Air Fryer Churros Recipe - Crispy Cinnamon Sugar Pastry
These air fryer churros deliver the classic crispy exterior and tender interior of traditional churros with less oil. Made with a simple choux pastry dough that's piped and air fried until golden, then rolled in warm cinnamon sugar. The air fryer creates an even golden crust while keeping the inside light and airy. Perfect for dessert, snacks, or special occasions when you want something sweet and satisfying without the mess of deep frying.
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flourgluten-free flour blend1:1gluten-freegluten-free
may affect texture slightly
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
Instructions
- 1
Place water, softened butter, sugar, vanilla, and salt in a medium saucepan and heat over medium heat until butter melts, stirring occasionally until mixture boils
- 2
Remove pan from heat and stir in flour with a wooden spoon until a thick paste forms, making sure to do this off the heat
- 3
Transfer dough to stand mixer bowl and let cool for 1 minute, then attach paddle and add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition
- 4
Place churro batter in a large pastry bag fitted with a star or 1M tip
- 5
Pipe churros in desired size and shapes directly onto air fryer basket
- 6
Spray churros with nonstick cooking spray to help browning
- 7
Air fry at 375°F until golden-brown, about 10 minutes depending on size
- 8
Stir together remaining sugar and cinnamon while churros are frying
- 9
Toss hot churros in cinnamon sugar to coat and serve immediately
Tips
Work quickly when adding eggs to prevent them from cooking in the warm dough. Use a stand mixer or hand mixer for best results.
If dough sticks to the piping tip, use kitchen scissors to cut the churros at the desired length for clean edges.
Watch the first batch closely to determine exact cooking time for your air fryer model, as timing may vary.
Good to Know
Best served fresh and warm. Store leftover churros in airtight container up to 2 days. Reheat in air fryer for 1-2 minutes to restore crispness.
Dough can be prepared up to 2 hours ahead and kept covered. Pipe and cook just before serving for best texture.
Serve immediately while hot for best texture and taste. Provide extra cinnamon sugar for dipping if desired.
Common Mistakes
Don't add flour while pan is still on heat to avoid cooking the flour and creating lumps
Work quickly when adding eggs to prevent them from scrambling in the warm dough
Don't skip the cooking spray or churros won't brown properly in the air fryer
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Vegan Options
Gluten-Free Swaps
may affect texture slightly
FAQ
Can I make these without a pastry bag?
You can use a large zip-top bag with the corner cut off, though results won't be as ridged and authentic-looking as with a star tip.
How long do these keep?
Churros are best eaten fresh and warm. They can be stored for up to 2 days but will lose crispness and should be reheated.
Can I freeze the dough?
The prepared dough doesn't freeze well due to the eggs, but you can freeze cooked churros for up to 1 month and reheat in the air fryer.