Churros, the crispy, cinnamon-sugar-coated treats, have become synonymous with festive celebrations and cozy family gatherings. Traditionally fried, these delicious snacks can now be made even easier and healthier with an air fryer. In this article, we will dive into how to make the perfect Air Fryer Churros that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
What Are Churros?
Churros are a type of fried dough pastry, typically found in Spain and Latin America. The dough is piped into long, ridged shapes and fried until golden brown. Once cooked, they are coated in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar, creating a sweet and crispy exterior.
While the traditional method involves deep-frying, using an air fryer can make the process simpler, quicker, and healthier. You get the same crispy texture, but with less oil. Air-fried churros are the perfect treat when you’re craving something sweet but want to avoid the mess and extra calories of deep-frying.
Why Choose Air Fryer Churros?
Air fryers have revolutionized how we prepare our favorite fried foods. They use hot air circulation to cook food, resulting in a crispy exterior with a fraction of the oil needed for traditional frying. For churros, this means less grease but still a delightful texture.
Here are a few reasons why air fryer churros are a great choice:
-
Less Oil: You’ll use significantly less oil than traditional frying methods, making these churros a healthier option.
-
Faster Cooking Time: The air fryer cooks churros quicker, reducing overall preparation time.
-
Easier Cleanup: Forget about the mess of hot oil splatters. With the air fryer, clean-up is simple and easy.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Churros
Before we jump into the recipe, let’s take a quick look at the essential ingredients you will need for Air Fryer Churros:
-
Water: The base for creating the dough.
-
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness to the dough.
-
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough.
-
Salt: Enhances the flavor balance of the churros.
-
All-Purpose Flour: The main ingredient for the dough.
-
Eggs: Helps bind the dough together, giving it structure and richness.
-
Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
-
Oil Spray: Used to lightly coat the churros for a crispy finish.
For the cinnamon-sugar coating, you’ll need:
-
Granulated Sugar: The base for your cinnamon-sugar mix.
-
Ground Cinnamon: The key flavor that makes churros so irresistible.
The beauty of churros is that these ingredients are likely already in your pantry. This simplicity makes churros a perfect treat to whip up at home any time you’re in the mood for something sweet.
How to Make Air Fryer Churros
Making churros in the air fryer is a straightforward process, but to get the perfect crispy texture, it’s essential to follow each step carefully. Let’s walk through the entire process:
-
Prepare the Dough:
-
In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
-
Once boiling, reduce the heat and add all-purpose flour. Stir the mixture constantly with a wooden spoon until the dough comes together. This should take about 3-5 minutes. The dough should be smooth and slightly thick.
-
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the dough cool for 5 minutes.
-
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in vanilla extract. Continue mixing until the dough is smooth and slightly sticky, resembling mashed potatoes.
-
-
Pipe the Churros:
-
Transfer the dough into a piping bag fitted with a star-shaped tip. If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a large zip-top bag and cut a small corner to pipe the dough.
-
On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, pipe the churros into 4-inch long strips. You can also make them longer or shorter based on your preference.
-
Refrigerate the piped churros for about 30 minutes to help them hold their shape better during air frying.
-
-
Air Fry the Churros:
-
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
-
Spray the air fryer basket with oil spray to prevent sticking.
-
Carefully transfer the piped churros into the air fryer basket, leaving space between each one so that they cook evenly.
-
Air fry the churros at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
-
-
Coat the Churros:
-
While the churros are cooking, prepare the cinnamon-sugar coating. In a shallow bowl, mix together granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
-
Once the churros are done, immediately toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture while they’re still warm. This ensures that the sugar sticks well to the churros.
-
-
Serve and Enjoy:
-
Serve the churros warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as chocolate sauce, caramel, or whipped cream.
-
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Churros
To ensure your Air Fryer Churros come out perfect every time, consider these helpful tips:
-
Refrigerate the Dough: Chilling the piped dough helps keep the churros’ shape intact during cooking. Don’t skip this step.
-
Space the Churros Out: Make sure there is enough space between each churro in the air fryer basket. This allows the hot air to circulate and cook the churros evenly.
-
Don’t Overcrowd: If your air fryer is small, it’s better to cook the churros in smaller batches to ensure they don’t stick together or cook unevenly.
-
Use Fresh Cinnamon-Sugar: For the best flavor, make sure your cinnamon-sugar coating is fresh. It adds an irresistible sweetness and crunch to your churros.
Troubleshooting Common Issues When Making Air Fryer Churros
Even though making churros in the air fryer is relatively simple, there can be a few challenges along the way. Here’s how to troubleshoot some common issues and ensure that your churros turn out perfectly every time:
1. Churros Not Crisping Up
If your churros aren’t getting crispy, here are a few potential reasons:
-
Too Much Oil: While you need a light spray of oil, using too much can make the churros soggy rather than crispy. Be sure to use just a small amount of oil spray.
-
Overcrowding: If you crowd the air fryer basket, the churros won’t cook evenly, resulting in a less crispy exterior. Always leave enough space for air to circulate around each churro.
-
Incorrect Temperature: Make sure the air fryer is preheated to the correct temperature, as churros need a high heat to get that signature crispiness.
2. Churros Are Too Soft Inside
If your churros are too soft on the inside and not fully cooked, it’s likely that:
-
Under-Cooking: Try increasing the cooking time by a couple of minutes. Make sure the churros are golden brown and crispy before removing them from the air fryer.
-
Dough Consistency: If the dough is too wet, it may not cook properly. The dough should be thick and smooth, so if it’s too runny, try adding a little extra flour.
3. Cinnamon-Sugar Coating Not Sticking
Sometimes, the cinnamon-sugar coating might not stick well to the churros. To prevent this:
-
Coat Immediately: Toss the churros in the cinnamon-sugar mixture immediately after they come out of the air fryer while they’re still warm.
-
Freshly Made Cinnamon-Sugar: Old or damp cinnamon-sugar mixtures can cause the coating to slide off. Ensure you use a fresh batch each time.
4. Dough Gets Stuck in Piping Bag
If you’re having trouble getting the dough out of the piping bag, consider the following:
-
Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the piped churros makes the dough firmer, making it easier to handle.
-
Use the Right Tip: A star-shaped piping tip is ideal for creating the ridged texture of churros. Make sure the tip is wide enough to let the dough flow easily.
-
Pipe in Batches: If your piping bag is too small, divide the dough into smaller batches to prevent clogging.
Variations on Air Fryer Churros
While traditional churros are already fantastic, you can customize them to your liking with different variations. Here are some fun ideas to spice up your air fryer churros:
1. Chocolate Churros
For a rich and indulgent twist, dip your churros into melted chocolate after coating them with cinnamon-sugar. Alternatively, you can add cocoa powder to the dough to make chocolate churros from the start.
2. Stuffed Churros
Stuff your churros with a delicious filling such as:
-
Nutella: A creamy, hazelnut-chocolate spread makes a rich and sweet filling.
-
Cream Cheese: For a tangy twist, fill your churros with sweetened cream cheese.
-
Caramel: Add a gooey caramel center for an extra decadent treat.
3. Spicy Cinnamon Churros
If you love a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cinnamon-sugar mix. The spice will complement the sweetness of the churros and give them an extra kick.
4. Mini Churros
For a fun snack-sized version, pipe smaller churros, about 2 inches long, instead of the traditional 4-inch length. Mini churros are perfect for dipping and make an excellent party snack.
Healthier Alternatives for Air Fryer Churros
While churros are already healthier when made in an air fryer, you can make them even lighter with a few adjustments. Consider these tips for making healthier Air Fryer Churros:
1. Use Whole Wheat Flour
Swap out regular all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour to add more fiber and nutrients to your churros. The texture might be slightly denser, but it will still be delicious.
2. Reduce Sugar
You can reduce the amount of sugar in both the dough and the cinnamon-sugar coating. Instead of using 1 cup of sugar, try cutting it down to 3/4 cup or using a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol.
3. Use a Healthier Oil Spray
Instead of regular vegetable oil spray, opt for olive oil spray or coconut oil spray for a healthier fat option. Both of these oils contain healthier fats and are good for cooking at high temperatures.
How to Serve Air Fryer Churros
Air fryer churros are perfect on their own, but they’re even better when paired with a delicious dipping sauce. Here are some ideas for serving your churros:
-
Chocolate Sauce: A warm, gooey chocolate sauce makes an irresistible dipping option.
-
Caramel Sauce: A rich caramel dip pairs beautifully with churros for a sweet treat.
-
Whipped Cream: For a lighter option, serve churros with freshly whipped cream for a fluffy contrast to the crunchy churros.
-
Fruit Compote: If you want something fresh and tangy, serve churros with a berry compote or citrusy dipping sauce.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Churros
Churros are best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat them:
-
Storage: Let the churros cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days.
-
Reheating: To bring back the crispiness, reheat the churros in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes. This will help them regain their crunchy texture without making them too oily.
FAQs on Air Fryer Churros
Can you cook churros in an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook churros in an air fryer! In fact, using an air fryer to make churros is a healthier and easier alternative to deep frying. Air fryer churros come out golden brown and crispy on the outside while staying soft and tender on the inside. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare churros without the mess of hot oil.
What 5 foods should you not put in an air fryer?
While the air fryer is versatile, there are a few foods you should avoid cooking in it:
-
Battered foods: Anything with a wet batter will not cook properly and may drip or create a mess.
-
Leafy greens: Items like spinach or kale can fly around in the air fryer due to the circulating air, creating an uneven cook.
-
Cheese: Unless it’s breaded or coated, cheese can melt and drip, causing a mess.
-
Whole stuffed poultry: Large cuts of poultry stuffed with filling may not cook evenly in an air fryer.
-
Processed foods: Some processed foods, like those with heavy coatings or high sugar content, may burn before they’re properly cooked.
Can you put Pillsbury in an air fryer?
Yes, you can put Pillsbury dough in the air fryer! Whether it’s biscuits, croissants, or cinnamon rolls, the air fryer is perfect for cooking Pillsbury products. Simply follow the recommended temperature and time on the packaging, and you’ll get crispy, golden pastries every time.
What’s the difference between Mexican churros and Spanish churros?
The main difference between Mexican and Spanish churros is their texture and shape. Spanish churros are usually thinner, crispier, and often served without any coating. On the other hand, Mexican churros are thicker and traditionally coated with cinnamon sugar. Mexican churros are also often served with a dipping sauce like chocolate or caramel, while Spanish churros are commonly enjoyed plain or with hot chocolate.
What you cannot cook in an air fryer?
While air fryers are incredibly versatile, there are a few things you should avoid cooking in them:
-
Foods that require large amounts of liquid: Air fryers rely on hot air circulation, so dishes that need a lot of liquid, such as soups or stews, won’t cook well.
-
Delicate fish: Some delicate fish, like tilapia or flounder, can fall apart in the air fryer and won’t cook evenly.
-
Popcorn: The air fryer doesn’t pop corn kernels effectively, and it’s more likely to burn than produce good popcorn.
Air Fryer Churros Recipe Card
Ingredients
-
For the Churros:
-
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 (for greasing)
-
-
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
-
1/2 cup granulated sugar
-
3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
-
Instructions
-
Prepare the Dough:
-
In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
-
Once boiling, reduce heat and add the flour. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon until the dough forms a smooth ball.
-
Remove from heat and let the dough cool for 5 minutes.
-
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and mix until smooth and slightly sticky.
-
-
Pipe the Churros:
-
Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star-shaped tip.
-
Pipe 4-inch long churros onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
-
-
Air Fry the Churros:
-
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
-
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Arrange the churros in the basket with space between each one.
-
Air fry for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Work in batches if needed.
-
-
Coat the Churros:
-
While the churros are cooking, mix the sugar and cinnamon for the coating in a shallow bowl.
-
Once the churros are done, immediately toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture while they’re still warm.
-
-
Serve:
-
Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce such as chocolate sauce, caramel, or whipped cream.
-
Notes
-
Piping Tip: Use a star-shaped piping tip for that signature churro texture.
-
Air Fryer Size: If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook the churros in batches to avoid overcrowding.
-
Chill Time: Refrigerating the piped churros makes them easier to handle and ensures they keep their shape while air frying.
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: 295IU
-
Calcium: 13mg
-
Iron: 0.9mg
Recipe Details
-
Prep Time: 10 minutes
-
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
-
Total Time: 30-35 minutes
-
Method: Air Fryer
-
Cuisine: Mexican
-
Servings: 8 people
-
Calories per Serving: 204 kcal
-
Yield: 35 churros (4 inches each)
