20-Minute Air Fryer Churros: Crispy, Easy & Irresistible

I’ll never forget the first time I tried making churros at home—what a mess! Flour everywhere, oil splatters on the stove, and half of them came out soggy. Then I discovered the magic of air fryer churros, and wow, what a game-changer. No deep-frying means less oil, less cleanup, and that same crispy golden perfection we all love. My kids go crazy when they smell the cinnamon sugar wafting through the kitchen, and I love that they’re getting a slightly healthier version of this classic treat. Best part? You’re only 20 minutes away from warm, delicious churros—no fancy skills required.

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Churros

Trust me, once you try these, you’ll never go back to the deep-fried version! Here’s why:

• Quick & easy: Ready in 20 minutes flat—no waiting for oil to heat up or dealing with messy cleanup
• Healthier but just as crispy: All that golden crunch with way less oil (my jeans thank me!)
• Authentic taste: That perfect cinnamon-sugar coating and tender inside—just like the street vendors make
• Kid-approved: My picky eaters gobble these up faster than I can pipe them!

Seriously, these disappear faster than cookies at a bake sale. You’ve been warned!

Ingredients for Air Fryer Churros

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up these golden delights. Trust me, it’s all pantry staples—no fancy ingredients here! Just make sure to measure carefully; baking is a science, after all.

• 1 cup water: Just plain old tap water works fine
• 2 tbsp sugar: Granulated sugar for that subtle sweetness
• 1/2 tsp salt: Balances the flavors—don’t skip it!
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil: Keeps the dough smooth and pliable
• 1 cup all-purpose flour: Pack it in when measuring for the right consistency
• 1 large egg: Room temperature works best for easier mixing
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds that warm, cozy flavor
• 1/2 cup sugar (for coating): For that classic cinnamon-sugar crust
• 1 tsp cinnamon (for coating): The perfect partner to sugar

Got a gluten-free flour blend? Feel free to swap it in—just make sure it’s a 1:1 substitute. And if you’re out of vanilla, a dash of almond extract works in a pinch!

Equipment You’ll Need

Don’t worry—you won’t need any fancy gadgets! Just grab these basics from your kitchen:

• Air fryer: Obviously! Any size works, but don’t overcrowd the basket
• Piping bag with star tip: The bigger the tip, the prettier the ridges
• Saucepan: For boiling your water-sugar-oil mixture
• Mixing bowl: Nothing special—just something sturdy for your dough

That’s it! Well, maybe a spatula and some parchment paper if you want to get fancy.

How to Make Air Fryer Churros

Ready to whip up the easiest churros of your life? Let’s do this! Follow these steps, and you’ll have golden, crispy churros in no time. Trust me, it’s way simpler than it looks.

Preparing the Dough

First things first—preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, grab a saucepan and combine the water, sugar, salt, and oil. Bring it to a boil, then take it off the heat. Now, here’s the key: dump in the flour all at once and stir like crazy! You’re looking for a smooth dough that pulls away from the sides of the pan. No lumps allowed—keep stirring until it’s perfectly smooth. Let it cool for a minute, then beat in the egg and vanilla until the dough is glossy and ready to pipe.

Piping and Air Frying

Now for the fun part! Spoon the dough into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe 4-inch strips onto parchment paper—don’t worry if they’re not perfect; rustic is charming! Transfer the strips to the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not touching. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and crisp. Oh, and don’t overcrowd the basket—work in batches if you need to.

Coating the Churros

While the churros are cooking, mix the sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. As soon as the churros come out of the air fryer, toss them in the cinnamon sugar while they’re still warm. The heat helps the coating stick, so don’t wait too long! Shake off any excess, and you’re ready to serve. Trust me, they’re best eaten fresh—if they even make it to the plate!

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Churros

Want churros that’ll make your friends think you’re a pastry chef? Here are my hard-earned secrets:

• Go big or go home: Use at least a ½-inch star tip—those gorgeous ridges make all the difference!
• Dough too sticky? Add a tablespoon more flour. Too stiff? A splash of warm water saves the day.
• Reheat like new: 2 minutes in the air fryer revives leftovers to crispy perfection.
• Parchment is your friend: It makes transferring piped churros to the basket a breeze.

Oh, and don’t skip the flip halfway—that’s the golden (literally!) rule!

Serving Suggestions

These churros are amazing on their own, but why stop there? Dip them in warm chocolate sauce, drizzle with dulce de leche, or pair with fresh berries for a fruity twist. Go wild—you deserve it!

Storing and Reheating

Got leftovers? (Unlikely, but just in case!) Pop them in an airtight container—they’ll stay fresh for about 2 days. When that churro craving hits again, just toss them back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes and boom—good as new!

Air Fryer Churros FAQs

Can I freeze air fryer churros? Absolutely! Pipe and cook them as usual, then let them cool completely. Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, pop them back in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes—no thawing needed!

Why are my churros soggy? Overcrowding the air fryer basket is usually the culprit. Make sure there’s space between each churro for proper airflow. And don’t skip the flip halfway—it ensures even crispiness.

Can I make these gluten-free? Yes! Just use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious.

What if my dough is too sticky to pipe? Add a tablespoon more flour and mix well. If it’s too stiff, a splash of warm water will loosen it up. You’ve got this!

Nutritional Information

Just a quick heads up—these numbers are estimates (ingredients and brands vary), but each air fryer churro comes in around 90 calories. Not bad for such a tasty treat! Now go make a batch and tag me in your pics—I wanna see your golden creations!

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