Churros Made in Minutes Without Frying! A Healthier, Delicious Alternative
Who doesn’t love churros? Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and coated in cinnamon sugar—these delightful treats are a favorite worldwide. But what if you could make them in a healthier way without deep frying? Using an oven or air fryer, you can whip up non-fried churros in just minutes. They’re just as tasty as the classic version but lighter, making them perfect for guilt-free indulgence.
Why You’ll Love These Non-Fried Churros
- Healthier Alternative: Skipping the oil means fewer calories and less fat.
- Quick and Easy: Made in minutes using simple ingredients.
- Kid-Friendly: A fun and safe way to make churros without hot oil.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Water | 1 cup | For the dough |
| Unsalted butter | 1/4 cup | Adds richness |
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup | For the churro dough |
| Eggs | 2 large | Helps bind the dough |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | For flavor |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp | Balances sweetness |
| Cinnamon sugar | 1/2 cup | For coating |
| Cooking spray | As needed | Prevents sticking |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt. Heat over medium until the butter melts and the mixture comes to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the flour. Mix continuously until the dough comes together into a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Remove from heat and let the dough cool for 5 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition until the dough is smooth and sticky. Stir in the vanilla extract.
2. Pipe the Churros
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) or air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star-shaped nozzle.
- Pipe 4- to 6-inch strips onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or directly into the air fryer basket.
3. Bake or Air Fry
- Oven Method: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden and puffed.
- Air Fryer Method: Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden.
4. Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
- Lightly spray the churros with cooking spray while they are warm.
- Roll the churros in cinnamon sugar until fully coated.
5. Serve and Enjoy
- Serve immediately with chocolate sauce, dulce de leche, or a simple caramel dip.
Why This Recipe Works
- Steam-Cooked Dough: Creates the light, airy texture without frying.
- Cooking Spray: Ensures the sugar coating sticks without extra oil.
- Air Fryer Magic: Delivers crispiness similar to frying with minimal effort.
Nutritional Comparison
| Nutrient | Fried Churros | Non-Fried Churros |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~300 per serving | ~200 per serving |
| Fat | ~20g | ~8g |
| Carbs | ~30g | ~28g |
| Protein | ~4g | ~5g |
Tips for Success
- Cool the Dough: Let the dough cool slightly before adding eggs to prevent scrambling.
- Even Piping: Ensure even-sized strips for consistent cooking.
- Customize Coating: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar for extra flavor.
Conclusion
These non-fried churros are proof that you don’t need a deep fryer to enjoy a classic treat. They’re crispy, sweet, and so easy to make, you’ll find yourself making them again and again. Perfect for parties, family nights, or when that churro craving strikes! Give this healthier version a try—you won’t miss the oil! 🍩✨
