Air Fryer Churros Recipe
Air Fryer Churros Recipe is a medium American (Los Angeles) recipe that serves 4. 450 calories per serving. Recipe by Preppy Kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 27 min | Cook: 22 min | Total: 1 hr 4 min
Cost: $2.11 total, $0.53 per serving
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup All-Purpose Flour (90 g, sifted)
- 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter (56 g, cut into cubes)
- 2/3 cup Water (160 ml, room temperature)
- 2 tsp Granulated Sugar (Scant, for dough)
- 1/4 tsp Salt (Fine or kosher salt)
- 2 pieces Large Eggs (Room temperature, checked for shells)
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract (Pure vanilla)
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar (for coating) (Mixed with cinnamon for coating)
- 1.5 tsp Ground Cinnamon (Mixed with coating sugar)
- 1 spray Neutral Oil Spray (Avocado or coconut oil, for light coating before cinnamon sugar)
Instructions
Measure Flour
Sift 3/4 cup (90 g) all‑purpose flour into a small bowl and set aside.
Time: PT2M
Boil Butter Mixture
In a medium pot combine 1/4 cup (56 g) unsalted butter, 2/3 cup (160 ml) water, 2 tsp granulated sugar, and 1/4 tsp salt. Heat over medium‑high until it reaches a rolling boil.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium‑high heat
Add Flour and Form Dough Ball
Remove the pot from heat, immediately dump the measured flour in, and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until a smooth ball forms.
Time: PT2M
Cook Flour Off‑Moisture
Return the pot to medium‑low heat and continue stirring for 1–2 minutes to dry the dough and eliminate excess moisture.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium‑low heat
Cool Dough in Mixer
Transfer the dough to the stand mixer bowl. Run the mixer on medium for about 3 minutes to cool the dough and prevent the eggs from scrambling.
Time: PT3M
Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Add the two large eggs one at a time, mixing on medium speed after each addition. Then add ½ tsp vanilla extract and mix until the dough is silky, glossy, and slightly slack.
Time: PT3M
Pipe Churro Shapes
Fit a piping bag with a large closed star tip, fill with the dough, and pipe 4‑inch long, ¾‑inch thick strips onto parchment paper. Snip the ends for even length if needed.
Time: PT10M
Freeze Until Firm
Place the parchment sheet with piped churros in the freezer for about 30 minutes until firm. They can be stored frozen for up to 2 weeks.
Time: PT30M
Preheat Air Fryer
Preheat the basket‑type air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Time: PT3M
Temperature: 375°F
Air Fry Churros
Arrange frozen churros in the basket, spaced 1 in apart. Air fry for 8 minutes at 375°F, then flip, lower temperature to 325°F, and cook another 8 minutes until golden brown and dry in the center.
Time: PT16M
Temperature: 375°F then 325°F
Add Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Lightly spray the hot churros with neutral oil, then toss them in a bowl with ½ cup granulated sugar mixed with 1½ tsp ground cinnamon until fully coated.
Time: PT2M
Serve
Transfer coated churros to a serving platter. Serve warm, optionally with chocolate ganache or dulce de leche for dipping.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 450
- Protein
- 5 g
- Carbohydrates
- 55 g
- Fat
- 22 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains gluten, Contains dairy, Contains eggs
Allergens: Eggs, Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Cake flour, Whole wheat flour (will affect texture)
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine, Coconut oil (solid at room temp)
- Instead of Water: Milk (will add richness), Plant‑based milk
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Superfine sugar
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Large Eggs: Egg replacer (will change texture), Aquafaba (for vegan version, but not traditional)
- Instead of Vanilla Extract: Maple extract, Almond extract (use less)
- Instead of Granulated Sugar (for coating): Coconut sugar
- Instead of Ground Cinnamon: Cinnamon powder
- Instead of Neutral Oil Spray: Canola oil spray, Olive oil spray (mild flavor)
Equipment Needed
- Medium Pot
- Wooden Spoon
- Stand Mixer with Paddle Attachment
- Mixing Bowl
- Piping Bag
- Large Closed Star Tip
- Scissors
- Parchment Paper
- Freezer Tray or Baking Sheet
- Air Fryer (basket type)
- Oil Spray Bottle
- Small Bowl
- Tongs (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Forming a smooth dough ball after adding flour
- Cooking the flour on low heat to remove excess moisture
- Cooling the dough before adding eggs to avoid scrambling
- Piping consistent 4‑inch strips
- Freezing churros until firm before air frying
- Flipping and adjusting temperature during air frying for even browning
Chef Tips from the Video
- Dampen your fingertips when smoothing stray dough bits; the moisture prevents tearing.
- Use parchment paper on the freezer tray to avoid sticking and for easy transfer.
- If you don’t have a stand mixer, whisk the dough vigorously by hand until smooth, then let it rest longer before adding eggs.
Troubleshooting
Dough is too dry and crumbly.
Add a tablespoon of warm water at a time while mixing until the dough comes together into a smooth ball.
Dough is too wet and sticky.
Return the pot to low heat and stir for an extra minute to evaporate excess moisture, then let cool before adding eggs.
Churros are pale and not crisp after air frying.
Make sure the churros are fully frozen before cooking and flip them halfway through the cooking time. Increase the final temperature to 350°F if needed.
Cinnamon sugar does not stick.
Lightly spray the churros with a neutral oil immediately after air frying; the oil creates a sticky surface for the sugar.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store cooked churros in an airtight container for up to 2 days; re‑heat in the air fryer for 2‑3 minutes.
Freezer: Uncooked frozen churros can be kept for up to 2 weeks. Air fry directly from frozen.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours as they may become soggy.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Pipe and freeze the churros in a single layer; they can be stored frozen for up to 2 weeks.
- Prepare the cinnamon‑sugar coating in advance and keep in a sealed jar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of air fryer churros in Los Angeles cuisine?
Churros arrived in Los Angeles with Mexican street‑food vendors and quickly became a beloved snack. The air‑fryer version modernizes the traditional deep‑fried treat, offering a lighter texture while preserving the classic cinnamon‑sugar flavor.
What are the traditional regional variations of churros in Mexican and Spanish cuisine?
In Spain, churros are often served plain with thick hot chocolate, while Mexican churros are typically rolled in cinnamon sugar and sometimes filled with cajeta or chocolate. Some regions add cheese or fruit fillings for a sweet‑savory twist.
How are authentic churros traditionally served in Los Angeles street markets?
Street vendors in LA usually serve fresh, hot churros rolled in cinnamon sugar, sometimes with a side of chocolate dipping sauce or dulce de leche. They are eaten on the spot, often standing at a cart or market stall.
What occasions or celebrations are churros commonly associated with in Southern California?
Churros are popular at fairs, night markets, and community festivals in Southern California. They are also a favorite after‑school treat and are often served at birthday parties and holiday gatherings as a sweet snack.
What authentic ingredients are essential for traditional churro dough versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional churro dough uses all‑purpose flour, butter, water, eggs, and a pinch of salt. Substitutes like cake flour or coconut oil can be used, but they alter the texture; butter provides the classic richness, while the eggs give the dough its elasticity.
What other Los Angeles‑style snacks pair well with air fryer churros?
Air fryer churros pair nicely with Mexican hot chocolate, fresh fruit salsa, or a drizzle of caramel‑coconut sauce. They also complement savory items like elote (Mexican street corn) for a balanced snack platter.
How has the method of cooking churros evolved from deep frying to air frying in modern home kitchens?
Deep frying has been the classic method, but air fryers provide a healthier, less messy alternative that still yields a crisp exterior. The shift reflects growing home‑cooking trends toward convenience and reduced oil usage while preserving flavor.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making air fryer churros?
Common mistakes include adding eggs to dough that is still too hot (causing scrambling), not drying the flour enough before cooling, and skipping the freezing step, which can cause the churros to break when transferred to the air fryer.
Why does this air fryer churros recipe use a freezing step before air frying instead of cooking the dough directly?
Freezing firms the piped dough, making it easier to handle and preventing it from spreading or breaking in the air fryer basket. It also helps achieve a uniform interior texture while the exterior crisps evenly.
Can I make the air fryer churros ahead of time and how should I store them before cooking?
Yes. Pipe the churros, place them on parchment, and freeze them for at least 30 minutes. Store the frozen churros in a zip‑top bag in the freezer for up to two weeks, then air fry directly from frozen when ready to serve.
What does the YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen specialize in?
The YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen specializes in quick, approachable recipes that often feature modern kitchen gadgets like air fryers, Instant Pots, and sous‑vide equipment, with a focus on tasty, family‑friendly meals.
How does the YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen's approach to American‑style snack recipes differ from other cooking channels?
Preppy Kitchen emphasizes gadget‑centric shortcuts, such as using an air fryer for traditionally deep‑fried snacks, and provides detailed step‑by‑step visuals that make seemingly technical recipes like choux pastry accessible to home cooks.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
