Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup water
- 2 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
- Cooking spray or a light oil spray for air fryer basket
- Optional: chocolate or caramel sauce for dipping
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the water, 2 1/2 tablespoons sugar, salt, and vegetable oil or melted butter. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, ensuring the sugar dissolves completely. Once boiling, remove from heat immediately.
- Add the entire cup of all-purpose flour at once to the hot liquid mixture. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough comes together into a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan. Allow the dough to cool for about 5 minutes.
- Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer or hand whisk, beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add vanilla extract and mix until the dough is smooth and glossy. The consistency should be thick but pipeable.
- In a large shallow bowl, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. Mix well and set aside.
- Fit a piping bag with a large star tip and fill it with the churro dough. Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Pipe 2-3 inch lengths of dough directly into the basket. Use kitchen scissors or a knife to cut the dough from the piping bag. Leave enough space between churros to ensure even cooking.
- Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Air fry the mini churros for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through the cooking time for even browning. Depending on the size of your air fryer basket, you may need to do this in batches.
- While the churros are still hot, immediately toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until well-coated. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauces such as chocolate, caramel, or dulce de leche.
Notes
Celebrate love and sweetness this Valentine’s Day with Air Fryer Mini Churros, a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried churros. These bite-sized delights have a crispy exterior and tender interior, coated in cinnamon sugar and cooked perfectly in an air fryer. This quick and easy recipe includes all necessary ingredients, equipment, step-by-step instructions, tips, FAQs, nutrition insights, and a recipe card for a delightful homemade treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12-15 mini churros
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Fat: 5 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g