Air Fryer Churros: Crispy, Sweet, and Oil-Free
Authentically crispy and tender churros with a soft, pipable dough and a classic cinnamon-sugar coating. This magical recipe uses the air fryer to achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior without a single drop of oil for frying, making it a surprisingly light and guilt-free dessert.
Ingredients
- 0.5 cup water
- 0.5 cup milk whole or 2%
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter cut into pieces
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 0.25 tsp salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour sifted
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 0.5 tsp vanilla extract
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar for coating
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon for coating
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted, for brushing
Instructions
- Make Choux Pastry: In a saucepan, combine water, milk, 4 tbsp butter, 1 tbsp sugar, and salt. Bring to a rolling boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and immediately add the sifted flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a smooth ball that pulls away from the sides of the pan (about 1-2 minutes). Transfer dough to a mixing bowl and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Using a hand mixer or wooden spoon, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and the dough is smooth and glossy. It should have a pipeable consistency.
- Pipe and Cut: Spoon dough into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip (e.g., 1M). Pipe 4-5 inch long strips onto a parchment paper-lined sheet. Use scissors to snip the end of each churro from the piping tip.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Air Fry: Carefully transfer piped churros to the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to cook in batches. Air fry for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and firm to the touch. Do not open the basket during the first 6 minutes.
- Coat in Cinnamon-Sugar: While still hot, lightly brush churros with melted butter. Roll them immediately in a shallow dish containing the mixture of ½ cup sugar and 1 tbsp cinnamon until evenly coated. Serve warm.
Notes
🔹 Cook the Dough: Cooking the flour mixture in the saucepan is essential to remove the raw flour taste and create the right structure.
🔹 Piping Tips: Pipe directly onto parchment paper for easy transfer. If the dough is too sticky to pipe, chill it for 15 minutes.
🔹 Don't Open the Lid: Resist the urge to open the air fryer early, as the steam is necessary for the churros to puff up properly.
🔹 Serving Suggestion: Serve with chocolate sauce, dulce de leche, or caramel for dipping.
Nutrition
Calories: 380kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 6gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 170mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 2gSugar: 28gVitamin A: 10IUCalcium: 6mgIron: 10mg
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