Protein-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.
