Air Fryer Churros Recipe: Crispy, Delicious, and Healthier

Churros are a classic, mouthwatering dessert loved by many for their crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior. Traditionally deep-fried, churros are a treat often associated with indulgence. However, with the rise of air fryers, you can now enjoy these golden delights in a healthier way, without compromising on taste or texture. This Air Fryer Churros Recipe is the perfect way to make churros at home with less oil, making them lighter and just as delicious as the traditional version.

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Introduction to Air Fryer Churros Recipe

Air fryers have become a game-changer in the culinary world, allowing us to recreate fried favorites with a fraction of the oil. This recipe uses simple pantry staples to craft churros that are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and coated with a delightful cinnamon-sugar mixture. Whether you’re preparing a snack for the family or an elegant dessert, air fryer churros are quick, easy, and perfect for any occasion.

This detailed recipe includes everything you need to know—from preparation to cooking time—along with nutritional insights, making it a comprehensive guide for churro lovers.

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Recipe Overview

• Cuisine: Spanish, Mexican
• Course: Dessert
• Servings: 8 servings
• Calories per serving: ~150 kcal
• Total Time: 40 minutes

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Ingredients

For the Churros:

• 1 cup (240 ml) water
• 2 tablespoons (30 g) unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons (25 g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs

For the Coating:

• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For Serving (optional):

• Chocolate sauce
• Caramel sauce

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Equipment

• Air fryer
• Medium saucepan
• Mixing bowl
• Piping bag with a star tip
• Whisk or wooden spoon
• Pastry brush

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Prep Time, Active Time, and Resting Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Active Time: 20 minutes
• Resting Time: 5 minutes

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Heat the mixture over medium heat until the butter melts and the liquid begins to simmer.
2. Reduce the heat to low and add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a smooth ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
3. Remove the pan from heat and let the dough cool for about 5 minutes. This step is essential to prevent the eggs from cooking when added.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla

1. Transfer the slightly cooled dough to a mixing bowl. Add the vanilla extract.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. The dough will look separated at first, but keep mixing until it becomes smooth and pipeable.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
2. Lightly grease the air fryer basket with a pastry brush dipped in oil or non-stick spray.

Step 4: Pipe the Churros

1. Transfer the prepared dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
2. Pipe 4–6-inch lengths of dough directly into the air fryer basket, cutting the ends with scissors if needed. Ensure the churros are not touching to allow for even cooking.

Step 5: Air Fry the Churros

1. Air fry the churros at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even browning. They should be golden and crisp.
2. Repeat with the remaining dough in batches.

Step 6: Coat the Churros

1. While the churros are still warm, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish.
2. Roll the churros in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve the churros immediately with your favorite dipping sauces, such as melted chocolate or caramel.

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Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~150 kcal
• Fat: 6 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 9 g

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Tips for Success

1. Pipe Carefully: Use a sturdy piping bag to maintain control while piping the churros.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Leave enough space between churros in the air fryer for even cooking.
3. Keep an Eye on Timing: Different air fryers may vary in cooking time. Check for a golden brown color as the indicator for doneness.
4. Fresh Is Best: Churros are best enjoyed fresh and warm. If needed, reheat leftovers in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.

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Why Choose Air Fryer Churros?

This Air Fryer Churros Recipe offers a healthier alternative to deep-fried churros, reducing the oil content without sacrificing flavor. The air fryer ensures a crispy texture, while the warm cinnamon-sugar coating provides that signature churro taste. Plus, the convenience of an air fryer means less mess and quicker preparation.

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Conclusion

Churros are a delightful treat that you can now enjoy guilt-free with the help of an air fryer. This Air Fryer Churros Recipe combines simplicity, flavor, and health-conscious cooking into one easy-to-follow guide. Perfect for gatherings, dessert nights, or even as a snack, these churros are sure to become a household favorite. So grab your ingredients, fire up your air fryer, and indulge in this lighter version of a classic dessert!