over churros.
- Caramel churros – Dip in dulce de leche for a rich twist.
- Nutty delight – Sprinkle crushed hazelnuts or almonds over the coating.
- Stuffed churros – Use a piping bag with a thin tip to fill with Nutella or jam.
Make It A Meal
Serve churros as a sweet finish to:
- Mexican Night – After tacos or enchiladas.
- Brunch spread – With coffee, hot chocolate, or lattes.
- Celebrations – Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or movie nights.
Pro Tips
- Chill the dough for 10 minutes if it’s too soft to pipe.
- Use parchment paper strips to make transferring churros into the fryer easier.
- For extra crunch, lightly spray churros again halfway through air frying.
- Reheat leftovers in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes at 350°F (175°C)
Recipe FAQs
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Store piped churros in the freezer for up to 1 month. Air fry directly from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to cooking time.
Q: Do I need to flip churros in the air fryer?
Yes, flipping halfway ensures even browning.
Q: Can I bake instead of air frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes, though they’ll be slightly less crisp.
Q: Are air fryer churros healthier than fried ones?
Definitely! They use far less oil while still delivering that crisp texture.
