Description
These Air Fryer Churros are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, coated with a cinnamon-sugar mixture for a perfect sweet treat. Made using an air fryer, they are a healthier, less oily alternative to traditional fried churros, perfect for dessert or snack time.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Churro Dough
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Oil spray
Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the baking surface: Place a silicone baking mat on a baking sheet and spray it lightly with oil spray. This will prevent the churros from sticking during piping and resting.
- Make the dough base: In a medium saucepan, combine water, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, ensuring the butter is completely melted and the mixture is hot.
- Add flour and cook the dough: Lower the heat to medium-low and quickly add the flour to the saucepan. Stir constantly with a rubber spatula until the mixture forms a smooth dough that pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Cool the dough: Remove the saucepan from heat and transfer the dough to a mixing bowl. Let it cool for about 4 minutes so it softens enough for eggs to be added without cooking them.
- Incorporate eggs and vanilla: Using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer, add the eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly after each addition. The dough will become thick and sticky, resembling gluey mashed potatoes. Press any lumps to form a smooth ball.
- Pipe the churros: Transfer the dough to a large piping bag fitted with a large star-shaped tip. Pipe 4-inch lengths of dough onto the prepared silicone mat and cut the dough with scissors after each churro to prevent sticking.
- Refrigerate the piped churros: Place the baking sheet with the piped churros into the refrigerator and chill for 1 hour. This helps the churros hold their shape during air frying.
- Air fry the churros: Carefully transfer the churros to the air fryer basket using a cookie spatula, spacing them about 1/2 inch apart to allow airflow. Lightly spray the churros with oil spray. Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to cook in batches.
- Cook until golden: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes until the churros are golden brown and cooked through.
- Coat with cinnamon sugar: While the churros are cooking, combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Once churros are ready, immediately toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat evenly.
- Serve warm: Serve the churros warm with your favorite dipping sauces such as Nutella or chocolate sauce for a delightful treat.
Notes
- Refrigerating the piped churros before air frying helps them keep their shape and results in a better texture.
- Use a large star-shaped piping tip to create the classic churro ridges that help hold the cinnamon-sugar coating.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, these churros can be deep-fried in oil until golden brown, though the texture will differ.
- Spraying oil before air frying improves browning and helps achieve a crisp exterior.
- Serve churros immediately after coating with cinnamon sugar for the best taste and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 churro (approximate)
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
