Who doesn’t love churros? The golden, crispy exterior, the soft, warm center, and that dusting of cinnamon sugar—there’s something about them that just makes your taste buds dance. And the best part? You can now make crispy air fryer churros that are just as delicious, but a whole lot easier to make and a little bit healthier than the deep-fried version. These churros come out perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with that irresistible cinnamon-sugar coating.

I’ve always been a fan of churros, but when I first tried making them in the air fryer, I was hooked. No need for a big pot of oil, and they still taste just as amazing. Whether you’re making them for a special treat or just because you’ve got a craving, these churros are sure to hit the spot. Plus, they’re so quick to whip up—you’ll be enjoying a warm, cinnamon-sugary bite in no time.

Why You’ll Love Crispy Air Fryer Churros

No deep frying – Get all the crispy goodness with a fraction of the oil.
Quick and easy – No need for hours of preparation or complicated steps.
Perfectly crispy – The air fryer gives them that crunchy outside and soft inside, just like you want.
Fun to make – Get the kids involved and make it a family baking activity.
Customizable – Dip in chocolate sauce or drizzle with caramel for an extra treat!

What You’ll Need to Make Crispy Air Fryer Churros

These churros are surprisingly simple to make. You only need a few ingredients, most of which you probably have in your kitchen already:

For the churros:

1 cup water
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cooking spray (to coat the air fryer basket)

For the cinnamon sugar coating:

1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Churros

Ready for some warm, crispy churros? It’s easier than you think! Here’s how to make them:

Step 1: Make the churro dough

In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Once the mixture comes to a boil, remove it from the heat and stir in the flour until a dough forms. It will come together quickly.
Let the dough cool for about 5 minutes, then stir in the eggs, one at a time, until the dough is smooth and thick. Finally, add the vanilla extract and mix well.

Step 2: Shape the churros

Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a Ziploc bag and cut off the tip.
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Pipe 3-4 inch long strips of dough into the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one so they can crisp up evenly. You can do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Step 3: Air fry the churros

Cook the churros in the preheated air fryer for 8-10 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. You might want to flip them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly.

Step 4: Coat with cinnamon sugar

While the churros are cooking, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish.
Once the churros are done, remove them from the air fryer and immediately toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until they’re fully coated. Be generous—you want that sweet coating to really stick.

How I Like to Serve My Churros

Churros are always best when they’re fresh out of the air fryer, warm and crispy. I love serving them with a small bowl of chocolate sauce for dipping. The chocolate adds a rich contrast to the cinnamon-sugar sweetness. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, a drizzle of caramel sauce makes for a deliciously gooey treat.

Another fun idea is to serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The warm churros and cold ice cream? Total perfection.

Tips for the Best Crispy Air Fryer Churros

Don’t skip the cooling step – Let the dough cool before adding the eggs. This ensures the eggs don’t cook when they hit the hot dough.
Make sure the dough is thick – The dough should be thick enough to pipe out without running. If it’s too runny, add a little more flour.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer – Give each churro enough space to cook evenly. You might need to cook them in batches.
Check for doneness – Air fryers vary, so keep an eye on the churros as they cook. They should be golden brown and crispy.
Get creative with dipping – Besides chocolate and caramel sauce, try dipping them in dulce de leche, or even a tangy cream cheese dip for a fun twist.

How to Store Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which I’m honestly not sure how you will), you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. They’re best fresh, but you can reheat them in the air fryer for a minute or two to crisp them back up. If you want to store them longer, pop them in the fridge, and they should be good for up to 4-5 days.

The Best Churros Without the Frying Mess

Making churros in the air fryer is a total game-changer. You get all the crispy, cinnamon-sugar goodness without the mess of deep frying, and they’re so easy to make. Whether you’re treating yourself after a long day or making them for a gathering, crispy air fryer churros are always a hit.

So, if you’re craving that perfect balance of crispy, sweet, and warm, go ahead and try making these churros. I promise you’ll love them as much as I do!