Irresistible Air Fryer Churros: Crispy, Sweet, and Easy to Make

Learn how to make crispy, golden, and fluffy air fryer churros at home. A healthier twist on the classic treat with simple ingredients.

Churros are one of those timeless treats that bring joy with every bite. Traditionally fried, these golden sticks of dough are coated in cinnamon sugar and often enjoyed with a side of warm chocolate sauce. While undeniably delicious, deep-frying can be messy and heavy. That’s where the air fryer comes in. This modern kitchen gadget allows you to achieve the same crispy exterior and fluffy interior without the need for excessive oil. The result? A healthier churro that is just as satisfying.

Air fryer churros are perfect for family gatherings, parties, or simply treating yourself. The dough is easy to prepare with pantry staples like flour, butter, eggs, and sugar. Once piped into fun shapes—sticks, loops, or spirals—the air fryer works its magic. You’ll love the golden crispness that pairs beautifully with the sweet cinnamon sugar coating.

This recipe is straightforward, beginner-friendly, and ready in less time than the traditional method. You can also get creative by adding flavored sugars, drizzling with caramel, or dipping in rich melted chocolate. Whether for dessert or a fun snack, air fryer churros are sure to impress. Once you try them, you may never go back to deep-fried versions again.

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Cooking spray or light oil
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for coating)

Directions

1. In a saucepan, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat and stir in flour until a dough forms. Remove from heat.
3. Let dough cool slightly, then beat in the egg and vanilla until smooth.
4. Transfer dough into a piping bag with a star tip.
5. Pipe churro shapes onto a parchment-lined tray.
6. Spray churros lightly with cooking spray.
7. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
8. Place churros in the basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd.
9. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crisp.
10. Mix sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish.
11. Toss warm churros in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Serve immediately.

How to Prepare

Start by preparing the dough on the stovetop. This step ensures the flour absorbs liquid fully, creating the base for fluffy churros. Cooling the dough slightly before adding the egg prevents scrambling. Using a piping bag with a star tip gives churros their signature ridged texture, helping them crisp evenly. Air frying requires a light spray of oil for that golden finish without excess grease. Once fried, coating them while warm ensures the cinnamon sugar sticks perfectly. Serve with chocolate sauce for a classic finish.

Preparation Time

• Dough preparation: 15 minutes
• Piping and shaping: 10 minutes
• Air frying: 8–10 minutes per batch
  Total time: About 35 minutes

Servings

This recipe makes about 12–14 churros, perfect for 4–5 servings.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make churro dough ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the dough, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Pipe and air fry when ready.

Q2: Can I freeze churros?
Absolutely. Pipe raw churros on a tray, freeze until solid, then store in a freezer bag. Air fry directly from frozen, adding a few minutes to the cooking time.

Q3: Why are my churros soggy in the air fryer?
Overcrowding the basket can cause sogginess. Always cook in single layers and allow air to circulate.

Q4: What dipping sauces go best with churros?
Classic chocolate sauce, dulce de leche, caramel, or even fruit compotes pair beautifully with churros.

Q5: Can I make churros without a piping bag?
Yes, though the texture will differ. You can spoon the dough into strips, but the ridges created by the star tip help with even cooking and sugar coating.

Conclusion

Air fryer churros are a delightful way to enjoy a classic dessert with a healthier twist. By skipping deep frying, you save on oil and calories while still enjoying that irresistible crispy texture. The dough is simple to prepare, and the air fryer makes cooking nearly effortless. Whether you’re making them for family, guests, or yourself, these churros are bound to bring smiles.

The best part is the versatility—you can stick with traditional cinnamon sugar or experiment with unique coatings and sauces. Serve them at parties, as a weekend treat, or whenever you crave something sweet and crunchy. With this recipe, you’ll discover that churros don’t need to be complicated or heavy to be delicious. They’re quick, fun, and customizable. Once you’ve tried air fryer churros, they may just become your go-to dessert. So grab your ingredients, warm up your air fryer, and enjoy every crispy, sugary bite.