Air Fryer Puff Pastry Churros with Cinnamon Sugar
Flaky puff pastry strips fried in the air fryer until golden and crisp, then coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar blend for a delightful treat. This spanish-inspired desserts ready in about 20 minutes layers frozen puff pastry sheet, thawed, unsalted butter, melted, granulated sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 260 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet (8 oz) frozen puff pastry sheet, thawed
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat air fryer to 375°F. On a lightly floured surface, roll out 1 thawed puff pastry sheet into a 10x10-inch square.
- Step 2: Cut the pastry into 1/2-inch wide strips about 10 inches long.
- Step 3: Brush each strip with 3 tbsp melted unsalted butter on both sides.
- Step 4: Place strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overlapping. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until puffed and golden brown.
- Step 5: While warm, toss the churros in a bowl with 1/4 cup granulated sugar mixed with 1 tsp ground cinnamon until evenly coated.
- Step 6: Optionally dust with 2 tbsp powdered sugar before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Air Fryer Puff Pastry Churros with Cinnamon Sugar take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Air Fryer Puff Pastry Churros with Cinnamon Sugar?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Air Fryer Puff Pastry Churros with Cinnamon Sugar?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Air Fryer Puff Pastry Churros with Cinnamon Sugar for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Air Fryer Puff Pastry Churros with Cinnamon Sugar?
Spanish desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
