Description
This Air Fryer Churros recipe delivers crispy, golden-brown churros coated in cinnamon sugar in a healthier way using an air fryer. Perfectly light and fluffy on the inside with a crunchy exterior, these churros make a delightful snack or dessert when served warm with chocolate or Nutella dipping sauce.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Oil spray
Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Place a silicone baking mat on a baking sheet and lightly spray with oil spray to prevent sticking.
- Make Dough Base: In a medium saucepan, combine water, cubed butter, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Add Flour: Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the all-purpose flour to the boiling mixture. Stir constantly with a rubber spatula until the dough forms a smooth ball that pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Cool Dough: Remove the saucepan from heat and transfer the dough to a mixing bowl. Let it cool for 4 minutes so it’s warm but not hot for adding eggs.
- Mix Eggs and Vanilla: Add the 2 large eggs and vanilla extract to the slightly cooled dough. Using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the mixture until it comes together into a gluey mashed potato-like consistency. Use your hands to press any lumps into a smooth ball.
- Pipe Churros: Transfer the dough to a large piping bag fitted with a large star-shaped tip. Pipe 4-inch lengths onto the greased silicone baking mat. Cut the dough ends with scissors to release each churro.
- Refrigerate: Place the baking sheet with piped churros into the refrigerator and chill for 1 hour to help them firm up before air frying.
- Air Fry Churros: Carefully transfer the churros to the air fryer basket with about 1/2-inch space between each. Lightly spray the churros with oil spray. Depending on your air fryer size, cook in batches. Air fry at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: In a shallow bowl, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon. Immediately after air frying, transfer the hot churros to the cinnamon sugar mixture and toss to coat evenly. Work in batches if needed.
- Serve: Serve the churros warm with Nutella, chocolate sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce for an irresistible treat.
Notes
- Make sure the dough cools slightly before adding eggs to avoid scrambling them.
- Use a large star-shaped piping tip for authentic churro ridges and crispiness.
- Refrigerating the dough shapes before air frying helps the churros hold their shape and cook evenly.
- Air fry in batches for best results and evenly browned churros.
- Serve churros immediately after coating with cinnamon sugar for the best texture and flavor.
- If you don’t have a silicone baking mat, parchment paper can be used instead, but avoid greasing as it may cause sticking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
