Description
Deliciously crispy Air Fryer Churros coated in cinnamon sugar, made with a simple dough of flour, eggs, and butter. This healthier twist on the classic fried churros delivers all the authentic flavor and crunch using an air fryer for easy cleanup and less oil.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
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, for greasing and air frying
Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the baking sheet: Place a silicone baking mat on a baking sheet and spray it lightly with oil spray to prevent sticking.
- Make the dough: In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Add flour and cook dough: Reduce heat to medium-low and add the flour. Stir constantly with a rubber spatula until the dough forms a smooth, cohesive ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Cool the dough: Remove the pan from heat and transfer the dough to a mixing bowl. Allow it to cool for 4 minutes to avoid cooking the eggs in the next step.
- Incorporate eggs and vanilla: Add eggs and vanilla extract. Using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer, beat until the dough comes together into a sticky, smooth mass resembling gluey mashed potatoes. Use your hands to press any lumps together into a ball.
- Pipe the churros: Transfer the dough ball into a large piping bag fitted with a large star-shaped tip. Pipe 4-inch lengths onto the greased baking mat. Cut the dough with scissors after each churro.
- Refrigerate the churros: Refrigerate the piped churros on the baking sheet for 1 hour to help them set properly.
- Preheat air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F.
- Air fry churros: Carefully transfer churros to the air fryer basket, spacing them about 1/2 inch apart. Spray them lightly with oil spray. Depending on the size of your air fryer, cook in batches if needed. Air fry for 12 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Coat with cinnamon sugar: In a shallow bowl, mix granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Immediately toss the hot churros in the mixture until evenly coated.
- Serve: Serve churros warm with your favorite dipping sauce such as Nutella or chocolate sauce.
Notes
- Ensure the dough cools before adding eggs to prevent scrambling.
- Use a star-shaped piping tip to achieve the classic churro ridged texture.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
- The resting time helps the churros firm up for frying without losing shape.
- For extra crispiness, lightly mist churros with oil spray before air frying.
- Store leftover churros in an airtight container and reheat in the air fryer to restore crispness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
