Kawaii Air Fryer Churros - Easy 20-Minute Snack

Churros are usually deep-fried, but you can make them in an air fryer. They come out crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. And if you shape them into little rounds, they look super cute.

These kawaii churros are perfect for a weekend snack or a fun afternoon project. You don't need a piping bag with a fancy tip, just a zip-top bag and a pair of scissors. The dough comes together in one bowl.

You'll dip them in melted chocolate, but they're also great with just a dusting of cinnamon sugar. They take about 20 minutes from start to finish.

About the Ingredients

1 cup (240ml) water

Tap water is fine. If you have filtered, use that.

2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter

Salted butter works too, just skip the added salt.

1 tablespoon granulated sugar

This adds a little sweetness to the dough.

1/4 teaspoon salt

You can leave it out if using salted butter.

1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour

Plain flour works. No need for bread flour.

2 large eggs

Bring them to room temperature first for a smoother dough.

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional but adds a nice flavor.

1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar for coating

Mix with cinnamon if you like.

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

For the coating.

1/2 cup (120g) chocolate chips

Dark, milk, or semi-sweet. Use good quality for melting.

2 tablespoons heavy cream

Or milk. This helps the chocolate melt smoothly.

Tips & Tricks

• The dough must be thick enough to pipe. If it's too runny, add a tablespoon more flour.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave space between each churro so they cook evenly.
• Spray the basket well with oil. Churros stick if the basket isn't greased.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the dough

In a saucepan, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, add flour all at once and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides. Cook for 1 minute, then remove from heat.

2. Add eggs

Let the dough cool for 5 minutes. Then beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. The dough will look lumpy at first but will come together. Stir in vanilla.

3. Pipe the shapes

Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe small rings about 2 inches in diameter onto a piece of parchment paper. You can also pipe them directly into the air fryer basket if it's non-stick.

4. Preheat air fryer

Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Let it heat up for about 3 minutes while you prepare the churros.

5. Cook the churros

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Place the churros in a single layer, leaving space between them. Cook for 8-10 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. Work in batches if needed.

6. Coat with sugar

In a shallow bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon. While the churros are still warm, toss them in the sugar mixture to coat.

7. Make chocolate dip

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and cream. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between, until melted and smooth. Serve with the churros.

Delicious Variations

• Add a pinch of nutmeg to the dough for extra spice.
• Use white chocolate or caramel sauce for dipping.
• Shape them as hearts or stars for a different occasion.

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Frequently Asked Questions

These kawaii churros are a fun, easy treat that will make you smile. Save this recipe for your next snack day, and enjoy every crispy bite. Low and slow, friend.

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Make adorable kawaii churros in your air fryer with this easy recipe. Crispy outside, soft inside, perfect with melted chocolate.

15 minPrep time10 minCook time4Servings320 kcalCalories

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🧂 Ingredients

• 1 cup (240ml) water
• 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar for coating
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1/2 cup (120g) chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream

📋 Instructions

1. 1Make the dough — In a saucepan, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, add flour all at once and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides. Cook for 1 minute, then remove from heat.
2. 2Add eggs — Let the dough cool for 5 minutes. Then beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. The dough will look lumpy at first but will come together. Stir in vanilla.
3. 3Pipe the shapes — Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe small rings about 2 inches in diameter onto a piece of parchment paper. You can also pipe them directly into the air fryer basket if it's non-stick.
4. 4Preheat air fryer — Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Let it heat up for about 3 minutes while you prepare the churros.
5. 5Cook the churros — Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Place the churros in a single layer, leaving space between them. Cook for 8-10 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. Work in batches if needed.
6. 6Coat with sugar — In a shallow bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon. While the churros are still warm, toss them in the sugar mixture to coat.
7. 7Make chocolate dip — In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and cream. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between, until melted and smooth. Serve with the churros.

👨🍳 Chef's Note: If your air fryer runs hot, check them at 7 minutes to avoid burning.

Servings: 4

Cuisine: Spanish-Mexican inspired

Course: Dessert

Easy Recipes for Everyday Cooking15 minutes10 minutes30 minutes

Nutrition (per serving): 320 kcal · 6g protein · 45g carbs · 14g fat