Reheating churros in an air fryer at 160°C for 3-4 minutes restores their crispiness perfectly. This method beats microwaving, which often leaves them soggy, and avoids the mess of deep-frying again. Your air fryer circulates hot air evenly, crisping the exterior while keeping the inside soft. Whether you’ve stored churros in the fridge or left them out, this technique works wonders. For best results, space them out in the basket so air can flow freely around each piece.
The air fryer’s rapid air technology mimics the effect of deep-frying without submerging food in oil. When you reheat churros in air fryer, you’re essentially giving them a second fry. This method preserves that signature crunch while preventing sogginess or uneven heating. Unlike oven reheating which can dry them out, the air fryer’s compact space maintains moisture better. It’s also significantly faster than conventional methods – your churros will be ready in minutes.
Many air fryer models, like those featured on airfryerrecipe.co.uk, have specific reheat functions that take the guesswork out of temperature settings. If yours doesn’t, 160°C is the sweet spot for most churro varieties. This temperature is hot enough to crisp the exterior but won’t burn the sugar coating. For stuffed churros or thicker varieties, you might need an extra minute – just check them regularly to prevent over-browning.
Before you reheat leftover churros in air fryer, let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes if they’ve been refrigerated. This prevents the cold centre from affecting cooking time. Lightly spritz them with water or brush with melted butter if they seem dry – this helps recreate that fresh texture. Arrange them in a single layer with space between each, and consider flipping halfway through for even crisping. For extra crunch, some cooks lightly dust with cinnamon sugar before reheating.
The best temperature to reheat churros air fryer models recommend is typically between 150-170°C. Standard churros take 3-4 minutes, while thicker or filled varieties may need 4-5 minutes. Always preheat your air fryer for 2-3 minutes first – this ensures immediate crisping upon contact. If your model has a reheat preset (common in newer units), use that as your starting point. The air fryer conversion chart can help adjust times if you’re adapting oven instructions.
Watch closely during the last minute as sugar-coated foods can burn quickly. The churros air fryer reheat time may vary slightly depending on your machine’s wattage and basket size. Mini churros might be done in 2-3 minutes, while jumbo ones could take up to 6 minutes. Listen for the sizzling sound to subside – this indicates most moisture has evaporated and crispness is achieved. Let them rest for a minute before serving as they’ll crisp up further.
To reheat churros from fridge in air fryer successfully, proper storage is key. Place cooled churros in an airtight container with parchment between layers to prevent sticking. They’ll keep well for 2-3 days refrigerated or up to a month frozen. Frozen churros can go straight into the air fryer – just add 1-2 minutes to the reheating time. Avoid microwaving first as this creates uneven textures that the air fryer can’t fully correct. For more dessert ideas, browse the dessert category on our site.
If your reheated churros come out tough, the temperature was likely too high or they were overcooked. Next time, try reducing by 10°C and checking earlier. For soggy results, ensure your air fryer isn’t overcrowded – proper air circulation is crucial. Some models benefit from using a perforated parchment liner (find cleaning tips at air fryer cleaner). If reheating churros next day in air fryer yields uneven results, try cutting longer ones in half to expose more surface area to the heat.
Churros with delicate fillings like chocolate or dulce de leche require extra care. Reduce temperature to 150°C and place them seam-side down to prevent leakage. Consider reheating for shorter intervals (2 minutes at a time) to monitor progress. The sugar coating can sometimes caramelize further during reheating – this isn’t a flaw but rather an extra flavour boost. For perfect results every time, consult our recipe collection for original churro making tips too.