Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Churros are a game-changer for dessert lovers everywhere. Forget the hassle of deep-frying—this modern take on a classic treat makes it easier than ever to enjoy churros from the comfort of your home. By using an air fryer, you not only cut down on oil but also ensure a lighter and healthier version that doesn’t sacrifice the deliciously crispy texture. Coated in cinnamon sugar, these churros are a perfect blend of warmth and sweetness, making them an instant crowd-pleaser for parties, family gatherings, or just a cozy night in.
Table of Contents
Essential Ingredients for Air Fryer Churros
To make air fryer churros, you’ll need just a few basic ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need for the base recipe:
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs (for egg-free churros, check the recipe below!)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
Cooking spray is also essential to achieve even browning in the air fryer.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Homemade Air Fryer Churros
Follow these simple steps to whip up delicious churros in no time:
- Prepare the Dough
- Heat water, butter, sugar, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Once the butter melts and the mixture begins to simmer, remove it from the heat and stir in the flour until it forms a ball.
- Allow the dough to cool for a few minutes, then beat in the eggs one at a time until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Pipe the Churros
- Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star-shaped tip. Pipe 4–5-inch strips of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Air Fry the Churros
- Spray the churros lightly with cooking spray and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.
- Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
- While the churros are still warm, roll them in the cinnamon-sugar coating until fully covered.
And that’s it—fresh, golden churros ready to be devoured!
Air Fryer Churros Without Eggs: A Simple Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240ml) water
- 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter or a plant-based alternative
- 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup (50g) milk (dairy or plant-based)
- Cooking spray
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
- Combine water, butter, sugar, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Once the mixture comes to a simmer, reduce heat and add the flour all at once.
- Stir constantly with a wooden spoon until a smooth dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Remove from heat and allow the dough to cool for 5–10 minutes.
2. Incorporate the Milk and Vanilla
- Add the vanilla extract and milk to the dough, mixing until smooth.
- Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star-shaped tip.
3. Pipe and Air Fry
- Pipe 4–5-inch strips of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Spray the churros lightly with cooking spray and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.
4. Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
- While still warm, roll the churros in the prepared cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
Enjoy these eggless churros as a delicious treat, perfect for any occasion!
Cooking Time: How Long to Air Fry Churros for Best Results
Achieving the perfect churro requires careful attention to cooking time and temperature. Here are the steps for the best results when air frying churros:
- Preheat the Air Fryer
- Ensure the air fryer is preheated to 375°F (190°C) for consistent results and even cooking.
- Air Fry in Batches
- Avoid overcrowding the basket. Place churros in a single layer, with enough space between them to allow proper air circulation.
- Cook Until Golden Brown
- Air fry the churros for 8–10 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure both sides achieve an even golden-brown color.
- Monitor Closely
- Keep an eye on the churros during the last couple of minutes to prevent over-browning or undercooking. Adjust cooking time slightly based on your air fryer model if necessary.
Following these steps will help you create perfectly crisp and delicious churros with just the right amount of air frying time!
Tips for Making Ninja Air Fryer Churros Extra Crispy
- Chill the Dough – Pop the piped dough into the freezer for 30 minutes before air frying. This helps them hold their shape better and ensures crispiness.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket – Cook the churros in a single layer with space between them to allow for proper air circulation.
- Spray Generously – A light coat of cooking spray will help them brown beautifully and mimic the effects of deep frying.
Easy Recipe for Bite-Sized Air Fryer Churro Bites
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Cooking spray
- 1/2 cup sugar (for coating)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough
- Combine water, butter, sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, add the flour, and stir continuously until a smooth dough forms and pulls away from the sides.
- Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
- Allow the dough to cool for 5 minutes, then mix in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated.
- Stir in the vanilla extract until the dough is smooth and slightly sticky.
- Pipe the Churro Bites
- Transfer the dough into a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
- Pipe small, bite-sized pieces onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Chill the Dough
- Freeze the piped churro bites for 30 minutes to help them hold their shape.
- Air Fry the Bites
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Spray the basket with cooking spray and place churro bites in a single layer, leaving space between each piece.
- Spray the churro bites lightly with cooking spray and air fry for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
- Mix sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish.
- Toss the hot churro bites in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated.
Enjoy these crispy, bite-sized treats warm with your favorite dipping sauce!
Guide to Cooking Frozen Churros in the Air Fryer
Ingredients Needed
- Frozen churros
- Cooking spray
- Optional: Cinnamon sugar mixture or your favorite dipping sauce
Steps to Cook Frozen Churros
- Preheat the Air Fryer
- Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for a few minutes.
- Prepare the Basket
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the Churros
- Place the frozen churros in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece for even cooking.
- Cook the Churros
- Air fry the churros for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even browning.
- Optional Toppings
- Roll the churros in a cinnamon sugar mixture immediately after cooking for added sweetness.
Enjoy your perfectly cooked churros warm, paired with chocolate sauce, caramel, or any dipping sauce you love!
Review: Aldi Churros in the Air Fryer Experience
Cooking Aldi churros in the air fryer turned out to be a surprisingly easy and delightful experience. The process was quick, with the churros achieving a perfectly crispy exterior and soft interior in just under 10 minutes. The air fryer cooked them evenly without the need for excess oil, making them a less greasy and healthier alternative to traditional frying.
Rolling the churros in the cinnamon sugar mixture immediately after cooking elevated them to another level of indulgence. Paired with a rich chocolate sauce, they were simply irresistible. Overall, Aldi churros in the air fryer are a fantastic, convenient treat that feels like a dessert straight out of a café!
How to Make Air Fryer Churros with Pillsbury Dough
Ingredients Needed:
- 1 can of Pillsbury refrigerated crescent dough
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Non-stick cooking spray or oil
- Optional: Chocolate sauce or caramel for dipping
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough
- Open the Pillsbury crescent dough and unroll it onto a clean surface.
- Pinch the perforations to seal the dough into a single sheet.
- Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into long strips, about 1/2 inch wide.
- Shape the Churros
- Take each strip of dough and gently twist it for that classic churro appearance.
- Preheat the Air Fryer
- Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for 2-3 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Churros
- Place the twisted dough strips into the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece for even cooking.
- Air fry for 6-8 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown.
- Make the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- Mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a bowl while the churros are cooking.
- Coat the Churros
- Once the churros are done, carefully remove them from the air fryer.
- Immediately roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture while they are still warm to ensure the coating sticks.
- Serve and Enjoy!
- Pair the churros with your favorite dipping sauce, such as warm chocolate or caramel.
- Serve fresh and enjoy the perfect crispy and delicious treat!
By using Pillsbury dough and an air fryer, this method simplifies the process, allowing you to enjoy homemade churros with minimal effort and maximum flavor!
Benefits of Air Frying Churros Instead of Deep Frying
Why opt for the air fryer? Here’s why it’s a game-changer for churro lovers:
- Healthier – Air frying cuts back on oil, making churros less greasy and lighter.
- Convenient – No more messy oil splatters or waiting for oil to heat up.
- Eco-Friendly – The air fryer uses less energy compared to traditional frying methods.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Making Air Fryer Churros
- Overcrowding the Basket – This results in uneven cooking.
- Skipping the Spray – Forgetting the cooking spray can cause the churros to stick or appear dry.
- Rushing the Dough – Failing to cool the dough before adding eggs can result in scrambled eggs within the batter.
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Churros
Churros are delightful on their own, but why not step it up a notch? Pair them with:
- Warm Chocolate Sauce – A classic pairing.
- Caramel Drizzle – Adds a rich, buttery flavor.
- Whipped Cream – Light and fluffy for contrast.
- Ice Cream – The mix of hot churros and cold ice cream is heavenly.
Best Practices for Storing and Reheating Air Fryer Churros
If you somehow end up with leftover churros (unlikely but possible!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
- Storage – Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheating – Pop them back into the air fryer for 2–3 minutes at 350°F to restore their crispiness.
Air Fryer Churros vs. Traditional Deep-Fried Churros
Aspect | Air Fryer Churros | Traditional Deep-Fried Churros |
|---|---|---|
Healthiness | Lower in fat due to minimal or no oil usage. | Higher in fat content as they are submerged in oil. |
Texture | Crisp on the outside, slightly lighter interior. | Crisp and golden, with a more uniform airy texture. |
Flavor | Mildly toasted flavor with less oily taste. | Rich, indulgent, and slightly more flavorful. |
Preparation Time | May take a little longer due to smaller batch sizes. | Faster for large batches depending on fryer size. |
Clean-Up | Easier with minimal mess from oil splatters. | Can be messy and requires dealing with leftover oil. |
Equipment Needed | Air fryer, piping bag, and basic utensils. | Deep fryer or large pan, oil, piping bag, and utensils. |
Conclusion
Air fryer churros offer a modern and healthier twist on the classic treat, allowing you to enjoy their iconic taste with less guilt and hassle. While traditional deep-fried churros boast a rich and indulgent flavor, the air fryer version delivers a crisp yet lighter alternative with minimal clean-up. Both methods have their unique advantages, so choosing between them depends on your preferences and lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for a healthier option or sticking to tradition, churros are a delightful way to satisfy your sweet cravings.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought churro dough in an air fryer?
Yes, store-bought churro dough works well in an air fryer. Simply follow the air fryer instructions for cooking time and temperature, and make sure to preheat the air fryer for the best results.
2. How do I ensure my churros are crispy in the air fryer?
To achieve crispy churros, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket and make sure to pipe the dough evenly. Preheating the air fryer and lightly spraying the churros with oil can also help enhance crispiness.
3. Are air fryer churros as flavorful as deep-fried churros?
While air fryer churros are slightly lighter, they still deliver a delicious flavor. You can enhance their taste by coating them generously in cinnamon sugar and serving them with your favorite dipping sauce.
4. Do I need parchment paper when making churros in an air fryer?
Using parchment paper can prevent sticking, but ensure it is perforated to allow adequate air circulation. Alternatively, lightly greasing the air fryer basket can achieve the same result.
5. Can churros be frozen and reheated in the air fryer?
Yes, churros can be frozen after cooking. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy.
