Air Fryer Churros

If you have a sweet tooth and a craving for something crunchy yet soft inside, you are going to fall in love with these Air Fryer Churros. This delightful treat captures all the irresistible flavors of traditional churros, but with a modern twist that means no deep-frying and no oily mess. Imagine warm, golden, perfectly crisp churros sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, made right in your air fryer quickly and easily. Whether you’re treating yourself, sharing with friends, or impressing family, this recipe delivers that magical blend of texture and sweetness you didn’t know you needed.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for these Air Fryer Churros are simple, straightforward, and each one plays a crucial role in creating that perfect churro experience—from the tender dough to the crispy exterior and the cozy cinnamon sugar finish.

• ½ cup water: The base liquid that helps create a smooth dough and steams the churros during cooking.
• 2 Tbsp butter: Adds richness and flavor, making the dough tender and buttery.
• ½ cup flour: The main structure for your churros, giving them their characteristic chewiness.
• 1 egg: Binds everything together and helps create a light, airy texture inside.
• ¼ cup sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon: This is your signature cinnamon sugar mix that adds a sweet, spicy finish and a beautiful golden dusting.

How to Make Air Fryer Churros

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by bringing the water and butter to a boil in a small saucepan. This step helps melt the butter fully and infuses the water with richness. Once boiling, remove from heat and immediately stir in the flour vigorously until a smooth dough forms that pulls away from the sides of the pan. Let it cool for a couple of minutes to avoid scrambling the egg in the next step.

Step 2: Incorporate the Egg

Beat the egg lightly, then add it to the dough. Stir quickly and completely to combine—the dough should turn smooth and slightly sticky. This will be the base for piping your churros, so getting this just right means perfect texture later.

Step 3: Pipe the Churros

Transfer the dough into a piping bag fitted with a star tip for those signature ridges. Pipe 4-5 inch strips directly onto the air fryer tray, spaced slightly apart. This shape ensures the churros cook evenly and get beautifully crispy edges.

Step 4: Air Fry to Golden Perfection

Set your air fryer to 190°C (375°F) and place the tray inside. Cook for about 10 minutes until the churros puff up and turn a gorgeous golden brown. The air fryer does the magic here by crisping them on the outside without needing any extra oil.

Step 5: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

Immediately after cooking, roll each churro in the cinnamon sugar mixture so it sticks to that warm surface. This final coating gives you the classic flavor we all adore and that irresistible crunchy sweet crust.

How to Serve Air Fryer Churros

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra cinnamon sugar is always a welcome finish, but you can also try dusting with powdered sugar or adding a drizzle of melted caramel or honey for extra indulgence. Fresh berries or mint leaves make pretty, vibrant toppings if you want a fresh contrast.

Side Dishes

Pair your Air Fryer Churros with rich dipping sauces like classic chocolate ganache, dulce de leche, or a silky vanilla cream. A hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a chilled glass of milk will complement these sweet delights perfectly and make your snack time feel like a celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

Change up the presentation by serving churros in a decorative cup or cone lined with wax paper for a fun street-food vibe. You can also skew them on sticks for easy dipping and sharing at parties or arrange them neatly alongside fruit slices for a colorful platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any churros left over (though they rarely last long), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To help keep their crispiness, avoid refrigeration as it can make them soggy.

Freezing

Air Fryer Churros freeze wonderfully if you want to keep them longer. Lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually first, then transfer to a freezer bag. When frozen, they’ll keep well for up to a month, perfect for quick treats later on.

Reheating

To revive that fresh-out-of-the-air-fryer crisp, reheat churros in your air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for about 3 to 4 minutes. This method refreshes their texture much better than the microwave, keeping them light and crunchy as if just made.

FAQs

Can I make Air Fryer Churros without a piping bag?

Yes, if you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a sturdy plastic bag with a small corner snipped off. The key is to make sure the opening is big enough to pipe the thick dough but small enough to give the churros their ridged shape. Alternatively, a plastic squeeze bottle can also work.

Are Air Fryer Churros healthier than traditional churros?

Absolutely! Traditional churros are deep-fried in lots of oil, which adds extra calories and greasiness. Air Fryer Churros require little to no oil, resulting in a lighter, less greasy version that still packs in the same luscious flavors and satisfying crunch.

Can I use gluten-free flour to make Air Fryer Churros?

You can try substituting gluten-free flour blends that are designed for baking, but results may vary. The texture might be slightly different, sometimes less chewy. It’s best to experiment with your favorite gluten-free blend and adjust moisture as needed until you get a good dough consistency.

What is the best cinnamon sugar ratio for coating?

A classic ratio is about 4 parts sugar to 1 part cinnamon, which creates a well-balanced sweetness and warmth. Feel free to adjust based on personal taste—more cinnamon for extra spice or more sugar if you prefer them sweeter.

Can I make these churros vegan?

Making Air Fryer Churros vegan is possible by swapping the butter for a plant-based alternative and using a flaxseed egg substitute instead of a regular egg. This swap changes the texture slightly, but with a bit of trial, you can achieve delicious vegan churros that everyone will enjoy.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about the warm, crispy, cinnamon-kissed bite of Air Fryer Churros that brings instant joy. This recipe is an easy and fun way to make a classic treat with less fuss and mess, so I wholeheartedly encourage you to try it out. Whether you eat them fresh from the air fryer or share them at your next get-together, these churros are sure to be a beloved favorite that keeps everyone coming back for more.