Air Fryer Pumpkin Churros—I’ve seen pumpkin spice latte recipes, pumpkin pie cookies, and pumpkin brownies. You may be wondering what else could come out of the pumpkin trend that is new and exciting. Well, I have you covered. I am here to share my recipe for Air-Frozen Pumpkin Churros!

"Golden and crispy Air Fryer Pumpkin Churros dusted with cinnamon sugar, perfect for fall"
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Air Fryer Pumpkin Churros are amazing! If you are looking for the perfect fall dessert, this one is truly amazing, light, and delicious and served with a cinnamon and sugar coating. Indeed a great dessert.

Typically Churros are deep-fried, but today I made the same classic pumpkin churros recipe in the air fryer, and it did terrific–light and fluffy.

This is one of the best if you love a great fall treat. You can coat it with anything. Today I went with traditional ground cinnamon and sugar, for a tasty afternoon treat, for the entire family.

If you are looking for even more fall desserts, some of my favorites are AIR FRYER MUG PUMPKIN COFFEE CAKE, AIR FRYER EASY PUMPKIN CAKE, AIR FRYER PUMPKIN ROLLS, and a simple AIR FRYER MUG PUMPKIN COFFEE CAKE.

Easy Pumpkin Churro Recipe

This Easy Pumpkin Churro Recipe brings a seasonal twist to the classic treat. Made with simple ingredients like canned pumpkin, cinnamon, and sugar, these churros are quick to whip up and perfect for fall.

The dough is easy to prepare, requiring just a few minutes of mixing and stirring. Once piped into churro shapes and air-fried or baked, they come out golden and crispy outside with a soft, flavorful center. After a quick roll of cinnamon sugar, they are ready to enjoy. These pumpkin churros make a delightful snack or dessert for any occasion, especially when paired with a warm cup of cider or hot chocolate.

With minimal prep time and ingredients, they are a convenient and delicious way to celebrate autumn flavors.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Pumpkin Churros

Here are the simple ingredients:

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Pumpkin Churros overhead shot
  • Water: Used to create the right dough consistency and hydrate the ingredients.
  • Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dough.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the churros.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the dough for a light and crispy texture.
  • Pumpkin Puree: Provides a moist, pumpkin flavor that complements the spices.
  • Egg: Binds the dough together and contributes to its structure.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and is used for rolling the churros.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy flavor to the dough and the cinnamon sugar coating.
  • Clove: Imparts a subtle, aromatic spice that complements the pumpkin.
  • Ginger: Provides a hint of warmth and spiciness to the dough.
  • Shortening: Helps create a tender texture in the churros.
  • Cream Cheese: Adds a creamy richness and helps achieve a softer dough.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the churros.
  • Powdered Sugar: Used to make a sweet glaze or dust the churros for added sweetness.

How To Make Air Fryer Pumpkin Churros

Here are the step-by-step instructions:

"Mixing butter, water, and sugar in a bowl for churro dough"

Step One: Bring the water, butter, pumpkin, and salt to a boil to combine in a saucepan. Turn the heat off and mix the flour until it is thick.

"Incorporating pumpkin puree into the churro dough mixture"

Step Two: Work quickly and vigorously in the egg to combine (you are working quickly to avoid scrambling the egg). This is tricky; if you do not mix in enough rapidly, your churros may have an “eggy” taste. I recommend using a sturdy whisk to mix the egg in, as it may feel like the egg and the pumpkin mixture won’t want to combine, but it will all come together.

Arranging churro dough sticks in the air fryer basket"

Step Three: Scoop the batter into a pastry bag with a large star or round tip. If you do not have a pastry bag or tips, you can use a Ziplock bag and snip off one of the bottom corners. Preheat the air fryer for 5-10 minutes at 375 degrees F, air fryer setting. Pipe the churro batter into any size or shape you prefer in the air fryer basket. The basket should be sprayed lightly with oil before piping, or you can also line the basket with parchment.

Air fry with a cook time of 15-20 minutes. Depending on your size or shape, the churros could be a little longer or shorter this time. Just keep a careful eye on the first batch you make to be sure they are cooking properly and not overcooked.

Air frying churros until golden and crispy"

Step Four: While the churros are cooking, mix sugar and spices in a bowl or on a plate. Once churros have been cooked, while they are still hot, toss them around in the sugar mixture and coat them very well. Set aside to cool. Best if served immediately, but you can also store in an airtight container

"Rolling freshly air-fried churros in a cinnamon-sugar mixture"

Optional: Make the dip. Whip the softened butter, softened cream cheese, and shortening until combined. Add in 1 cup of the powdered sugar, and slowly mix until all sugar is combined. Scrape down the sides/bottom of the bowl from time to time. Add in the vanilla and whip the frosting on a medium-high speed for approx. 5 minutes. Once whipped, scoop the frosting into a piping bag (or zip lock bag and cut a corner). Set it aside

"Serving a plate of warm, cinnamon-sugar-coated pumpkin churros"

Air Fryer Pumpkin Churros Recipe Tips

  • The most important part of this recipe is when you add the egg. As soon as you add the egg, mix the batter really well.
  • For best results, either use a hand mixer or a stand mixer.
  • Coat them as soon as they come out of the air fryer so the coating sticks. If you have trouble with this, brush on some melted butter before you coat them in the cinnamon and sugar mixture.
  • For best results, eat them while they are warm.
Air Fryer Pumpkin Churros on parchment paper with frosting dip in the background.

Air Fryer Pumpkin Churros Recipe Faqs

Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe? Yes, canned pumpkin works perfectly. Make sure it’s 100% pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.

How do I store leftover churros? Store leftover churros in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.

Can I freeze the churros before cooking? Yes, you can freeze uncooked churros. Arrange them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

How do I reheat leftover churros? Reheat leftover churros in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes until they are crispy and warmed through.

Can I make these churros without pumpkin? Yes, you can make traditional churros by omitting the pumpkin puree. Just adjust the spices to taste.

How do I prevent the churros from sticking to the air fryer basket? Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray before placing the churros in to prevent sticking.

What can I use instead of shortening in the recipe? You can use butter or a plant-based alternative if you prefer not to use shortening.

Can I adjust the spice levels in the churro dough? Absolutely. You can adjust the amounts of cinnamon, clove, and ginger according to your taste preferences.

How do I make the churros extra crispy? For extra crispiness, lightly spray the churros with cooking spray before air frying.

Can I use a different type of flour? All-purpose flour is recommended, but you can try using whole wheat flour for a different texture, keeping in mind that it may alter the flavor and consistency.

Plate of Pumpkin Churros

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

Air Fryer Pumpkin Churros

Air Fryer Pumpkin Churros

5 from 3 votes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 25 Servings

Description

Air Fryer Pumpkin Churros are amazing! If you are looking for the perfect fall dessert, this one is truly amazing, light and delicious, and served with a cinnamon and sugar coating. Truly a great dessert.

Ingredients 

Churro Ingredients:

  • ½ cup water
  • ¼ cup butter
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoons cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon clove
  • ½ teaspoon ginger

Frosting Dip Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup butter room temperature
  • 2 oz shortening
  • 4 oz cream cheese
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 4 to 5 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

  • Bring the water, butter, pumpkin, and salt to a boil mixing to combine in a saucepan.
  • Turn the heat off and mix the flour in until it is very thick.
  • Working quickly and in the egg, mixing vigorously to combine (you are working quickly to avoid scrambling the egg. This is a little tricky; if you do not mix in quick enough, your churros may have an “eggy” taste. I recommend using a sturdy whisk to mix the egg in as it may feel like the egg and the pumpkin mixture won’t want to combine, but it will all come together.)
  • Scoop the batter into a pastry bag with a large star or round tip. If you do not have a pastry bag or tips you can use a zip-top bag and snip off one of the bottom corners.
  • Preheat the air fryer for 5-10 minutes at 375 degrees F, air fryer setting.
  • Pipe the churro batter into any size or shape you prefer in the air fryer basket. The basket should be sprayed very lightly with oil before piping, or the basket can be lined with parchment.
  • Air fry them for approx 15-20 minutes. Depending on the size or shape you make, the churros this time could be a little longer or shorter. Just keep a careful eye on the first batch you make to be sure they are cooking properly and not over-cook.
  • While the churros are cooking, mix sugar and spices in a bowl or on a plate.
  • Once churros have been cooked, while they are still hot, toss them around in the sugar mixture, making sure to coat them very well. Set aside to cool.
  • Best if served immediately, but you can also store in an airtight container.

Equipment

  • Cooking Spray
  • Parchment Paper, optional

Notes

OPTIONAL Frosting Dip Directions
1. Whip together the softened butter, softened cream cheese, and shortening until combined.
2. Adding in 1 cup of the powdered sugar slowly, slowly mix until all sugar is combined. Scrape down
the sides/bottom of the bowl from time to time.
3. Add in the vanilla and whip the frosting on a medium-high speed for approx. 5 minutes.
4. Once whipped, scoop the frosting into a piping bag (or zip lock bag and cut a corner). Set it aside.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 186kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 1gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 14mgSodium: 68mgPotassium: 18mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 27gVitamin A: 557IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.2mg

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