Let’s be honest: not everyone dreams of being hurtled 60 feet above ground in a loop-de-loop while their kids squeal with delight. For many of us, the fair is less about thrill rides and more about sweet indulgence—specifically, those golden, sugar-dusted churros that make braving the haunted train almost worthwhile.
Forget the Rides—Let’s Talk Churros
Let’s face it, roller coasters and drop towers aren’t everyone’s idea of fun. There are those who might even say that a mere glimpse of a big roller coaster is enough to make their stomach somersault. If that’s you, rest assured—you’re far from alone. When the kids beg you to join them for a round on the high-flying rides, you’d much rather hand off that mission to someone braver (thank you, significant other!) and volunteer for the all-important task of snack retrieval. After all, someone has to make a valiant trip to the candy stand, right?
And while those glossy candied apples can be hypnotic, it’s often the churros—slender, twisted, and hot from the oil, still glistening as they tumble into sugar—that win your heart every time. And naturally, no churro is complete without a decadent dip in Nutella. For many parents, that first bite is enough to make the haunted train bearable. Almost.
The Greasy Downside
Of course, deep-fried churros are a treat best enjoyed in moderation—the body reminds us of that after the third or fourth. Fat content? Let’s just say the culprit is more the oil bath than the dough itself. Lucky for the waistline, carnivals don’t camp out in the village square every day. If only we could snack on our favorite fair treats whenever we wanted, with no guilt (and no fear of catching a glimpse of the dreaded roller coaster in the background), now that would be the ultimate happiness.
Dream Come True: Airfryer Churros by Christelle Gomez
What if that dream became reality? Cue Christelle Gomez, also known as @iletaitunefoislapatisserie, who has shared a simple, deep-fryer-free churros recipe—designed for the trusty Airfryer and a breeze to whip up at home. According to her, these churros taste exactly like the ones you’d buy from a carnival stand.
Ready to give it a whirl? Here’s how you do it:
- Bring 30 cl of water and a pinch of salt to a boil in a saucepan.
- Remove from the heat and add 250 grams of T45 wheat flour, stirring with a spatula until you get a dough.
- Transfer the dough to a churros press or, if you don’t have one, a piping bag fitted with a star-shaped nozzle will do.
- Brush the bottom of your Airfryer basket with oil, then pipe the churros directly onto it.
- Brush your churros lightly with oil—yes, this step is essential! Skipping it is not an option.
- Cook in the Airfryer for 15 minutes at 190°C.
- When done, roll the churros in powdered sugar, and you’re ready to enjoy.
No deep fryer, no need to leave the house, and voilà: crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, these are churros that let you “catch the Mickey’s tail” without risking your stomach or your jeans size. It’s the perfect treat to keep that festive vacation feeling alive—especially when the school routine tries to sneak back in.
The Joy of Homemade Fair Treats
There’s a special satisfaction to enjoying classic fair sweets in your own kitchen, without the extra oil and with as much—or as little—sugar as you wish. And while the Airfryer can’t recreate the blare of carnival music or the rush of winning a giant teddy, it comes pretty close in the churros department. Give this recipe a try the next time you crave a little escape or want to bring a holiday vibe to your weekday.
The only risk? You may find yourself ‘assigned’ churro duty every weekend. But hey, it’s a small price to pay for skipping the roller coaster.
John is a curious mind who loves to write about diverse topics. Passionate about sharing his thoughts and perspectives, he enjoys sparking conversations and encouraging discovery. For him, every subject is an invitation to discuss and learn.
