Easy Air Fryer Churros Recipe

Churros are a beloved dessert in many cultures, especially in Spain and Mexico. These delicious fried dough pastries are often coated in a sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture, making them irresistible. Traditionally deep-fried, churros are now being made in a healthier, more convenient way—using an air fryer. If you’ve been wondering how to make easy air fryer churros, you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, we’ll show you step-by-step how to make easy air fryer churros that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, without all the mess and oil of deep frying. Whether you’re preparing them for a family treat or a special gathering, these churros will surely be a hit.

What is a Churro?

A churro is a deep-fried dough pastry that’s often associated with Spanish and Mexican cuisine. It is typically made from a dough consisting of flour, water, butter, sugar, and salt. Once fried, churros are coated with a sweet mixture of cinnamon and sugar, creating a delicious treat enjoyed by people of all ages.

While traditional churros are deep-fried, an air fryer offers a healthier alternative, reducing the oil and still delivering that crispy, golden perfection. The beauty of easy air fryer churros is that they maintain the delightful texture of deep-fried churros but with fewer calories and less mess.

Why Use an Air Fryer for Churros?

Air fryers are revolutionizing the way we cook. They work by circulating hot air around the food, giving it a crispy texture without the need for excessive oil. This makes air fryers perfect for churros, as they can be crispy and golden brown while using only a light spray of oil.

Here are a few reasons why making easy air fryer churros is a game-changer:

Healthier Option: Air fryers require less oil compared to deep frying, making your churros a much healthier alternative.
Less Mess: Forget dealing with hot oil splatters and the hassle of cleaning up afterward. Air fryers are easy to clean and use.
Quick and Convenient: Air fryers heat up quickly and cook your churros in a fraction of the time it takes to deep fry them.
Perfectly Crisp: Air fryers create that crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft, just like traditional churros.

Now, let’s dive into how to make these easy air fryer churros at home.

Ingredients for Easy Air Fryer Churros

To make easy air fryer churros, you only need a handful of ingredients, many of which you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

Dough Ingredients:

1 cup of water
1/3 cup unsalted butter (cut into cubes)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Oil spray (for coating)

Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:

1/2 cup granulated sugar
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

The cinnamon-sugar coating is an essential part of the churro experience, adding a sweet and crunchy layer to the crispy dough. It’s simple to make—just mix sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl, and you’re good to go!

How to Make Easy Air Fryer Churros: Step-by-Step Instructions

Making easy air fryer churros is easier than you might think. The process is straightforward and doesn’t require much more effort than making any other pastry. Here’s a breakdown of the steps:

1. Prepare the Dough

In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally to ensure the butter melts evenly.
Once the mixture starts to boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the flour. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until the dough comes together and becomes smooth. This should take around 3–4 minutes. Don’t worry if a few lumps of flour remain—it’s completely normal.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the dough cool for about 4 minutes. This step is crucial because it helps the dough firm up, making it easier to pipe.

2. Mix in the Eggs and Vanilla Extract

After the dough has cooled slightly, add the eggs and vanilla extract. Mix the dough with an electric mixer (or by hand if you prefer) until it becomes smooth and sticky. The dough should resemble a thick paste or “gluey mashed potatoes.” Don’t be alarmed by the consistency—it will come together once piped.

3. Pipe the Churros

Transfer the dough into a large piping bag fitted with a star-shaped nozzle. A Wilton 1M star tip works well for this, but any large star-shaped piping tip will do.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and lightly spray it with oil. Pipe the churros into 4-inch lengths on the prepared sheet, cutting the dough with scissors as you go.
Tip: Refrigerate the piped churros for at least 30 minutes. This makes them easier to handle and helps them maintain their shape during air frying. If you need to prepare them in advance, you can refrigerate them for up to an hour.

4. Air Fry the Churros

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.
Carefully transfer the piped churros to the air fryer basket, making sure there’s some space between each churro. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to air fry the churros in batches.
Air fry for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. You may need to flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking.

5. Coat the Churros in Cinnamon Sugar

While the churros are air frying, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
Once the churros are finished cooking, immediately transfer them to the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Toss them until they are fully coated in the sweet cinnamon-sugar. Be sure to do this while they are still warm, as it helps the coating stick better.

6. Serve and Enjoy!

Easy air fryer churros taste best when served warm. Pair them with a dipping sauce such as chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, or even whipped cream for a delicious treat.
Enjoy your homemade churros as a dessert, snack, or a sweet addition to your next Mexican-themed party.

Tips and Tricks to Make the Best Easy Air Fryer Churros

Now that you know how to make easy air fryer churros, let’s go over some helpful tips and tricks to ensure your churros turn out perfectly every time. These tips will help you avoid common mistakes and elevate the flavor and texture of your churros.

1. Use a Star Tip for the Best Shape

To get the perfect churro shape, it’s essential to use a star-shaped piping tip. The ridges created by the star shape help give churros their classic look, as well as a crispier texture once air-fried.
If you don’t have a star-shaped tip, don’t worry! You can use a simple piping tip or even a Ziploc bag with the tip cut off. The key is to create even, consistent shapes to ensure even cooking.

2. Refrigerate the Piped Dough

After piping your churros onto a lined baking sheet, it’s a good idea to refrigerate them for about 30 minutes. This step helps the dough hold its shape better and prevents it from becoming too soft during air frying. Churros that are cold before cooking will have a better texture and cook more evenly.
Pro Tip: Don’t refrigerate the piped churros for too long. Over an hour, and they may dry out and lose their shape.

3. Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer Basket

If you’re making a larger batch of easy air fryer churros, it’s important to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Leave a little space between each churro so the air can circulate properly, giving them that perfect crispiness.
If your air fryer basket is too small to fit all the churros at once, cook them in batches. This will ensure they cook evenly and have a nice, golden-brown exterior.

4. Use Oil Spray to Avoid Sticking

Even though the air fryer uses hot air to cook, a light spray of oil is essential for preventing the churros from sticking to the basket. It also helps them achieve that golden-brown color and crispy texture.
Be sure to spray both the churros and the air fryer basket lightly before placing the churros inside.

5. Serve Immediately for Maximum Freshness

Easy air fryer churros are best when they are served immediately after coating them in cinnamon sugar. The churros stay crispy and warm, offering the perfect texture and flavor.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container for a day or two. Unfortunately, churros don’t freeze well due to their texture, so they are best enjoyed fresh.

6. Make a Dipping Sauce for Extra Flavor

While churros are delicious on their own, serving them with a dipping sauce can take them to the next level. Consider pairing them with any of the following:
- Chocolate sauce: A rich and indulgent option that pairs beautifully with churros.
- Caramel sauce: Sweet and buttery, caramel sauce offers a perfect contrast to the cinnamon sugar.
- Whipped cream: A light and creamy addition that balances out the sweetness of the churros.

7. Adjust Cooking Time Based on Your Air Fryer

Different air fryer models have slight variations in cooking times, so it’s important to keep an eye on your churros as they cook. If they aren’t golden brown after 10–12 minutes, continue to air fry them for an additional 1–2 minutes.
Always check your churros by giving them a light press to see if they have a crispy texture. If they feel soft, add a little more time.

Air Fryer Churros: Variations You Can Try

While easy air fryer churros are fantastic on their own, there are several variations you can try to customize the flavor. Experimenting with different ingredients and toppings can make your churros even more exciting!

1. Chocolate-Covered Churros

Dip your freshly made churros in melted chocolate for an extra indulgent treat. Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate works great for this variation.
To make chocolate-covered churros, simply melt your preferred chocolate and dip the churros right after coating them in cinnamon sugar.

2. Stuffed Churros

For an extra twist, try stuffing your churros with cream cheese, Nutella, or caramel before air frying. Simply pipe a small amount of filling into the center of the dough before shaping it into churros. This adds a surprise filling inside each churro and makes them even more decadent.
Pro Tip: Be sure to seal the ends tightly to avoid the filling leaking out while cooking.

3. Spiced Churros

Add some extra warmth to your churros by spicing up the cinnamon sugar coating. You can add a pinch of nutmeg, ground cloves, or cayenne pepper to the sugar mix for a different flavor profile.
A sprinkle of cocoa powder in the cinnamon-sugar mixture can give your churros a chocolatey touch that pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or hot chocolate.

4. Gluten-Free Churros

If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to use a blend that works well in baking, as some gluten-free flours can have a slightly different texture.
You can also use a combination of rice flour and cornstarch for a lighter, crispier churro.

Nutritional Benefits of Easy Air Fryer Churros

While churros are undoubtedly a delicious treat, many people may wonder about their nutritional content. Making easy air fryer churros in an air fryer allows you to enjoy this popular dessert without the guilt of deep-frying. Let’s break down the nutritional benefits and how you can enjoy churros in a slightly healthier way.

Healthier Than Deep-Fried Churros

The main advantage of air frying churros is the reduction in oil used during cooking. Traditional churros are deep-fried, which results in higher fat content and additional calories. By using an air fryer, you only need to spray a small amount of oil, significantly cutting down on the overall fat and calorie count.

For example, a typical deep-fried churro contains around 300-400 calories per serving. However, easy air fryer churros typically contain about 200 calories, depending on the ingredients and the amount of sugar coating used.

Protein and Fiber

Churros, like many other baked goods, contain a moderate amount of protein due to the eggs used in the dough. While not a significant source of protein, the eggs contribute to the overall nutritional profile of the dessert. Each serving of easy air fryer churros provides about 3 grams of protein.

Additionally, the whole wheat or gluten-free flour variations of churros can offer an extra boost of fiber. While not traditionally a high-fiber dessert, choosing whole-grain flour can improve the nutritional value slightly.

Sugar and Carbs

Churros are sweetened with sugar, both in the dough and in the cinnamon-sugar coating. As a result, easy air fryer churros are relatively high in carbohydrates and sugar, with about 27 grams of carbs and 15 grams of sugar per serving. While this may not make them an everyday snack, churros are still a great treat when you want something sweet and indulgent.

If you’re looking to reduce sugar intake, consider adjusting the amount of sugar in the cinnamon-sugar coating. Alternatively, you could use natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit as a substitute for granulated sugar.

How to Make Your Air Fryer Churros Even Healthier

If you’re aiming for a healthier version of easy air fryer churros, here are some modifications you can make:

Reduce the sugar: You can cut back on the sugar in both the dough and cinnamon-sugar coating to lower the calorie count.
Use whole wheat flour: Swap out all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour to increase the fiber content and make your churros slightly more nutritious.
Try sugar substitutes: Instead of regular sugar, you can use stevia, monk fruit, or a sugar substitute to lower the sugar content.
Serve with a fruit dip: Instead of a traditional chocolate or caramel dip, pair your churros with a fruit-based sauce like strawberry or raspberry puree for a lighter, fruity option.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Easy Air Fryer Churros

1. Can I make air fryer churros without a piping bag?

Yes, if you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a Ziploc bag with the tip cut off. Just be sure the dough is tightly sealed in the bag and pipe the churros into even shapes.

2. Can I freeze uncooked churros?

Yes, you can freeze uncooked churros! After piping them, place the churros on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to cook, air fry them directly from the freezer, adjusting the cooking time slightly.

3. How long do air fryer churros stay fresh?

Easy air fryer churros are best enjoyed the same day they are made. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to two days. However, they may lose some of their crispness as time goes on.

4. Can I make gluten-free churros?

Yes! You can make gluten-free churros by using a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the texture and consistency of the dough as some gluten-free flours require additional adjustments.

5. What can I serve with my churros?

Churros pair beautifully with a variety of dips and sauces, such as:
- Chocolate sauce (classic pairing)
- Caramel sauce (rich and sweet)
- Whipped cream (light and creamy)
- Fruit dips like strawberry or raspberry puree (lighter alternative)

Summary on Easy Air Fryer Churros

Making easy air fryer churros is a fun and simple way to enjoy a classic treat with fewer calories and less mess. With just a few simple ingredients and an air fryer, you can create churros that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Customize them with your favorite dips, add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, and you’ve got the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a healthier version of this beloved treat or want to try new variations, easy air fryer churros will surely satisfy your sweet tooth.

Recipe card for Easy Air Fryer Churros

Ingredients:

1 cup water
1/3 cup unsalted butter (cut into cubes)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Oil spray (for coating)

Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:

1/2 cup granulated sugar
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally to ensure the butter melts evenly.
Once the mixture starts to boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the flour. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until the dough comes together and becomes smooth. This should take around 3-4 minutes. Remove the saucepan from heat and let the dough cool for 4 minutes.
Add the eggs and vanilla extract. Mix the dough with an electric mixer (or by hand) until smooth. The dough should resemble thick mashed potatoes.
Transfer the dough into a large piping bag fitted with a star-shaped nozzle. Pipe the churros into 4-inch lengths onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cut the dough with scissors.
Refrigerate the piped churros for 30 minutes to an hour to help them maintain their shape while cooking.
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray the basket with oil.
Carefully transfer the piped churros to the air fryer basket, leaving space between each. Air fry for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway through.
While the churros are cooking, mix the sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
Once the churros are done, immediately transfer them to the cinnamon-sugar mixture and toss to coat.
Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as chocolate, caramel, or whipped cream.

Notes:

For best results, refrigerate the piped churros to help them hold their shape during air frying.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—cook in batches if needed.
Serve immediately for the best texture; churros are best enjoyed fresh.
You can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 204 kcal
Carbohydrates: 27g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 61mg
Sodium: 91mg
Potassium: 31mg
Sugar: 15g
Vitamin A: 295 IU
Calcium: 13mg
Iron: 0.9mg

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes (includes chilling)
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: Spanish/Mexican
Servings: 8
Calories: 204 kcal per serving
Yield: 35 churros (4-inch length)