My love for desserts began in family’s multigenerational kitchen, where Grandma’s scratch-made churros filled the air with cinnamon and sugar. From a small Michoacán town, she taught us that sweets were tradition. I vividly recall watching her roll dough and tell stories as the oil crackled.
Now, as a wife and mom, I wanted to bring that joy to my own busy family, free from sugar crashes or deep-fryer mess. So, I developed these air fryer keto churro donuts. They’re fluffy like a donut, crisp like a churro, and low-carb—a healthier twist made easy in the air fryer. They’ve truly become a weekly staple.
These keto churro donuts let me share sweet memories with my daughter, without sugar concerns. She enjoys hers with whipped cream, while Grandma prefers them plain with black coffee. It’s a joy to see us all enjoy them together, even on a regular Tuesday.
Why Keto & Why Air Fryer?
Let’s be real: moms need shortcuts. Air frying skips the oil and oven heat, getting these donuts on the table in under 15 minutes. Plus, when you’re eating low-carb, finding a treat that satisfies that churro craving and fits your macros is pure magic.
These air fryer keto churro donuts aren’t just diet-friendly—they’re comfort food with heart. And if you’re into other low-guilt Mexican classics, these Churro Chips Recipe might just be your next obsession.
Key Ingredients for air fryer Keto Churro Flavor
To make the perfect air fryer keto churro donuts, you only need a handful of keto staples. These ingredients come together to create that warm cinnamon-dusted flavor we all love—without the carbs or sugar crash.
Here’s what I use every time:
- 1 cup almond flour – finely ground works best for fluffy texture
- 2 tablespoons coconut flour – adds structure and balance
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – for a nice lift
- 2 eggs – helps bind and give richness
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted) – or ghee, for a deeper flavor
- 1/4 cup keto sweetener (like monk fruit or erythritol) – for a guilt-free bite
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon – mixed into the dough for that cozy taste
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – optional but adds a bakery-style aroma
For coating:
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/4 cup monk fruit + 1 teaspoon cinnamon – mix for a churro-style topping
This mix creates soft, doughy donuts with that churro-style sugar crunch—without the deep-fried guilt.
Substitutions & Tips
Need dairy-free? Use coconut oil or ghee instead of butter. If almond flour isn’t your favorite, you can sub 1/3 cup coconut flour, but you’ll need to increase the eggs and moisture slightly since coconut flour absorbs more liquid.
Want a chewier bite? Add 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum to mimic gluten texture, especially helpful for churro sticks.
How to Make Keto Churro Donuts in the Air Fryer
Mixing & Shaping Your Donuts
Making air fryer keto churro donuts is surprisingly easy—even on a busy weekday evening. You’ll start by mixing the dry and wet ingredients in two separate bowls. Then bring them together gently to form a dough. Don’t overmix—just until it comes together.
If the dough feels a bit sticky, chill it for 10–15 minutes in the fridge. This makes shaping so much easier.
For a traditional donut look, I use silicone donut molds lightly greased with avocado oil. If you’re going for the churro shape, roll the dough into logs and gently twist or shape them into sticks or rings—just like Grandma used to make. Either shape works beautifully in the air fryer.
Pro tip: You can pipe the dough into molds or onto parchment paper using a piping bag for a clean, bakery-style finish.
Air Fryer Time & Temperature
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. This helps the donuts cook evenly and get that beautiful golden color.
Place donuts or churros in the air fryer basket, giving them room to breathe—don’t overcrowd. Bake for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through if you’re doing churros. They’re ready when the edges are lightly browned and the tops spring back when touched.
While still warm, brush each donut with melted butter, then roll or dust in your cinnamon-monk fruit mixture. It’s that coating that gives you the churro magic in every bite.
Serving, Variations, and Storing Ideas for Keto Churro Donuts
Serve Them Like a Fiesta
There’s something magical about cinnamon and sweetness wafting through the kitchen. When these air fryer keto churro donuts come out warm, golden, and coated in cinnamon-keto sugar, it feels like a little celebration.
We love serving them with a side of sugar-free whipped cream or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate. On weekends, I brew some Mexican cinnamon coffee, and we dip these churro donuts like it’s Sunday brunch. For a classic twist, you can pair them with a thick sugar-free Mexican hot chocolate—rich, creamy, and completely keto-friendly.
Variations & Storage Tips
Want to make them extra special? Try these easy add-ins or twists:
- Add orange zest to the batter for a subtle citrus note.
- Stir in sugar-free chocolate chips for a surprise center.
- Drizzle with melted keto white chocolate for contrast.
For a fun brunch board, mix donut rings with churro sticks and serve with mini dipping sauces in ramekins. It’s a hit at birthday brunches or cozy family movie nights.
Storage: Keep leftovers (if you’re lucky to have any) in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’ll stay soft, but the coating is best fresh.
To reheat: Pop them back in the air fryer at 300°F for 2–3 minutes.
To freeze: Wrap individually and store for up to 1 month. Reheat frozen churro donuts directly in the air fryer for 4–5 minutes at 300°F.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you air fry donuts instead of deep fry?
Yes! Air frying is a healthier, faster alternative to deep frying. It delivers a crisp outside and soft inside with a fraction of the oil—perfect for keto-friendly treats like these churro donuts.
What is the difference between a donut and a churro?
A donut is typically round, cake-like or yeasted, and often glazed or filled. A churro is traditionally piped into sticks, fried until golden, and rolled in cinnamon sugar. These keto churro donuts combine the best of both—donut shape with churro flavor and texture.
Can you make doughnuts in an air fryer?
Absolutely. The air fryer mimics the crispy effect of oil frying while using minimal fat. Silicone molds or shaped parchment help maintain that classic donut ring, making it easy and mess-free.
Conclusion
These air fryer keto churro donuts are more than a treat—they’re a bite of family tradition with a modern, healthy twist. Whether you’re sharing them with your kids over breakfast, serving them at a weekend brunch, or sneaking one with late-night tea, they bring joy without the guilt.
Air frying makes it easy. Keto makes it smart. And the cinnamon-churro flavor makes them unforgettable.
Print
Easiest Air Fryer Keto Churro Donuts — Done in 15 Minutes!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 donuts 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These air fryer keto churro donuts are crispy, low-carb, and coated in a cinnamon-sugar blend—all with no deep frying needed!
Ingredients
1 cup almond flour
2 tbsp coconut flour
1 tsp baking powder
2 eggs
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup monk fruit sweetener
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Coating:
2 tbsp melted butter
1/4 cup monk fruit + 1 tsp cinnamon, mixed
Instructions
1. Preheat air fryer to 350°F.
2. In one bowl, mix dry ingredients. In another, whisk eggs, melted butter, and vanilla.
3. Combine wet and dry mixtures to form dough. Chill if sticky.
4. Shape into rings using molds or roll into churro sticks.
5. Place in air fryer basket with space between. Cook 8–10 mins, flipping if needed.
6. While warm, brush with melted butter and roll in cinnamon sweetener mix.
7. Serve fresh or store in airtight container.
Notes
Dough can be piped for perfect shapes.
Freeze extras and reheat in air fryer for 4–5 minutes.
Add orange zest or chocolate chips for a fun twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg