Air Fried Churros Recipe

Who says you need a deep fryer (and a mountain of oil) to indulge in golden, cinnamon-sugared churros? These Air Fried Churros are a game changer—crisp on the outside, soft and pillowy within, and utterly irresistible. Whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself, these churros are a sweet shortcut to pure joy!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This simple ingredient list is the secret behind how magical these Air Fried Churros turn out. Each item plays a starring role, ensuring flavor, structure, and that signature cinnamon-sugar sparkle.

• Water: Adds moisture to the dough; don’t skip those extra tablespoons—they make the dough pipeable but not runny.
• Butter: Gives your churros a rich flavor and helps create tender centers.
• Sugar: You’ll use a bit in the dough and more for the addictive cinnamon sugar coating.
• Salt: Just a pinch brings out all the flavors, making every bite taste like a treat.
• All-purpose flour: The backbone of your churro dough—make sure to measure it properly for the best texture.
• Eggs: Eggs add structure and result in those custardy, soft innards we dream about.
• Ground cinnamon: Essential for that classic churro aroma and flavor in the coating.

Variations

One of the best things about making Air Fried Churros at home is how well the recipe adapts to your cravings, dietary restrictions, or whatever you happen to have on hand. Here are some of my favorite ways to mix it up!

• Vegan-Friendly: Swap the butter for plant-based margarine and use a flaxseed egg or commercial egg replacer for a dairy- and egg-free treat.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend to make your churros totally wheat-free and still super tender.
• Chocolate-Infused: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to your dough for a double-chocolate twist—don’t forget a chocolate dipping sauce!
• Spiced Sugar Coating: Branch out from classic cinnamon with a pinch of cardamom, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice in the sugar mix.

How to Make Air Fried Churros

Step 1: Make the Dough on the Stovetop

Start by combining water, butter, sugar, and a pinch of salt in a medium saucepan. Bring everything to a gentle boil over medium heat. Once boiling, turn the heat down, add in the flour all at once, and stir vigorously! Use a sturdy wooden spoon to mix until the dough comes together, pulling away from the sides and forming a smooth ball—that’s when you know it’s ready.

Step 2: Cool the Dough and Add the Eggs

Transfer your hot dough to a stand mixer bowl (or any heatproof bowl if you’re mixing by hand). Blend on low with a paddle attachment for a few minutes so it can cool down—this is key for preventing scrambled eggs in your dough! Once it’s barely warm, beat in the eggs one at a time. The mixture seems sticky and odd at first, but keep mixing until you have a glossy, pipeable churro batter.

Step 3: Pipe and Freeze the Churros

Scoop your dough into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip—Wilton 1M works beautifully. Pipe out 3-4 inch lengths on a parchment-lined baking sheet, slicing the dough with scissors or a knife for clean edges. Once all your churros are piped, pop the tray into the freezer for at least 30 minutes. This step makes them easy to handle and helps achieve that classic crispy shell.

Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection

While your churros are chilling, preheat your air fryer to 360°F (about 3 minutes before baking time). Gently peel the frozen churros off the parchment paper and arrange them in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not touching. Air fry for 13-14 minutes in batches as needed. Leave any remaining churros in the freezer so they don’t thaw and lose their gorgeous shape!

Step 5: Toss in Cinnamon Sugar and Serve

Mix together sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl or zip-top baggie. As soon as each batch of Air Fried Churros comes out (they’ll be piping hot and irresistibly fragrant), toss them in the cinnamon sugar until every nook is coated. All that’s left is the hardest part—deciding what you’ll dip them in first!

How to Serve Air Fried Churros

Garnishes

Besides the classic cinnamon sugar, why not get a little playful? Try a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or even a zigzag of caramel. A scattering of finely chopped nuts or a pinch of flaky sea salt over the top adds elegance and a fun crunch to every bite.

Side Dishes

Pairing Air Fried Churros with small bowls of chocolate sauce, dulce de leche, or even sweetened condensed milk truly takes them to another level. For a decadent brunch platter, serve alongside fresh berries and a cup of strong, dark coffee or spiced hot chocolate.

Creative Ways to Present

Present your churros stacked high on a cake stand or nestled into a paper cone for authentic street-food vibes. For parties, offer mini churros on a platter with assorted dipping sauces in shot glasses—everyone will love picking and dunking their own!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which, honestly, is a rare thing!), let your Air Fried Churros cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll stay crisp on the outside and soft within.

Freezing

To freeze, place baked churros in a single layer on a tray, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a zip-top bag. You can freeze them for up to two months, making it easy to have a quick treat whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating

To recapture their just-baked glory, pop leftover churros into the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 350°F. This brings back their crispy exterior even if they’ve been hanging out on the counter or in the freezer.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried making Air Fried Churros at home, I promise you’re in for a real treat. These churros are fun to make, even more fun to eat, and sure to bring smiles to everyone at your table. Give them a try—once you do, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!

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