Crispy Air Fryer Churros
These Crispy Air Fryer Churros are a healthier and simpler take on the classic deep-fried churro. With a crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior, these churros are coated in sweet cinnamon sugar for the perfect treat. Ready in under 30 minutes, the air fryer allows you to enjoy churros with less oil, making them a delicious, guilt-free indulgence.
Equipment
- 1 Air fryer
- 1 Piping bag with star nozzle (or Ziploc bag)
- 1 Saucepan (for making the dough)
- 1 Baking tray (optional for arranging churros before air frying)
- 1 Shallow bowl (for cinnamon sugar coating)
- 1 spoon or spatula for mixing
Ingredients
- 1 cup 240 mL Water
- ½ cup 115 g Butter
- 1 cup 120 g All-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp 25 g Granulated sugar
- 1 tsp 5 g Baking powder
- ½ tsp 2 g Salt
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 tsp 5 mL Vanilla extract
- ½ cup 100 g Granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 tbsp 8 g Ground cinnamon (for coating)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a saucepan, combine water and butter over medium heat. Stir until the butter is melted. Once the mixture begins to simmer, add flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir vigorously until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly (5 minutes).
- Add Eggs: Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until smooth. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Shape the Churros: Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star-shaped nozzle. Pipe churros directly onto a tray lined with parchment paper, or pipe them directly into the air fryer basket. Cut each churro to about 3 to 4 inches in length, leaving a bit of space between them.
- Air Fry: Place the churros in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Flip halfway through the cooking time for even crispiness.
- Cinnamon Sugar Coating: While the churros are cooking, mix ½ cup sugar and 1 tbsp cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Once the churros are done, remove them from the air fryer and roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture while they’re still warm.
- Serve: Serve your crispy churros immediately with a side of melted chocolate, caramel sauce, or whipped cream for dipping.
Notes
- Storage: Leftover churros can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to bring back their crispiness.
- Freezing: You can freeze the churros before cooking. After shaping them, place them on a tray and freeze until solid. Store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To cook, air fry directly from frozen for about 10-12 minutes.
- Dough Consistency: If your dough seems too thick or too thin, adjust by adding a bit more flour or water until you reach the right texture: it should be thick enough to hold its shape when piped but soft enough to pipe easily.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with different flavorings for the sugar coating, such as vanilla sugar, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick!