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Air Fryer Churros That Are Golden, Crispy, and Incredibly Easy

Golden, crispy, and full of cinnamon-sugar magic—these air fryer churros are the dessert I turn to when I’m craving something sweet but don’t feel like turning my kitchen into a deep-fried mess. Made with just a handful of pantry staples and zero oil splatter, they’re the kind of treat that feels like a fairground snack but without the long lines or greasy fingers. I first tested this recipe on a rainy Sunday, and let me tell you—my house has never smelled better. The dough comes together in one pot, and thanks to the air fryer, the churros puff up and brown beautifully without all the drama of deep-frying. The moment they hit that cinnamon-sugar bath? Absolute bliss. If you’ve got kids, they’ll love helping shake them in the coating (and probably sneak a few too). This is my go-to for last-minute desserts or when I need a little pick-me-up. It’s a quick win with ingredients you probably already have, and it always brings a smile. Ready to get a little messy in the best way possible?
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time12 minutes
Total Time22 minutes
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Keywords: air fryer cookies easy recipes, air fryer cookies easy recipes healthy, air fryer desserts easy recipes, air fryer easy recipes, air fryer oatmeal cookies easy recipes, air fryer sugar cookies easy recipes, easy air fryer dessert recipes
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Elena

Ingredients

  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup sugar (for coating)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
  • Nonstick cooking spray or oil spray

Instructions

  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, bring the water, butter, sugar, and salt to a simmer.
  2. Stir in the flour all at once and keep stirring until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides.
  3. Let the dough cool for 5–10 minutes. Then, add in the egg and vanilla and stir (or mix with a hand mixer) until smooth.
  4. Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
  5. Spray your air fryer basket with nonstick spray. Pipe 3–4 inch strips directly into the basket.
  6. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
  7. While churros are frying, mix sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
  8. Toss warm churros in cinnamon sugar. Serve immediately.

Notes

Want a chocolatey twist? Serve these with warm chocolate sauce or even Nutella for dunking. Also, if you don't have a piping bag, a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off works in a pinch.