Making Churros: Deep Fryer Alternatives

Churros are a delicious treat, but deep-frying them can be a hassle. The good news is that you can make churros without a deep fryer! Baked churros are a simpler alternative that delivers the same golden brown, crispy exterior, and chewy interior. This method skips the hot frying oil, making it a less intimidating and challenging option for home cooks.

Baked churros are made by preparing a churro batter, which typically includes ingredients like water, vanilla, salt, brown sugar, flour, and eggs. The batter is then placed into a piping bag and piped onto a baking sheet. After brushing with melted butter, the churros are baked until golden brown. Finally, they are coated in cinnamon-sugar and served warm.

The result is a delicious, crispy treat that rivals its deep-fried counterpart. So, if you're looking to make churros without the mess and hassle of deep-frying, give baked churros a try!

Baked churros vs. fried churros

Churros are a delicious snack, but frying them can be a messy affair. Luckily, baking churros in the oven is a viable alternative to deep-frying, and it is much easier than you might think.

Baked vs. Fried Churros:

The traditional way of making churros involves deep-frying, which can be a hassle due to the large amount of oil required and the subsequent clean-up. On the other hand, baking churros in the oven is a simpler and less messy option. The dough is prepared in a similar way to a choux pastry, by combining water, sugar, and butter in a pot. Flour is then added to form a doughy paste, and finally, eggs are mixed in over low heat. The dough is then piped onto a baking tray and baked in the oven until golden brown. This method produces churros with a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior.

Advantages of Baking Churros:

Baking churros has several advantages over deep-frying. Firstly, it is a healthier option as it reduces the amount of oil absorbed by the churros during cooking. Baked churros also tend to be less crispy and have a softer texture, which some people may prefer. Additionally, baking is generally a safer method as it eliminates the risk of hot oil splatters.

Tips for Making Baked Churros:

To ensure your baked churros turn out perfectly, here are a few tips:

• Use a piping bag with a star-shaped nozzle to achieve the signature churro shape.
• Place a tray of boiling water at the bottom of the oven while baking to help keep the churros soft and crispy.
• Toss the churros in cinnamon sugar while they are still warm so that the sugar coating adheres better.
• Serve fresh out of the oven with hot chocolate or ice cream for the best experience.

Baked churros are a convenient and tasty alternative to their deep-fried counterparts. While they may not have the same crispy texture as fried churros, they are still delicious and offer a healthier option. So, if you're looking for an easier way to make this treat at home, give baking a try!

Oven-baking churros

Oven-Baked Churros

Ingredients

• Butter
• Brown sugar
• Salt
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Eggs
• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon

Method

First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place two baking sheets on top of each other and line with parchment paper.

In a medium saucepan, add water, butter, brown sugar, and salt. Place over medium-high heat. Heat until the butter is melted and the mixture starts to simmer. As soon as it is simmering, whisk in the flour.

Now, using a wooden spoon, stir the mixture around your pot and cook it for about a minute over low heat. The mixture will clump and pull away from the sides of the pan. Then, take it off the heat and set it aside.

In a jug, combine eggs and vanilla and whisk together. Using a wooden spoon, add a little of your egg mixture into your dough. Stir and mash, breaking up the dough until loosened. Stir well until the eggs are incorporated and the mixture has the appearance of mashed potatoes.

Continue adding your eggs until combined. Transfer your dough to a piping bag fitted with a star nozzle.

Pipe the dough into long churros on the parchment-covered pans. Make sure to pipe them nice and thick. Do this by putting pressure on the bag and piping slowly. Leave about two inches of space between the churros.

Bake for around 18-22 minutes or until golden brown. Then turn off the oven and leave the churros inside for 10 minutes to help them keep their shape.

Combine sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. Take the churros straight from the oven and toss them in the mixture until well covered. It is best to do this when the churros are warm and fresh from the oven.

Tips

• If you don't have a piping bag, you can always use a large plastic bag with the corner snipped off.
• Baked churros are best when freshly baked and warm, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.

How to make churros without a piping bag

Churros are a delicious treat, but what if you don't have a piping bag? Don't worry, you can still make them! Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make churros without a piping bag:

Ingredients:

• Water
• Butter
• Sugar (brown or white)
• Salt
• Vanilla extract
• Flour (plain/all-purpose)
• Eggs
• Cinnamon
• Oil (vegetable or any other cooking oil)

Instructions:

• Combine water, butter, sugar, and salt in a saucepan and bring it to a boil. You can also add vanilla extract for extra flavour.
• Simmer the mixture for a minute or two until the sugar dissolves.
• Turn down the heat to low and slowly add the flour, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon. Keep stirring until the mixture forms a doughy paste.
• At this point, you can add eggs to the mixture, one at a time, stirring continuously. The eggs give the dough a binded texture and richness.
• Preheat your oven to around 200°C/400°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
• Now, here's the important part—transferring the dough to a piping device. If you don't have a piping bag, you can use a large plastic bag. Simply transfer the dough to the plastic bag and cut a small piece off one of the corners. You can cut the corner at an angle to create a triangle shape, which will give your churros a ridged texture.
• Pipe the dough onto the prepared baking tray in rows approximately 8-10 cm long, leaving some space between each row as they will expand during baking.
• Bake the churros in the oven for around 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
• While the churros are baking, prepare the topping. Mix cinnamon and sugar on a large plate or in a bowl. You can adjust the ratio according to your taste preference.
• Once the churros are baked, remove them from the oven and brush them with melted butter. Then, roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until they are well coated.
• Serve the churros warm. You can also dip them in chocolate sauce or enjoy them with a cup of hot chocolate!

So, there you have it! You can make delicious churros without a piping bag by using a simple plastic bag and following the above steps. Enjoy your homemade churros!

How to store churros

Storing churros correctly is essential to preserving their texture and flavour. Here are some tips to ensure your churros remain delicious:

Before Storing:

First, ensure your churros are fully cooked and cooled. It is crucial to let them cool on a wire rack to prevent condensation, which can make them soggy. This process may take around 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of your churros and the room temperature. If you plan to store churros with a coating, such as sugar or cinnamon, it is best to add the coating just before serving as coatings can become moist and lose their texture when stored.

Storing at Room Temperature:

If you plan to consume your churros within a day or so, storing them at room temperature can be a suitable option. Place the churros in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent them from becoming stale or absorbing odours. Ensure the container or wrapping is sealed properly to prevent air from entering. Label the container with the date of storage and store the churros in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Churros stored at room temperature are best consumed within a day or two for optimal taste and texture.

Refrigerating Churros:

Refrigerating churros is a popular method for short-term storage. Allow the churros to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Ensure the container is sealed to prevent air from drying out the churros. Label the container with the date of storage and place it in the refrigerator, preferably on the middle shelf, where the temperature is most consistent. Refrigerated churros are best consumed within a day or two, as their texture and flavour may deteriorate after that.

When you're ready to enjoy your refrigerated churros, remove them from the fridge and let them come to room temperature for a few minutes to soften. You can also reheat them in a preheated oven at a low temperature (around 300°F or 150°C) for a few minutes or in the microwave in short intervals, checking regularly to avoid overcooking.

Freezing Churros:

Freezing is ideal for long-term storage, helping to preserve the taste and texture of churros for an extended period. Allow the churros to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Ensure the container or wrapping is sealed to prevent air from causing freezer burn. Label the container with the date of storage and place it in the freezer, preferably in the coldest part, such as the back.

Frozen churros can be stored for up to two months, but for optimal taste and texture, it is best to consume them within a month of freezing. To thaw and reheat frozen churros, take them out of the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Preheat your oven to a low temperature (around 300°F or 150°C), place the thawed churros on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for a few minutes until warm and crispy. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave using short intervals.

Reheating Stored Churros:

Regardless of the storage method, reheating churros properly is essential to restore their delicious taste and texture. Here are some recommended methods:

• Oven: Preheat the oven to a low temperature, around 300°F (150°C). Place the churros on a baking sheet and bake for a few minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: For a quick reheat, place the churros on a microwave-safe plate and heat in short intervals until warm, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
• Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to around 350°F (175°C) and heat the churros for a few minutes until warmed and crispy.
• Stovetop: Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, place the churros in the skillet and cook for a minute or two on each side until heated and slightly crispy.

Remember to keep an eye on the churros during reheating to prevent overcooking, and enjoy your freshly restored crispy treat!

What to serve with churros

Churros are a versatile treat that can be served in a variety of ways. They are delicious on their own, but there are also many dips and toppings that can elevate this dessert.

A classic pairing with churros is hot chocolate. The thick, rich, Spanish-style hot chocolate is a perfect complement to the crispy, fluffy churros. For an extra indulgent treat, you can dip the churros into the hot chocolate.

If you're looking for something a little more unusual, why not try serving churros with a pot of warm, melted white chocolate and sprinkling them with coconut flakes? Or, for a fruity twist, dip them into a mango sauce with a hint of lime.

For those who prefer their churros with a bit of spice, a spicy chocolate sauce could be the perfect dip. This sauce is made with semi-sweet chocolate, heavy cream, butter, cayenne, and a pinch of salt.

Other sweet dips that can be paired with churros include dulce de leche sauce, salted caramel sauce, and chocolate sauce.

If you're feeling creative, you could even make a churro station with a variety of dips and toppings for your guests to choose from. This could include anything from classic cinnamon-sugar to more unique options like a white chocolate peanut butter sauce or a raspberry sauce.

Frequently asked questions