Deep-Frying vs. Air-Frying vs. Baking: How to Cook Churros

Churros are the ultimate crunchy, golden-brown treat, but did you know there’s more than one way to cook them? Once you have gathered together your ingredients and made your dough, you then need to decide which cooking method to go with – be it traditional, modern or healthy. While traditional deep-frying is the go-to method, modern techniques like air-frying and baking are gaining popularity. But which method is best? Let’s break it down and explore the pros and cons of each cooking style!

Deep-Frying Churros: The Classic & Crispiest Choice

Deep-frying is the most traditional way to make churros, producing that signature crisp exterior and soft, fluffy interior.

Pros:

• Perfect Texture – Deep-frying creates a crisp outer layer while keeping the inside light and airy.
• Golden Colour – Achieves an even, golden-brown finish.
• Authentic Taste – Traditional Spanish and Mexican churros are deep-fried for a reason!

Cons:

• More Oil, More Calories – Churros absorb oil, making them higher in fat.
• Messy & Requires More Equipment – You’ll need a deep pan, a thermometer, and a slotted spoon or tongs.
• Oil Waste – Used frying oil needs to be disposed of properly.

Best For: Those who want the most authentic churro experience and don’t mind a bit of extra effort!

Air-Frying Churros: A Healthier Alternative

If you love churros but want to cut down on oil, air-frying is a great option. Instead of submerging the dough in oil, an air fryer circulates hot air to create a crispy texture.

Pros:

• Fewer Calories – When you cut out the oil you cut out the calories.
• Less Mess & Easier Clean-Up – No dealing with large amounts of hot oil.
• Quick & Convenient – Heats up fast and cooks in minutes.

Cons:

• Slightly Different Texture – Air-fried churros may be crisp but lack the same deep-fried crunch.
• Needs Precise Piping – Without oil to help shape them, churros can lose their ridged texture.
• Smaller Batches – Most air fryers have limited space, so you’ll need to cook in batches.

Best For: Health-conscious churro lovers who want a crisp treat with less oil.

Baking Churros: The Lightest & Easiest Option

Baking churros in the oven is another alternative, offering a lighter texture and an easy clean-up process.

Pros:

• Healthiest Option – Uses minimal oil while still achieving a nice crispness.
• Even Cooking – No need to flip or turn them during cooking.
• Simple & Hands-Off – No need to monitor oil temperatures and you can make fairly large batches.

Cons:

• Less Crispy – Baked churros tend to be softer rather than crunchy.
• Longer Cooking Time – Takes more time compared to deep-frying or air-frying.
• Can Dry Out Easily – Without oil, churros may lose some of their moisture.

Best For: Those who want a lower-fat churro with minimal effort.

Using a Churro Maker Machine: The Convenient Option

For those who want an easy, mess-free way to make churros, a churro maker machine is a fantastic alternative. These appliances work similarly to waffle makers, pressing and cooking the dough with built-in heating plates.

Pros:

• No Oil Needed – Makes it a much healthier alternative to deep-frying.
• Even Cooking – The machine ensures all churros are cooked uniformly.
• Quick & Easy – Simply pipe the dough in, close the lid, and wait for perfectly shaped churros.
• Minimal Clean-Up – No oil splatters or baking trays to scrub.

Cons:

• Different Texture – Churros made in a machine tend to be softer and less crispy.
• Limited Capacity – Most machines can only make a few churros at a time.

Best For: Anyone looking for a quick, easy, and oil-free way to make churros at home with minimal effort.

Check out our Churro Machine Product Recommendations.