Homemade Air Fryer Churro Bites

Hi I'm Benjamin

Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Posted on March 18, 2025

There are few things in life as satisfying as biting into a warm, crispy churro coated in sweet cinnamon sugar. For me, churros are more than just a dessert—they are a nostalgic memory, a symbol of celebrations, and a treat that brings people together.

I still remember my first experience with churros at a bustling street fair. The air was filled with the scent of cinnamon and fried dough, and the sight of golden-brown churros being freshly piped into hot oil was mesmerizing. I watched eagerly as they were lifted from the fryer, rolled in cinnamon sugar, and handed over in a paper cone. That first bite was pure magic—crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and perfectly coated with sweet cinnamon goodness.

Since then, I’ve been on a mission to recreate that experience at home. This homemade churro recipe delivers everything you love about traditional street-style churros—crunchy, golden perfection with just the right amount of cinnamon and sugar. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, a cozy night in, or just because, these churros are guaranteed to bring smiles with every bite.

Why These Homemade Churros Are Better Than Store-Bought

1. Perfectly Crispy on the Outside, Soft on the Inside

Unlike pre-packaged or frozen churros, homemade churros have that freshly fried crispiness with a light, airy center.

2. The Right Balance of Sweetness

The cinnamon-sugar coating adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the delicate flavor of the dough.

3. Simple Ingredients, Maximum Flavor

You don’t need any fancy ingredients—just flour, butter, sugar, eggs, and a few pantry staples—yet the result is a decadent treat.

4. No Special Equipment Needed

While professional churros are often made with special dough dispensers, you can easily make them at home using a piping bag with a star tip to get that classic ridged look.

5. Endless Customization Options

Once you master this basic churro recipe, you can experiment with different coatings, fillings, and dipping sauces to make it your own.

For the Churro Dough:

1 cup plain flour
1 cup water
1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
1 large egg

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

1 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon powder

Step-by-Step Directions for Perfect Churros

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a saucepan over medium heat, bring water, butter, salt, and sugar to a boil.
Reduce heat to low and add the flour all at once, stirring constantly until a smooth dough forms.
Remove from heat and let cool slightly before mixing in vanilla essence and the egg until fully incorporated.

Step 2: Pipe and Fry the Churros

Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
Heat oil in a deep pan to 375°F (190°C). Pipe 4-5 inch strips of dough into the hot oil, cutting with scissors if needed.
Fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Step 3: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar & Serve

In a shallow dish, mix sugar and cinnamon powder. Roll warm churros in the mixture until evenly coated.
Serve immediately with chocolate sauce or caramel for dipping!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving, Approximate)

Calories: ~220 kcal
Carbohydrates: ~30g
Protein: ~3g
Fat: ~10g
Saturated Fat: ~6g
Fiber: ~1g
Sugar: ~15g
Sodium: ~120mg

These Crispy Cinnamon Churros are golden, crunchy, and coated in a delicious cinnamon-sugar mixture, making them the perfect homemade treat for any occasion!

The Secret to Perfect Churros

Even though churros are relatively simple to make, a few techniques ensure that they turn out light, crispy, and full of flavor.

1. Cook the Dough Properly

The base of churro dough is similar to pâte à choux (used for cream puffs), meaning it needs to be cooked on the stovetop first. This helps remove excess moisture and creates a dough that holds its shape when piped into hot oil.

2. Use the Right Piping Tip

A star-shaped piping tip gives churros their signature ridges, which help them cook evenly and hold onto the cinnamon sugar coating. If you don’t have one, you can use a ziplock bag with a small corner snipped off, but the texture will be smoother.

3. Keep the Oil at the Perfect Temperature

Churros need to fry at 375°F (190°C) for the perfect golden-brown crunch. If the oil is too cold, they’ll turn out greasy. If it’s too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks through.

4. Don’t Overcrowd the Fryer

Frying too many churros at once lowers the oil temperature and can result in soggy churros. Fry them in small batches for the best texture.

5. Coat Them While They’re Warm

For the best cinnamon-sugar coverage, roll the churros in the mixture while they’re still warm so the coating sticks perfectly.

Fun Variations to Try

While classic cinnamon-sugar churros are unbeatable, there are plenty of ways to customize them based on your taste.

1. Chocolate-Filled Churros

Once the churros cool slightly, use a piping bag to fill them with melted chocolate or Nutella for an indulgent surprise inside.

2. Stuffed Dulce de Leche Churros

Fill them with dulce de leche or caramel sauce for a rich, buttery twist.

3. Spiced Churros

Add a pinch of pumpkin spice or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, seasonal flavor.

4. Matcha Sugar Churros

Instead of cinnamon, mix sugar with matcha powder for a subtle green tea flavor.

5. Churros Dipped in Flavored Sauces

Serve with a variety of dipping sauces like:
- Classic chocolate ganache
- Salted caramel sauce
- Berry compote
- Peanut butter sauce

Best Ways to Serve Churros

Churros are best enjoyed fresh and warm, but how you serve them can make them even better.

1. With a Hot Drink

Pair churros with hot chocolate, coffee, or spiced chai tea for a cozy treat.

2. As a Dessert Platter

Arrange them on a plate with multiple dipping sauces for a fun, interactive dessert.

3. With Ice Cream

Top warm churros with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.

4. As a Party Snack

Serve mini churros in small cups for a bite-sized party treat.

How to Store and Reheat Churros

While churros are best eaten fresh, you can store and reheat them to enjoy later.

Storing Churros:

Keep leftover churros in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Avoid refrigerating, as this can make them soggy.

Reheating Churros:

Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to re-crisp them.
Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes.
Microwave: Not recommended, as it makes them soft instead of crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I bake churros instead of frying them?

Yes! Pipe them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush with melted butter, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes until golden.

2. What’s the best oil for frying churros?

Use vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil—they have a neutral flavor and a high smoke point.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before frying.

4. Why are my churros greasy?

This happens when the oil is too cold. Make sure it’s hot enough (375°F/190°C) before frying.

5. Can I freeze churros?

Yes! Freeze uncooked churro dough by piping it onto a baking sheet and freezing. When ready to fry, let them thaw slightly and cook as usual.

Conclusion: A Timeless Classic Worth Making at Home

Making homemade churros is more than just preparing a dessert—it’s about creating moments of joy. Whether you’re making them for a weekend treat, a festive celebration, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, these crispy, golden delights never fail to impress.

With their perfect balance of crunch, sweetness, and warm cinnamon flavor, homemade churros offer an experience that store-bought versions simply can’t match. So, grab your ingredients, heat up the oil, and get ready to enjoy the most satisfying bite of cinnamon-sugar goodness you’ve ever had!