Churros are a simple choux-style dough where hot water cooks the flour before frying, giving that crisp shell and hollow interior. The ridges from a star tip are not decoration; they add surface area so the outside fries crisp while the inside stays tender.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep20 min
Cook20 min
Makesabout 16 churros
CuisineSpanish
Cost$
Vegetarian
Contains dairy · eggs · gluten
Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy, and a flax or aquafaba egg for the egg.
Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for16churros
All-purpose flour
Gives the dough its body; sift it so it hydrates smoothly into the hot water.
Needs to hold a steady 350F; use enough for the churros to float freely.
4 cups
Local / market
The Rundown
Greedometer●●●●●Getting greedy
Rich enough that Mom might raise an eyebrow.
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Air fryer
The Method
Cook the pasteBring 1 cup water, butter, 1 tbsp sugar, and 1/4 tsp salt to a boil, dump in the flour, and stir over heat until it forms a smooth ball that pulls from the pan.
Beat in the eggOff heat, let it cool 5 minutes, then beat in the egg until the dough is glossy and thick.
PipeLoad a piping bag with a large star tip and pipe 6-inch lengths onto parchment, cutting with scissors.
FryFry at 350F for 2-3 minutes per side until deep golden; frying below temperature makes them greasy and soggy.
CoatDrain briefly, then roll while hot in the cinnamon sugar so it sticks.
Yes — this is exactly what an air fryer does well. Work in a single layer so the air can move, and shake or flip halfway for even crisping. It runs a touch faster than the oven, so check early.
Can you freeze Churros? — Not ideal
You can, but the crisp coating softens. Freeze the cooked pieces, then re-crisp them in a hot oven or air fryer — never the microwave.
Can you make Churros ahead of time? — Prep ahead
Best fried to order — the crunch fades if it sits. Do the breading or shaping ahead and cook it fresh when you serve.
Is Churros gluten-free? — Not as written
Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).
Is Churros vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan
It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy and egg. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy, and a flax or aquafaba egg for the egg.
Community Notes
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