This recipe for Air Fryer Churros is one of those small kitchen discoveries that turned an ordinary afternoon into a celebration. I first adapted the classic stovetop method on a quiet weekend when I wanted the flavor and texture of traditional churros without standing over a pot of oil. The result was so good that it became a quick request from friends and family whenever company arrived. These pastries deliver a crisp exterior and a tender, slightly chewy interior with a warm cinnamon sugar coating that makes everyone smile.

Beyond the taste the technique matters. Using hot water and butter to hydrate the flour creates a dense paste that, after the eggs are incorporated, becomes silky and pipeable. The Air Fryer gives the outside that golden, crackled shell while keeping the interior soft. I love serving these warm with chocolate or hazelnut spread for dipping. They are perfect for weekend mornings or casual dessert for guests and come together with pantry staples most cooks already have on hand.

Ingredients

• Water 1 cup Use tap water brought to a boil with the butter to create steam and to gelatinize some starch in the flour so the pastry sets up without extra leavening.
• Unsalted butter 1 third cup cut into cubes Unsalted lets you control saltiness. Choose a quality brand for flavor since butter contributes to richness and browning.
• Granulated sugar 2 tablespoons Sugar in the dough adds subtle sweetness and encourages browning during cooking.
• Salt one quarter teaspoon Small but important to balance the sweetness and enhance other flavors.
• All purpose flour 1 cup Use spoon and level method when measuring for consistent texture. All purpose gives the right balance for structure and tenderness.
• Large eggs 2 Eggs add moisture structure and help create the characteristic churro interior when beaten into the warm dough.
• Vanilla extract 1 teaspoon A touch of vanilla lifts the dough and pairs beautifully with the cinnamon sugar coating.
• Oil spray Choose a neutral oil spray for greasing the mat and light coating before Air Frying.
• Cinnamon sugar coating 1 half cup granulated sugar and three quarters teaspoon ground cinnamon Combine just before coating for best texture and aroma. Adjust cinnamon to taste.

Instructions

Prepare the baking surfacePlace a silicone baking mat onto a baking sheet and lightly spray with oil spray so the piped pieces will release easily after chilling and baking. Proper release prevents tearing when you move the pieces to the Air Fryer basket.Make the doughIn a medium saucepan combine water butter sugar and salt and bring to a boil over medium high heat. Once boiling reduce heat to medium low and add the cup of flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a rubber spatula until the mixture forms a smooth paste and pulls away from the sides of the pan. This cooks the flour to remove raw taste and creates the right texture for egg incorporation.Cool slightly and add eggsRemove the pan from heat and let the dough rest for about four minutes then transfer to a mixing bowl. Add the two eggs and vanilla and beat with an electric hand mixer or stand mixer until the dough becomes glossy and comes together. It will resemble gluey mashed potatoes. Use your hands to press any remaining lumps into a smooth ball.Pipe and chillFit a large piping bag with a large star shaped tip and fill with dough. Pipe approximately four inch lengths onto the prepared mat trimming ends with scissors. Refrigerate the piped pieces on the baking sheet for one hour. Chilling firms them so they hold shape while they cook.Air Fry in batchesTransfer chilled churros carefully to the Air Fryer basket using a thin spatula leaving about half an inch space between each. Lightly mist with oil spray. Air fry at 375 degrees F for ten to twelve minutes until they are puffed and golden brown. You may need to work in batches depending on basket size.Coat in cinnamon sugarWhile the first batch cooks combine half cup granulated sugar and three quarters teaspoon ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. As soon as churros come out of the Air Fryer drop them into the sugar mixture and toss to coat. Serve warm with Nutella or a simple chocolate dipping sauce.

Storage Tips

Store completely cooled churros in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage freeze on a tray until solid then transfer to a freezer safe container for up to three months. To reheat place frozen pieces in the Air Fryer at 350 degrees F for three to five minutes until warm and crisp. Avoid microwaving as it makes the exterior soggy. If you plan to coat with cinnamon sugar keep the coating separate and toss just before serving for best texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap unsalted butter for vegan buttery spread in equivalent measure to make a dairy free version though texture may be slightly different. For a gluten free version try a 1 to 1 gluten free all purpose blend and watch the dough consistency since absorbency varies by blend. Use aquafaba or a commercial egg replacer in place of eggs for a vegan approach but expect a chewier center. If you want less sweetness reduce sugar inside the dough by one tablespoon and use a darker chocolate for dipping to balance flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm straight from the Air Fryer with dipping bowls of melted chocolate Nutella dulce de leche or a warm fruit compote. Fresh berries or orange segments brighten the plate and a dusting of extra cinnamon adds aroma. For a brunch spread include these with coffee churro French toast and a pitcher of hot chocolate. They are also playful at a party where guests can customize toppings from toasted nuts to sea salt.

Cultural Background

Churros have roots in Spanish and Portuguese culinary traditions and gained popularity across Latin America. Traditionally they are deep fried and often found at street stalls and fairs. The recipe here keeps the classic flavor profile but adapts technique to modern kitchen tools. The warm cinnamon sugar coating is a hallmark and pairing with chocolate has long been entwined with tradition from early European chocolate drinking customs.

Seasonal Adaptations

In fall add a quarter teaspoon of ground nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice to the cinnamon sugar for seasonal warmth. In summer try a lemon sugar mix replacing half the cinnamon with finely grated lemon zest and a touch of powdered sugar for a bright finish. For holiday occasions stuff churros piped into larger loops with pastry cream or flavored jams after baking for an indulgent treat.

Meal Prep Tips

Pipe batches ahead and store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This makes same day baking easier since chilled pieces will hold shape and you can cook multiple small batches quickly in the Air Fryer. Prepare the cinnamon sugar in advance and place in a shallow dish near the exit of the Air Fryer so you can dip immediately. Use a thin metal spatula to move pieces to avoid crushing the delicate exterior.

These churros are a joyful snack to make for family and friends. The combination of simple ingredients and a gentle technique produces a familiar comfort that invites sharing and conversation. Try them plain or dressed up and make this method your own.