Air Fryer Cinnamon Churros

This buttery air fryer churros recipe transforms a traditionally deep-fried treat into a lighter version that still delivers that perfect crispy exterior and soft interior. The beauty of making these at home means customizing the size and enjoying them fresh without the mess of deep frying.

I first made these during a rainy weekend when my kids were begging for a special treat but I didn't want to deal with deep frying. They've become our movie night staple, and the kids love helping with the cinnamon sugar coating part.

Ingredients

• Plain flour: Forms the sturdy base of the churro dough giving them structure and that classic chew
• Water: Creates steam during cooking that helps the churros puff properly
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create that melt in your mouth texture
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness
• Sugar: In the dough provides subtle sweetness that complements the sweeter coating
• Vanilla essence: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile
• Large egg: Binds everything together and helps create lift in the final product
• White sugar: For coating creates that signature sweet crunch exterior
• Cinnamon powder: Adds warm spicy notes that make churros instantly recognizable

Step-by-Step Instructions

Create the Base Mixture:

Combine water, butter, salt, and sugar in a pan and bring to a boil over high heat. This melts the butter completely and dissolves the sugar for a smooth base. Watch carefully as it comes to a boil to prevent boiling over.

Add Flour and Cook:

Once boiling, reduce heat and gradually add flour while stirring continuously. Keep stirring vigorously until the dough pulls away from the sides and forms a smooth ball. This cooking process helps remove excess moisture and develop gluten for the perfect churro texture.

Cool the Dough:

Transfer the hot dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool for about 4 to 5 minutes. This cooling step is crucial because adding egg to hot dough would cook it immediately rather than incorporating it properly. The dough should be warm but not hot enough to cook the egg.

Add Egg and Vanilla:

Add the egg and vanilla to the cooled dough and beat with an electric mixer until fully incorporated and smooth. This takes about 2 minutes of mixing. The dough will initially look separated but will come together into a glossy, pipeable consistency.

Pipe the Churros:

Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip for the classic ridged appearance. Pipe directly into the preheated air fryer basket in your desired shapes. Leave space between each churro as they will expand during cooking.

Air Fry to Perfection:

Brush the tops with a little butter and air fry at 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. The butter helps them brown beautifully. They should feel light and hollow when tapped.

Apply the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

While still warm, toss the churros in the cinnamon sugar mixture. The residual heat helps the sugar adhere. For extra sticking power, you can lightly spray with cooking spray before coating.

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I absolutely love the versatility of the base dough recipe. My grandmother taught me that the perfect churro should have distinct ridges that hold the cinnamon sugar coating. She would always say that the steam created by the high water content is what gives churros their light interior, and she was absolutely right.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover churros in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The sugar coating may become slightly moist over time.

For longer storage, freeze the cooked churros without the sugar coating in a freezer safe container for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, reheat them directly from frozen in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes until heated through, then coat with fresh cinnamon sugar.

Delicious Variations

Try filling your churros with dulce de leche, chocolate ganache, or Nutella for an extra special treat. Simply pipe the filling into the center using a small piping tip after the churros have cooled slightly.

For chocolate lovers, add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the flour before incorporating it into the liquid mixture. Pair these chocolate churros with a warm chocolate dipping sauce for double the chocolate impact.

Serving Suggestions

While these churros are delicious on their own, they reach new heights when served with dipping sauces. Try warm chocolate sauce, caramel, or dulce de leche for a traditional approach.

For a refreshing contrast, serve them alongside fresh strawberries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm, crispy churros and cold, creamy ice cream creates a magical dessert experience.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different flour for the dough?

Plain flour works best for this recipe, but you can try all-purpose or gluten-free flour as alternatives for similar results.

→ What temperature should the air fryer be set to?

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for the best results.

→ How do I ensure the cinnamon sugar sticks well?

Brush the churros with melted butter, spray them lightly with water, or use nonstick cooking spray before rolling them in the cinnamon sugar.

→ Can I store cooked churros?

Churros are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes for crispiness.

→ What can I serve with churros?

Churros pair wonderfully with warm chocolate sauce, caramel dipping sauce, or even a dusting of powdered sugar.