Making Churros In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Churros are a traditional Spanish and Mexican dessert, usually deep-fried and coated in cinnamon sugar. But can you make them in an air fryer?

The answer is yes! Air fryer churros are a healthier alternative to their deep-fried cousins, and they're super easy to make at home. You can use a piping bag to shape them, or even get creative with a ziplock bag and a plastic water bottle. The key to success is to chill the piped churros before cooking, and not to skip the cinnamon sugar coating.

How long to air fry churros

Air fryer churros are a healthier alternative to traditionally deep-fried churros. They are also easier to make and result in a crunchy, airy, and delicious treat. The cooking time for air-fried churros varies depending on the size of the churros and the specific air fryer being used.

Cooking Time

The cooking time for air-fried churros can range from 10 to 20 minutes, with some recipes specifying a cooking time of 15 minutes. It is important to keep an eye on the churros while they are cooking, as they can burn easily.

Temperature

The ideal temperature for cooking air-fried churros is between 340°F and 400°F. However, it is important to note that the temperature may vary depending on the specific air fryer being used.

Tips for Optimal Cooking

• It is recommended to use cooking spray to grease the air fryer basket, as this prevents the churros from sticking.
• The churros should be placed in the air fryer basket with some space between them to ensure even cooking.
• Depending on the size of the air fryer, the churros may need to be cooked in batches.
• It is important to let the churros cool slightly before handling and coating them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
• Air-fried churros are best served warm and fresh, as they do not keep well.

By following these tips and guidelines, you can ensure that your air-fried churros turn out perfectly crispy and delicious every time!

What temperature to air fry churros

Churros are a sweet, fried dough snack that can be made in an air fryer instead of a deep fryer. The air fryer method is healthier, as it uses less oil and is also easier and safer, as it doesn't involve handling hot oil.

To make churros in an air fryer, you will need to prepare a dough, pipe it into the air fryer basket, and then cook at a high temperature until golden brown. The exact temperature and cooking time will depend on the recipe you are following and the quantity of churros you are cooking.

Some recipes suggest frying at 340 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 5 minutes, while others recommend 375 degrees F for 10-12 minutes, or even 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for 15 minutes. It is important to note that the cooking time will depend on the size of your churros, with mini churros cooking faster.

For best results, it is recommended to spray the air fryer basket generously with cooking spray before adding the dough to prevent sticking. It is also important not to overcrowd the air fryer, leaving space between each churro to ensure even cooking.

How to make the cinnamon sugar coating

To make the cinnamon sugar coating for your churros, simply mix together cinnamon and sugar. The exact measurements aren't an exact science, but a good rule of thumb is to use a ratio of 1 cup of sugar to 1/4 cup of cinnamon. However, you can adjust the ratio to suit your taste preferences.

For the cinnamon, you can use ground cinnamon. As for the sugar, granulated sugar is a good option, but you can also use coconut sugar, brown sugar, or any other type of crystal sweetener.

Mix the cinnamon and sugar together in a small bowl until they are well combined. If you want to coat your churros generously, prepare a larger batch of the cinnamon sugar mixture.

Once your churros are cooked, immediately transfer them to the bowl with the cinnamon sugar mixture and toss or roll them to coat evenly. The warmth of the freshly cooked churros will help the cinnamon sugar stick to them.

Enjoy your freshly made air-fried churros!

What to serve with churros

Churros are a delicious treat, but what should you serve with them? Here are some ideas to elevate your churros and create a delightful dessert experience:

Dipping Sauces

The most common pairing for churros is a variety of dipping sauces. Here are some options to consider:

• Chocolate sauce: A classic choice, you can serve it plain or add a twist with spices, such as cinnamon or cayenne pepper.
• Dulce de leche: This caramel-like sauce is a perfect match for churros and is commonly served with them.
• Caramel sauce: For a similar but distinct option to dulce de leche, a traditional caramel sauce is always a tasty choice.
• Fruit-based sauces: Mango sauce with a hint of lime or guava sauce are excellent fruity companions to churros.
• Spicy chocolate: Adding a hint of spice to your chocolate sauce can create an intriguing contrast of sweet and spicy flavours.
• Cream cheese dip: For a savoury contrast to the sweet churros, a cream cheese dip could be an interesting choice.
• Vegan ganache: For a plant-based option, a simple chocolate sauce made with dark chocolate chips and coconut oil can be a delicious vegan-friendly dip.

Drinks

In addition to sauces, consider pairing your churros with a refreshing beverage:

• Mexican hot chocolate: This drink combines the familiar taste of hot chocolate with a hint of spice, such as cinnamon or chilli, which can complement the flavours of the churros.
• Horchata: A traditional rice milk beverage that is often served with churros in Mexico. It has a sweet and cinnamon-spiced flavour that pairs well with the fried pastry.

Other Desserts

If you want to serve churros as part of a larger dessert spread, here are some complementary dessert options:

• Churros ice cream sandwich: For an indulgent treat, create an ice cream sandwich using two churros and a generous scoop of your favourite ice cream flavour in the middle.
• Baklava: For a combination of sweet and spicy flavours, serve churros alongside baklava, a rich, sweet pastry made with layers of phyllo dough, nuts, and honey.
• Cakes: Cakes with complementary flavours, such as a chocolate orange cake or a cinnamon mousse tart, can be a delightful addition to your churros.

How to pipe churros

Piping churros is an essential step in the process of making these delicious treats. Here is a detailed guide on how to pipe churro dough like a pro:

Prepare Your Piping Bag and Tip:

• Choose a strong pastry bag or piping bag made of durable material. You can also use a sealable plastic baggie as a cost-effective alternative.
• Select a medium-sized star-shaped tip for your piping bag. This tip size and shape will give your churros the classic look and help make them crispy. A Wilton 1M tip or an #827 tip are great options.
• If using a piping bag, place the star-shaped tip inside the bag, ensuring it is securely fitted.
• If using a plastic baggie, cut a small triangle from one corner of the bag to create a similar effect to a star tip.

Fill the Bag with Churro Dough:

• Prepare your churro dough by following a recipe of your choice. The dough should be soft, elastic, and warm.
• Spoon the dough into the piping bag. If using a plastic baggie, simply scoop the dough into one corner of the bag.
• Be sure the dough is still warm when you pipe it; it will be difficult to pipe if it's too cold.

Pipe the Churros:

• Line a baking sheet or large plate with parchment paper. You can also use a silicone baking mat.
• Pipe the churro dough onto the prepared surface, creating strips or shapes of your desired size. For traditional churros, pipe strips of dough about 4-5 inches in length.
• If desired, use scissors to cut the end of each strip of dough to create a clean finish.
• For best results, refrigerate the piped churros for about an hour. This helps them hold their shape and makes them easier to handle before frying or air frying.

Tips for Piping Perfection:

• If you don't have a piping bag or tip, you can shape the churros by hand. Roll the dough into a cylinder and cut it into small logs. Use a fork to press and create ridges on the logs for a classic churro texture.
• If you have leftover dough, store it wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature. Bring it back to room temperature before piping, as cold dough is challenging to pipe.
• Depending on your recipe and cooking method, you may need to pipe the churros directly into hot oil for frying. Be very careful when doing this to avoid burns.

Frequently asked questions