If you’re a fan of churros—the crispy, cinnamon-sugar-coated delicacy—but want a healthier way to enjoy them, then air frying is the answer. By eliminating the need for deep frying, air fryers make it easy to prepare this classic dessert with a fraction of the oil, retaining all the flavor and texture we love.

This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about making air fryer churros, including step-by-step instructions, creative variations, and expert tips to guarantee perfect results every time.

What Makes Air Fryer Churros Special?

Air fryer churros offer a healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried version while delivering the same irresistible crunch and soft, doughy inside. But what sets them apart?

Health Benefits:
- Air frying significantly reduces the oil content, cutting calories and fat.
- Ideal for health-conscious individuals who still want to enjoy indulgent desserts.
Convenience:
- No need for large pots of hot oil, which can be messy and dangerous.
- Air fryers cook churros evenly and quickly.
Versatility:
- Pair churros with other desserts like air fryer apple crisp or serve as a snack alongside savory bites like crispy fingerling potatoes.

What You’ll Need: Ingredients and Tools

Air Fryer Churros

Recipe by Air fryer RepastsCourse: DessertCuisine: SpanishDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

200

kcal

This recipe doesn’t contain pork or alcohol.
Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to make some crispy, golden churros right in your air fryer? Let’s get started on this delightful treat!

Ingredients

1 cup water
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup cinnamon sugar
1/4 cup vegetable oil

Directions

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F while preparing the dough for optimal baking conditions.
In a saucepan, bring water, butter, and salt to a boil; stir in flour until it forms a dough ball.
Remove from heat and add sugar and egg; mix quickly until the dough becomes smooth and glossy.
Transfer dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip for easy and consistent churro shaping.
Pipe long strips of dough onto greased air fryer basket; ensure strips do not touch to avoid sticking.
Brush churros lightly with vegetable oil to promote even browning and crispiness.
Air fry churros for 10 minutes until golden brown; shake the basket halfway for uniform cooking.
Toss warm churros in cinnamon sugar to coat evenly; serve immediately for best taste.

Notes

Chef’s Notes:
Parchment Paper Tip: To prevent sticking, use parchment paper to pipe your churros, but remove it after the first minute in the air fryer.
No Star Tip? If you don’t have a piping bag, use a sturdy plastic bag with a small corner cut off. The texture won’t be exactly the same, but the taste will still be amazing!
Storage: Churros are best enjoyed fresh, but you can reheat leftovers in the air fryer for a couple of minutes to regain their crispiness.
Eggless Version: Replace the egg with a flaxseed or chia seed slurry (1 tbsp seeds + 2.5 tbsp water) for a vegan option.
Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩‍🍳🍽️

Essential Ingredients

For the dough:
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
For the coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Optional extras:
- Chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, or fruit preserves for dipping

Tools You’ll Need

An air fryer
Piping bag with a star-shaped nozzle
Saucepan and mixing bowl
Parchment paper (to prevent sticking)
A small oil spray bottle

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Air Fryer Churros

1. Prepare the Dough

In a saucepan, bring the water, butter, and salt to a boil over medium heat.
Reduce the heat and stir in the flour until it forms a smooth ball of dough.
Remove from heat and allow the dough to cool slightly.
Gradually mix in the eggs, one at a time, until the dough becomes thick and glossy.

Tip: If the dough feels too thick to pipe, add a teaspoon of water until it reaches the right consistency.

2. Shape the Churros

Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star-shaped nozzle.
Pipe 3–4 inch-long churros onto a parchment-lined tray.

Pro Tip: For bite-sized churros, pipe smaller shapes to create mini versions perfect for dipping.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease the basket with a spritz of cooking oil spray to prevent sticking.

4. Cook the Churros

Arrange the churros in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch for even airflow.
Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Tip: Check the churros after 8 minutes. If they’re not golden enough, add 2–3 minutes for the perfect crunch.

5. Coat and Serve

In a bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon. Roll the warm churros in the mixture to coat evenly.
Serve immediately with dipping sauces like chocolate, caramel, or even Nutella.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the best intentions, things can go wrong. Here’s how to tackle common problems:

Why is My Dough Too Thick?

The dough might have cooled too much before adding the eggs. Try reheating it slightly or adding a teaspoon of water to loosen it.

Why Aren’t My Churros Crispy?

Ensure the air fryer is fully preheated and the basket isn’t overcrowded. Overloading can prevent even cooking.

Why Do My Churros Stick to the Basket?

Always lightly grease the basket or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Creative Variations for Air Fryer Churros

Once you’ve mastered the classic recipe, get creative with these fun variations:

1. Stuffed Churros

Pipe the dough with a hollow center and fill it with chocolate, caramel, or cream cheese for a rich surprise.

2. Mini Churros

Perfect for parties or quick snacks, mini churros are easy to make and fun to eat.

3. Savory Churros

Skip the sugar coating and sprinkle with parmesan and herbs instead. Serve with marinara or aioli for dipping.

4. Flavored Dough

Add cocoa powder to the dough for chocolate churros or citrus zest for a tangy twist.

5. Vegan Churros

Substitute butter with vegan margarine and eggs with flaxseed or aquafaba.

For more sweet ideas, explore air fryer cinnamon apples or other creative desserts like easy three-ingredient air fryer treats.

Serving Suggestions

Pair churros with a cup of hot chocolate for a cozy treat.
Top with fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas for added flavor.
Create a dessert platter with churros, dips, and a side of air fryer apple chips.

FAQs About Air Fryer Churros

1. Can I Make Churros Without a Piping Bag?

Yes, you can use a zip-top bag with the corner cut off as an alternative.

2. What Dips Work Best With Churros?

Classic options include chocolate, caramel, and vanilla glaze. For a unique twist, try fruit preserves or cream cheese icing.

3. How Long Do Churros Stay Fresh?

Churros are best enjoyed fresh. However, you can store them in an airtight container for up to two days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes before serving.

4. Are Air Fryer Churros Healthier Than Fried Ones?

Absolutely! Air fryer churros use little to no oil, making them significantly lower in calories and fat than deep-fried versions.

Final Thoughts on Air Fryer Churros

Air fryer churros are a fantastic way to enjoy a classic dessert with a modern, healthier twist. Whether you’re making them for a party, a family treat, or a personal indulgence, this recipe ensures delicious results every time.

Ready to explore more air fryer magic? Try pairing your churros with air fryer banana dessert for an unforgettable sweet combo. Let the air fryer revolutionize your dessert game!

Enjoy every crispy, sweet bite of your homemade air fryer churros!

Air Fryer Churros: A Healthy Twist on the Classic Dessert

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