Best Easy Air Fryer Churros – Crispy, Sweet & Irresistible

If you’ve ever strolled through a fairground or visited a bustling street market and caught a whiff of cinnamon and sugar in the air, you know the magic of a warm, freshly made churro. Now, imagine creating that same magic at home—with no deep frying, minimal ingredients, and only a few minutes of prep. That’s exactly what you’ll get with this Best Easy Air Fryer Churros recipe.

This is not only the easiest churro recipe you’ll ever make, but it’s also healthier than traditional deep-fried versions thanks to the use of an air fryer. With puff pastry as the star and a few pantry staples, these churros are light, flaky, golden, and coated in buttery cinnamon-sugar goodness. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without making a mess in the kitchen!

Who This Recipe Is For

This air fryer churro recipe is for:

• Busy parents who want to treat their kids to something sweet without the fuss of deep-frying.

• Beginner bakers who want to impress guests without needing a culinary degree.

• Air fryer enthusiasts looking for a new favorite dessert.

• Anyone craving churros but trying to cut down on oil or time spent cooking.

Whether you’re hosting a last-minute gathering or looking for a quick dessert after dinner, these puff pastry churros will become a go-to indulgence in your recipe rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what makes this recipe a standout:

• 1 puff pastry dough sheet (thawed) – Store-bought puff pastry cuts down on prep time and ensures a flaky, crispy texture.

• Non-stick cooking spray or oil – Helps crisp the churros in the air fryer without the need for deep frying.

• ¼ cup butter (melted) – Adds richness and helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture stick to the churros.

• ½ cup sugar – Creates that classic sweet coating.

• 1 tablespoon cinnamon – Gives churros their warm, comforting aroma and flavor.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Before you begin, make sure your kitchen is stocked with these essentials:

• Air fryer (any size with a flat basket works)

• Pastry brush or oil mister

• Sharp knife or pizza cutter (for slicing the dough)

• Cutting board

• Gallon-size plastic bag (for tossing churros in cinnamon-sugar)

• Tongs (for flipping and removing churros safely)

• Small bowl (for melted butter)

• Measuring spoons and cups

How to Make Air Fryer Churros – Step by Step

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Lightly coat the air fryer basket with non-stick spray or oil to prevent sticking and encourage even browning.

Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut it in half lengthwise, then slice it into 1-inch wide strips. This will give you the perfect size and shape for mini churros.

Step 3: Add Oil for Crispiness

Lightly spray or brush both sides of each puff pastry strip with oil. This step ensures the outside becomes crispy and golden while the inside remains tender.

Step 4: Air Fry the Churros

Arrange the strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a bit of space between each for airflow. Cook for 6–8 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Step 5: Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

While the churros are cooking, combine the ½ cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon in a gallon-sized plastic bag. Shake until thoroughly mixed.

Step 6: Coat the Churros

Once the churros are done, immediately brush them with melted butter. Then, place them in the cinnamon-sugar bag and gently shake until fully coated.

Serving Suggestions

These air fryer churros are perfect on their own, but you can elevate them even further:

Dipping Sauce Ideas:

• Chocolate ganache – Melt chocolate chips with a splash of heavy cream.

• Dulce de leche – Rich, creamy, and perfect with the flaky pastry.

• Strawberry or raspberry jam – Adds fruity brightness.

• Nutella or peanut butter – For nutty, decadent flavor.

Drink Pairings:

• Hot chocolate – A classic companion.

• Chai latte or spiced tea – Pairs perfectly with the cinnamon.

• Espresso or café con leche – For a café-style dessert experience.

Tips, Tricks & Variations

Tips for Success:

• Don’t overcrowd the basket – Airflow is key to crispiness.

• Use a pastry brush for butter and oil—this gives you better control than spraying.

• Work quickly after cooking – Churros coat best while still warm.

Recipe Variations:

• Filled Churros: Add a small slit to the center of the puff pastry before air frying, then pipe in Nutella or custard post-cook.

• Savory Twist: Skip the sugar and cinnamon, and coat with Parmesan and herbs for a savory snack.

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free puff pastry if available to make these celiac-friendly.

• Add Spice: Mix in a pinch of cayenne or cardamom with the cinnamon-sugar for a flavor twist.

Storage & Leftovers

How to Store:

Leftover churros can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, though they’re best enjoyed fresh.

How to Reheat:

• Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes to crisp them up again.

• Avoid microwaving, as this can make them soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the dough strips in advance and store them in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap. Air fry and coat just before serving for best texture.

What if I don’t have puff pastry?

You can use crescent dough or pie crust in a pinch, but puff pastry delivers the best texture and flakiness.

Do I need to flip the churros while cooking?

It’s not necessary, but you can flip them halfway through if your air fryer cooks unevenly.

Can I freeze them?

These are best fresh. Freezing after cooking isn’t recommended as it changes the texture. However, you can freeze unbaked, cut puff pastry strips and cook them from frozen (add 1–2 extra minutes).

Can I use a different sugar?

Absolutely. Brown sugar or coconut sugar can be used for a deeper, caramel-like flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This easy air fryer churro recipe checks every box:

• Quick to make – Less than 10 minutes from prep to plate.

• Minimal ingredients – Only five, all of which are pantry staples.

• Mess-free – No deep fryer, no oily cleanup.

• Customizable – Sweet or savory, classic or creative.

• Kid-friendly – Fun to make and even more fun to eat.

If you’re craving something indulgent but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, these air fryer churros are your ticket to instant dessert satisfaction.

Try It & Share the Love

We hope you fall in love with this Best Easy Air Fryer Churros recipe just like we did. It’s sweet, simple, and endlessly satisfying—perfect for every occasion from family movie night to holiday dessert tables.

If you tried this recipe, share it with your friends on social media and tag us! We’d love to see your air fryer churro creations. And don’t forget to subscribe to the blog for more quick and delicious recipes delivered straight to your inbox.

Happy snacking!