Description
Crispy, golden, and perfectly puffed churro twists made in the air fryer for a healthier, mess-free dessert that tastes like they were made by a professional pastry chef.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into chunks
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Neutral oil spray (for basket)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, then immediately remove from heat.
- Add flour all at once and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough forms a smooth ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Transfer dough to a bowl and let cool for 2-3 minutes until warm to the touch. Mix in the egg until the dough is smooth, glossy, and pipeable.
- Fill a piping bag fitted with a star tip with the dough. Pipe 4-5 inch strips onto parchment paper or a plate.
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the basket with oil.
- Transfer churro twists to the basket, leaving space between them. Lightly spray the tops with oil.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and firm.
- While churros cook, mix coating sugar and cinnamon in a large bowl.
- Immediately toss hot churros in the sugar mixture until fully coated.
- Serve warm.
Notes
Preheat the air fryer for 3-5 minutes before adding dough to ensure they puff up properly. Space churros out in the basket to allow air circulation; cook in batches if necessary. Coat churros in sugar immediately while they are hot for best adhesion. For gluten-free version, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 twists per serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
Keywords: air fryer churros, cinnamon sugar churros, easy dessert, air fryer recipes, churro twists, quick snacks