Air Fryer Churros: How Long To Cook Them?

Churros are a sweet treat that can be made in an air fryer instead of a deep fryer. This method makes them less greasy and messy, and they still taste delicious. The cooking time depends on the size of the churros, but generally, they should be cooked for around 10-20 minutes in an air fryer at a temperature of 350-400°F.

How to make the churros dough

How to Make Churros Dough

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make the dough for churros:

• Water
• Milk
• Oil
• Salt
• Flour
• Eggs
• Lemon zest
• Sugar (optional)
• Baking powder (optional)

Method

• In a large saucepan, bring the water, milk, oil, and salt to a boil.
• Add the flour all at once and stir until a smooth ball of dough forms.
• Transfer the dough to a large, heatproof bowl and let it stand for around 5 minutes.
• Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the dough on medium-high speed until it softens, which should take about a minute.
• Add the egg and lemon zest, then beat for another minute or two.

Tips

• The dough can be made a day or two in advance and kept refrigerated in an airtight container.
• The film that forms on the bottom and sides of the pan when the dough is cooked is an indicator that it has finished cooking.
• If you want to pipe the churros into perfect, precise shapes, measure and mark 4-inch lines with a ruler and pen on the parchment paper. Flip the parchment over and pipe the churro dough following the markings.

How to pipe the churros

To pipe the churros, you will need a piping bag or a ziplock/freezer bag, and a star-shaped tip. The Wilton 1M tip is a popular choice for creating thin, crunchy churros with a hollow centre. For thicker, spongier churros, the Ateco #847 tip is a good option. If you want to make churro bites, the Ateco #849 tip is two sizes up from the #847 and is ideal.

Once you have your piping equipment, fill the bag with the churro dough. Pipe the dough into 4-inch strips, leaving about 1 inch of space between each strip. You can pipe directly onto a baking sheet or tray, preferably lined with parchment paper. If you want to be precise, you can measure and mark the 4-inch lengths on the parchment paper with a ruler and pen, then flip the paper over before piping.

Once you have piped all the dough, chill the piped churros in the refrigerator for about an hour. This will make them easier to handle and help them keep their shape while air frying. Don't chill them for longer than an hour, or they will dry out.

How long to air fry the churros for

Air-fried churros are a healthier alternative to traditionally deep-fried churros, with less oil and fewer calories. The air fryer also makes for an easier and less messy cooking process.

The length of time you air fry your churros for will depend on the temperature of your air fryer and the size of your churros. Most recipes recommend frying at a temperature between 340°F and 375°F for 10-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

For example, one recipe recommends air frying at 340°F for 5 minutes, while another recommends 375°F for 10-12 minutes. If you are making mini churros, they will air fry faster, so check on them after 10 minutes.

It is important to note that air fryer cooking times can vary, even among the best brands, so keep an eye on your churros and check them regularly to prevent overcooking.

Additionally, if you want to ensure your churros keep their shape, it is recommended to freeze the piped dough for about 30 minutes before air frying.

How to make the cinnamon sugar coating

The cinnamon sugar coating is a crucial part of the churros recipe, adding sweetness and crunch to these delicious fried treats. Here is a detailed guide on how to make the perfect cinnamon sugar coating for your air-fried churros:

Ingredients:

For the cinnamon sugar coating, you will need granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. The specific quantities may vary depending on your taste preferences, but a common ratio is 1/2 cup of sugar to 3/4 teaspoon of cinnamon, or 1 cup of sugar to 1/4 cup of cinnamon. You can adjust the ratio to suit your taste, adding more cinnamon for a spicier kick or increasing the sugar for extra sweetness.

Mixing the Coating:

Combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl or plate. Mix them together thoroughly until they are well incorporated and evenly distributed. You can use a whisk or a fork to mix them, or simply stir them together with a spoon. The key is to ensure that the cinnamon is evenly dispersed throughout the sugar, creating a uniform coating mixture.

Coating the Churros:

Once your churros are cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer, it's time to coat them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Work in batches, taking a few churros at a time. Immediately after removing the churros from the air fryer, toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. You can place the churros in the bowl with the sugar mixture and gently toss them to coat, or you can roll the churros in the mixture on a plate or baking sheet. Make sure to coat all sides of the churros evenly, so every bite is packed with that delicious cinnamon sugar flavour.

Serving:

Churros are best served warm, so it's recommended to serve them shortly after coating them in cinnamon sugar. You can plate the churros on a serving dish or platter, or place them on a wire rack if you want to avoid them becoming soggy. Churros are often served with a dipping sauce, such as chocolate sauce, Nutella, dulce de leche, or salted caramel sauce. For an authentic Spanish experience, dip your cinnamon sugar churros into a thick chocolate drink or cafe con leche (coffee with milk).

How to store the churros

Storing churros is a great way to enjoy these treats over several days. Here are some detailed tips and methods for storing churros, ensuring they remain fresh and tasty:

Tips for Storing Churros:

• Allow the churros to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
• Use airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent odour absorption.
• Wrap individual churros tightly in plastic wrap to maintain shape and prevent sticking.
• Separate any leftover dipping sauces to prevent sogginess.
• Label containers with the storage date for easy reference.
• Consider the quantity of churros and choose a suitable storage method.

Method 1: Refrigerating Churros

Refrigeration is a popular short-term storage option. Here's how:

• Allow churros to cool completely.
• Place them in an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
• Ensure the container is sealed to prevent air from drying out the churros.
• Label the container with the storage date.
• Place in the refrigerator, preferably in the middle shelf for consistent temperature.
• Consume within a day or two for optimal freshness.
• To reheat, use a preheated oven at a low temperature (300°F or 150°C) for a few minutes. Alternatively, use a microwave in short intervals.

Method 2: Freezing Churros

Freezing is ideal for long-term storage. Here's the process:

• Allow the churros to cool completely.
• Place them in an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
• Ensure the container or wrapping is sealed to prevent air from causing freezer burn.
• Label the container with the storage date.
• Place in the freezer, preferably in the coldest part, such as the back.
• Consume within a month for optimal taste and texture.
• To reheat, thaw frozen churros in the refrigerator overnight, then preheat the oven to a low temperature (300°F or 150°C).
• Place thawed churros on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for a few minutes until warm and crispy. Alternatively, use a microwave in short intervals.

Method 3: Keeping Churros at Room Temperature

Room temperature storage is suitable for consumption within a day or two. Here's how:

• Allow the churros to cool completely.
• Place them in an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
• Ensure the container or wrapping is sealed to prevent air from entering.
• Label the container with the storage date.
• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• No reheating is required as they are stored at an edible temperature.

Remember, churros are best enjoyed fresh, but proper storage can help extend their shelf life. Each method has its benefits, so choose the one that suits your needs, and enjoy your delicious churros anytime!

Frequently asked questions