Air Fryer Churros Recipe: 7 Steps to Heavenly Delight

By:

Christina R. Jones

November 13, 2025

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Let me tell you, there’s something magical about churros! Growing up, I remember visiting the local fair with my family, the scent of freshly fried churros wafting through the air. Oh, those warm, crispy treats coated in cinnamon sugar were pure bliss! Now, thanks to my easy air fryer churros recipe, I can whip up that same joy in my kitchen without all the fuss of frying. Seriously, you won’t believe how simple this is! Just a few ingredients and a little bit of time, and you’ll have delicious, golden churros that are just as good—if not better—than the fair. Plus, the air fryer gives them that perfect crispy exterior while keeping them light and fluffy inside. Trust me, once you try making these at home, you’ll be hooked! So grab your piping bag, and let’s dive into this delightful treat!

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful air fryer churros. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture, so let’s make sure we get them just right!

1 cup water: This is the base of your dough, helping to bind everything together.
1/2 cup unsalted butter: For that rich, buttery flavor. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing!
1 cup all-purpose flour: The backbone of your churros. Sift it if you want to ensure a lighter texture.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Just enough to enhance the sweetness of the churros.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: This adds a lovely depth of flavor that pairs wonderfully with the cinnamon.
2 large eggs: Eggs provide structure and richness to the dough, making it nice and fluffy.
1/2 cup sugar: This will coat your churros after they’re cooked, giving them that signature sweet crunch.
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: The perfect spice to sprinkle on top for that irresistible churro flavor!

Make sure to gather all these ingredients before you start. Trust me, it makes the process so much smoother and more enjoyable!

How to Prepare the Air Fryer Churros Recipe

Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, let’s get started on making these scrumptious air fryer churros! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of crispy, sweet churros ready to enjoy in no time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Boil the water and butter: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and 1/2 cup of unsalted butter. Bring this mixture to a rolling boil over medium heat. The butter should melt completely, creating a rich, buttery base for your dough.
Add the flour: Once boiling, quickly stir in 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Keep stirring until the mixture pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a ball. This step is crucial—it creates the dough’s structure!
Cool and mix: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the dough cool for about 5 minutes. This prevents the eggs from scrambling when you add them. After it’s cooled slightly, mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 2 large eggs one at a time. Make sure to blend thoroughly until the dough is smooth and shiny.
Pipe your churros: Transfer the dough into a piping bag fitted with a star tip. This is where the fun begins! Pipe churro shapes onto a sheet of parchment paper, aiming for about 4-6 inches long. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect; they’ll still taste amazing!
Preheat your air fryer: While you’re piping, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This step is essential for that crispy texture.
Air fry the churros: Carefully place the churros in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they’re spaced apart for even cooking. Air fry them for 10-12 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and puffed up. Keep an eye on them as every air fryer can be a little different!
Toss in sugar and cinnamon: Once cooked, remove the churros from the fryer and immediately toss them in a mixture of 1/2 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. This gives them that classic churro sweetness!

And there you have it! Your air fryer churros are ready to be devoured. Enjoy them fresh, perhaps with a side of chocolate sauce for dipping. Trust me, you won’t want to stop at just one!

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Churros Recipe

Let me tell you, this air fryer churros recipe is a game-changer! You’ll be absolutely amazed at how easy and delicious they turn out. Here’s why you’re going to fall head over heels for this recipe:

Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these churros in no time! You won’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to enjoy this delightful treat.
Healthier Option: Air frying means less oil and fewer calories compared to traditional frying. You still get that crispy goodness without the guilt!
Delicious Flavor: The combination of buttery dough, warm cinnamon, and sugar creates that classic churro taste we all love. It’s like a warm hug in dessert form!
Easy Cleanup: No messy deep frying means less cleanup afterward. Just pop your air fryer basket in the dishwasher or give it a quick wash, and you’re done!
Fun to Make: Piping the churros is a blast! It’s a great activity to get the kids involved, or even just to enjoy some creative time in the kitchen.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy family night, a party, or just a sweet treat for yourself, these churros fit the bill perfectly!

Seriously, once you try this air fryer churros recipe, you’ll be making them on repeat. They’re just that good!

Tips for Success with Your Air Fryer Churros Recipe

Now that you’re ready to whip up your air fryer churros, let me share some pro tips to ensure your churros turn out perfectly every time. Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom will save you from common pitfalls and make the process even smoother!

Don’t skip the cooling time: After you remove the dough from the heat, letting it cool for about 5 minutes before adding the eggs is crucial. This prevents the eggs from scrambling and ensures a smooth dough.
Watch your piping: When you’re piping the churros, don’t stress about making them look perfect! Aim for even thickness, but remember, they’ll taste amazing no matter what. Just make sure they’re not too thin, or they might dry out in the air fryer.
Leave space in the air fryer: It’s super important to space out the churros in the air fryer basket. If they’re too close together, they won’t cook evenly. A little breathing room goes a long way in achieving that golden crispiness!
Check for doneness: Every air fryer is a bit different, so keep an eye on your churros as they cook. They should be golden brown and puffed up after about 10-12 minutes. If they’re not quite there, give them a couple more minutes, but check frequently to avoid overcooking.
Experiment with flavors: Feel free to get creative! You can add a pinch of nutmeg or even a splash of orange zest to the dough for a unique twist. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!
Serve immediately: Churros are best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer. If you’re serving a crowd, consider cooking them in batches to keep them warm and crispy. They tend to lose their crunch when left sitting too long!

With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering air fryer churros. I can’t wait for you to taste the delicious results!

Nutritional Information for Air Fryer Churros Recipe

It’s always good to know what you’re indulging in, right? Just a little heads up: the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, consider these values as estimates to help you enjoy your delicious churros mindfully!

Serving Size: 1 churro
Calories: 150
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 100mg
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 6g
Protein: 2g

So, whether you’re treating yourself after a long day or celebrating a special occasion, these churros are a delightful option that won’t break the calorie bank! Enjoy every crispy bite!

FAQ About Air Fryer Churros Recipe

Got questions about making your air fryer churros? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I often hear, along with my go-to answers to help you get the most out of this delicious recipe.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? Absolutely! You can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but keep in mind that it might change the texture slightly. The churros may be a bit denser, but still delicious!
What if I don’t have a piping bag? No problem at all! You can use a zip-top bag instead. Just fill it with the churro dough, seal it, and cut off one corner to create a makeshift piping bag. It works like a charm!
Can I freeze the churro dough for later use? Yes, you can! Just pipe the churros onto parchment paper and freeze them. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, cook them straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
How do I store leftover churros? If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them, as they tend to lose their crispiness when refrigerated.
What’s the best way to reheat churros? To reheat churros, pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C). This will help restore their crunchy exterior and make them taste freshly made again!

I hope these FAQs help clarify any concerns you might have. Enjoy making your air fryer churros, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have more questions!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

So, you’ve made a batch of those delightful air fryer churros, and now you’re wondering how to store any leftovers? No worries at all! Here’s how to keep them fresh and tasty for as long as possible.

First off, if you have any churros left (which is a rare occurrence!), allow them to cool completely before storing. Once they’re cool, you can place them in an airtight container. This will help keep them from getting soggy. Store them at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you think you won’t finish them in that time, I’d suggest freezing them instead to preserve that crispy goodness.

To freeze, simply lay the churros out on a baking sheet in a single layer and pop them in the freezer until they’re firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Easy peasy!

Now, when it comes to reheating, you want to bring that crispy texture back without drying them out. The best way to do this is to preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the churros in the basket in a single layer and heat them for about 3-5 minutes. This not only warms them up but also helps restore their delightful crunch.

If you’re in a hurry, you can also use a microwave, but be careful! Heat them in short bursts of 10-15 seconds. They may not get crispy, but they’ll still taste delicious. Just keep an eye on them to avoid overheating!

And there you have it! With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your air fryer churros even after the initial batch. Happy munching!