Craving crispy, cinnamon-sugar-coated churros but want a healthier alternative to deep frying? This easy air fryer churros recipe will satisfy your sweet tooth in no time! These golden churros are tender on the inside and crispy on the outside, with just the right amount of cinnamon-sugar coating. Plus, they’re ready in just 25 minutes—perfect for any occasion!
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Churros
✅ Healthier: Air frying reduces the oil by about 80% compared to traditional frying, making these churros guilt-free.
✅ Quick & Easy: You can have churros ready in 25 minutes with minimal cleanup—perfect for busy days.
✅ Crowd-Pleasing: These churros are a hit at parties, desserts, or as an afternoon snack.
✅ Customizable: Fill your churros with chocolate or swap coatings based on your preference. You can even serve them with different dips!
Ingredients (Serves 6)
For the Dough:
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
For the Coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
Equipment Needed:
- Air fryer
- Piping bag with star tip (e.g., Wilton 1M)
Step-by-Step Instruction
1. Prepare the Dough
Start by combining 1 cup of water, ½ cup of butter, 2 tbsp of sugar, and ¼ tsp of salt in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove it from the heat. Stir in 1 cup of flour until a smooth dough forms.
2. Mix in Eggs
Allow the dough to cool for about 5 minutes. Then, beat in 2 eggs and 1 tsp of vanilla extract (optional) until the dough becomes smooth and glossy.
3. Pipe & Chill
Transfer the dough into a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe 4-inch strips of dough onto parchment paper. To ensure crispy churros, freeze the dough for 15 minutes (this step is optional but highly recommended for firmness).
4. Air Fry the Churros
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the churros in batches (don’t overcrowd!) and cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
5. Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
Once the churros are done, immediately toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture while they’re still warm. Serve with chocolate sauce or dulce de leche for the perfect treat!
Pro Tips for Success
- Avoid Soggy Churros: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cooking them in batches ensures that each churro gets crispy.
- Crispy Texture: Freezing the piped dough before cooking helps them maintain a crispy texture.
- Storage: Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes to restore crispiness.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these churros gluten-free?
A: Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Q: What dipping sauces work best?
A: Classic chocolate sauce, caramel, or even a spicy chili-chocolate sauce are all perfect complements to these churros!
Q: Can I freeze uncooked churro dough?
A: Absolutely! You can freeze the piped churros for up to 1 month. Cook them directly from the freezer, adding 1–2 extra minutes to the cooking time.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
- Calories: 173
- Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 18g
- Protein: 4g
Conclusion: A Healthier, Crispy Delight
If you’re craving churros but want a healthier version, this air fryer churros recipe is the way to go. With minimal oil and a simple process, you’ll enjoy a sweet, crispy treat without the guilt! Perfect for a quick snack or a party dessert.
