Air Fryer Churro Donuts are unique; they make a significant and delicious treat for the entire family. If you love Churros or anything Mexican, this will make the perfect dessert or breakfast for you, and it is so easy to make with the help of the air fryer.

Air Fryer Churro Donuts
Save This Recipe Form

Want to save this recipe?

Enter your email below & I will send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get more great recipes from me on occasion!

If you have ever had churros, they have the same delicious coating of butter, ground cinnamon, and granulated sugar. It has the same great flavor as churros, but the inside is filled with a light and airy batter, making for a great and delicious treat that the entire family will love.

Whether you serve these for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, they are the perfect balance of sweetness. I love the ground cinnamon in the topping, which gives you that outstanding balance of flavor.

If you are looking for other great and easy donut recipes, some 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.

Air Fryer Churro Donuts

What Are Churro Donuts?

Churro donuts are a delightful fusion of two beloved treats: churros and donuts. Traditionally, a churro is a Spanish and Latin American pastry with fried dough piped into long, thin shapes and coated with a cinnamon-sugar mixture. They are known for their crispy exterior and soft, tender interior. On the other hand, donuts are a type of fried dough confectionery or dessert food originating from the United States and enjoyed worldwide, often with various glazes, icings, or fillings.

Churro donuts combine the best elements of both desserts. They are typically made from a dough similar to that of churros but are shaped into the round, ring form of a donut. After frying, these donuts are then rolled in or sprinkled with a cinnamon-sugar mix, mirroring the traditional churro coating. Some variations might include filling the donuts with chocolate, caramel, or fruit jams or topping them with a glaze to add another layer of flavor.

The result is a snack or dessert that offers the satisfyingly crunchy and sweet exterior of a churro with the soft, doughy texture of a donut, making churro donuts a unique and delicious treat that appeals to fans of both originals. They can be served as a breakfast item, a snack, or a dessert, often accompanied by chocolate sauce, caramel, or whipped cream for dipping.

Air Fryer Churro Donuts

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

You will love this Air Fryer Churro Donuts recipe for several reasons that make it stand out as a delicious, convenient, and slightly healthier option for indulging in a sweet treat:

  • Healthier Alternative: Using an air fryer instead of deep-frying, these churro donuts become healthier without sacrificing the crispy texture and delightful flavor. The air fryer uses significantly less oil, reducing the overall fat content while achieving that golden, crispy exterior and soft, tender interior.
  • Quick and Easy: The air fryer drastically reduces cooking time compared to traditional baking methods. This means you can enjoy your churro donuts faster, with minimal prep and cooking time, making it perfect for quick snacks or impromptu dessert cravings.
  • Mess-Free Cooking: Unlike deep-frying, which can be messy and requires handling hot oil, air frying is a clean process that contains the mess within the air fryer basket. This makes for easy cleanup and a more enjoyable cooking experience.
  • Versatile and Customizable: This recipe allows for easy customization to suit your taste preferences. You can adjust the cinnamon-sugar coating, add fillings like chocolate or jam, or even experiment with different glazes and toppings to create a variety of flavors and textures.
  • Fun and Interactive: Making churro donuts in the air fryer can be a fun activity for families or when entertaining guests. The simplicity of the process makes it accessible for bakers of all skill levels, including kids, under adult supervision.
  • Perfect Texture: The air fryer ensures that each churro donut has the perfect balance of a crispy exterior with a soft and airy interior, mimicking the traditional texture of churros and donuts alike.
  • Delicious Taste: Above all, these air fryer churro donuts deliver on taste, combining the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and sugar with the satisfying doughy texture of a donut, ensuring each bite is as delicious as it is memorable.

This Air Fryer Churro Donuts recipe offers a delightful twist on classic treats, providing a quick, easy, and healthier way to satisfy your sweet tooth while enjoying the process of making them.

Air Fryer Churro Donuts

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Churro Donuts

Embarking on the journey to create Air Fryer Churro Donuts brings together the simplicity of baking with the innovative cooking method of air frying. This recipe marries the indulgent taste of churros with the beloved shape and texture of donuts, offering a delightful treat that’s both easy to make and satisfyingly delicious. Here’s what you’ll need:

Air Fryer Churro Donuts

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

  • Pure Sugar Cane or Granulated Sugar: Used within the dough to add sweetness and in the outer coating, mixed with cinnamon to give the donuts their signature churro flavor.
  • Butter: Melted butter is mixed into the dough for richness and flavor, ensuring the donuts have a soft, moist texture
  • Ground Cinnamon: Mixed with sugar to coat the finished donuts, giving them the classic churro flavor profile—a warm, sweet, and slightly spicy kick.
  • Milk: Adds moisture to the dough. You can use any milk, but whole milk will give your donuts a richer flavor and tender crumb.
  • Baking Powder: Acts as the leavening agent, ensuring your donuts puff up nicely in the air fryer, creating a light and airy interior.
  • All-Purpose Flour: The base of your donut dough, providing structure and chewiness. It’s essential for achieving the classic donut texture.

How To Make Air Fryer Churro Donuts

Making Air Fryer Churro Donuts is a straightforward and enjoyable process. Here’s how to create this delicious treat, combining the classic flavors of a churro with the delightful texture of a donut, all with the convenience of air frying.

How To Make Air Fryer Churro Donuts

Mix the flour, baking powder, sugar, butter, ground cinnamon, and milk in a large bowl.

How To Make Air Fryer Churro Donuts

Mix well until smooth. Spray your donut molds with non-stick cooking spray. Pour the batter into the donut molds, filling about 2/3.

Air Fryer Churro Donuts (8)

Mix well until smooth. Spray your donut molds with non-stick cooking spray, and then pour the batter into the donut molds, filling about 2/3 way full.

Set the molds into the air fryer. Set the cooking time for 10 to 12 minutes at 320 degrees F, air fryer setting. While the donuts are air frying up, make the topping by mixing the butter, sugar, and ground cinnamon and then pouring over the donuts.

How To Make Air Fryer Churro Donuts

Pro Tips

To elevate your Air Fryer Churro Donuts to perfection, consider these pro tips that will ensure your treats turn out delicious every time:

  • Ensure Consistent Thickness: When piping your donuts, aim for a uniform thickness. This helps in cooking the donuts evenly, ensuring that each one has the same texture and doneness.
  • Do Not Overcrowd: Place the donuts in a single layer in the air fryer basket with enough space between them. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and less crispy results. Cook in batches if necessary.
  • Preheat Your Air Fryer: Just like an oven, preheating your air fryer ensures that your cooking starts at the right temperature for that perfect golden finish.
  • Use Parchment Paper: If your air fryer model tends to stick, consider using parchment paper with holes punched in it or a parchment paper round specifically designed for air fryers. This can make removing the donuts easier and help with cleanup.
  • Flip for Even Cooking: Halfway through the cooking time, gently flip the donuts to ensure they brown evenly on both sides. Use tongs or a spatula to carefully turn them over.
  • Brush Don’t Soak: For the cinnamon-sugar to stick properly, lightly brush the donuts with melted butter instead of soaking them. This ensures a light coating that enhances flavor without making them greasy.
  • Customize Your Sugar Coating: Feel free to adjust the cinnamon-to-sugar ratio based on your preference. Some might enjoy a stronger cinnamon flavor, while others may prefer a sweeter finish.
  • Serve Warm: Churro donuts are best enjoyed warm, when they’re soft on the inside and crispy on the outside. If you have leftovers, a quick reheat in the air fryer can bring back their fresh texture.
  • Experiment with Flavors: Beyond cinnamon sugar, consider experimenting with other coatings or fillings. Powdered sugar, chocolate sauce, or even a dulce de leche drizzle can add an exciting twist to your churro donuts.
  • Check for Doneness: Air fryer models vary, so start checking for doneness a minute or two before the recipe suggests. The donuts should be golden brown and firm to the touch.

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to making irresistible Air Fryer Churro Donuts that are sure to impress with their perfect blend of textures and flavors.

Churro Donuts From Air Fryer

Faq’s

Can I make these churro donuts without an air fryer? Yes, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until golden. However, the texture might be slightly different from air frying.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but be aware that it might make the donuts denser and alter the taste slightly. A mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour can also be a good compromise.

How do I ensure my donuts are cooked through? Donuts are done when they are golden brown and spring back when lightly pressed. If unsure, you can insert a toothpick into the center of a donut; if it comes out clean, they are cooked.

Can I freeze air fryer churro donuts? Yes, you can freeze them after cooling. To serve, thaw and reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore the crispy texture.

Why did my donuts not puff up? Ensure your baking powder is fresh as it’s responsible for the rising. Also, be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can develop the gluten too much and inhibit rising.

Can I make these donuts vegan? Absolutely! Use a plant-based milk alternative, a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water), and vegan butter or coconut oil.

How long will the donuts last? These donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.

Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough and keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to a day before. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and air frying.

What if my donuts are browning too quickly? If the donuts are browning too fast, lower the temperature of your air fryer by 25°F (about 4°C) and extend the cooking time slightly, checking frequently for doneness.

Can I add fillings to these donuts? While traditional churro donuts are not filled, you can certainly add fillings after cooking. Use a piping bag to inject your favorite fillings like chocolate, custard, or dulce de leche into the donuts

Air Fryer Churro Donuts

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

Equipment used:

Don’t Forget To Pin!

Share Your Creations! Are you active on Facebook? Join our Air Fryer Recipes Group, where hundreds of thousands of Air Fryer enthusiasts gather and share your photos! I’m always thrilled to see what you’ve made. For those on Instagram, don’t forget to tag me @forktospoon – I can’t wait to admire your culinary adventures!​

Air Fryer Churro Donuts

Air Fryer Churro Donuts

3.72 from 14 votes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 14 minutes
5 minutes
Total Time: 29 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings

Description

This is a great and easy recipe for homemade churro donuts. The donuts are filled with the traditional churro coating and make for a great dessert.

Ingredients 

Donuts:

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup butter, unsalted, melted
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

Topping:

  • 1/4 cup butter, unsalted, melted
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1-2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, sugar, butter, and ground cinnamon, and milk.
  • Mix well until smooth.
  • Spray your donut molds with non-stick cooking spray, and then pour the batter into the donut molds, filling about 2/3 way full.
  • Set the molds into the air fryer for about 10 to 12 minutes at 320 degrees F, air fryer setting.
  • While the donuts are air frying up, make the topping by mixing the butter, sugar, and ground cinnamon and then pouring over the donuts
  • Plate, serve, and enjoy!

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Donut Molds
  • Cooking Spray

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 268kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 2gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 32mgSodium: 257mgPotassium: 49mgFiber: 1gSugar: 26gVitamin A: 383IUVitamin C: 0.05mgCalcium: 125mgIron: 1mg

Share this recipe

We can’t wait to see what you’ve made! Mention @forktospoon or tag #forktospoon!