These air fryer churros are crispy on the outside, light and fluffy on the inside, and coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture. I love making them because they deliver the classic churro texture and flavor without the mess of deep frying. They are perfect for dessert, parties, or whenever I want a homemade sweet treat.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
⅔ cup water
¼ cup unsalted butter, diced
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup granulated sugar
1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
Directions
I combine the water, butter, sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan and heat over medium-high heat until the butter melts and the mixture comes to a boil. I remove it from the heat immediately.
And I add all the flour at once and stir vigorously until the mixture comes together.
I return the pan to medium-low heat and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly until the dough forms a smooth ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
I transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and beat it for about 3 minutes to cool slightly.
Then I add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract until the dough is smooth, glossy, and thick.
I transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip and pipe 4-inch churros onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
I freeze the piped churros for 30 minutes.
Next I arrange the chilled churros in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each one.
I air fry them at 375°F (190°C) for 8 minutes.
I flip the churros, reduce the temperature to 325°F (165°C), and cook for another 8 minutes until they are golden brown.
Then I mix the remaining sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
While the churros are still warm, I coat them thoroughly in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
I serve them immediately with chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, or dulce de leche if I want an extra indulgent treat.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 8
Prep Time: 14 minutes
Cook Time: 16 minutes
Chilling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Calories: 163 kcal per serving
Variations
I add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice to the cinnamon sugar for extra warmth.
I drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the finished churros for a richer dessert.
Also I fill the churros with chocolate ganache, pastry cream, or dulce de leche after cooking for a bakery-style treat.
I mix a little orange or lemon zest into the sugar coating to add a bright citrus flavor.
I serve them with fruit preserves or berry sauce for a fresh and fruity twist.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover churros in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, I freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
To reheat, I place the churros in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes until they become warm and crispy again. I avoid using the microwave because it softens the exterior.
FAQs
Can I make the churro dough ahead of time?
Yes. I prepare and pipe the dough ahead of time, then keep it frozen until I’m ready to air fry the churros.
Why do I freeze the churros before air frying?
Freezing helps the churros keep their shape during cooking and makes them easier to transfer into the air fryer basket.
Can I use a different piping tip?
I prefer using a large star tip because it creates the traditional ridges that help the churros cook evenly and hold the cinnamon sugar coating.
What can I serve with air fryer churros?
I enjoy serving them with chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, dulce de leche, vanilla ice cream, or even whipped cream for dipping.
How do I know when the churros are fully cooked?
I look for a deep golden-brown color with a crisp exterior. The inside should be light, fluffy, and fully cooked without being doughy.
Conclusion
I enjoy making these air fryer churros whenever I want a homemade dessert that is both simple and satisfying. They have the perfect balance of a crisp exterior, soft interior, and sweet cinnamon sugar coating, making them an irresistible treat for family gatherings, celebrations, or a cozy dessert at home. With a few easy ingredients and the convenience of the air fryer, I can enjoy fresh churros whenever the craving strikes.
📖 Recipe:
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Air Fryer Churros
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These air fryer churros are crispy on the outside, light and fluffy on the inside, and coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture. They deliver classic churro flavor with less mess than deep frying, making them perfect for dessert or special occasions.
Ingredients
⅔ cup water
¼ cup unsalted butter, diced
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Combine the water, butter, sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, then remove from the heat.
- Add the flour all at once and stir vigorously until a dough forms.
- Return the pan to medium-low heat and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the dough forms a smooth ball and pulls away from the sides.
- Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and beat for about 3 minutes to cool slightly.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until the dough is smooth, glossy, and thick.
- Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip and pipe 4-inch churros onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Freeze the piped churros for 30 minutes.
- Arrange the chilled churros in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each one.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8 minutes.
- Flip the churros, reduce the temperature to 325°F (165°C), and cook for another 8 minutes until golden brown.
- Mix the remaining sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
- While the churros are still warm, coat them thoroughly in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Serve immediately with chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, or dulce de leche if desired.
Notes
Add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice to the cinnamon sugar for extra warmth.
Drizzle with melted dark or white chocolate for a richer dessert.
Fill cooked churros with chocolate ganache, pastry cream, or dulce de leche for a bakery-style treat.
Mix orange or lemon zest into the sugar coating for a citrus twist.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Freeze for up to 2 months and reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes until crisp.
Avoid microwaving, as it softens the crispy exterior.
- Prep Time: 14 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: Spanish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 163 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 61 mg
