This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I also earn from Instacart affiliate links. This does not affect my recipe testing or recommendations.
Air Fryer Churros
Crispy golden churros coated in cinnamon sugar with chocolate dipping sauce — 75% less oil than deep-fried.
Total Time
20 min
Difficulty
Medium
Servings
16 churros
Calories
95 cal
Why This Works
Traditional churros get their crunch from the hot oil coating the outside instantly. In the air fryer, the cooking spray creates a thin oil layer that achieves the same effect through rapid hot air circulation. The choux pastry dough puffs up beautifully in the air fryer's convection environment.
My Recipe Testing Notes
The biggest challenge with air fryer churros is getting them crispy without the deep-fry oil. Two discoveries made all the difference: first, freezing the piped dough for 10 minutes before air frying helps them hold their shape. Second, spraying them generously with cooking spray before and halfway through cooking is essential for that golden, crispy exterior. I tested 350°F, 375°F, and 400°F — 375°F gave the best balance of crispy exterior and cooked-through interior.
Ingredients
For the dipping sauce
Instructions
Bring water, butter, sugar, and salt to a boil in a saucepan. Remove from heat and stir in flour until a smooth dough forms. Let cool 5 minutes.
Beat in eggs one at a time until smooth and glossy. Stir in vanilla. Transfer dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip (1M or 2D).
Pipe 4-inch strips of dough onto parchment paper. Freeze for 10 minutes — this helps them hold their shape during cooking.
Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place churros in a single layer (don't overcrowd). Spray churros generously with cooking spray.
Air fry at 375°F for 8-10 minutes until golden brown, spraying with more cooking spray at the 5-minute mark.
Mix ½ cup sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon in a shallow dish. Roll hot churros in the mixture immediately after removing from the air fryer.
For chocolate sauce: microwave chocolate chips and heavy cream in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Serve churros with warm sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make churros without a piping bag?
Use a zip-lock bag with a corner snipped off. The texture won't have ridges but the taste will be the same. A star tip creates the classic ridged texture.
Why are my churros not crispy?
Spray them generously with cooking spray before air frying and again halfway through. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket — cook in batches if needed.
Can I use store-bought churro dough?
Yes! Pillsbury crescent roll dough twisted into strips works as a quick shortcut. Air fry at 375°F for 6-8 minutes.
How do I store leftover churros?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Re-crisp in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes.
Written by Sarah Jenkins
Former restaurant line cook turned home kitchen obsessive. I've tested over 200 air fryer recipes and I share exactly what works, what doesn't, and the temperatures that make the difference.
Read more about Sarah →
