Crispy 7-Ingredient Vegan Air Fryer Churros – Heavenly Bites

I still remember the first time I bit into a warm, crispy churro at a summer fair – that perfect crunch giving way to soft, cinnamon-sugary goodness. Now I get to enjoy that magic anytime with these vegan air fryer churros that taste just as indulgent but without the deep-fried guilt! What I love most is how simple they are – just seven basic ingredients and about 30 minutes from mixing bowl to sugary delight. The air fryer works its magic to create that signature crispy exterior while keeping the inside perfectly tender, all without a drop of oil. And because they’re completely egg-free and dairy-free, everyone at the table can enjoy them. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll never miss the carnival version!

Why You’ll Love These Vegan Air Fryer Churros

Oh, where do I even start? These churros are my go-to when a sweet craving hits, and here’s why they’ll become yours too:

• Crispy perfection: That golden, crunchy exterior with a tender center—just like the fairground originals, but without the oil bath!
• Healthier magic: The air fryer gives you all the crunch with a fraction of the fat. (No one will believe they’re not deep-fried—I swear!)
• Ridiculously easy: Seven pantry staples, one bowl, and zero fancy skills needed—my kind of baking.
• 100% plant-based joy: No eggs, no dairy, just pure cinnamon-sugar happiness that even non-vegans devour.

Ingredients for Vegan Air Fryer Churros

Gather these simple ingredients – you probably have most in your pantry right now! The magic happens with just a handful of basics:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (sifted – this makes all the difference for that smooth dough texture)
• 1 cup water (filtered if you’ve got it – helps the dough come together perfectly)
• 2 tbsp coconut oil (melted – this is my secret for that rich flavor and perfect crispness)
• 1 tbsp sugar (I like raw cane sugar, but any granulated works)
• 1/4 tsp salt (just a pinch to balance the sweetness)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (the good stuff – it makes the aroma heavenly)

For that classic churro coating:

• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon (freshly ground if you’re feeling fancy)

Quick swap note: Need gluten-free? Try 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture changes slightly, but they’re still delicious!

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Equipment You’ll Need

Don’t worry—no fancy gadgets required here! Just a few basic kitchen tools to make these vegan churros shine:

• Air fryer (the star of the show—any model works, but I love my basket-style for even cooking)
• Piping bag with star tip (size 8B or similar—those ridges make them legit churros, not just sticks of dough)
• Medium saucepan (for boiling your water-oil mixture—nothing sticks to my nonstick one)
• Mixing bowl (just one! I use my trusty glass bowl for easy scraping)
• Parchment paper (a lifesaver for freezing the piped churros before frying)

That’s it—see? Told you it was simple!

How to Make Vegan Air Fryer Churros

Okay, friends—here’s where the magic happens! These vegan air fryer churros come together in four simple steps that even my most baking-challenged cousin mastered. Just follow along, and you’ll be biting into cinnamon-sugar heaven before you know it.

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

First things first—let’s make that dreamy churro dough. Grab your saucepan and combine the water, coconut oil, sugar, and salt. Bring it to a rolling boil (you’ll see big bubbles dancing across the surface). Now here’s my secret: take it off the heat immediately and dump in all the flour at once. Stir like crazy with a wooden spoon—you’ll feel the mixture transform from liquid to this gorgeous, smooth ball of dough in about 30 seconds. Watch for lumps! If you see any, keep stirring until they disappear. Finally, mix in that vanilla extract—your kitchen should smell amazing right about now.

Step 2: Pipe and Freeze the Churros

While the dough cools slightly (about 5 minutes—just enough time to wash that saucepan), prep your piping bag with the star tip. Spoon the warm dough into the bag—don’t overfill, or it’ll squish out the top when you pipe (learned that the messy way!). Pipe 4-inch strips onto parchment-lined trays. Pro tip: twist the bag at the top and use steady pressure—if the dough fights you, it’s still too hot. Now the crucial step: freeze them for 15 minutes. This helps them hold their shape in the air fryer instead of melting into sad little blobs.

Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection

While those beauties chill, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C)—this takes about 3 minutes in most models. Arrange the frozen churros in a single layer (they shouldn’t touch!). Fry for 8 minutes, then flip carefully with tongs. Give them another 2-4 minutes until they’re golden brown and crisp—peek through the basket window to check. Every air fryer runs a bit different, so trust your nose when that warm, cinnamony scent fills your kitchen!

Step 4: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

The best part! Mix your sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl while the churros cook. As soon as they come out of the air fryer (they’ll be piping hot—careful!), toss each one in the cinnamon sugar. The warmth helps the coating stick perfectly. I like to roll them gently rather than shake—it gives that gorgeous, even coverage like the churro stands in Barcelona. Serve immediately before anyone (including you) sneaks one off the tray!

Tips for the Best Vegan Air Fryer Churros

After making dozens (okay, maybe hundreds) of batches, here are my foolproof secrets for churro perfection every single time:

• Star tip or bust: That ridged piping tip isn’t just for looks—it creates more surface area for maximum crispiness. No star tip? Try a zip-top bag with the corner snipped (but really, treat yourself to the real deal).
• Give them space: Overcrowding the air fryer basket leads to sad, steamed churros. Cook in batches—it’s worth the wait!
• Serve hot: These beauties lose their magic crispness fast. If you must wait, re-crisp in the air fryer for 1 minute before serving.
• Freeze first: That 15-minute freeze isn’t optional—it’s what keeps your piped shapes from melting into puddles.
• Watch closely: Air fryers vary wildly. Start checking at 8 minutes—you want golden, not burnt!

There you go—all my hard-earned churro wisdom in one place. Now go make some magic!

Serving Suggestions

Listen—these vegan air fryer churros are heavenly all on their own, but oh boy, do they shine with a little dipping action! Here’s how my family loves them:

• Dunked in warm dairy-free chocolate sauce (melt dark chocolate with a splash of almond milk—trust me)
• Drizzled with salted caramel sauce (the sweet-salty combo is next-level)
• Paired with fresh strawberries for that juicy contrast
• Or—my personal fave—with a side of vanilla coconut milk ice cream for the ultimate dessert mashup

Pro tip: Serve immediately while they’re still warm and crispy—no one can resist!

Storing and Reheating Vegan Air Fryer Churros

I’ll be honest—these churros are best fresh, but if you somehow have leftovers (rare in my house!), here’s how to keep them tasty. Store cooled churros in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. When you’re ready for round two, skip the microwave—it makes them soggy! Instead, pop them back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to revive that perfect crispiness. The cinnamon sugar might need a quick refresh after reheating—just roll them in a little extra mixture.

Nutritional Information

Just so you know – these numbers are estimates and might change slightly based on your exact ingredients. But here’s the scoop on what you’re biting into with each delicious vegan churro:

• Calories: 85 per churro (perfect for satisfying that sweet tooth without going overboard)
• Sugar: 5g (mostly from that irresistible cinnamon sugar coating – worth every grain!)
• Fat: 2g (thank you, air fryer magic – way less than traditional deep-fried versions)
• Carbs: 15g (because let’s be real – churros are meant to be a treat!)

Remember – portion sizes may vary based on how enthusiastically you pipe those churros (no judgment here!).

Frequently Asked Questions

I get asked about these vegan air fryer churros all the time—here are the most common questions that pop up (and my tried-and-true answers):

Final Thoughts

Alright, churro lovers—it’s your turn! Whip up a batch of these crispy vegan wonders and watch them disappear faster than you can say “cinnamon sugar.” Tag me when you make them—I live for your kitchen victories! Now go get frying (air frying, that is).