Air-Frying Churros: Is It Possible?

Churros are a popular treat in Spain, Portugal, and Latin America. They are traditionally deep-fried, but can you put them in an air fryer?

The answer is yes! Air-fried churros are a healthier alternative to their deep-fried counterparts, as they use less oil. They are also easier to make, as you don't need to handle hot oil. The air-fried variety has a slightly softer texture but still tastes delicious, especially when coated in cinnamon sugar.

Air fryer churros recipe

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon

Method

First, put a silicone baking mat on a baking sheet and spray with oil spray. Then, add water, butter, sugar, and salt to a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Next, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the flour to the saucepan. Keep stirring with a rubber spatula until the dough comes together and is smooth. Remove from the heat and transfer the dough to a mixing bowl. Let it cool for about 4 minutes.

Now, add the eggs and vanilla extract to the mixing bowl. Mix until the dough comes together. The mixture will look like gluey mashed potatoes. Use your hands to press lumps together into a ball and transfer to a large piping bag fitted with a large star-shaped tip.

Pipe the churros onto the greased baking mat, into 4-inch lengths, and cut the end with scissors. Refrigerate the piped churros on the baking sheet for 1 hour.

Carefully transfer the churros to the air fryer basket, leaving about 1/2-inch space between each. Spray the churros with oil spray. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to fry them in batches.

Air fry at 375 degrees F for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. In a shallow bowl, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon. Immediately transfer the baked churros to the bowl with the sugar mixture and toss to coat. Serve warm with Nutella or chocolate dipping sauce.

Tips

• It is ok if a few little lumps of flour remain after adding the flour to the saucepan.
• Refrigerating the piped churros makes them easier to handle and they will keep their shape better while air frying.
• Don’t refrigerate the piped churros for longer than 1 hour or they will dry out.
• Depending on your air fryer, you might need to bake the churros in batches. They will increase in size a little while baking so leave some room between them.
• Immediately transfer the baked churros to the cinnamon sugar mixture so that the sugar sticks better.
• Churros taste best served warm. They don’t keep well and are not suitable for freezing.

How to make air fryer churros

Churros are a delicious treat, and they can be made in an air fryer instead of a deep fryer, making them healthier and easier to make. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make these sweet treats in an air fryer.

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup to 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 cup of water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• Oil or cooking spray
• A pinch of salt (optional)

Method:

First, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add milk, water, and a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil while stirring continuously. Then, add the flour and keep stirring until the dough comes together. You'll know the choux pastry is ready when it starts to brown at the bottom of the pan.

Remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture cool for about 5-7 minutes. Then, mix in the eggs and vanilla extract (if using) until the mixture is smooth. Now, transfer the dough to a piping bag with a star-shaped nozzle. You can also use a ziplock or freezer bag if you don't have a piping bag. Pipe the dough into 4-inch long churros on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Cut off the ends with scissors or a knife.

Chill the piped churros in the freezer for at least 2 hours, or in the refrigerator for no more than 1 hour. This will make them easier to handle and help them keep their shape while air frying.

Brush the churros with a little vegetable oil or cooking spray. Then, air fry at 340 degrees F (175 degrees C) or 375 degrees F for about 10-15 minutes, until they are golden brown. You may need to cook them in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.

While the churros are cooking, mix cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl. You can also add some Pancake Spice to this mixture for extra flavour. Once the churros are done, immediately toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture while they are still warm. This will make the sugar stick better.

Serve the churros warm with a dipping sauce like Nutella, chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, or whipped cream. Enjoy!

Air fryer churros cooking time and temperature

Air fryer churros are a healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried variety, with less oil and fewer calories. The cooking time and temperature for air fryer churros can vary depending on the recipe and the size of the churros, but generally, they cook between 340-375°F (175-190°C) for 10-20 minutes.

Some recipes recommend preheating the air fryer, while others suggest simply extending the cooking time if the air fryer is not preheated. It is important to keep an eye on the churros while they are cooking, as air fryer temperatures can vary.

The key to getting crispy churros is to use a combination of water and butter in the dough. This creates steam when cooked in the air fryer, resulting in a fluffy and crispy texture. The dough should be piped into long strips and chilled before air frying to help them keep their shape.

Once cooked, the churros should be tossed in a cinnamon-sugar mixture while they are still warm so that the sugar sticks to them. They can be served with a variety of dips such as Nutella, chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, or whipped cream.

Air fryer churros are best served warm and do not store well, so it is recommended to eat them immediately after cooking. However, if there are any leftovers, they can be reheated in the air fryer at 360°F (180°C) for 2-4 minutes.

Air fryer churros vs deep-fried churros

Churros are a fried dough dessert that is popular in Spain, Portugal, and Mexico. They are traditionally deep-fried, but can also be made in an air fryer. So, how do air fryer churros compare to deep-fried churros?

Taste

Air fryer churros taste just as delicious as their deep-fried counterparts. The main difference is that air fryer churros are not as greasy, making them a lighter and healthier option. They are also easier to make, as you don't have to deal with hot oil.

Texture

Deep-fried churros tend to be crispier than air fryer churros due to the higher amount of oil used in the cooking process. However, air fryer churros still have a light and crispy texture, especially if you use a recipe that includes boiling water or milk in the dough.

Preparation

Making churros in an air fryer is generally less fuss than deep-frying them. There is no need to preheat oil or deal with any messy oil splatters. Simply arrange the churros in the air fryer basket, set the time, and you're good to go!

Health

Air fryer churros are a healthier alternative to deep-fried churros as they use less oil. This means they have fewer calories and less saturated fat. Air fryer churros are also a good option for those who are conscious of their fat intake or who are looking for a lighter dessert option.

Tips for Making Air Fryer Churros

When making air fryer churros, it is important to note that the dough can be a bit tricky to work with. It is too difficult to pipe the dough through a piping bag, so it is best to work it by hand. Additionally, do not line the air fryer basket with parchment paper, and do not add cinnamon sugar to the dough. Instead, coat the churros with cinnamon sugar after they have been cooked.

Air fryer churros dipping sauces

Air fryer churros are a healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried variety, but what dipping sauces complement this sweet treat? Here are some options to consider:

Chocolate Sauce

A rich, indulgent, and classic pairing, chocolate sauce is a perfect match for churros. Melt some chocolate with cream for a silky dip that will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Caramel Sauce

Caramel's buttery, sweet flavour also makes it an ideal partner for churros. Whether it's a simple caramel sauce or a more complex dulce de leche, this combination is sure to impress.

Whipped Cream

For a lighter option, whipped cream provides a creamy contrast to the crispy, cinnamon-spiced churros. It's a simple yet delicious choice that lets the churros take centre stage.

Nutella

The hazelnut flavour of Nutella spread adds a unique twist to the traditional chocolate sauce. Warm it up slightly for an extra indulgent experience.

Fruit Coulis

For a refreshing take on churros, try dipping them in a fruit coulis. Raspberry or strawberry coulis will add a tart, fruity contrast to the sweet, crispy churros.

Spicy Chocolate

For those who like a little kick, spicy chocolate incorporates chilli powder for an unexpected but delightful combination. It's a unique way to elevate the classic chocolate and churros pairing.

So, whether you're serving churros at a party, as a dessert, or as a snack, these dipping sauces are sure to enhance the experience and impress your guests.

Frequently asked questions