Name: Air Fryer Churros
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Ingredients: 1 cup water; ¼ cup unsalted butter; 1 cup all-purpose flour; ¼ tsp salt; 1 tbsp granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ cup granulated sugar; 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

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If you’re a fan of churros but want a healthier alternative to deep-frying, making them in an air fryer is the perfect solution. Air fryer churros are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, just like the traditional fried version, but with less oil and mess. The air fryer uses hot air circulation to cook food, which helps achieve that crispy texture without all the oil. Not only are they a healthier option, but they’re also quicker to make, and cleanup is a breeze. Whether you want to enjoy them as a dessert or a snack, these air fryer churros will be your new favorite treat.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to make perfect air fryer churros, from gathering the ingredients to the cooking process. Plus, we’ll share tips for serving, troubleshooting, and an FAQ section to answer any of your churro-related questions.

What Are Churros?

Brief History of Churros

Churros are a beloved fried dough pastry that originated in Spain and quickly became popular across Latin America. Traditionally, churros are deep-fried until golden and crispy, then dusted with cinnamon sugar. They are commonly served at fairs, carnivals, and by street vendors. Their history dates back to the 16th century when Portuguese sailors brought the recipe from China to Europe. Since then, churros have undergone various adaptations across different cultures, making them a timeless snack enjoyed worldwide.

Ingredients Commonly Used in Churros

Churros require only a few simple ingredients, making them a straightforward yet delightful treat. The basic ingredients include all-purpose flour, water, butter, salt, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. The dough is made by cooking water, butter, sugar, and flour together, then adding eggs for structure. The dough is then piped into strips and fried until golden. The finished churros are coated with cinnamon sugar to give them a sweet, spiced flavor.

Air Fryer vs. Traditional Frying for Churros

Comparing the Texture and Taste

Air fryer churros have a similar crispy exterior and soft interior as their deep-fried counterparts. However, the main difference is that air fryer churros use much less oil. The hot air in the air fryer circulates around the dough, achieving that perfect crispiness without the need for large amounts of frying oil. While deep-fried churros may have a slightly richer taste due to the oil, air fryer churros offer a lighter, less greasy option that’s just as delicious.

Pros and Cons of Using an Air Fryer

Pros:

Healthier: Air frying uses little to no oil, reducing the fat and calorie content of the churros.
Quicker cooking: Air fryers cook churros faster than deep frying, saving you time in the kitchen.
Easier cleanup: Air fryers don’t require the large amounts of oil found in traditional frying methods, making cleanup faster and easier.

Cons:

Slightly different texture: Some may notice that air-fried churros are not as crispy as the traditional fried version.
Smaller batches: Depending on your air fryer’s capacity, you might need to cook the churros in multiple batches.

The Best Ingredients for Air Fryer Churros

Essential Ingredients for Churros

To make the perfect churros in your air fryer, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 cup water
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
1 tbsp granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the cinnamon sugar coating, you’ll need:

1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp ground cinnamon

These ingredients come together to create a sweet and flavorful churro dough that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside once cooked in the air fryer.

Optional Ingredients to Add Flavor

Churros are versatile, and you can easily tweak the flavor to suit your taste. Here are a few optional ingredients to consider:

Cocoa powder: Add cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolatey twist.
Orange zest: Add a little zest for a citrusy flavor that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon sugar.
Nutmeg: Enhance the spiced profile with a dash of nutmeg.

How to Make Air Fryer Churros: Step-by-Step Guide

Preparing the Churro Dough

Making churro dough is easier than you think! Here’s how to prepare it:

Boil the mixture: In a medium saucepan, bring the water and butter to a boil over medium heat. Add the salt and sugar once the butter has melted, stirring to combine.
Add the flour: Once the mixture boils, add the flour all at once. Stir continuously until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a ball.
Cool the dough: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the dough cool for about 5 minutes to avoid cooking the eggs when added.
Add the eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time. Mix until the dough becomes smooth and glossy. Stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.

Shaping the Churros

Shaping churros can be a fun step in the process:

Prepare the piping bag: Fit a large piping bag with a star-shaped tip. This will give the churros their classic ridged shape.
Pipe the churros: Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. Pipe 3-4 inch strips of dough into the basket, ensuring they don’t touch each other. If your air fryer has a small capacity, cook the churros in batches.

Cooking Churros in the Air Fryer

Once your churros are shaped, it’s time to cook them:

Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
Cook the churros: Place the churros in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking. The churros should be golden brown and crispy when done.

Coating Churros with Cinnamon Sugar

For that sweet, spiced coating:

Make cinnamon sugar: In a shallow bowl, mix together the cinnamon and sugar.
Coat the churros: Once the churros are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and immediately roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture while they’re still warm. The sugar will stick perfectly to the churros.

Crispy Air Fryer Churros Served With Cinnamon Sugar

How to Serve Air Fryer Churros

Pairing Churros with Dipping Sauces

Churros are delicious on their own, but they’re even better when served with a dipping sauce. Here are some great options:

Chocolate sauce: A rich, velvety chocolate sauce is perfect for dunking churros.
Caramel sauce: Sweet and buttery caramel enhances the cinnamon flavor of churros.
Whipped cream: For a lighter dip, serve churros with freshly whipped cream or marshmallow fluff.

Creative Serving Ideas

You can also get creative with how you serve churros:

Churro bites: Cut the churros into bite-sized pieces for easy snacking.
Churro cones: Serve churros in a paper cone for a fun, carnival-style presentation.
Churro sundae: Place churros over a scoop of vanilla ice cream, drizzle with chocolate or caramel, and top with whipped cream.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Air Fryer Churros

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Here are some troubleshooting tips for perfect churros every time:

Churros are too soft: If your churros aren’t as crispy as you’d like, ensure they’re cooked long enough. Add an extra minute or two of cooking time.
Churros are greasy: This may happen if the dough is too wet. Try reducing the butter or using a paper towel to blot any excess grease after cooking.
Churros aren’t crispy enough: If they’re not crispy, you can try increasing the temperature slightly or cooking them for a few extra minutes.

How to Store Leftovers

If you have leftover churros, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to regain their crispy texture. If you plan on storing churros for longer, freezing them is a good option.

Freezing Air Fryer Churros for Later

If you’d like to make churros in advance or preserve leftovers, freezing them is a great method:

Freeze before cooking: Shape the churros and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them for 1-2 hours until solid.
Storage: Transfer the frozen churros to a freezer bag or airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Cooking frozen churros: When ready to cook, air fry the frozen churros at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Churros

Can you cook churros in an air fryer?

Yes, you can absolutely cook churros in an air fryer! Air fryer churros come out crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, just like traditional fried churros, but with much less oil. Simply shape the churro dough, place them in the air fryer basket, and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes. Be sure to flip them halfway through for even cooking.

What cannot be fried in an air fryer?

While air fryers are versatile, there are some foods that don’t do well in them. Wet batters, such as those used for tempura, generally don’t fry well in an air fryer because they tend to drip off or create a mess. Similarly, delicate foods like leafy greens or small items that can fall through the basket might not cook as well. Also, large or stuffed foods, such as whole chickens or stuffed pastas, may need longer cooking times or could be difficult to cook evenly in an air fryer.

Can you put Pillsbury in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook Pillsbury products, such as crescent rolls, biscuits, or pizza dough, in an air fryer. In fact, the air fryer is an excellent tool for cooking Pillsbury products as it cooks them quickly and evenly, providing a crispy texture. Just follow the instructions on the package, but reduce the cooking time slightly, as air fryers cook faster than traditional ovens.

Can you make dessert in an air fryer?

Absolutely! The air fryer is great for making desserts. From air fryer churros and brownies to fruit crisps and cakes, you can bake, fry, and even dehydrate fruits in an air fryer. It’s a great tool for making quick, delicious desserts with minimal cleanup. Many recipes require little or no oil, making it a healthier alternative to traditional baking.

Conclusion: Why Air Fryer Churros Are a Must-Try

Air fryer churros offer a healthier, quicker way to enjoy this classic treat without sacrificing flavor or texture. Using the air fryer to cook churros results in a crispy exterior and soft interior with much less oil than traditional frying methods. With simple ingredients, easy steps, and minimal cleanup, air fryer churros are a fantastic option for anyone who loves churros but wants to cut down on oil. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just as a sweet snack, air fryer churros are sure to be a hit in your household.