Discover the secret to making golden, crispy Air Fryer Churros with a cinnamon sugar coating. A lighter, healthier recipe you’ll love.
There is something magical about biting into a warm, crisp churro dusted with sweet cinnamon sugar. Originally from Spain and beloved in Latin America, churros have become a worldwide favorite, often paired with hot chocolate or coffee. Traditionally deep-fried, this treat is indulgent but heavy. With the Air Fryer, however, we can recreate Air Fryer Churros – Cinnamon Sugar Perfection in a way that is lighter, less greasy, and still irresistibly delicious.
I first discovered this method on a cozy weekend when my family craved something sweet but I wanted to avoid deep frying. The moment those golden churros came out of the air fryer, perfectly crisp yet tender inside, I knew I had found a new go-to recipe. The smell of cinnamon filled the kitchen, instantly transporting us to fairgrounds and Spanish cafés.
Ingredient spotlight: Flour is the backbone of churros. I recommend using unbleached all-purpose flour for the best texture. If you need a gluten-free option, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well too.
Technique tip: The most common mistake with churros is soggy texture. To avoid this, always preheat your air fryer and avoid overcrowding the basket. This ensures even airflow and a crisp outer layer.
This recipe is a healthier choice because it skips the oil bath, yet it still delivers the same joy of biting into a sugary, crunchy churro. Whether you serve them for dessert, a snack, or even breakfast, these churros will become a family favorite.
Ingredients :
- 1 cup (240 ml) water
- 2 ½ tbsp (35 g) unsalted butter (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
- 2 tbsp (25 g) granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for coating)
- Cooking spray or a light brush of oil
Optional: Chocolate sauce or dulce de leche for dipping.
Directions :
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
- In a saucepan, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Once the butter melts, add flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides.
- Remove from heat and let the dough cool for 5 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and shiny.
- Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
- Pipe 4–5 inch strips directly onto parchment paper. Cut with scissors for even ends.
- Spray or lightly brush churros with oil.
- Place churros in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
- In a shallow bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon. Roll warm churros in the mixture until well coated.
- Serve immediately with chocolate or caramel sauce if desired.
How to Prepare :
Making churros in the air fryer is about timing and temperature. Start by preparing a classic choux pastry base, then let it cool slightly before adding the egg. This prevents scrambling and ensures a smooth dough. Piping with a star tip creates the ridges that hold onto cinnamon sugar beautifully.
The air fryer eliminates the need for deep frying, but for best results, keep churros in a single layer and avoid overcrowding. Rotate or flip halfway through cooking for even browning. While they’re still hot, toss them in cinnamon sugar to lock in that crunchy sweetness.
Preparation Time
- Dough preparation: 15 minutes
- Piping and setup: 10 minutes
- Air frying: 8–10 minutes per batch
- Total time: About 30–35 minutes
Servings
This recipe makes about 12–14 churros, perfect for 4–5 servings.
What to Serve With
- Hot Chocolate: Classic pairing, rich and indulgent.
- Coffee or Latte: Balances sweetness with a slight bitterness.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Creates a warm-and-cold contrast.
- Caramel Sauce: Adds buttery richness.
- Strawberries or Raspberries: Fresh, tart flavor to cut sweetness.
- Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy topping for dipping.
- Chai Tea Latte: Spicy notes complement the cinnamon sugar.
FAQs
1. Can I make churros ahead of time?
Yes, you can pipe the dough in advance and freeze it. Cook directly from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the air fryer time.
2. Why are my churros soggy?
This usually happens if the air fryer isn’t preheated or if the basket is overcrowded. Always leave space for hot air to circulate.
3. Can I make these churros vegan?
Yes. Replace the butter with coconut oil and the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water).
4. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2–3 minutes.
5. What’s the best dipping sauce for churros?
Classic choices include chocolate ganache, dulce de leche, or even Nutella. Fruit coulis also works for a lighter option.
Conclusion
Making Air Fryer Churros – Cinnamon Sugar Perfection at home proves that indulgent desserts don’t have to be complicated or unhealthy. This recipe captures the spirit of traditional churros while offering a lighter, mess-free approach thanks to the air fryer. Each bite is crispy, golden, and coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar shell.
I love serving these at family gatherings or weekend brunches. The process is simple, yet the result feels festive and special. The best part? You don’t need a deep fryer, just basic pantry staples and a little patience.
Remember the small but important details: preheat your air fryer, don’t overcrowd, and coat the churros while still warm. These tips ensure consistent results every time. With just 30 minutes, you can bring the joy of fairground churros into your own kitchen—without the excess oil.
So, grab your piping bag, sprinkle some cinnamon, and prepare to delight your family and friends. One batch won’t be enough—you’ll be making these churros again and again!
