Reheating Churros to Crispy Perfection: A Guide

Churros are a delicious fried dough snack that are best when eaten fresh and warm. However, it’s not always possible to eat them right away. Reheating churros brings them back to their original crispy, cinnamon-sugar glory. With the right technique, reheated churros can taste nearly as good as when they were first fried.

There are a few different methods for reheating churros depending on what appliances you have access to. The microwave provides the quickest reheating, while the oven and air fryer allow you to recrisp the exterior to perfection. Here is a detailed guide on how to properly reheat churros using each appliance.

Reheating Churros in the Microwave

The microwave provides a fast and easy way to reheat churros. While it won’t recrisp the exterior, it will quickly heat the interior back up.

Step 1) Place the churros on a microwave-safe plate in a single layer, making sure none overlap.

Step 2) Microwave the churros in 30-second intervals until warmed through. The time will vary based on your microwave wattage and amount of churros, but usually takes 45 seconds to 1 minute.

Step 3) Let the churros sit for 1 minute after microwaving so the heat can evenly distribute.

Step 4) Serve the churros immediately while still warm. The texture will be softened but the interior should be hot.

Tips for Microwaving Churros:

• Microwave in short intervals to avoid overcooking.
• Rotate the plate and flip the churros halfway for even heating.
• Cover with a paper towel to prevent splatter if reheating a sugary topping.
• Let sit before serving so filling can fully heat.

Baking Churros in the Oven

The oven allows you to reheat churros gently and recrisp the outside. Baking churros in the oven takes longer than the microwave but gives better results.

Step 1) Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2) Arrange the churros on the baking sheet evenly spaced apart. Make sure none are overlapping.

Step 3) Bake for 4-7 minutes until heated through and lightly crisped on the outside. Time will vary based on amount of churros.

Step 4) For best results, flip the churros halfway through baking.

Step 5) Remove from oven and serve immediately while crispy and hot.

Tips for Baking Churros:

• Flip halfway for evenly crisp exterior.
• Add 1-2 mins for very thick or dense churros.
• Bake in upper rack for optimal browning.
• Can sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar before baking.
• Lower temperature to avoid burning if reheating with topping.

Reheating Churros in an Air Fryer

An air fryer is the ideal way to reheat churros to crispy perfection. The hot circulating air recrisps the exterior just like deep frying.

Step 1) Preheat air fryer to 370°F (185°C).

Step 2) Place churros in air fryer basket in a single layer, not overcrowded.

Step 3) Air fry for 2-5 minutes, gently flipping the churros halfway through. Time will vary based on amount.

Step 4) Check frequently and remove once the exterior is crispy.

Step 5) Immediately serve the hot, crispy churros.

Tips for Air Frying Churros:

• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Work in batches for even crisping.
• Flip halfway through for evenly reheated exterior.
• Add 1-2 mins if reheating frozen churros.
• Spray with oil or brush with butter before air frying for extra crispness.
• Shake basket occasionally to expose all sides to hot air.

Q&A About Reheating Churros

How do you keep the outside crispy when reheating churros?

The oven and air fryer work best to recrisp the exterior of churros. Microwaving will soften the texture. Brushing with oil or butter before baking also helps recreate the crispy exterior.

Can you reheat churros with filling or topping?

Yes, you can reheat filled or topped churros but the fillings may require a lower oven temp and the toppings like ice cream or sauces should be added after reheating.

Do you need to reheat churros before eating?

It’s recommended to reheat refrigerated or frozen churros before eating to restore the ideal hot, crispy texture. Room temp churros can be eaten as-is.

How long do reheated churros last?

Reheated churros taste best right away. Any uneaten ones can be kept for 2-3 days refrigerated and reheated again. Reheated churros left at room temp will stale within a few hours.

Recipes for Reheating Churros

Cinnamon Sugar Churros

Coat reheated plain churros in cinnamon-sugar for classic flavor. Can also sprinkle over churros before baking or air frying.

Chocolate-Hazelnut Churros

Dip baked or air fried churros in melted chocolate hazelnut spread for indulgence.

Caramel Apple Churros

Roll reheated churros in caramel sauce and chopped apples for fall flavor.

Additional Tips for Reheating Churros

• Allow churros to come to room temp before reheating for fastest heating.
• Use parchment paper when baking or air frying to prevent sticking.
• Flip and rotate churros during reheating for even crispness.
• Work in small batches to prevent overcrowding.
• Brush with butter or oil before reheating for extra crisp exterior.
• Serve reheated churros immediately before they lose their crispness.
• Let churros sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before reheating for more even heating.
• Reheat churros in batches to avoid overcrowding and uneven crisping.
• Check frequently and remove churros as soon as they are hot and crispy.
• Store leftover reheated churros in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Churros are best reheated and eaten fresh. Day old reheated churros lose their appeal.
• Dust reheated churros with cinnamon-sugar again before serving.
• Can freeze baked or air fried churros then reheat from frozen. Add 1-2 mins to times.

Recommended Products

Microwaves

1. Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S
2. Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Microwave Oven
3. LG NeoChefTM Countertop Microwave Oven LMC1575ST
4. GE Microwave Oven JES1460DSBB
5. Samsung ME16H702SES Countertop Microwave

Ovens

1. GE JB645RKSS Electric Single Oven Range
2. Bosch Benchmark Series Electric Wall Oven HBL8451UC
3. LG LDE4415ST Electric Double Oven Range
4. Whirlpool WOS51EC0HS Electric Single Wall Oven
5. Frigidaire Gallery Series Electric Wall Oven FGEW2765PF

Air Fryers

1. Cosori Dual Blaze Air Fryer
2. Ninja AF150 4 Quart Air Fryer
3. Instant Vortex Plus 7-in-1 Air Fryer Oven
4. GoWISE USA 7 Qt Electric Air Fryer GW22821
5. Chefman 6.5 Quart Digital Air Fryer+ Rotisserie

Reheating churros properly allows you to enjoy their cinnamon sugary goodness even when not freshly fried. With the right appliance and technique, you can easily restore that hot, crispy texture. Now you know how to reheat churros to perfection whether baked, air fried or microwaved.