Best Air Fryer Churros Recipe: A Game-Changer for Snack Lovers
As a self-proclaimed churro enthusiast, I’ve had my fair share of cooking fails. Who else remembers the time they tried to deep-fry churros at home and ended up with a kitchen covered in flour and a batch of burnt, greasy treats? Yeah, that was me. But after discovering the magic of air frying, I knew I had to create the perfect Air Fryer Churros Recipe.
Why This Recipe Works
The key to this recipe’s success lies in its unique texture and health benefits. Unlike traditional deep-fried churros, these Air Fryer Churros are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside without sacrificing any of their signature flavor. The air frying process also allows for a significant reduction in calories and fat, making them a guilt-free snack option.
Ingredients
- 1 package active dry yeast (I recommend Red Star Yeast)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (use King Arthur Flour for the best results)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup whole milk, lukewarm
- 2 large eggs
- Vegetable oil spray (use PAM Cooking Spray for easy release)
- Cinnamon sugar mixture (see below for recipe)
Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Step-by-Step: Air Fryer Churros Recipe
Now that you have all the ingredients, let’s get started! Follow these easy steps to create the perfect Air Fryer Churros:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine yeast, flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Gradually add lukewarm milk while stirring with a wooden spoon or a stand mixer until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
6. Punch down the dough and roll it out into a large rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick.
7. Cut the dough into 1-inch wide strips.
8. Spray both sides of each strip with vegetable oil spray.
9. Place the churro strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between each piece for even cooking.
10. Cook the churros for 5-7 minutes or until they are golden brown and puffed up.
11. Remove the churros from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes.
12. While still warm, toss the churros in cinnamon sugar mixture to coat.
The “Secret Trick”: Pro-Tip
Here’s a little-known secret to take your Air Fryer Churros to the next level: after cooking the churros, place them in a low-temperature oven (around 200°F or 90°C) for an additional 5 minutes. This step will help crisp up the outside and give them an extra layer of crunch.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of flour?
A: Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with bread flour or whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
Q: How long do Air Fryer Churros keep?
A: These churros are best consumed within 24 hours. If stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. Freeze them for up to 2 months and reheat in the air fryer or oven.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight or freeze it for up to 2 months. Simply thaw and proceed with the recipe as instructed.
Get Ready to Fall in Love with Air Fryer Churros!
These crispy, sweet, and addictive Air Fryer Churros are sure to become a new family favorite. With their unique texture and health benefits, you’ll be hooked from the very first bite. So, go ahead and give this recipe a try – your taste buds (and your waistline) will thank you!
