Oh my gosh, you have to try these air fryer churro waffles! They’re my latest obsession – crispy on the outside, tender inside, and coated in that magical cinnamon-sugar crunch we all love. I stumbled onto this idea one lazy Sunday when I wanted churros but didn’t feel like dealing with a pot of hot oil. The air fryer works absolute magic here, giving you all that delicious texture without the mess or guilt of deep frying.
What I love most is how quickly these come together. In about 20 minutes flat, you can go from basic pantry ingredients to warm, fragrant waffle strips that taste like they came straight from a Mexican bakery. My kids go crazy for them (especially when we add chocolate sauce for dipping), and honestly? So do I. This recipe has become our go-to for impromptu dessert nights and special weekend breakfasts alike.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Churro Waffles
Let me count the ways these crispy little miracles will steal your heart! First off – they’re ridiculously quick. While traditional churros need oil monitoring and thermometer checks, these babies are ready before your coffee finishes brewing. That cinnamon-sugar crust? It gets perfectly crispy without being greasy thanks to the air fryer’s magic.
Here’s what else makes them amazing:
- Minimal cleanup – no oil splatters all over your stovetop
- Kid-approved magic (my picky eater actually asks for seconds!)
- Works equally well for brunch or dessert – just add fruit or chocolate sauce
- The batter comes together with basic pantry staples you probably have right now
Trust me, once you try this method, you’ll never want to deep-fry churros again!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Churro Waffles
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these irresistible treats – I promise it’s all simple stuff! The magic happens in how we combine these basic ingredients. A quick tip before we start: measure your flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off (no packing!). This makes all the difference for perfect waffle texture.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled – trust me on this!)
- 1 tbsp sugar (regular granulated – no need to pack it)
- 1 tsp baking powder (make sure yours is fresh)
- 1/2 tsp salt (I use kosher)
- 1 tsp cinnamon (the good stuff – this is where flavor lives!)
- 1/2 cup milk (any kind works, I use whole)
- 1 egg (large, at room temp if possible)
- 2 tbsp melted butter (cooled slightly – hot butter cooks the egg!)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (pure vanilla makes a difference)
For that signature churro coating:
- 1/4 cup sugar (granulated works best for coating)
- 1 tsp cinnamon (mix with the sugar while waffles cook)
- 2 tbsp melted butter (for brushing – salted adds nice contrast)
Equipment You’ll Need
You won’t need anything fancy to make these churro waffles – just a few basics from your kitchen! Of course, the star is your air fryer (any model works). You’ll also need a waffle maker – I use my trusty Belgian waffle iron, but any style will do. Grab a couple of mixing bowls, a whisk or fork, and a pastry brush for that buttery coating. No brush? No problem – just use the back of a spoon to spread the butter. That’s it – now let’s make some magic!
How to Make Air Fryer Churro Waffles
Okay, let’s dive into making these irresistible churro waffles! I promise it’s easier than you think – just follow these simple steps and you’ll be snacking on crispy, cinnamon-sugar goodness in no time. The key is taking it step by step and not rushing the process.
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
First things first – grab two bowls. In the larger one, whisk together your dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and that glorious cinnamon. In the smaller bowl, mix the wet stuff – milk, egg, melted butter (make sure it’s cooled!), and vanilla. Now here’s the important part: pour the wet into the dry and stir just until combined. A few lumps are totally fine! Overmixing makes tough waffles, and we want these tender inside that crispy coating.
Step 2: Cook the Waffles
While you’re mixing, get your waffle iron nice and hot – I set mine to medium-high. Lightly grease it (I use cooking spray) and pour in enough batter to cover the plates without overflowing. Close the lid and let it work its magic until golden brown and crisp – about 3-4 minutes depending on your iron. Pro tip: don’t peek too early or you’ll lose that precious steam!
Step 3: Coat and Air Fry
Now the fun part! Cut your waffles into strips (I do about 1-inch wide) while your air fryer preheats to 375°F. Brush each piece with melted butter – get all sides for maximum flavor – then roll in your cinnamon-sugar mix. Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket (no overlapping!) and cook for 3-4 minutes until they’re perfectly crisp. Halfway through, give the basket a gentle shake to ensure even browning. That’s it – you’re done!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Churro Waffles
After making these dozens of times (yes, I have a problem), I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks. First, cut those waffles evenly – about 1-inch strips cook perfectly without some pieces getting overdone. And don’t skip that basket shake halfway through air frying! It makes all the difference for that golden, crispy coating on every side.
Other lifesavers: use cooled melted butter (hot butter makes the sugar melt too fast), and work in batches if needed – overcrowding leads to soggy spots. My secret? Letting them sit for 30 seconds after coating so the sugar really sticks. You’ll thank me later! If you are looking for other great air fryer sweet treats, check out these air fryer donut holes.
Serving Suggestions
Oh boy, here’s where the magic happens! These churro waffles are amazing plain, but let’s talk dipping options. My kids go crazy when I melt some dark chocolate chips with a splash of cream for an easy ganache. Warm caramel sauce is another winner – the way it clings to those crispy ridges is everything. For brunch? Pile them high with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream. Morning dessert? Yes please! If you enjoy cinnamon flavors in other forms, you might also like these air fryer churro bites.
Storage & Reheating
Here’s the good news – these churro waffles actually keep their crunch surprisingly well! Just pop them in an airtight container (I use a zip-top bag) and they’ll stay crispy for up to 2 days. When you’re ready for round two, toss them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 1-2 minutes – they’ll come out warm and crisp like they’re fresh off the press. Pro tip: don’t microwave them unless you want soggy sadness!
FAQ About Air Fryer Churro Waffles
I get questions about these waffles all the time! Here are the answers to everything you might wonder:
Can I use pancake mix instead of making batter from scratch?
Absolutely! Just use 1 cup of dry pancake mix and skip the baking powder/salt in the recipe. The texture will be slightly different, but still delicious. My kids can’t tell the difference when we’re in a hurry!
How do I keep them from getting soggy?
Two secrets: 1) Make sure your air fryer is fully preheated, and 2) Don’t overcrowd the basket – those waffle strips need breathing room! If they do soften, just pop them back in the air fryer for a minute to crisp up.
Can I make these without a waffle maker?
You bet! Use store-bought frozen waffles in a pinch – just thaw them first. Or get creative with pancake batter in the air fryer (drop small spoonfuls and flatten slightly). The coating does all the flavor work! For more information on how air fryers work to achieve crispiness, you can read about the science of air frying.
Why is my cinnamon-sugar falling off?
The butter is your glue! Brush it on while the waffles are still warm – the sugar sticks better when the butter hasn’t fully set. And don’t skimp on the butter; those waffles should glisten before coating.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on what’s in these tasty treats – per serving (about 1/4 of the recipe): 220 calories, 12g sugar, and 32g carbs with that perfect crispy crunch. Just remember, nutrition can vary slightly based on your exact ingredients and brands. These numbers are estimates to help you enjoy guilt-free!
Rate This Recipe
Did you love these churro waffles as much as we do? Drop a rating below and tell me how yours turned out – I read every comment!
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Crispy Air Fryer Churro Waffles in Just 20 Minutes!
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy, cinnamon-sugar coated waffles made in an air fryer for a quick and delicious treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sugar (for coating)
- 1 tsp cinnamon (for coating)
- 2 tbsp melted butter (for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Add milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla. Stir until smooth.
- Pour batter into a preheated waffle maker and cook until golden.
- Cut waffles into strips.
- Brush with melted butter and coat with cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Place in the air fryer basket and cook for 3-4 minutes until crispy.
Notes
- Check waffles halfway to prevent burning.
- Serve with chocolate sauce or caramel for dipping.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Mexican