Crispy Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Churros
These air fryer churros give you all the golden, crispy edges and tender centers you love, without a pot of hot oil. A simple choux dough piped and air fried until puffed, then tossed in cinnamon sugar.
They come together in about 30 minutes and taste like they came from a fair. Perfect for a quick dessert or a fun weekend treat.
Why These Churros Work
The air fryer gives the dough a crackly exterior that shatters when you bite it, while the inside stays soft and airy. It is the closest thing to deep-fried churros I have found without all the mess.
The dough is classic choux paste, the same base used for cream puffs, which puffs beautifully in the hot air. A quick roll in cinnamon sugar while they are still warm makes them completely irresistible.
Ingredients
- 1 cup water: hot tap water works fine; it helps dissolve the sugar.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: using unsalted lets you control the salt level.
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar: for a hint of sweetness in the dough.
- 1/4 tsp salt: fine sea salt or table salt.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: spooned and leveled, not scooped.
- 2 large eggs: at room temperature, they incorporate more smoothly.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: adds warmth and rounds out the flavor.
- For coating: 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
Variations / Substitutions
- Swap the vanilla: a few drops of almond extract gives a subtle nutty note.
- Add a dip: stir 1/4 cup warm heavy cream into 3 oz melted dark chocolate for a quick ganache.
- Spice it up: mix a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom into the cinnamon sugar.
- Dairy-free: use a good vegan butter stick; the dough comes together just as well.
If you love churros, try my Classic Fried Churros with Chocolate Sauce.
How to Make Air Fryer Churros
Step 1: Cook the Choux Paste
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). In a medium saucepan, combine the 1 cup water, 1/2 cup butter, 2 tbsp sugar, and 1/4 tsp salt. Bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
Remove the pan from the heat and add the 1 cup flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a smooth ball that pulls cleanly away from the sides, about 1 minute. The dough will look glossy and feel like soft playdough. Let it cool for 2 to 3 minutes so it does not scramble the eggs.
Step 2: Pipe the Churros
Beat in the 2 eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the 1 tsp vanilla. The dough will seem to separate at first but will smooth into a thick, pipeable paste.
Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe 4-inch lengths directly onto a parchment-lined air fryer basket or tray, leaving a little space between them. You should get 12 to 14 churros. The piped dough should hold its shape and show deep ridges. If it feels too stiff to pipe, warm it slightly in your hands; if it is too loose, chill the bag for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Air Fry the Churros
Lightly spray the piped churros with nonstick cooking spray. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until deep golden brown and puffed.
They will feel firm on the outside and sound hollow when tapped. Avoid opening the basket too often so the heat stays steady. If your air fryer basket is small, cook in two batches to keep them crisp.
Step 4: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
While the churros are still hot, quickly toss them in a bowl with the 1/2 cup sugar and 1 tbsp cinnamon mixture. The heat helps the sugar stick into a thin, sandy layer.
You can also dust the coating through a fine sieve for a lighter finish. Work fast so the churros do not lose their warmth.
Step 5: Serve Warm
Serve the churros right away while they are warm. A side of chocolate sauce or dulce de leche makes them extra special.
They will be golden and sparkling with cinnamon, with a soft, airy interior that pulls apart in gentle wisps. Dig in while they are at their crispiest.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Churros
- Use a heavy-duty piping bag; choux dough is thick and can split thin bags. The star tip is what gives churros their classic ridges.
- If you only have a smaller air fryer, pipe slightly shorter, 3-inch churros and cook in two rounds so they have room to puff.
- For an even crunchier crust, give the churros a second quick spray of oil right after you flip them halfway through cooking.
- You can make the dough ahead and refrigerate it for up to 1 day. Let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before piping.
Air fry times by churro size:
| Churro size | Temperature | Cook time |
|---|---|---|
| 3-inch | 375°F (190°C) | 8 to 10 mins |
| 4-inch | 375°F (190°C) | 10 to 12 mins |
Storing Leftover Churros
- Refrigerate: keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days. They will soften as they sit.
- Reheating: pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2 to 3 minutes to bring back the crispness.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Churros
A pool of warm chocolate ganache or thick dulce de leche is hard to beat. The rich, slightly bitter chocolate cuts through the sweet cinnamon coating. A cup of strong black coffee or a mug of hot chocolate also balances the sugar nicely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, using a 1:1 all-purpose gluten-free flour blend usually works. The texture may be a bit less airy, but they still crisp up well.
Why did my churros deflate after air frying?
They likely needed another minute or two of cook time, or the basket was opened early. Let them go until they are deeply golden and feel hollow when tapped.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes. Pipe the churros onto a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a bag. Air fry from frozen at the same temperature, adding 2 to 3 minutes to the cook time.
What dipping sauce goes well besides chocolate?
Warm caramel sauce, a simple cinnamon cream cheese dip, or even a berry compote all work. Pick something creamy to contrast the crunchy churro.
Air Fryer Churros Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Combine water, butter, 2 tbsp sugar, and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, remove from heat, and stir in flour until a smooth ball forms. Cool 2 minutes.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla. Transfer dough to a piping bag with a large star tip. Pipe 4-inch churros onto a parchment-lined air fryer basket and spray lightly with oil.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway, until deep golden brown.
- Immediately toss hot churros in a bowl with the remaining 1/2 cup sugar and cinnamon until well coated.
- Serve right away with chocolate sauce or dulce de leche for dipping.
