Air Fryer Churros: 5 Blissful Steps to Sweet Perfection

Name: Air Fryer Churros: 5 Blissful Steps to Sweet Perfection
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 cup water; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; cinnamon sugar for coating

By:

Christina R. Jones

May 31, 2025

This post may contain affiliate links learn more

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

There’s something magical about making Air Fryer Churros at home. Trust me, the crispy exterior and soft, fluffy inside are just heavenly! I still remember the first time I tried making churros; I was a little nervous, but I couldn’t resist. The sweet aroma wafted through my kitchen, making my family gather around in anticipation. The air fryer is a game changer! It gives these delightful treats that perfect crunch without all the oil of traditional frying, making them a bit healthier too. Plus, the ease of popping them in the air fryer means I can whip up a batch in no time for movie nights or surprise guests. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a warm churro coated in cinnamon sugar? It’s pure bliss! So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into this fun and delicious adventure of making your very own Air Fryer Churros!

Air Fryer Churros - detail 1

Ingredients List

To make the best Air Fryer Churros, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 cup water: This is the base for our dough.
2 tablespoons sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to enhance the flavors.
1 cup all-purpose flour: The backbone of our churros, creating that delightful texture.
2 tablespoons vegetable oil: This helps keep the churros moist and tender.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For that lovely hint of flavor that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon.
Cinnamon sugar for coating: A mix of cinnamon and sugar to roll the churros in once they’re hot and crispy!

These ingredients come together quickly, and the magic happens as you fry them in the air fryer. Let’s get cooking!

How to Prepare Air Fryer Churros

Making Air Fryer Churros is a fun and straightforward process! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying these crispy delights in no time!

Preheat the Air Fryer

First things first, preheating your air fryer is essential for achieving that perfect crispy texture. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it warm up while you prepare the dough. This step ensures the churros cook evenly and get that golden brown finish we all love!

Making the Dough

In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Bring this mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally. Once boiling, remove it from the heat and quickly add in 1 cup of all-purpose flour. Stir vigorously until a dough forms—trust me, it will come together beautifully! Then mix in 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. The dough should be smooth and slightly sticky, ready to be piped into delicious churros!

Piping the Churros

Now comes the fun part! Transfer your dough into a piping bag fitted with a star tip. This gives your churros that classic ridged shape. Pipe the dough onto a piece of parchment paper, creating your desired churro lengths—don’t worry, they don’t need to be perfect! Just keep them about 4-6 inches long. The parchment paper will make transferring them to the air fryer a breeze!

Air Frying the Churros

Carefully place the piped churros into the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them. Air fry them for about 10-12 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. You might want to check them around the 8-minute mark to ensure they don’t overcook. The aroma will be heavenly!

Coating and Serving

Once your churros are out of the fryer, it’s time for the final touch! While they’re still warm, roll them in cinnamon sugar until they’re coated evenly. Serve them warm with a side of chocolate sauce for dipping, and get ready for a delicious treat that everyone will love!

Tips for Success

Making the perfect Air Fryer Churros can be a breeze if you keep a few handy tips in mind! First, don’t skip preheating your air fryer – it’s crucial for that lovely crispiness. If the churros don’t cook evenly, they might end up a bit soggy instead of golden brown.

Also, when piping the churros, make sure your dough isn’t too thick. If it feels overly stiff, add a splash of water to loosen it up a bit. This helps them puff up nicely in the air fryer. And remember, less is more when it comes to spacing them out in the basket; overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.

Lastly, coat the churros in cinnamon sugar right after they come out of the fryer while they’re still warm. This ensures the sugar sticks perfectly! With these simple tips, you’ll be on your way to churro perfection in no time!

Nutritional Information

Keep in mind that nutrition values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use in your Air Fryer Churros recipe. The information provided here is an estimate and not precise. For a serving size of three churros, you can expect approximately 150 calories with 5g of sugar. Enjoy your churros while being mindful of your nutritional choices!

FAQ Section

If you’re curious about making Air Fryer Churros, you’re not alone! Here are some common questions that pop up, along with helpful answers to make your churro adventure even sweeter.

Can I use other types of flour?

Absolutely! While all-purpose flour is the classic choice for Air Fryer Churros, you can experiment with alternatives like whole wheat flour or gluten-free blends. Just keep in mind that different flours may affect the texture slightly, so it might take a bit of tweaking to get it just right.

What can I dip churros in?

The options are endless! Traditional chocolate sauce is a favorite, but you can also try caramel sauce, dulce de leche, or even a rich vanilla custard. For a fruity twist, a berry compote pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the churros. Yum!

How do I store leftovers?

If you have any leftover churros (which is rare!), let them cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe bag. Just pop them back in the air fryer to reheat before enjoying again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Making Air Fryer Churros is a delightful experience, and here’s why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:

Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have freshly made churros ready in under half an hour!
Healthier Option: Air frying means less oil without sacrificing that crispy texture, making these churros a lighter treat.
Delicious Flavor: The combination of warm cinnamon sugar and soft, fluffy churros is simply irresistible. You’ll be craving more!
Fun to Make: The process of piping and frying is not only easy but a lot of fun, perfect for involving the whole family!

Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a go-to dessert in your home!

Equipment List

Gathering the right equipment makes the process of making Air Fryer Churros smooth and enjoyable! Here’s what you’ll need:

Air Fryer: The star of the show! This handy appliance cooks the churros to crispy perfection without the oil.
Medium Saucepan: For boiling the water and mixing the dough. A sturdy one is essential for even heating.
Piping Bag with Star Tip: To shape the churros beautifully. If you don’t have a piping bag, a zip-top bag with the corner cut off works too!
Parchment Paper: A must-have for easy transfer of the churros to the air fryer and for keeping them from sticking.
Mixing Spoon: For stirring the dough together. A wooden or silicone spoon works best!

With these tools at hand, you’ll be all set for churro-making success!