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Crispy Air Fryer Churros Recipe Easy Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Treats

crispy air fryer churros - featured image

These crispy air fryer churros are a quick and easy homemade treat coated in cinnamon sugar and served with a rich, velvety chocolate sauce. They offer the classic churro experience without the mess of deep frying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (240 ml) water
  • 6 tablespoons (85 g) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar mixed with 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for coating)
  • 4 ounces (115 g) good-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa recommended)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional, for chocolate sauce shine and richness)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup water, 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Heat over medium until butter melts and mixture comes to a rolling boil.
  2. Remove saucepan from heat and immediately stir in 1 cup sifted all-purpose flour with a wooden spoon until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides (about 1-2 minutes).
  3. Let the dough cool for 5 minutes so eggs don’t scramble. Transfer to a mixing bowl and add 2 large eggs, one at a time, beating vigorously after each addition until fully incorporated. The dough will be smooth, shiny, and pipeable.
  4. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the basket with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
  5. Fill a piping bag fitted with a large star tip with the dough. Pipe 4-inch lengths directly into the air fryer basket, leaving space between each for air circulation. Cook in batches if necessary.
  6. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Flip the churros carefully using tongs halfway through cooking (around 5-6 minutes) for even cooking.
  7. While the churros are still warm, toss them gently in a bowl with the cinnamon sugar mixture so it sticks nicely.
  8. To make the chocolate sauce, heat 1/2 cup heavy cream in a small saucepan until just simmering. Pour over 4 ounces chopped dark chocolate in a bowl. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth. Stir in 1 tablespoon butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for extra silkiness.
  9. Serve the churros warm with a small bowl of the warm chocolate sauce for dipping.

Notes

If the dough feels too stiff after adding eggs, add a teaspoon of water to loosen it slightly. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket for best crispiness. Flip churros halfway through cooking for even browning. Dust cinnamon sugar while churros are warm but not hot to ensure it sticks well. Use high-quality dark chocolate for the sauce for best flavor and texture. Leftovers can be stored at room temperature for up to 24 hours and re-crisped in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: churros, air fryer churros, cinnamon sugar churros, homemade churros, chocolate sauce, easy dessert, crispy churros