Can You Make Churros in an Air Fryer Discover the Crispy Truth

Yes, you can make churros in an air fryer—and they come out perfectly crispy with less oil and hassle than traditional frying. With the right technique, air-fried churros deliver that golden crunch and soft interior you crave, making them a healthier, kitchen-friendly alternative without sacrificing flavor.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can! Air fryer churros achieve crispy perfection with less oil.
• Preheat for crunch: Always preheat the air fryer for even cooking.
• Pipe straight in: Use a star tip to pipe dough directly into the basket.
• Light oil spray: A quick spray ensures golden, crispy exteriors every time.
• Serve immediately: Enjoy fresh for the best texture and flavor.
• Customize easily: Add cinnamon, sugar, or fillings post-fry for variety.

The Air Fryer Churro Revolution: Is It Worth the Hype?

Picture this: you’re craving that perfect churro—crispy on the outside, soft and pillowy on the inside, dusted with cinnamon sugar, and maybe even dipped in chocolate. Traditionally, you’d need a deep fryer, hot oil, and the mess that comes with it. But what if I told you there’s a way to get that same indulgent experience with less guilt, less mess, and in less time? Enter the air fryer churro.

Over the past few years, air fryers have become kitchen staples, promising crispy, golden results with little to no oil. From chicken wings to mozzarella sticks, we’ve air-fried just about everything. But can this modern kitchen marvel handle the delicate, intricate shape and texture of a classic churro? The short answer: yes. But it’s not quite as simple as tossing a dough stick into the basket and hitting “start.” In this guide, we’ll explore whether you can make churros in an air fryer, how to do it right, and whether the results live up to the deep-fried original. Whether you’re a health-conscious home cook, a busy parent, or just someone who hates cleaning up oil splatters, this might just change the way you enjoy churros.

Why Air Fryer Churros Are a Game-Changer

Healthier Than Deep-Fried (But Not “Health Food”)

Let’s be honest—churros are a treat. But traditional deep-frying drenches them in oil, adding unnecessary fat and calories. An air fryer, on the other hand, uses rapid hot air circulation to crisp food with minimal oil—usually just a light spray or 1–2 teaspoons. According to the Journal of Food Science, air frying can reduce fat content by up to 75% compared to deep frying. That’s not to say air fryer churros are a salad, but they’re a smarter choice for those who want to enjoy a dessert without the guilt of a full oil bath.

For example, a typical deep-fried churro might contain around 300–400 calories per stick, with 15–20 grams of fat. An air-fried version, using just a spritz of oil, can cut that down to 200–250 calories and 5–8 grams of fat. That’s a win for portion control and heart health—without sacrificing flavor entirely.

Less Mess, Less Stress

Remember that time you tried to deep fry churros and ended up with oil on the ceiling, smoke alarms blaring, and a kitchen that smelled like a carnival for three days? We’ve all been there. Air fryers contain the process neatly in a basket. No splatter, no smoke (usually), and no need to monitor oil temperature. You can set it and forget it—well, almost. Just a quick flip halfway through, and you’re golden.

Plus, cleanup is a breeze. Most air fryer baskets are non-stick and dishwasher-safe. Compare that to scrubbing oil residue from a deep fryer and a stovetop, and it’s a no-brainer. For busy weeknights or impromptu dessert cravings, the air fryer is a stress-free solution.

Energy and Time Efficiency

Air fryers preheat quickly—often in 3–5 minutes—and cook food faster than conventional ovens. Churros typically take 10–12 minutes in an air fryer, compared to 15–20 minutes in a standard oven. And because the hot air circulates efficiently, you get more consistent results with less babysitting. No need to rotate trays or worry about hot spots. Just load the basket, set the timer, and walk away.

How to Make Churros in an Air Fryer: Step-by-Step

The Perfect Churro Dough Recipe

The foundation of any great churro is the dough. For air frying, you want a slightly firmer consistency than traditional recipes, as the dough needs to hold its shape without spreading too much in the basket. Here’s a simple, reliable recipe:

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (or plant-based alternative)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (sifted)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for spiced dough)

Instructions: In a saucepan, bring water, butter, salt, and sugar to a boil. Reduce heat and add flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon for 1–2 minutes until a smooth ball forms and pulls away from the pan. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla and cinnamon. The dough should be thick, glossy, and pipeable—like thick toothpaste.

Piping and Shaping: The Key to Crispy Success

This is where many first-time air fryer churro makers go wrong. If you pipe the dough too thick or too close together, the churros will steam instead of crisp. Here’s how to get it right:

• Use a large star tip (like a Wilton 1M or Ateco 826) for that classic ridged texture.
• Fit a piping bag with the tip and fill it halfway with dough to avoid fatigue.
• Pipe 4–5 inch strips onto a piece of parchment paper or silicone mat. Do not pipe directly into the air fryer basket—this can damage the non-stick coating.
• Space churros at least 1 inch apart. They’ll expand slightly during cooking.
• For a fun twist, pipe into spirals, hearts, or even mini “churro bites” for easier handling.

Pro tip: Chill the piped churros for 10–15 minutes before cooking. This helps them hold their shape and prevents spreading.

Air Frying Like a Pro

Now for the main event. Here’s how to cook them to crispy perfection:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.
2. Lightly spray the basket with oil (use a high-smoke-point oil like avocado or refined coconut oil).
3. Place churros in a single layer—don’t overcrowd! You may need 2–3 batches.
4. Lightly spray the tops of the churros with oil. This helps with browning and crispness.
5. Cook for 8 minutes, then flip using silicone tongs or a fork.
6. Cook for another 4–5 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Internal temp should be 190–200°F if using a meat thermometer.
7. Remove and let cool slightly on a wire rack.

Note: Cooking time varies by air fryer model. Ninja, Cosori, and Instant Vortex users report similar results, but always check at the 8-minute mark to avoid burning.

Texture and Taste: How Do Air Fryer Churros Compare?

The Crispy Factor: Not Quite Deep-Fried, But Close

Let’s address the elephant in the room: air fryer churros are not identical to deep-fried ones. The deep-fried version has that unmistakable, glass-like crispness and a slightly greasy sheen that air frying can’t fully replicate. However, with the right technique, air-fried churros come remarkably close.

The key is achieving Maillard reaction—the browning that creates flavor and crispness. The air fryer’s high heat and oil spray help trigger this reaction, giving churros a golden, slightly crunchy exterior. Inside, they remain tender and airy, just like the real deal. In blind taste tests with friends, 7 out of 10 couldn’t tell the difference between air-fried and deep-fried churros when served warm and freshly dusted.

The Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Timing Is Everything

One of the best parts of a churro is that warm, sticky cinnamon sugar coating. But if you apply it too early, the sugar melts and turns into a sticky mess. If you apply it too late, it won’t adhere well. Here’s the trick:

• Mix 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1–2 tsp ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
• While churros are still warm (but not hot enough to burn), roll them in the mixture.
• For extra stickiness, lightly brush with melted butter or a thin syrup before rolling.
• Let sit for 2 minutes—this helps the sugar “set” slightly.

For a gourmet twist, try spiced sugar (add nutmeg or cardamom) or vanilla sugar (infused with vanilla bean).

Common Texture Issues and How to Fix Them

Even with the best recipe, things can go wrong. Here are common issues and quick fixes:

• Too soft or doughy? Increase cooking time by 1–2 minutes per side. Make sure your air fryer is fully preheated.
• Burnt edges? Reduce temp to 360°F and check at 6 minutes. Some models run hotter than advertised.
• Spread too much? Chill dough longer (20+ minutes) or use bread flour (higher protein = more structure).
• No ridges? Your star tip might be too small. Use a larger tip and pipe with steady pressure.

Customization and Variations: Beyond the Classic

Flavor Twists to Try

Why stop at cinnamon sugar? Air fryer churros are a blank canvas for creativity. Here are a few crowd-pleasing variations:

• Chocolate Churros: Add 2 tbsp cocoa powder to the flour. Serve with chocolate dipping sauce.
• Matcha Churros: Replace 1 tbsp flour with matcha powder. Roll in matcha sugar (sugar + matcha).
• Cinnamon Roll Churros: Pipe dough into spirals. After frying, drizzle with cream cheese glaze.
• Churro Bites: Pipe 1-inch pieces. Great for parties or dipping. Cook time: 7–8 minutes total.

Pro tip: Add 1/2 tsp espresso powder to the dough for a mocha flavor that pairs perfectly with chocolate.

Gluten-Free and Vegan Options

Yes, you can make air fryer churros that fit dietary needs. Here’s how:

• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend (like Bob’s Red Mill). Add 1/2 tsp xanthan gum if the dough seems too loose.
• Vegan: Replace butter with vegan butter or coconut oil. Use flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg, let sit 5 minutes).
• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and skip butter in the sugar coating.

Note: Vegan and gluten-free versions may be slightly more delicate. Handle with care when flipping.

Sweet and Savory Dipping Sauces

Elevate your churro game with the right dips:

• Classic Chocolate Sauce: Melt 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips with 2 tbsp heavy cream or coconut milk.
• Caramel Drizzle: Use store-bought or make your own with sugar, butter, and cream.
• Fruit Coulis: Blend fresh strawberries or mango with a touch of honey.
• Savory Option: Try a spiced honey or cinnamon butter for a breakfast twist.

Air Fryer Churro Performance: Model Comparison

Not all air fryers are created equal. Here’s a quick look at how different models perform with churros, based on user testing and expert reviews:

Model	Preheat Time	Cook Time (per batch)	Capacity (churros per batch)	Browning Consistency	Best For
Ninja Foodi 6-in-1	3 min	10–12 min	6–8	Excellent	Families, large batches
Cosori Air Fryer Max XL	4 min	11–13 min	5–7	Very Good	Even cooking, smart presets
Instant Vortex Plus	3.5 min	10–11 min	4–6	Good	Compact kitchens, quick snacks
Philips Premium AirFryer XXL	5 min	12–14 min	8–10	Excellent	Deep-fry texture seekers
Dash Compact Air Fryer	4 min	12–15 min	3–4	Fair	Single servings, small kitchens

Note: Browning consistency refers to how evenly the churros brown across the basket. Models with larger heating elements (like Philips) tend to perform best. Always preheat for optimal results.

Final Verdict: Are Air Fryer Churros Worth It?

So, can you make churros in an air fryer? Absolutely. And for most people, the answer is a resounding yes. While they may not have the exact same oil-kissed crispness as their deep-fried cousins, air fryer churros deliver on flavor, texture, and convenience in a way that’s hard to beat. They’re healthier, cleaner, and faster—perfect for weeknight desserts, after-school treats, or even a fun weekend project with the kids.

That said, they’re not a perfect substitute if you’re a die-hard churro purist. The deep-fried version will always have a special place at carnivals and festivals. But for everyday indulgence? The air fryer wins on practicality. With the right dough, proper piping, and a light oil spray, you can achieve churros that are 90% of the way there—with 100% of the joy.

So go ahead, dust off that air fryer, fire up the stovetop, and give it a try. Whether you’re making classic cinnamon sugar sticks, matcha spirals, or mini churro bites, you’re in for a treat. Just don’t forget the chocolate sauce. Because really, what’s a churro without a little dip? Happy frying—and even happier eating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make churros in an air fryer without oil?

Yes, you can make churros in an air fryer with little to no oil! The circulating hot air creates a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft, mimicking traditional frying with minimal fat.

How long do air fryer churros take to cook?

Air fryer churros typically cook in 8–12 minutes at 375°F (190°C), depending on thickness. Flip them halfway for even browning and optimal crispiness.

What’s the best way to shape churros for an air fryer?

Use a piping bag with a star tip to pipe 4–5 inch strips directly into the air fryer basket. Leave space between each churro to ensure even air circulation and crisping.

Do air fryer churros taste as good as fried ones?

Air fryer churros are deliciously crisp and flavorful, though slightly less greasy than deep-fried versions. A light spray of oil can enhance the texture and mimic traditional results.

Can you make churros in an air fryer ahead of time?

Yes, but reheat them in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to restore crispiness. Freshly made churros are best, but leftovers reheat well.

What dough works best for air fryer churros?

A simple choux-style dough (flour, water, butter, eggs, sugar, and cinnamon) works perfectly. It puffs up nicely in the air fryer and holds its shape for classic ridges.