Name: Air Fryer Churros Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: Spanish
Ingredients: 1/2 cup water; 1/2 cup milk; 1/2 cup butter; 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 3 eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 165 reviews

There is something simply magical about the crispy, golden exterior and soft, tender inside of churros, especially when made easy and healthier using an air fryer. This Air Fryer Churros Recipe brings together classic flavor with a modern twist, allowing you to enjoy warm, cinnamon-sugared churros without the mess and oil of deep frying. Whether you’re craving a sweet snack or a delightful dessert to impress friends, this recipe is your ticket to churro bliss right from your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Six thin, light beige dough strips with ridges and soft texture are piped evenly inside a black air fryer basket with a grid pattern, arranged in two rows of three. The dough pieces are about the same size and look slightly soft before cooking. On the side, there is a beige piping bag with dough inside and a blue and white checkered cloth on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Air Fryer Churros Recipe plays a key role in creating that irresistible churro texture and rich flavor. They are simple pantry staples, but together they transform into a truly sensational treat.

Water and Milk: These provide the liquid base to create the perfect dough consistency, balancing moisture and richness.
Butter: Adds a subtle creamy flavor while enriching the dough for a tender bite.
Granulated Sugar: Both in the dough and for coating, it adds the perfect sweetness and helps caramelize the churros when cooked.
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the churro, creating structure and giving it that classic chewiness.
Eggs: They bind and add a rich, airy lift to make the inside light and fluffy.
Vanilla Extract: A touch of warmth and depth that complements the cinnamon sugar perfectly.
Ground Cinnamon: The iconic spice that makes churros instantly recognizable and deliciously aromatic.
Oil Spray or Mister Bottle: For spraying the churros before air frying to help them crisp up beautifully.

How to Make Air Fryer Churros Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Dough Base

Start by combining water, milk, butter, and a tablespoon of sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil while stirring to ensure the butter melts completely and everything is well combined. This warm, buttery base will infuse the dough with moisture and tender flavor.

Step 2: Incorporate the Flour

Remove the pan from heat and quickly stir in the flour with a wooden spoon. The dough will look thick and sticky. Then return the pan to medium heat and stir constantly for about two minutes until the dough comes together into a smooth ball. This step cooks out some moisture, giving your churros that perfect structure.

Step 3: Cool and Whip the Dough

Transfer the hot dough into a large mixing bowl and beat it with an electric mixer for 3 to 5 minutes. This process cools the dough and aerates it, ensuring when you add eggs next, they mix smoothly without scrambling. Plus, it makes the dough fluffy, a key to the airy texture inside the churros.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and vanilla extract together. Gradually add this egg mixture to the whipped dough in batches, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Scrape the bowl sides to incorporate everything evenly until the dough turns silky smooth. This step gives the dough elasticity and richness that define churros.

Step 5: Pipe the Churros

Prepare a disposable pastry bag fitted with a #1M open star tip or a zippered bag with a corner cut off. Fill the bag with dough and pipe 3-inch long churros directly into the air fryer basket. You can make them shorter or longer depending on your basket size or preference. Smaller churro bites are great for sampling or sharing.

Step 6: Air Fry to Golden Perfection

Lightly spray the churros with oil using a mister bottle—this step is crucial for achieving that crispy, golden exterior without deep frying. Air fry the churros at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 to 10 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and crisp on the outside. Keep a close eye so they don’t overcook.

Step 7: Coat and Serve

While the churros are cooking, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a bowl. As soon as the churros come out of the air fryer, toss them in the cinnamon sugar to coat every inch of their warm surface. Set them on a rack to cool slightly and then get ready to enjoy these addictively tasty treats!

How to Serve Air Fryer Churros Recipe

A tall pile of golden-brown churros with a light coating of sugar and cinnamon sits on a white plate, showing their ridged texture and crispy outer layer. One churro on the left side is dipped in thick, dark chocolate sauce that partially coats its end. Two churros on the top have been broken in half, revealing their soft, airy, pale yellow inside. In the background, a light blue bowl filled with creamy chocolate sauce is slightly out of focus, and a blue patterned cloth rests on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate adds a delightful finishing touch that makes your churros look and taste like a café special. You can also add chopped nuts or coconut flakes for extra texture and flavor contrast.

Side Dishes

Churros pair wonderfully with rich dips like warm chocolate sauce, caramel, Nutella, or even a fruit compote for a fresh burst of flavor. Offering a variety of dips makes for a fun tasting experience that everyone will love.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve churros in decorative cones lined with parchment paper for a casual party treat, or stack them on a beautiful platter with assorted dipping sauces in small bowls. Adding fresh berries or mint leaves around the plate adds color and vibrancy, turning your simple homemade churros into a stunning dessert centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Churros are best when enjoyed fresh, but this brief storage keeps them reasonably crisp.

Freezing

You can freeze uncooked piped churros on a baking sheet for an hour, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, air fry them straight from frozen, adding an extra couple of minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

To revive stored churros, pop them in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 5 minutes. This refreshes their crisp exterior while warming them through, making them almost as good as freshly cooked.

FAQs

Can I make churros without eggs?

While eggs add richness and help with structure, you can find egg-free churro recipes using substitutes like applesauce or mashed bananas, but the texture will differ from this Air Fryer Churros Recipe’s classic results.

What’s the best way to pipe churros if I don’t have a pastry bag?

A sturdy zip-top plastic bag with the corner cut off works perfectly in a pinch. Just fill it carefully and squeeze the dough out in controlled amounts for neat churros.

Why use an air fryer instead of deep frying?

The air fryer cuts down on oil usage drastically, making churros less greasy but still crispy. It’s a cleaner, quicker method with less mess and fewer calories.

Can I add flavors to the churro dough?

Absolutely! A pinch of nutmeg, a bit of citrus zest, or even a splash of cinnamon in the dough itself can elevate the flavor without overpowering the classic cinnamon sugar coating.

What dipping sauces go best with churros?

Classic warm chocolate and caramel sauces are favorites, but you can also try dulce de leche, raspberry coulis, or even a creamy vanilla custard for something a bit different and just as delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Churros Recipe makes bringing a favorite dessert into your home kitchen easier and more fun than ever. Crispy, cinammon-sweet, and perfectly puffed, these churros will quickly become a loved staple for gatherings or cozy nights in. Give this recipe a try—you won’t regret the delicious results and the smiles it brings around the table!