Description
This Air Fryer Churros recipe offers a healthier twist on the classic deep-fried Spanish treat by using an air fryer for a perfectly crispy and golden finish. Made from a smooth dough flavored with vanilla, these churros are piped into star-shaped ridges, air fried rather than fried in oil, and then coated in a fragrant cinnamon sugar mix. Perfectly crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside, they make a delightful snack or dessert that’s easy to prepare and less oily than traditional versions.
Ingredients
Churro Dough
- ⅔ cup water (160ml)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, diced (56g)
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour (90g)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ½ cup granulated sugar (100g)
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the dough mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine water, diced butter, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium-high until the butter melts and the mixture reaches a boil, then immediately remove from heat.
- Add the flour: Add all the flour at once to the hot mixture and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula until fully incorporated, about 1 minute.
- Cook off excess moisture: Return the pan to medium-low heat and cook while stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes. The dough should look like thick mashed potatoes and pull cleanly from the sides of the pan. Transfer dough to a mixing bowl.
- Incorporate eggs and vanilla: Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the dough on medium speed for about 3 minutes to cool slightly. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then mix in vanilla extract. Scrape the bowl as needed. The dough should be thick, glossy, and hold its shape briefly.
- Pipe the churros: Spoon the dough into a piping bag fitted with a large closed star tip (Wilton 1M). Pipe 4-inch long, ¾-inch wide churros onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use a knife to cleanly cut the dough tip after each churro. Freeze for 30 minutes.
- Air fry the churros: Place the frozen churros in the air fryer basket, spacing about 1 inch apart. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8 minutes, then flip and air fry at 325°F (160°C) for another 8 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Coat with cinnamon sugar: Mix sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. While churros are hot, toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat. If sugar doesn’t stick well, lightly spray churros with vegetable spray before dredging.
Notes
- Freezing the churros before air frying helps them retain their shape and results in a crisper exterior.
- Use a large closed star tip for piping to create the classic churro ridges.
- The two-stage air frying at different temperatures ensures a golden crust without burning.
- Lightly spraying churros with a neutral oil spray improves cinnamon sugar adhesion and adds crispness.
- For best texture, consume churros soon after air frying as they are best enjoyed warm and crispy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Spanish
