Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Air Fryer Churros offer all the golden crispness and cinnamon-sugar sweetness of traditional churros without the hassle of deep frying. Made with a simple choux pastry and cooked to perfection in the air fryer, these treats are light, crisp on the outside, and tender inside. Perfect for quick cravings, parties, or a fun dessert night at home.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

water
unsalted butter
granulated sugar
salt
all-purpose flour
eggs
vanilla extract
cooking spray

For coating:
granulated sugar
ground cinnamon

For dipping (optional):
melted chocolate or dulce de leche

directions

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil.

Reduce heat to low and stir in the flour all at once. Stir vigorously until the dough pulls away from the sides and forms a ball, about 1-2 minutes.

Transfer the dough to a bowl and let it cool slightly. Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.

Scoop the dough into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.

Pipe 4–5-inch strips of dough directly into the basket, cutting the ends with scissors. Do not overcrowd.

Air fry for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.

While still warm, roll the churros in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.

Serve immediately with melted chocolate or dulce de leche for dipping.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 12 churros.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10–12 minutes per batch
Total time: 30–40 minutes

Variations

Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar coating.
Pipe into spirals or sticks for different shapes.
Fill with jam or Nutella using a piping bag with a filling tip.
Top with powdered sugar or drizzle with glaze instead of cinnamon sugar.

storage/reheating

Store leftover churros in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
To reheat, warm in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes to restore crispness.
Freezing is not recommended as texture may be affected.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the dough and refrigerate for up to 1 day before air frying.

Why did my churros deflate?
They may have been undercooked—make sure they are golden and firm before removing from the air fryer.

Do I need to use a piping bag?
Yes, to achieve the classic ridged shape and even cooking.

Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for best results.

Is the texture like traditional fried churros?
Very close—slightly lighter and less greasy, but still crisp and delicious.

Can I use pre-made dough?
Choux pastry is best, but some store-bought options like puff pastry sticks can be used for a shortcut.

Conclusion

Easy Air Fryer Churros are a fun, fast, and mess-free way to enjoy this classic dessert. With their crispy exterior, soft center, and irresistible cinnamon-sugar coating, they’re sure to be a hit for any occasion—no hot oil required.