Air Fryer Churro Donuts

Air Fryer Churro Donuts give you everything you love about a classic churro — that warm cinnamon-sugar crust and tender, buttery inside — in an easy donut you can make at home in under 30 minutes. No deep frying, no candy thermometer, no waiting on yeast. Just a quick batter, your donut molds, and the air fryer.

If you love churros or anything dusted in cinnamon and sugar, these are about to become a regular request at your house. They work for breakfast, an after-school snack, or a fast weeknight dessert.

Looking for more easy donut recipes? A few of my favorites are Air Fryer Sour Cream Donuts, Air Fryer Strawberry Donuts, Air Fryer Copycat Dunkin Donuts Chocolate Glazed Donuts, and Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Banana Donuts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Family-friendly. Brushing and rolling the warm donuts in cinnamon sugar is the perfect job to hand off to kids.
• Fast. Start to finish in under 30 minutes, with most of that hands-off while the air fryer works.
• Pantry simple. Six ingredients for the donuts, three for the coating — all things you probably already have.
• That real churro flavor. The cinnamon goes into the batter and the coating, so every bite tastes like the real thing.

Ingredients Needed

For the donuts:

• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and gives the crumb a tender bite.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and keeps the donuts soft and moist.
• Ground cinnamon: Warms up the batter so the churro flavor runs all the way through.
• Milk: Brings the batter together; whole milk gives the richest result.
• Baking powder: The leavening that puffs the donuts up light and airy.
• All-purpose flour: The structure and chew of a classic donut.

For the cinnamon-sugar coating:

• Unsalted butter, melted: Brushed on so the coating sticks.
• Granulated sugar: The classic churro crunch.
• Ground cinnamon: Adjust to taste for a stronger or milder kick.

How to Make Air Fryer Churro Donuts

Step One – Make the batter. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, melted butter, ground cinnamon, and milk. Whisk or stir until the batter is smooth with no dry streaks.

Step Two – Fill the molds. Spray your donut molds with non-stick cooking spray. Spoon or pipe the batter into the molds, filling each about two-thirds full so they have room to rise.

Step Three – Air fry. Set the filled molds into the air fryer basket and cook at 320°F for 10–12 minutes, until the donuts are golden and spring back when lightly pressed. Work in batches if your basket is crowded — leave a little space around each mold for the air to circulate.

Step Four – Coat them. While the donuts cook, stir together the coating sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl, and melt the coating butter in a separate bowl. Let the donuts cool just until you can handle them, then lightly brush each one with melted butter and roll or sprinkle it in the cinnamon sugar. Brushing (rather than soaking) is the trick to a crisp, even coating that actually sticks.

Step Five – Serve. These are best warm, soft inside with that signature cinnamon-sugar crust. Plate, serve, and enjoy!

Recipe Tips

• Fill evenly. Keep the molds filled to a consistent two-thirds so the donuts cook at the same rate.
• Don’t overcrowd. Leave space around the molds in the basket for even browning.
• Brush, don’t soak. A light layer of melted butter is all you need for the coating to grip.
• Coat while warm. The sugar adheres best when the donuts are still warm from the air fryer.
• Adjust the cinnamon. Start with 1 teaspoon in the coating and add more if you like a bolder churro flavor.
• Check early. Air fryer models vary — start checking a minute or two before the timer ends so they don’t overbrown.
• Serve fresh. Churro donuts are at their best within a few hours of making them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these without an air fryer? Yes. Bake the filled molds in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10–12 minutes, or until golden and springy.

Can I use whole wheat flour? You can, but the donuts will be a bit denser and the flavor slightly nuttier.

How do I know they’re done? They’re ready when golden brown and they spring back when lightly pressed in the center.

Can I freeze them? Yes. Freeze the cooled, uncoated donuts, then thaw and reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes before brushing and coating to keep the crust crisp.

Can I make them vegan? Absolutely — use a plant-based milk and swap in vegan butter or coconut oil for both the batter and coating.

How long do they last? Best fresh, but they keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerated up to 5 days.

Can I make the batter ahead? Yes, cover and refrigerate it for up to a day before cooking.

What if they’re browning too fast? Drop the air fryer temperature by 25°F and add a little cook time, checking often.

More Easy Air Fryer Donut Recipes

Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins

Air Fryer Chocolate Fudge Donuts

Air Fryer Strawberry Jelly Donuts

Air Fryer Red Velvet Donuts

Equipment used:

• To encounter 24Pcs Silicone Molds Silicone Cupcake Baking Cups Silicone Donut Baking Pan Set Nonstick 2 3/4 inches Silicone Donut Mold Muffin Jello
• To encounter 3-inch Silicone Donut Pan Non-Stick 24 Pack Donuts, Bagels Pan 6 Shapes Silicone Donut Molds Oven- Microwave- Dishwasher Safe

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