There’s something magical about churros. These crispy, golden treats are a beloved staple in Spanish and Mexican cuisine, often enjoyed at fairs and festivals.
I still remember the first time I bit into a warm churro, the sugary coating giving way to a soft, doughy center. It was pure bliss!
Ingredient List
Here’s everything you need for these delicious air fryer churros. Don’t stress – we’re keeping this easy!
For the Churros
- 1 cup (240 ml) water
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour (for gluten-free: swap flour with a 1:1 GF blend)
- 2 large eggs
For the Topping
- 1/2 cup (100 g) sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: 1/4 cup (60 ml) chocolate sauce (for dipping)
I like to whisk the sugar and cinnamon together in a bowl ahead of time so it’s ready to go. Your kitchen will smell amazing while these cook! If you have any picky eaters, feel free to exclude the chocolate sauce and stick with just cinnamon sugar for an easy win.
Step-by-Step Instructions

- Prepare cinnamon sugar
- In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup (100 g) sugar with 1 tablespoon (8 g) ground cinnamon.
- Set aside to let the flavors blend.
- Make churro dough
- In a saucepan, whisk together 1 cup (240 ml) water, 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons (25 g) sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt over medium heat.
- Bring to a boil.
- Remove from heat and fold in 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour (use a 1:1 GF blend for gluten-free).
- Mix until the dough forms a ball.
- Add eggs
- Let the dough cool slightly, then add 2 eggs one at a time, mixing well until fully incorporated.
- This step ensures a smooth batter and prevents any cooks’ mishaps.
- Pipe the churros
- Transfer dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
- Line an air fryer basket with parchment paper.
- Pipe churros into the basket, keeping them about 1 inch apart.
- Air Fry
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook churros for 10 minutes.
- Flip churros halfway through for even cooking.
- Coat in sugar
- Remove churros from the air fryer and immediately roll them in the cinnamon sugar until well coated.
- Serve
- If desired, serve with warm chocolate sauce for dipping.
- Enjoy your delicious churros while they’re fresh! Your kitchen will smell amazing!
Tip: Make churros ahead of time and freeze unbaked. Thaw overnight before air frying.
Recipe Notes & Variations
-
For the Sauce:
- Use store-bought chocolate sauce for convenience.
- For a lighter option, try warm Nutella or peanut butter.
-
For the Topping:
- Swap granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a healthier twist.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cinnamon sugar for a kick!
-
Dietary Tweaks:
- For gluten-free churros: substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend.
- If dairy is an issue: replace butter with coconut oil or dairy-free butter.
-
Kid-Friendly Adjustments:
- Omit chili flakes or spices to keep the flavor mellow.
- Let kids help roll churros in cinnamon sugar for extra fun!
- Freeze unbaked churros up to one month: just thaw overnight before cooking.
- Pre-make cinnamon sugar and store in an airtight container.
Serving Suggestions
Serving churros is a delightful way to bring joy to any gathering or snack time. Here’s how I enjoy them:
- Dust with Cinnamon Sugar: Roll the warm churros in the sugary mix right after they come out of the air fryer. This gives them that irresistible sweetness.
- Dip Options: Serve with:
- Chocolate Sauce: Warm it up for a gooey experience (store-bought or homemade).
- Caramel Sauce: A rich change for a sweet contrast.
- Nutella: Perfect for chocolate lovers.
- Add Fresh Fruits: Sliced strawberries or bananas create a refreshing balance.
- Pair with Ice Cream: Scoop up some vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a fantastic dessert.
- Present with a Twist: Dust churros with powdered sugar for a pretty look.
Nutrition Information
Here’s a quick snapshot of the nutrition for these delightful air fryer churros.
This will help you plan treats that fit your family’s needs!
Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 churro) |
---|---|
Calories | 120 |
Total Fat | 6g |
Saturated Fat | 4g |
Carbohydrates | 16g |
Fiber | 0g |
Sugars | 3g |
Protein | 2g |
Tips for Modification
- Lowering Sugar: Use less sugar in the topping if you’re cutting sweetness.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
- Gluten-Free: For gluten-free, swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend.
Conclusion
Making air fryer churros has been such a fun and rewarding experience for me.
There’s something magical about biting into that crispy exterior and discovering the soft, warm center.
Whether I’m enjoying them solo or sharing with friends and family, they always bring a smile to my face.
I love how versatile this recipe is too. From swapping ingredients to trying out different toppings, there’s always a new way to enjoy these treats.
So grab your air fryer and whip up a batch of churros. I promise you won’t regret it!