Name: Air Fryer Light Churros
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: Spanish-American
Ingredients: 1 cup water; 1/4 cup unsalted butter or margarine; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup sugar (for coating); 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating); Neutral oil spray (optional)

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Air Fryer Light Churros are a healthier twist on the classic fried treat—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and cooked to golden perfection without deep frying. They’re quick, easy, and just as satisfying with a dusting of cinnamon sugar.

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these churros give me all the comfort of the traditional version without the mess or heaviness of deep frying. With just a handful of ingredients and my air fryer, I can enjoy warm, golden churros in minutes. They’re great for breakfast, dessert, or a quick sweet craving. Air Fryer Light Churros

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Water
Butter (or margarine)
All-purpose flour
Eggs
Sugar
Salt
Vanilla extract
Ground cinnamon (for coating)
Neutral oil spray (optional, for air frying)

Directions

I start by heating the water, butter, salt, and a bit of sugar in a saucepan until it boils.
I remove it from heat and stir in the flour all at once, mixing until a thick dough forms.
I let the dough cool slightly, then beat in the eggs one at a time until smooth.
I add a splash of vanilla for flavor and scoop the dough into a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
I pipe the dough into strips or spirals on a parchment-lined tray.
I transfer them to the air fryer basket and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes until golden and puffed.
While still warm, I toss them in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 small churros. It takes 15 minutes to prepare and 10–12 minutes to air fry each batch.

Variations

I swap butter for coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
I fill the churros with dulce de leche or chocolate using a piping tip.
I dip them in melted chocolate or caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
I shape them into hearts or spirals for fun occasions.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover churros in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, I pop them back in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes at 350°F to revive their crispiness. I don’t recommend freezing the cooked churros, but I freeze the dough and pipe them fresh when I’m ready to cook. Air Fryer Light Churros

FAQs

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

Yes, I preheat it for a few minutes so the churros start cooking immediately and crisp up nicely.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, I refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours and bring it slightly to room temp before piping and air frying.

My churros aren’t browning—what can I do?

I spray them lightly with oil before air frying for better color and crispiness.

Do I need a piping bag?

It helps get the classic ridged shape, but I’ve also used a zip-top bag with the corner snipped in a pinch.

Can I bake these instead of using an air fryer?

Yes, I bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 18–20 minutes, then broil for a minute if I want extra crispiness.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Light Churros are one of my favorite guilt-free indulgences. I get the same delicious taste and texture as the traditional version with way less effort and cleanup. Whether I’m treating myself or making a fun dessert for guests, these churros never disappoint.