Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Churros: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Churros are a modern twist on the traditional Spanish dessert that’s loved worldwide. Instead of deep-frying, these churros are cooked using hot air circulation in an air fryer. This method gives you that perfectly crispy exterior and soft, chewy interior you love, with far less oil. Rolled in cinnamon sugar, air fryer churros are just as satisfying as their deep-fried counterparts but come with fewer calories and a quicker cleanup.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Air Fryer Churros

To make your churros from scratch, gather these simple ingredients:

• For the churro dough:
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• For the cinnamon sugar coating:
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• Non-stick cooking spray for preheating the air fryer.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Air Fryer Churros at Home

1. Prepare the Dough

Heat water, butter, sugar, and salt in a saucepan until it starts to boil. Gradually add the flour, stirring until the dough comes together. Transfer the dough to a mixer, and beat on low while adding the eggs one at a time.

2. Pipe the Churros

Spoon the dough into a piping bag fitted with a star-shaped tip. Pipe 4-5 inch strips onto a parchment-covered baking sheet, cutting the ends with kitchen scissors.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheating ensures even cooking. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

4. Cook the Churros

Lightly grease the air fryer basket with non-stick spray. Arrange churros in a single layer (don’t overcrowd). Air fry in batches for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

5. Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

Mix sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Toss the warm churros in the mixture until fully coated.

Air Fryer Churros Recipe Without Eggs: A Healthier Alternative

Creating egg-free air fryer churros is a simple and healthier way to enjoy this classic treat. Follow these steps for a delicious outcome:

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or dairy-free alternative)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup milk (or plant-based milk)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

• Heat water, sugar, salt, and butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it starts to boil.
• Reduce heat to low and stir in the flour until the dough forms a ball. Remove from heat.
• Gradually mix in the milk to make the dough smooth and pipeable.

1. Shape the Churros

• Transfer dough to a piping bag fitted with a star-shaped tip.
• Pipe churro shapes directly onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

1. Preheat and Cook

• Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
• Lightly grease the basket with non-stick spray and place churros in a single layer.
• Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.

1. Coat the Churros

• Mix sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
• Toss warm churros in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat evenly.

Enjoy your crispy and flavorful air fryer churros without the need for eggs!

How Long to Cook Churros in an Air Fryer for Perfect Results

Cooking churros in an air fryer is a quick and efficient process, but timing is key to achieving the perfect texture—crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Follow these steps to ensure your churros come out just right:

1. Preheat the Air Fryer

Always start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This step ensures even cooking from the beginning.

2. Prepare the Churros

Line your churros on a parchment-lined tray while the air fryer preheats, ensuring they’re evenly spaced.

3. Lightly Grease the Basket

Lightly spray the basket of your air fryer with non-stick spray to prevent sticking without adding excess oil.

4. Place Churros in a Single Layer

Avoid overcrowding. Place the churros in a single layer to allow proper air circulation for even cooking.

5. Cook Time

Air fry the churros for approximately 10–12 minutes.

6. Flip Halfway

Halfway through the cooking process, flip the churros to promote evenly browned surfaces.

7. Test for Doneness

Check for a golden brown color and a crisp exterior. If needed, add another 1–2 minutes of cooking time.

8. Coat Immediately After Cooking

Once cooked, toss the warm churros in a cinnamon sugar mix to lock in their delightful flavor.

9. Serve and Enjoy!

Serve immediately while warm and crispy for the best taste and texture. Enjoy your homemade air fryer churros!

Ninja Air Fryer Churros: Tips for a Crispy Texture

1. Preheat the Air Fryer

Always preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before cooking. This ensures even heat distribution, contributing to an evenly crispy texture.

1. Do Not Overcrowd the Basket

Place the churros in a single layer inside the basket without overcrowding. Proper airflow is essential for achieving that perfect crispiness.

1. Use Piping Tip for Consistency

When piping the churros, use a star-shaped piping tip to create ridges. These ridges help in cooking the churros evenly and add to the crispy exterior.

1. Brush or Spray with Oil

Lightly brush or spray the churros with oil before cooking to enhance their golden color and ensure a crunchier texture.

1. Cook in Batches if Needed

For larger quantities, cook in batches rather than overfilling the air fryer. This approach prevents uneven cooking and soggy churros.

1. Serve Fresh for Best Results

Churros are best enjoyed immediately after frying. Leaving them out for too long might soften their texture, so serve as soon as they are ready!

How to Make Mini Air Fryer Churro Bites for a Quick Treat

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup sugar (for coating)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
• Cooking spray or oil

Steps to Prepare

1. Make the Dough

• Heat water, butter, salt, and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until the butter melts.
• Add in the flour and stir until a dough forms, pulling away from the sides of the pan.

1. Mix in Egg and Vanilla

• Allow the dough to cool slightly, then mix in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.

1. Prepare the Air Fryer

• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C), and lightly grease the basket with cooking spray or oil.

1. Pipe the Churro Bites

• Transfer the dough to a piping bag with a star tip. Pipe small, bite-sized pieces directly into the air fryer basket.

1. Cook the Bites

• Air fry the churro bites for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown.

1. Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

• Mix the sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. While still warm, toss the churro bites in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat evenly.

Enjoy Your Treat!

Mini air fryer churro bites are perfect for a quick snack or dessert. Serve them fresh with a side of chocolate, caramel, or your favorite dipping sauce for an extra indulgence!

Cooking Frozen Churros in an Air Fryer: A Simple Solution

Enjoying churros at home has never been easier. Follow these simple steps to prepare frozen churros in your air fryer for a quick and delicious treat.

Preparation Steps

• Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for optimal results.
• Arrange the Frozen Churros: Place the frozen churros in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring there’s space between them for even cooking.

Cooking Instructions

• Air Fry the Churros: Cook the churros for 10-12 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure they crisp evenly.
• Check for Crispness: Once they turn golden brown, they’re ready to enjoy!

Optional Toppings

• Roll the freshly cooked churros in a cinnamon-sugar mixture for a classic flavor.
• Pair with dipping sauces like chocolate, dulce de leche, or caramel for an extra treat.

Cooking frozen churros in an air fryer is a simple, mess-free way to enjoy this delightful dessert anytime!

Aldi Churros in the Air Fryer: Are They Worth It?

Aldi churros have gained popularity for their affordability and convenience, but do they live up to the hype when prepared in an air fryer? The answer is a resounding yes! Cooking Aldi churros in an air fryer results in a crispy, golden exterior while maintaining the soft, doughy interior that makes churros so irresistible. The air fryer not only simplifies the preparation process but also eliminates the need for deep frying, making it a healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor or texture.

When paired with a cinnamon-sugar coating or a decadent dipping sauce, these churros become an indulgent treat that rivals those found at fairs or specialty shops. Considering their budget-friendly price and excellent taste, Aldi churros cooked in an air fryer are undoubtedly worth trying for any churro enthusiast or dessert lover.

Making Air Fryer Churros with Pillsbury Dough: A Shortcut Method

If you’re looking for a fast and easy way to enjoy delicious churros at home, using Pillsbury dough is a fantastic shortcut. Here’s a simple guide to get you started:

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 can of Pillsbury crescent roll dough or biscuit dough
• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Non-stick cooking spray
• Melted butter (optional, for coating)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

• Open the can of Pillsbury dough and unroll it. If using crescent roll dough, press the perforations together to create a single sheet.

2. Cut the Strips:

• Slice the dough into thin strips, about half an inch wide, to form the churro shapes. You can roll the strips slightly to round the edges for a traditional look.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes. Spray the basket lightly with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

4. Cook the Churros:

• Place the dough strips in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through.

5. Mix the Coating:

• While the churros are cooking, mix granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Adjust the ratio depending on your sweetness preference.

6. Coat the Churros:

• Once the churros are done, brush them with melted butter (optional), and toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat evenly.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve warm with a side of chocolate sauce, caramel, or dulce de leche for dipping.
• Pair with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa for a cozy treat.

This shortcut method delivers churros that are quick, customizable, and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the delightful combination of crispy exteriors and soft, fluffy interiors in just a few simple steps!

Why Air Fryer Churros Are a Better Alternative to Deep-Fried Versions

There’s no denying that deep-fried churros are iconic, but air fryer churros have their perks:

• Healthier: Less oil means fewer calories and no post-fry guilt.
• Easier: No splattering oil or difficult cleanup.
• Faster: Skip the wait for the frying oil to heat up.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking Churros in an Air Fryer

1. Overcrowding the basket—allow space for air circulation.
2. Using too much oil spray—this can make the dough soggy.
3. Skipping preheating—this can result in uneven cooking.

Creative Serving Ideas for Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Churros

Get creative with how you serve and enjoy your churros:

• Chocolate Dipping Sauce: Melt chocolate with a splash of cream for a rich dip.
• Churro Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use churros as “buns” for a scoop of your favorite ice cream.
• Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle warm caramel sauce for added indulgence.

How to Store and Reheat Air Fryer Churros Without Losing Crispiness

Follow these steps to store and reheat your air fryer churros while maintaining their delicious crispiness:

1. Storing Churros: Allow the churros to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. Place a layer of parchment paper between each layer of churros to prevent them from sticking together. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days.
2. Freezing Churros: For longer storage, place cooled churros in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 2 months.
3. Reheating from Room Temperature: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the churros in a single layer in the basket and heat for 2-3 minutes, or until they are warm and crispy.
4. Reheating from Frozen: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Without thawing, place the churros in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.

By following these steps, you can enjoy churros that taste freshly made, even days later!

Air Fryer Churros vs. Traditional Churros: A Comparison

Conclusion

Air fryer churros offer a modern twist on a classic treat, delivering all the deliciousness of traditional churros with a healthier and more convenient preparation method. By using minimal oil, air fryer churros provide a guilt-free indulgence while still maintaining their signature crispy exterior and soft interior. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the fryer or reheating leftovers, this method simplifies the process without sacrificing flavor. Perfect for any occasion, air fryer churros bring the joy of this beloved dessert straight to your kitchen with ease and versatility.

FAQs

Q: Can I use store-bought dough for making air fryer churros?

A: Yes, you can use store-bought dough, such as biscuit or puff pastry dough, to make air fryer churros. However, homemade dough is recommended for the most authentic flavor and texture.

Q: Do air fryer churros taste the same as traditional churros?

A: While air fryer churros have a slightly different texture due to the lack of deep frying, they still retain their delicious crispy coating and soft, fluffy interior. Many people find the healthier preparation to be a worthy trade-off.

Q: How do I prevent my churros from sticking in the air fryer basket?

A: To prevent sticking, lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray or use parchment paper designed for air fryers.

Q: Can I freeze leftover churros?

A: Yes! Allow the churros to cool completely, then freeze them in an airtight container. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispiness.

Q: What dipping sauces pair well with churros?

A: Classic choices include melted chocolate, caramel, and dulce de leche. You can also experiment with vanilla glaze, fruit preserves, or even peanut butter for a unique twist!