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Air Fryer Churros Recipe

ByLily
Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 48 reviews

I can’t tell you how much joy these Air Fryer Churros Recipe bring me every time I make them. Crispy on the outside, soft and tender inside, and coated with that irresistible cinnamon-sugar—these churros hit the spot without the mess and grease of deep frying. Whether you’re craving a quick snack or want to impress friends with a fun dessert, this recipe is such a game-changer that you’ll want to keep it on repeat.

What’s really cool about this Air Fryer Churros Recipe is how it takes classic flavors and textures but lightens things up a bit. Plus, you get that golden crunch thanks to the air fryer’s magic without sacrificing flavor. I love making them when the mood strikes, especially for an easy weekend treat or a cozy movie night at home.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Healthier Frying: Using an air fryer gives you that crispy churro texture with far less oil than traditional frying.
  • Perfect Dough Texture: The dough is thick and sticky, so it pipes beautifully into those classic ridged shapes that cook evenly.
  • Customizable Sweetness: The cinnamon-sugar coating lets you control how sweet and spiced each churro turns out.
  • Easy Prep & Rest Time: Refrigerating the piped churros helps them hold their shape while air frying for a neat, golden finish.
A close-up view of several golden brown churros stacked in a slightly messy pile on a white marbled surface. Each churro has a ridged texture with a crispy outer layer and is covered evenly with fine sugar granules. The churros have a light, warm yellow color with hints of darker toasted edges, showing their crunchy coating. The white sugar contrasts with the warm tones of the churros, and some sugar is scattered around them on the surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Air Fryer Churros Recipe plays a key role, from building the perfect dough texture to achieving the ideal crispy exterior. I always look for quality basics to make sure your churros come out just right every time.

  • Water: Hydrates the dough and helps the butter melt evenly.
  • Unsalted butter: Gives richness and flavor; unsalted lets you control salt levels.
  • Granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to the dough and is used later for coating.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
  • All-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough that provides structure.
  • Eggs: Make the dough elastic and help it bind together beautifully.
  • Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
  • Oil spray: Ensures the churros crisp up nicely in the air fryer without sticking.
  • Cinnamon-sugar coating: The classic topping that defines churros and adds irresistible aroma.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I like to tweak this Air Fryer Churros Recipe based on who I’m serving and what we have in the pantry. It’s super easy to add a little twist or make it lately for special diets without losing the charm of the original.

  • Variation: Sometimes I swap the vanilla extract for almond extract to give the churros a cozy nutty vibe that friends really love.
  • Dietary modification: For gluten-free needs, try a gluten-free all-purpose blend—just keep an eye on the dough’s consistency since it might need a bit more moisture.
  • Flavor coating: I occasionally toss the finished churros in a mix of powdered sugar and cocoa powder for a chocolate twist.
  • Dipping sauces: Beyond the classic Nutella, I enjoy pairing these with salted caramel or a lemon curd for something unexpected.

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

Step 1: Make the Dough with Care

Start by combining water, butter, sugar, and salt in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Once it reaches a boil, reduce to medium-low and stir in the flour continuously. Watch as the dough comes together into a smooth ball—that’s your sign to remove it from heat. This step creates that perfectly cooked dough base that’s not too wet or dry, which is key for piping.

Step 2: Mix in Eggs and Vanilla Until Glued

After letting the dough cool briefly (about 4 minutes), transfer it to a mixer and add the eggs and vanilla. This part can look a little gluey—think mashed potatoes consistency—that’s exactly what you want. If you notice lumps, don’t worry! I use my hands to gently press them into a smooth ball ready for piping.

Step 3: Pipe and Chill Your Churros

Fit a large star tip onto a piping bag and pipe 4-inch strips onto a greased silicone mat. This step is fun because you get to shape your churros just right. Don’t rush—then pop the whole tray in the fridge for an hour. This resting makes sure your churros hold their shape in the air fryer and crisp up evenly.

Step 4: Air Fry to Golden Perfection

Carefully transfer your churros to the air fryer basket with space between each piece—crowding leads to soggy spots, so leave about a half-inch. A quick mist of oil spray helps that gorgeous golden brown finish. Air fry them at 375°F for 10-12 minutes until crispy and golden. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might do this in batches, but trust me, it’s worth the effort.

Step 5: Coat While Warm and Serve

As soon as the churros come out, toss them in a cinnamon-sugar mix. This is the moment your kitchen fills with that classic churro aroma and you’ll damn well want one before the coating goes cold. Serve warm with Nutella, chocolate sauce, or your favorite dip and watch them disappear fast.

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Tips from My Kitchen

  • Piping Bag Hack: If you don’t have a star tip, a large round tip or even cutting the end of your bag works—just gives slightly different ridges.
  • Chilling Matters: Don’t skip the rest in the fridge; I tried and churros spread way too much in the fryer without chilling first.
  • Oil Spray Is Key: Spritzing the churros lightly helps them crisp without adding excess oil like deep frying would.
  • Don’t Crowd the Basket: Give churros space in the air fryer; overcrowding leads to uneven cooking and less crispiness.

How to Serve Air Fryer Churros Recipe

A close-up shows a golden brown churro covered in sugar being dipped into a smooth, thick, dark chocolate sauce inside a white bowl. The churro is held by a woman's hand, bringing it into the creamy chocolate, with more churros visible blurred in the background. The scene is set on a surface with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually stick with the classic cinnamon-sugar coating because it’s timeless and everyone loves it. But I also adore sprinkling a little powdered sugar on top for extra sweetness. If I’m feeling fancy, a light drizzle of melted dark chocolate or caramel right before serving really elevates the whole thing.

Side Dishes

When I serve these Air Fryer Churros Recipe at gatherings, I like pairing them with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For afternoon snacks, they go great with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai—makes the whole experience feel like a mini celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I set up a churro dipping station with assorted sauces: chocolate ganache, dulce de leche, and even raspberry coulis. Serving the churros in little paper cones lined with parchment paper adds a cute street-food vibe and makes them super easy to grab and munch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (and sometimes I do if I’m lucky!), I store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They tend to lose a bit of their crispiness, but that’s an easy fix – just reheat properly.

Freezing

I’ve frozen piped, uncooked churros on a baking sheet and then transferred them to freezer bags. When I want fresh churros quickly, I air fry them straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes. It’s a great shortcut for busy days or unexpected guests.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-crisp texture, I reheat leftover churros in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. Avoid the microwave—it turns them rubbery and sad. The air fryer truly revives them beautifully.

FAQs

  1. Can I make the Air Fryer Churros Recipe without an air fryer?

    Absolutely! You can bake these churros in a conventional oven at 425°F for about 12-15 minutes until golden and crispy. Just keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Deep frying is the classic method, but air frying offers a healthier alternative with less mess.

  2. What if I don’t have a piping bag or star tip?

    No worries! You can use a sturdy plastic bag with a corner snipped off, though it won’t create the traditional ridged pattern. Alternatively, a large round tip or no tip at all still makes delicious churros—the taste is what really counts!

  3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

    You can prepare the dough and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours, but it’s best to bring it to room temperature before piping to ensure smooth extrusion. Alternatively, pipe the churros and refrigerate them for an hour as the recipe suggests to help maintain shape.

  4. How do I store leftover churros to keep them crispy?

    Store leftover churros in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, reheat them briefly in the air fryer to regain crunch—avoid microwaving as it makes them soggy.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Churros Recipe is honestly one of those recipes I’m happiest sharing because it’s easy, fun, and delicious every single time. Whether you’re new to churros or a longtime fan, you’ll love how the air fryer streamlines the process without sacrificing those classic flavors and textures. So grab your piping bag, fire up your air fryer, and make yourself these delightful treats that feel a little like a warm hug from the inside out. I promise you won’t regret it!

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Air Fryer Churros Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 48 reviews
  • Author: Lily
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 22 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: Spanish
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Description

Delicious and crispy Air Fryer Churros coated in cinnamon sugar, perfect for a quick and easy dessert without deep frying. These churros are light, airy, and best served warm with chocolate or Nutella dipping sauce.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Churro Dough

  • 1 cup water
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter cut into cubes
  • 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • oil spray

Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Prepare Baking Mat: Put a silicone baking mat on a baking sheet and spray it with oil spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Heat Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
  3. Add Flour: Reduce heat to medium-low and add the flour all at once. Stir constantly with a rubber spatula until the dough forms a smooth ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
  4. Cool Dough: Remove the saucepan from heat and transfer the dough to a mixing bowl. Let it cool for 4 minutes to avoid cooking the eggs when added.
  5. Mix Eggs & Vanilla: Add eggs and vanilla extract to the dough. Using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer, beat until the dough is smooth and combined. It will look like gluey mashed potatoes.
  6. Shape Dough: Use your hands to press any lumps into a ball. Transfer the dough to a large piping bag fitted with a large star-shaped tip.
  7. Pipe Churros: Pipe the dough onto the prepared baking mat in 4-inch lengths. Cut the ends with scissors.
  8. Refrigerate: Place the baking sheet with piped churros into the refrigerator and chill for 1 hour to firm up the dough.
  9. Air Fry Churros: Carefully transfer the churros using a cookie spatula to the air fryer basket, spacing about 1/2 inch apart. Lightly spray with oil spray. Cook at 375 degrees F for 12 minutes or until golden brown, working in batches if needed.
  10. Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: In a shallow bowl, combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Immediately toss the hot churros in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat evenly.
  11. Serve: Serve the churros warm with Nutella, chocolate dipping sauce, or your preferred dip.

Notes

  • Use a silicone baking mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking when piping churros.
  • Refrigerating the dough shapes before cooking helps maintain the churros’ shape during air frying.
  • If your air fryer is small, cook churros in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute unsalted butter with vegan butter.
  • Serve churros immediately for best texture; they are deliciously crispy warm.
  • Leftover churros can be reheated in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispiness.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 220 kcal
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 130 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg

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