Easy Air Fryer Churros

Equipment

• Air fryer
• Medium saucepan
• Mixing spoon
• Piping bag
• Large star piping tip
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Pastry brush

Ingredients

For the Churro Dough

• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For Brushing

• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Optional Dipping Sauce

• ½ cup chocolate sauce
• Caramel sauce
• Dulce de leche

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Place the water, butter, sugar, and salt into a medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat until the butter melts completely and the mixture begins to simmer gently.
2. Reduce the heat to low and add the flour all at once. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon until the dough comes together and forms a smooth ball. Continue stirring for about 1–2 minutes to remove excess moisture.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the dough to cool for approximately 5 minutes.

Step 2: Add the Egg and Vanilla

1. Transfer the slightly cooled dough to a mixing bowl. Add the egg and vanilla extract.
2. At first, the dough may appear separated or lumpy. Continue mixing vigorously until the egg is fully incorporated and the dough becomes smooth, glossy, and pipeable.
3. The finished dough should be thick enough to hold its shape when piped.

Step 3: Prepare the Air Fryer

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.
2. Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Pipe the Churros

1. Transfer the dough into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
2. Pipe strips of dough approximately 4–5 inches long onto a sheet of parchment paper. Carefully transfer them into the air fryer basket.
3. Leave enough space between each churro to allow proper air circulation.
4. Work in batches if necessary.

Step 5: Air Fry the Churros

1. Lightly spray the tops of the churros with cooking spray.
2. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes or until the churros become golden brown and crispy.
3. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model. Check after 8 minutes and continue cooking if needed.

Step 6: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar

1. While the churros are cooking, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
2. Mix thoroughly until evenly distributed.

Step 7: Coat the Churros

1. Once cooked, remove the churros from the air fryer and immediately brush them with melted butter.
2. Roll each warm churro in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
3. The warmth helps the sugar mixture stick perfectly to the surface.

Step 8: Serve

1. Serve the churros immediately while warm and crispy.
2. Pair them with chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, or dulce de leche for an extra indulgent dessert experience.