Air Fryer Pineapple Churros

These air fryer pineapple churros are everything you love about classic churros—crispy outside, soft inside, and coated in warm cinnamon sugar—but with a bright tropical twist from sweet pineapple purée. They’re lighter than deep-fried churros, easy to make, and come together in under 30 minutes.

If you enjoy fun, sweet air-fried treats like these, you’ll also love my Air Fryer Pineapple recipe. Now for the air fryer pineapple churros as promised!

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Video Instructions
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• Instructions
• Pro Cooking Tips
• FAQs
• Air Fryer Pineapple Churros

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Light, crisp, air-fried crunch:  You get that classic churro texture without deep frying. The dough puffs beautifully in the air fryer, remaining golden and crisp.
• Tropical pineapple flavor: Pineapple purée adds natural sweetness, moisture, and a subtle fruity aroma, making these churros more unique.
• Kid-friendly & easy: The dough mixes in minutes, piping is simple, and the air fryer does all the work—no oil, no splattering, no frying stress.
• Ready in 25 minutes: It is perfect for last-minute dessert cravings, movie nights, or a fun weekend snack.
• Pairs perfectly with dips: Serve with chocolate sauce, caramel, or coconut cream for extra flavor.

Video Instructions

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Pineapple purée: Gives the churros sweetness, acidity, and moisture. I like to use mango purée or applesauce for variations.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps the dough form properly. You can use margarine or coconut oil as a replacement. 
• All-purpose flour: This creates the perfect structure and crispness. If you want to swap for a gluten-free option, I find a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend works best.

Instructions

Step 1 – Make the Pineapple Dough

Add pineapple purée, butter, and 1 tablespoon sugar to a saucepan. Heat over medium until it begins to simmer. Add the flour and salt all at once, stirring vigorously for 1–2 minutes until the mixture forms a smooth dough that pulls away from the sides of the pan.

Step 2 – Add the Eggs

Transfer the warm dough to a mixing bowl. Let it cool for about 5 minutes, then beat in the eggs one at a time until the dough becomes smooth, glossy, and thick.

Step 3 – Pipe the Churros

Scoop the dough into a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe 3–4 inch strips onto a parchment-lined tray. Freeze for 10 minutes so they hold their shape.

Step 4 – Air Fry

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and lightly oil the basket. Place churros in a single layer and air fry for 8–10 minutes, or until golden and crisp.

Step 5 – Coat & Serve

Mix the sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Toss the warm churros in the mixture until fully coated. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Drain excess pineapple liquid: If you are puréeing canned fruit yourself, too much moisture makes the dough loose.
  
• Freeze piped churros briefly: I've found that this helps them keep their ridged shape.
  
• Don’t overcrowd: You need space in the air fryer—airflow equals crispiness.
  
• Dough too thick? I always warm it slightly.
  
• Dough too thin? You can add 1–2 tablespoons of flour.
  
• Coat while warm: This helps the sugar stick perfectly.