Name: Air Fryer Churros
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup water; 2 tbsp butter; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1 egg; 1/4 cup sugar; 1 tsp cinnamon

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Nothing says fun dessert quite like churros — those golden, sugar-dusted sticks of fried dough joy. But did you know you can make them in the air fryer? These Air Fryer Churros come out crisp on the outside, soft and fluffy inside, and rolled in that irresistible cinnamon sugar. No oil, no mess!

The first time I tested these, I couldn’t believe how close they were to the fairground originals. The air fryer works magic on the homemade dough, giving you all that signature churro texture in under 10 minutes.

And making the dough is easier than it sounds. You just cook a quick flour mixture on the stove, mix in an egg, then pipe it into strips and air fry. Once they’re hot and golden, roll them in cinnamon sugar while they’re still warm. Pure bliss.

These are great for parties, weekend treats, or even a sweet movie-night snack. And if you pair them with a chocolate dipping sauce? Game over. Let’s make churros!

🥕 Ingredients Overview

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these air fryer churros:

1/2 cup water – The base of your dough.
2 tbsp butter – Adds richness and flavor.
1/2 cup all-purpose flour – Forms the dough structure.
1 egg – Binds the dough and gives it that chewy texture.
1/4 cup sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon – For the sweet coating.

Optional:

Chocolate dipping sauce (store-bought or made with melted chocolate + cream)

Swaps & Tips:

Use dairy-free butter if needed.
Add vanilla or orange zest to the dough for extra flavor.
Want extra crispy churros? Air fry an extra 1–2 minutes.

🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions

In a small saucepan, bring 1/2 cup water and 2 tbsp butter to a boil. Pro Tip: Stir to melt the butter fully.
Add 1/2 cup flour all at once and stir until a dough forms. Remove from heat.
Let cool for 3–5 minutes, then mix in 1 egg until smooth and sticky. Pro Tip: The dough will look a bit lumpy at first — keep stirring!
Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
Pipe 4–6 inch strips of dough onto parchment or foil. Pro Tip: Use lightly greased foil to prevent sticking.
Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, until golden and puffed.
While warm, roll churros in a mix of 1/4 cup sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon.
Serve immediately, optionally with chocolate dipping sauce.

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the piping tip – That star shape gives classic churro texture.
Overmixing the dough – Mix just until combined after adding the egg.
Not letting dough cool before adding the egg – Can scramble it!
Under- or overcooking – Check at 8 minutes; they should be crisp and golden.
Skipping the sugar coat while warm – It won’t stick once they cool.

🎨 Variations & Add-Ons

Filled Churros – Pipe Nutella or dulce de leche inside with a skewer.
Chocolate Churros – Add cocoa powder to the dough.
Spiced Sugar – Add a pinch of cayenne or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar.
Mini Churros – Pipe shorter lengths for bite-sized treats.
Fruity Twist – Serve with berry compote instead of chocolate sauce.

📦 Make Ahead & Storage

Make ahead: Pipe dough onto parchment and refrigerate up to 1 day before air frying.
Storage: Best eaten fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 1 day.
Reheat: Air fry at 300°F for 2–3 minutes to crisp back up.
Don’t sugar coat in advance – wait until after reheating.

🥗 Nutrition Highlights

Around 100 calories per churro (without dip). Can be made dairy-free.