FOR THE DOUGH
1 cup (240 ml) water
2 tbsp unsalted butter or coconut oil
1 tbsp granulated sugar (or coconut sugar)
¼ tsp fine salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup (130 g) all-purpose flour
(Optional: replace ½ cup with whole-wheat flour)
1 large egg
FOR THE CINNAMON-SUGAR COATING
⅓ cup sugar
(Options: coconut sugar, monk fruit, or erythritol)
1–2 tsp ground cinnamon
1–2 tbsp melted butter or light cooking spray
OPTIONAL HEALTHIER DIPS
Greek yogurt + honey
Melted dark chocolate (70%+)
Sugar-free caramel drizzle
Instructions (Long, Detailed Version)
- Prepare the dough
In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt.
Heat over medium until the mixture comes to a gentle boil and the butter melts completely.
Turn heat down to low and add the flour all at once, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon.
The dough will look shaggy at first — keep stirring until it forms a smooth ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
Cook this dough ball for 30–60 seconds more to remove excess moisture.
Transfer the warm dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool 3–5 minutes (so it doesn’t cook the egg).
- Add the egg
Add the egg and vanilla to the bowl.
Mix with a hand mixer or sturdy spoon. It may look separated or slimy at first — keep mixing!
It will come together into a smooth, pipeable dough.
- Load a piping bag
Fit a piping bag or large zip-top bag with a small star tip (this gives the signature churro ridges).
Transfer the dough into the bag, pressing out any air pockets.
- Pipe the churro bites
Cut squares of parchment paper (optional for easier transfer).
Pipe 1-inch pieces of dough and snip with scissors for clean edges.
Lightly mist the dough bites with oil spray (optional—but helps crisping).
- Air fry the churro bites
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
Arrange the bites in a single layer—do not overcrowd.
Air fry for 7–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
They should be lightly golden and crisp on the edges but soft inside.
(Times may vary slightly by air fryer model.)
- Coat the churro bites
Mix the cinnamon and sugar in a shallow bowl.
Lightly brush or spray the warm churro bites with melted butter.
For ultra-light version: use a fine mist of cooking spray or skip entirely.
Toss the warm churro bites in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until coated.
- Serve with optional healthy dips
Greek Yogurt Honey Dip
½ cup Greek yogurt
1 tbsp honey
Splash of vanilla
Dark Chocolate Dip
¼ cup melted dark chocolate
1 tsp coconut oil
Sugar-Free Caramel Dip
Store-bought or homemade lighter caramel
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Churros
Don’t skip the stovetop dough step—it’s key for texture.
Let dough cool slightly before adding egg.
If dough is too stiff to pipe, mix in 1–2 tsp of milk.
If churros don’t crisp, air fry 2–3 extra minutes.
For extra crunch, spray lightly with oil before air frying.