Craving something sweet, crispy, and downright satisfying—but without all the oil? Air fryer light churros are your perfect guilt-free indulgence. These golden treats bring you the classic flavor of churros with a lighter twist, thanks to air frying. With a crunchy outside, soft fluffy center, and a warm dusting of cinnamon sugar, they’re the ideal snack or dessert. Best of
Ingredients for Air Fryer Light Churros
To make these air fryer light churros, you’ll only need a handful of pantry staples. This recipe keeps things simple, light, and delicious—no deep fryer required!
📝 Basic Churro Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup water
Helps create steam in the dough for a light, airy texture. - ¼ cup unsalted butter
Adds richness and a soft bite to the churro dough. - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Just enough to give a touch of sweetness. - ¼ teaspoon salt
Balances the flavors and enhances the dough. - 1 cup all-purpose flour
Gives the churros structure while staying soft inside. - 2 large eggs
Adds volume and helps the churros puff up in the air fryer. - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For that warm, aromatic flavor that makes churros irresistible.
🧈 Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ½ cup granulated sugar
Classic base for that crunchy, sweet outer layer. - 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
Brings that cozy, spicy warmth every churro needs.
🧁 Optional Dips (Pick One or More!)
- Melted chocolate or chocolate ganache
- Caramel sauce
- Strawberry compote
- Vanilla cream glaze
How to Make Air Fryer Light Churros Step by Step
Creating air fryer light churros at home is easier than you’d think—and cleaner, too! Follow these easy steps to get golden, fluffy churros without the oil bath.
👩🍳 Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup water, ¼ cup butter, 1 tbsp sugar, and ¼ tsp salt.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat. Once it reaches a steady boil, remove from heat.
- Stir in 1 cup all-purpose flour all at once. Mix vigorously with a wooden spoon until a dough ball forms.
- Let it cool for 5–7 minutes so the eggs don’t scramble when added.
🥄 Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
- Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated.
- Mix in 1 tsp vanilla extract.
- The dough should now be smooth and slightly sticky. If it’s too stiff, add a tiny splash of water.
💡 Pro Tip: The dough should hold its shape when piped but still be soft enough to pipe easily.
🎯 Step 3: Pipe the Churros
- Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip (the classic churro shape).
- Pipe 4–6 inch lines of dough onto a piece of parchment paper.
- Use scissors or a knife to cut each line cleanly at the tip.
🌬 Step 4: Air Fry the Churros
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray or brush with oil to prevent sticking.
- Place churros in a single layer, spacing them out. Don’t overcrowd.
- Air fry for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
🍥 Step 5: Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- In a shallow dish, mix ½ cup granulated sugar with 1½ tsp cinnamon.
- As soon as the churros are done, lightly spray or brush them with melted butter (optional but helps the sugar stick).
- Roll warm churros in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
🍫 Step 6: Optional – Add a Dip
- Serve with your choice of dipping sauces like melted chocolate, caramel, or vanilla glaze.
- For an extra treat, warm up your dip before serving!
Essential Tools for Making Air Fryer Light Churros
Before you dive into making these crispy air fryer light churros, make sure you’ve got the right tools on hand. Having the proper kitchen gear will make the whole process smoother, cleaner, and more enjoyable!
🛠 Air Fryer
A good-quality air fryer is non-negotiable. Look for one with adjustable temperature and a roomy basket so your churros can cook evenly without overlapping.
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🎂 Piping Bag and Large Star Tip
To get that iconic churro look, you’ll need a piping bag with a large star tip (like a 1M or 2D tip). This creates those crisp ridges that hold the cinnamon sugar coating beautifully.
🍲 Medium Saucepan
You’ll cook your dough base in a medium saucepan. Make sure it’s big enough for mixing without flour flying everywhere!
🥄 Mixing Spoon or Silicone Spatula
A sturdy wooden spoon or heatproof silicone spatula is key for mixing the dough while it’s still hot and forming a smooth texture.
✂ Kitchen Scissors or Knife
You’ll need a clean way to cut the piped dough from the bag. Kitchen scissors or a butter knife work perfectly for this step.
🍽 Shallow Dish for Cinnamon Sugar
A flat bowl or shallow plate helps roll your freshly cooked churros in cinnamon sugar evenly without making a mess.
🧴 Cooking Spray or Oil Brush
Lightly coating your air fryer basket ensures your light churros won’t stick. A non-stick spray or a pastry brush with a bit of oil works great.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Light Churros
Can I make churros in an air fryer without eggs?
Yes, you can make eggless air fryer churros! Replace the eggs with a mixture of 2 tablespoons of yogurt or unsweetened applesauce per egg. The texture may be slightly denser but still delicious and light.
Why are my air fryer churros not crispy?
If your air fryer light churros aren’t crisping up, it could be because the dough is too wet or the fryer wasn’t preheated. Make sure to preheat the air fryer to 375°F and avoid overcrowding the basket. Also, don’t skip the butter brushing step before coating with cinnamon sugar—it adds texture and helps the crust firm up.
How long should I cook churros in the air fryer?
Most churros cook in about 10 to 12 minutes at 375°F. Thicker churros may take a minute or two longer. Always check for a golden brown color and a slightly crisp touch.
Can I freeze air fryer churros?
Yes! You can freeze both cooked and uncooked churros. For raw dough, pipe them onto parchment paper and freeze until solid, then store in a zip-lock bag. For cooked churros, cool them completely before freezing. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 4–5 minutes.
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