There is nothing quite like sinking your teeth into warm, fluffy churros with a delightful cinnamon sugar coating, especially when these treats come packed with a protein boost that keeps you satisfied and energized. This Protein-Enriched Cinnamon Churros Air Fried to Crispy Perfection Recipe takes your classic churros to a whole new level with the clever addition of blended cottage cheese, giving you a soft, airy texture without the wait of yeast rising. Crisped up in the air fryer for that perfect crunch, these churros are not only delicious but also a fantastic way to indulge while sneaking in some extra protein. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this unique and crave-worthy twist on a beloved snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Protein-Enriched Cinnamon Churros Air Fried to Crispy Perfection Recipe relies on a handful of simple ingredients that come together to create a marvelous blend of flavors, textures, and colors. Each component plays a starring role in making these churros irresistibly soft inside yet perfectly crispy outside.
- Blended cottage cheese 4% small-curd: This adds moisture and a subtle tang while packing in much-needed protein for these churros.
- All-purpose flour: The base that gives structure to the dough without overpowering the lightness.
- Baking powder: Helps the dough rise slightly and become fluffy without yeast.
- Salt: Enhances sweetness and balances the flavors.
- Melted unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps the cinnamon sugar stick to the churros.
- Brown sugar: For a deep, caramel-like sweetness that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice that brings warmth and a cozy flavor.
- Caramel sauce (Ghirardelli recommended): Optional but highly recommended for drizzling over or filling the churros.
- Chocolate sauce (Ghirardelli recommended): Perfect for adding a decadent finish.
- Unsalted butter (for whipped honey butter): Creates a luscious spread to accompany the churros.
- Honey: Provides natural sweetness to the whipped butter.
- Ground cinnamon (for whipped honey butter): Adds a subtle cinnamon kick to the buttery spread.
How to Make Protein-Enriched Cinnamon Churros Air Fried to Crispy Perfection Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Protein Dough
Start by blending the cottage cheese until it’s perfectly smooth. This step is crucial because it ensures the dough is moist and silky, which translates into fluffy churros without needing yeast. Once blended, mix it with flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Use a rubber spatula to combine everything, then dampen your hands and bring the dough together into a cohesive ball. This is your protein-packed base ready for fun shaping.
Step 2: Knead and Shape
Transfer your dough onto a lightly floured surface to prevent stickiness and knead until it feels smooth and uniform. If the dough is sticky, sprinkle just a bit more flour on top to make the process easier. Divide the dough into six equal parts and roll each into long logs with about a ¾-inch diameter. Then cut each log into three segments, mimicking the classic churro shape and size.
Step 3: Coat with Butter and Cinnamon Sugar
Whisk together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon in one bowl for the signature sweet coating. Melt your butter in a separate bowl, then generously dunk each dough piece in the melted butter before rolling it in the cinnamon sugar mixture. This method ensures every inch is coated, creating that delightful crispy exterior once air fried.
Step 4: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper to prevent sticking and place the coated churros inside, spaced to allow hot air circulation. Cook them for about 10 minutes or until they’ve reached a gorgeous golden-brown hue and perfected that crispy outer layer — it’s the magic moment that brings this Protein-Enriched Cinnamon Churros Air Fried to Crispy Perfection Recipe alive.
Step 5: Make Whipped Honey Butter
While your churros are air frying, whip together softened unsalted butter with honey and a pinch of cinnamon in a stand mixer until smooth and fluffy. This velvety honey butter adds an exquisite finishing touch and a hint of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the churros.
Step 6: Final Assembly
Once cooked, move the churros to a wire rack and optionally slice each one down the side like a bun for filling. Drizzle or fill with luscious caramel and chocolate sauce for an indulgent experience. Serve warm alongside your whipped honey butter and prepare to delight in every bite of this protein-packed treat.
How to Serve Protein-Enriched Cinnamon Churros Air Fried to Crispy Perfection Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your churros with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a dusting of extra cinnamon sugar for a classic touch. For a bit of flair, add chopped nuts such as toasted pecans or almonds for crunch that contrasts delightfully with the soft interior.
Side Dishes
These churros make a fantastic dessert or snack alongside fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or a bowl of warm fruit compote. A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream alongside can also turn this into a dreamy dessert plate that’s hard to resist.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these churros in cute paper cones or stack them in a rustic wooden bowl drizzled with sauces for a playful and inviting presentation. Filling the churros with different flavored creams or nut butters can add a fun surprise inside, making each bite uniquely exciting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping them sealed well preserves their freshness and helps maintain their delightful texture.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked churros by gently wrapping them in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can keep the Protein-Enriched Cinnamon Churros Air Fried to Crispy Perfection Recipe fresh for up to one month.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp up the exterior again while warming the inside. This quick reheating method revives the crunchy texture and makes them taste just like freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt works as a fantastic substitute and also contributes to the protein content while keeping the dough moist and tender. It’s a handy swap if you don’t have cottage cheese on hand.
Do I need an air fryer for this recipe?
While this recipe shines when air fried for that crisp crust without extra oil, you can bake the churros in an oven at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes, though the texture might be slightly different.
How many protein grams are in a serving?
Each serving of three churros packs approximately 12 grams of protein, thanks mainly to the cottage cheese or Greek yogurt blended into the dough.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for a few hours before shaping and air frying. Just allow it to come to room temperature slightly before working with it for the best results.
What sauces pair best with these churros?
Caramel and chocolate sauces are perfect companions, but feel free to get creative with dulce de leche, fruit coulis, or even a peanut butter drizzle—the possibilities are endless and delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Protein-Enriched Cinnamon Churros Air Fried to Crispy Perfection Recipe is a game changer if you’re looking for a treat that satisfies both your sweet tooth and your protein needs. The blend of fluffy dough, warm cinnamon sugar, and crispy exterior makes it a delightful snack or dessert any time of day. I can’t wait for you to try it and share with friends and family because once you’ve tasted these churros, they’ll quickly become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection.
PrintProtein-Enriched Cinnamon Churros Air Fried to Crispy Perfection Recipe
These Protein Churros feature a fluffy dough made with blended cottage cheese and all-purpose flour, rolled in cinnamon sugar, and air fried to crispy golden perfection. Each serving delivers 12g of protein without the need for yeast or rise time. Paired with whipped honey butter, and optional chocolate and caramel sauces, these churros offer a deliciously healthier twist on the classic cinnamon sticks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings (3 churros per serving)
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Protein Dough
- 2 cups blended cottage cheese (4% small-curd)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ cup melted unsalted butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- Caramel sauce (such as Ghirardelli’s)
- Chocolate sauce (such as Ghirardelli’s)
Whipped Honey Butter
- 1 stick unsalted butter (½ cup)
- 2 tbsp honey
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Blend Cottage Cheese: Blend the cottage cheese in a food processor or blender until smooth to create a creamy base for the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the blended cottage cheese, flour, baking powder, and salt. Use a rubber spatula to stir and combine everything until a dough begins to form.
- Form Dough Ball: Damp your hands with water and press the mixture together firmly until a ball of dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Knead gently until smooth, sprinkling additional flour as needed if the dough feels sticky.
- Shape Churros: Divide the dough into 6 equal portions, rolling each one into logs about ¾ inch in diameter. Cut each log into 3 equal pieces, resembling churro-sized sticks.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar & Butter: In one bowl, whisk together brown sugar and cinnamon. Melt the butter in another bowl.
- Coat Churros: Dunk each churro into the melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture to fully coat. Set churros aside on a clean surface.
- Air Fry: Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper. Place the churros spaced evenly and cook for about 10 minutes until they are crispy and golden brown.
- Make Whipped Honey Butter: In a stand mixer, beat the unsalted butter until smooth. Scrape the sides, then add honey and cinnamon. Whip again until creamy and well combined.
- Serve: Remove churros from the air fryer and let cool slightly on a wire rack. Optionally, cut one side open like a bun and fill with drizzles of chocolate and caramel sauce, or simply drizzle sauces on top. Serve warm alongside whipped honey butter. Enjoy!
Notes
- The dough makes roughly 18 cinnamon sticks; a serving size is 3 sticks.
- It’s easiest to dip churros in melted butter first and then roll them in cinnamon sugar. Use a fork to help toss the sugar mixture evenly and avoid getting sugar on your hands.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the air fryer to restore crispiness.
