These Air Fryer Churros are golden, crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside without deep frying. Coated in cinnamon sugar and ready in minutes, they’re the perfect easy dessert or party treat made in the air fryer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & easy – Ready in under 20 minutes
- Family-friendly – Fun to make and eat
- Budget-friendly – Simple pantry ingredients
- Customizable – Dip, drizzle, or fill them your way
Ingredients
For the Churros
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a saucepan, bring water, butter, sugar, and salt to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and stir in the flour until a smooth dough forms.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly (2–3 minutes).
- Beat in the egg and vanilla until the dough is smooth and pipeable.
- Transfer dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
- Pipe 4–5-inch churros onto parchment paper.
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place churros in a single layer in the basket.
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes, until golden and crisp.
- Toss warm churros in cinnamon sugar and serve immediately.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Piping bag with star tip
- Parchment paper
- Tongs
Tips & Variations
- Don’t overcrowd the basket cook in batches for crispiness.
- Extra crisp: Lightly spray churros with oil before air frying.
- Flavor variations:
- Add cocoa powder to the dough
- Roll in pumpkin spice sugar
- Fill with chocolate or dulce de leche
- Storage: Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored airtight for 1 day.
- Reheating: Air fry at 350°F for 2–3 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with chocolate sauce, caramel, or dulce de leche
- Pair with coffee, hot chocolate, or espresso
- Add fresh berries or whipped cream for plating
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 220
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 8g
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Churros are crispy, sweet, and incredibly easy to make at home. Perfect for dessert nights, parties, or anytime you want a no-fry treat, this recipe delivers churro perfection every time. Save it, share it, and enjoy.
FAQ
Can I freeze churro dough?
Yes, pipe the dough and freeze before cooking. Air fry straight from frozen.
How do I keep churros crispy?
Serve immediately and avoid stacking while hot.
Can I make these without a piping bag?
Yes, use a zip-top bag with the corner snipped (texture may be smoother).
Why are my churros soft?
They may need an extra 1–2 minutes in the air fryer.
Can I make them ahead of time?
They’re best fresh, but can be reheated in the air fryer.