Air fried churros offer a healthier and equally delicious alternative to the traditional deep-fried version. These crispy, golden delights are infused with the same warm, cinnamon-sugar coating and are just as satisfying as their oil-drenched counterparts. Using an air fryer reduces the amount of oil used, making them a lighter option without compromising on taste or texture. The air fryer circulates hot air around the churros, giving them that perfect crisp exterior while keeping the inside soft and tender. Whether you’re craving a late-night snack or planning a weekend treat, air-fried churros are the way to go. This method also allows you to enjoy churros in a much faster, less messy manner, making it a great choice for those who want to indulge without the hassle of frying.
The History of Churros
Churros have an interesting and debated history, with both Spain and Portugal claiming to be their originators. The traditional Spanish churro, typically served with a cup of thick hot chocolate, was said to have been brought to Europe by the Portuguese during their exploration of China, where they encountered similar fried dough treats. Over the years, churros evolved in both countries, becoming a beloved snack sold by street vendors and enjoyed in cafes. The name “churro” is believed to be inspired by the shape of the churro itself, which resembles the horns of the churro sheep, a breed native to the Iberian Peninsula. In modern times, churros have become popular worldwide, often appearing in theme parks, fairs, and food trucks. The air fryer’s rise in popularity has recently brought a new twist to the traditional recipe, offering a healthier way to enjoy the crunchy treat.
Ingredients Breakdown
To make air fried churros, you’ll need a few basic ingredients that come together to create the iconic texture and flavor. All-purpose flour serves as the foundation of the dough, giving it the right structure for frying. Butter adds richness and moisture, while water helps bind the dough together. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness, and vanilla extract provides depth to the flavor. Eggs play a crucial role in giving the churros their light and airy texture. The finishing touch comes from the cinnamon sugar mixture, made of ground cinnamon and granulated sugar, which is generously sprinkled over the churros after they’ve been air fried. The beauty of the air fryer is that you can reduce the amount of oil compared to traditional frying, while still achieving a crisp, golden exterior.
Step-by-Step Recipe
- Start by making the churro dough. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, 2 tablespoons of butter, a pinch of salt, and a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Heat over medium until the butter melts and the mixture begins to simmer.
- Once the butter is fully melted, remove the pan from heat and add 1 cup of all-purpose flour. Stir with a wooden spoon until the dough comes together and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Let the dough cool for a few minutes. Then, add 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough is smooth and thick.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
- While the air fryer is preheating, transfer the churro dough into a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
- Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or spray it with a light coat of non-stick cooking spray. Pipe the dough into 4-5 inch strips, cutting them with scissors. Be sure to leave space between each churro so they can cook evenly.
- Air fry the churros for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. You may need to flip them halfway through for even cooking.
- While the churros are cooking, prepare the cinnamon sugar coating by mixing ½ cup of sugar with 1 tablespoon of cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
- Once the churros are done, remove them from the air fryer and immediately roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture while they’re still warm.
- Serve and enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavor!
Tips for the Perfect Air Fried Churros
For the best air-fried churros, ensure that your dough is thick but still pipeable. If it feels too runny, add a bit more flour to thicken it up. The temperature of the air fryer is key: too low, and the churros won’t crisp up properly, too high, and they might burn on the outside before cooking through. Be sure to preheat your air fryer before cooking, as this helps achieve an even cook. Don’t overcrowd the basket—leave enough space for the hot air to circulate around each churro. If you want your churros to have extra crispness, lightly spray them with cooking oil before air frying. Lastly, coat the churros with cinnamon sugar while they are still hot to ensure the coating sticks properly.
Variations and Customizations
While the classic cinnamon sugar coating is delicious on its own, you can get creative with different flavorings and toppings. For a chocolate lover’s twist, drizzle melted chocolate or Nutella over the churros, or fill them with a chocolate ganache. You could also experiment with different sugar coatings, such as adding orange zest to the cinnamon sugar for a citrusy touch or using brown sugar for a more caramel-like flavor. If you want a slightly healthier version, you could replace the white sugar with coconut sugar or a natural sweetener like stevia. For added texture, consider stuffing the churros with cream cheese, dulce de leche, or even peanut butter before air frying. You can also change up the dough by adding a little cocoa powder or ground cardamom for an extra layer of flavor.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
One of the main benefits of air frying churros is the reduced amount of oil, making them lower in fat and calories compared to traditional deep-fried churros. By using an air fryer, you still get the crispy, golden exterior, but with a much lighter feel. The basic ingredients in churros—flour, butter, eggs, and sugar—do contribute to the overall calorie count, so if you’re looking to reduce the calories further, consider using less butter or substituting a lower-calorie sweetener in the cinnamon sugar coating. You can also try whole wheat flour as a healthier alternative to all-purpose flour. Despite these adjustments, churros are still considered a treat, so it’s best to enjoy them in moderation. For those with dietary restrictions, air fried churros can easily be adapted to suit gluten-free or dairy-free diets by using suitable substitutions.
FAQ
Can I make air fried churros without an air fryer?
While the air fryer gives the churros a crisp texture with less oil, you can still bake them in a regular oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes. The texture may be slightly different, but they will still be delicious.
How long can I store air fried churros?
Air fried churros are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to restore their crispiness.
Can I freeze the churro dough?
Yes, you can freeze the churro dough! Roll the dough into small portions or churro shapes, then freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-lock bag or airtight container for up to 1 month. When ready to fry, no need to thaw—just pipe and cook them straight from the freezer!
Can I make gluten-free air fried churros?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour to make the churros gluten-free. Be sure to check that your other ingredients, like the cinnamon sugar, are gluten-free as well.
Do I need to flip the churros in the air fryer?
Flipping the churros halfway through the cooking time ensures they cook evenly on both sides and get crispy all around. It’s not mandatory, but it helps achieve the perfect result.
Air Fried Churros
Ingredients
- ¼ cup of unsalted butter
- ½ cup of milk
- A pinch of salt
- ½ cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup of white sugar
- ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in the milk and salt, then reduce the heat to medium and bring to a boil, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. Once boiling, quickly add the flour all at once and continue stirring until the dough comes together.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the dough to cool for 5 to 7 minutes. After cooling, stir in the eggs one at a time with the wooden spoon until fully incorporated. Transfer the dough into a pastry bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe the dough directly into the air fryer basket, making six even strips.
- Air fry the churros at 340°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
- While the churros cook, mix the sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl until well combined. Pour the mixture onto a shallow plate.
- Once the churros are done, remove them from the air fryer and roll them in the cinnamon sugar to coat.