Air fryer churros dipped in chocolate sauce are a delightful twist on a classic treat that promises to satisfy your sweet cravings without the fuss of handling the hot oil of a deep fryer. This air fryer recipe simplifies the traditional frying method, offering a cleaner, healthier way to enjoy this classic treat without sacrificing the crispy exterior and soft interior that churros are famous for. Perfect for those seeking a quick, easy-to-make snack that still delivers on taste and texture, this air fryer version promises all the charm of street-vendor churros right from your kitchen.
In this post, we will share how to make the best air fryer churros with chocolate dipping sauce that are so mouthwateringly good. Not to mention, you can't beat the warm and crispy homemade churros that are bite size friendly.
What You Need To Make Air Fryer Churros
Water
Water serves as the fundamental liquid component in the churro dough. It provides the necessary hydration to create a smooth, cohesive dough. This dough will later be piped into the air fryer for cooking.
Unsalted Butter
Butter adds a touch of luxury to the air-fried churro dough. Its richness and flavor contribute to the overall taste and mouthfeel of the churros. It also aids in creating a tender interior. In the absence of unsalted butter, regular (salted) butter can be used, with a corresponding adjustment in the added salt. If butter is not available, consider using butter substitutes.
To make it vegan-friendly or dairy-free, you can consider using margarine or a dairy-free butter as a substitute.
Salt
Even in sweet recipes, a pinch of salt can enhance the overall flavor. It acts as a flavor enhancer, balancing the sweetness of the churros while adding depth to the taste. Omitting the salt is an option for those who prefer or require a salt-free version, as it won't significantly affect the churros' texture.
All-Purpose Flour
All-purpose flour serves as the primary dry ingredient in churro dough, offering the structure that contributes to the crispness on the outside and softness on the inside.
Eggs
Eggs play a crucial role in binding the churro dough together. They provide the necessary structure for the air fryer churros, ensuring they maintain their shape during air frying.
To make churros vegan-friendly, you can substitute the egg with options like a flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with water (1 tablespoon of flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, let it sit for a few minutes until it becomes gel-like, equals one egg), applesauce (1/4 cup per egg), or mashed bananas (1/4 cup per egg).
Pure Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract contributes a subtle yet delightful hint of vanilla flavor to the churro dough, enhancing the overall taste profile. For a variation, vanilla essence can be used as a substitute, or you can opt to omit it for a simpler flavor.
Avocado Oil Or Coconut Oil Spray
Avocado oil or coconut oil spray greases the air fryer basket, preventing the air fryer churros from sticking during the cooking process.
Coconut/ Date Sugar
Coconut or date sugar serves as the cinnamon sugar coating for the churros once they're air-fried. It adds a classic sweet and slightly crispy exterior to these delightful treats. Coconut sugar and date sugar are natural sweeteners that are healthier swaps than granulated sugar.
Ground Cinnamon
Cinnamon is combined with sugar to create the iconic cinnamon sugar coating that gives air fryer churros their signature flavor. If you're not a fan of cinnamon or have allergies, omitting it entirely remains a viable option. The air fryer churros will still be delightful with just the sugar coating.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
Semi-sweet chocolate chips are the key ingredient for crafting the luscious chocolate sauce. They provide a rich, chocolatey flavor that pairs perfectly with the homemade churros. Instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips, you can choose milk chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips according to your preference. Alternatively, you can chop up a chocolate bar into small pieces.
Heavy Cream
Heavy cream creates a creamy and luscious texture in the chocolate dipping sauce. It contributes to the sauce's thickness and helps achieve the desired consistency. If you prefer a lighter version of the chocolate sauce, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. Bear in mind that the sauce may be less rich but still delightful.
Mini Air Fryer Churro Recipe
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Rest Time
60 minutes
Total Time
1 hour and 35 minutes
Ingredients
For the Churros
For the Cinnamon Coconut Sugar Coating
For the Chocolate Sauce
Directions
Churros
1. Place a silicone baking mat onto a baking sheet and generously coat it with cooking spray.
2. Combine water, unsalted butter, and salt in a saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium-high heat until it reaches a boil. Reduce the heat to low and add all-purpose flour. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan, which should take about 1-2 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the dough to cool for 5-6 minutes.
3. Once the dough has cooled slightly, add the eggs one at a time, ensuring thorough mixing after each addition. The dough will initially appear lumpy, like gluey mashed potatoes, but will become smooth and shiny as you mix. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Prepare a piping pastry bag with a star tip. Alternatively, you can use a plastic food storage bag with one corner snipped off as a makeshift piping bag. Transfer the dough to the bag.
5. Pipe the dough on the baking mat, cutting it into 4-6 inch lengths using kitchen scissors. However, you can cut any length you desire. Let the piped mini churros chill in the refrigerator for about an hour, and then transfer them into the air fryer basket. Brush or spray oil on top of them to help brown them and prevent burning.
6. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes. Lightly grease the basket with avocado or coconut oil to prevent sticking.
7. Air fry the churros at 375°F (190°C) for 9–12 minutes or until they turn golden brown and become crispy outside. If your air fryer has limited space, you may need to do this in batches.
8. Combine coconut sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl to make cinnamon sugar while the air-fried churros remain warm. It's important to make sure the cinnamon-sugar mixture is mixed well, and then roll each churro in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until it is well coated. If the air fryer churros are not sticking to as much cinnamon sugar as you desire, brush a little melted butter on each and then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Chocolate Dipping Sauce
1. Heat the heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl or stovetop until it's hot but not boiling. Add the semi-sweet chocolate chips to the hot cream and allow them to sit for a minute to soften.
2. Stir the chocolate and cream until you achieve a smooth, glossy chocolate sauce. Heat it in the microwave for a few more seconds to achieve the desired consistency.
3. Serve the coconut sugar-coated air-fried churros with homemade chocolate sauce for dipping. It is best to serve them warm.
Tips & Notes
Use Room-Temperature Eggs: It's essential to use room-temperature eggs when adding them to the churro dough. Cold eggs can cause the dough to seize up or become lumpy.
Mix the Dough Well: Mix well after incorporating the eggs into the dough after each addition. Ensure the dough becomes smooth and shiny before proceeding to the next step. Properly mixed dough will result in better-textured homemade churros.
Grease the Air Fryer Basket: To prevent sticking, grease the air fryer basket or tray with a small amount of avocado oil or coconut oil cooking spray.
Nutritional Facts
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories
210
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 10g
13%
Saturated Fat 5.4g
27%
Cholesterol 113mg
38%
Sodium 134mg
6%
Total Carbohydrate 24.3g
9%
Dietary Fiber 0.7g
2%
Total Sugars 8.3g
Protein 5.3g
Vitamin D 9mcg
44%
Calcium 20mg
2%
Iron 1mg
8%
Potassium 58mg
1%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Stir Chocolate Slowly: When melting the chocolate chips for the sauce, stir slowly and frequently to prevent overheating or burning. The chocolate should melt gently to maintain its smooth texture.
Use Heavy Cream: Heavy cream creates a luxurious and creamy chocolate dipping sauce. If possible, avoid substituting it with milk for the best texture and flavor.
How To Elevate Air Fryer Churro Recipe
Flavored Churro Dough
To infuse your air-fried churros with more depth of flavor, add a touch of citrus zest, like orange or lemon, to the dough. The subtle citrus aroma will complement the sweetness of the churros and offer a refreshing twist. Alternatively, a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg can provide warm, comforting notes, making your churros even more delightful.
Dipping Variety
Enhance the homemade churro experience by providing an array of dipping sauces. While the classic chocolate dipping sauce is a favorite, provide alternatives like a vibrant raspberry coulis for a fruity contrast, a silky dulce de leche for a harmonious blend of sweet and salty, or a spicy chili-chocolate dipping sauce for those who crave an adventurous kick.
What Are The Difference Between Traditional Churros, Baked Churros, And Air Fryer Churros
Traditional Churros
Traditional churros are the quintessential Spanish street food known for their iconic deep-fried preparation. In this process, a decadent churro dough is piped into hot oil, undergoing a delightful transformation. The result is churros with a distinctive and beloved texture—crispy and golden brown on the outside while maintaining a soft, tender, and slightly doughy interior.
The deep-frying process infuses them with a rich, deep-fried flavor punctuated by a subtle sweetness. However, it's worth noting that deep-fried churros demand a considerable amount of oil, resulting in churros that are higher in calories and fat. However, it can also be a messy and time-consuming process that demands careful handling of hot oil.
Baked Churros
Baked churros offer a lighter and healthier twist on the classic treat. Instead of being immersed in a bubbling cauldron of oil, churro dough is piped onto a baking sheet and placed in the oven. The baking process yields churros with a distinct texture compared to their fried counterparts.
Baked churros tend to be lighter, with a cake-like texture reminiscent of a baked pastry. While baked churros maintain the essence of churros, their milder flavor and different texture may not fully satisfy those craving the classic churro crunch. Nevertheless, the reduced oil usage makes baking a cleaner and healthier option for churro enthusiasts.
Air Fryer Churros
Air fryer churros represent a modern fusion of traditional and baked churros, aiming to provide the best of both worlds—crispiness with reduced oil usage. These air fryer churros boast a satisfyingly crispy exterior akin to their deep-fried counterparts while utilizing significantly less oil. Air frying also provides the advantage of quicker cooking times.
The result of air-fryer churros has a middle ground between traditional and baked churros. They emerge from the air fryer with a crispy exterior that resembles the deep-fried variety, yet their interior is slightly lighter and less doughy, akin to baked churros.
How To Store Leftovers Air Fried Churros
To store leftover air-fried churros, begin by allowing them to cool completely at room temperature. Subsequently, place them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag, using parchment paper to separate layers and prevent sticking. Seal the container tightly to keep air out and preserve its freshness.
Leftover air-fried churros can be stored at room temperature for up to 24 hours. If you plan for longer storage, freezing is an option; ensure they are well-sealed to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat the frozen churros in an air fryer or oven to restore their delightful crispiness, though they are best when savored fresh.
