Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Air fryer churro bites bring all the magic of churros to your kitchen without the deep frying. These churro bites are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and covered in the perfect cinnamon-sugar coating. The air fryer gives them a light and airy texture, making them a healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried version. Whether you’re serving them for a quick snack, dessert, or party treat, these churro bites will be a hit!

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup water
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, water, salt, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally until the butter is melted.
Add the flour to the saucepan and stir until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pan, about 2 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture cool for 5 minutes.
Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated, followed by the vanilla extract.
Transfer the dough to a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with the tip cut off.
Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper. Pipe small bite-sized churro pieces (about 1-inch in length) onto the paper.
Air fry the churro bites in batches for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup sugar and cinnamon. Roll the churro bites in this cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
Serve warm and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: Makes approximately 4 servings (around 20-25 bites depending on size).
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 minutes per batch
Total Time: 20-25 minutes

Variations

Chocolate Sauce Dip: For a richer experience, serve your churro bites with melted chocolate or a chocolate ganache for dipping.
Glazed Churro Bites: Instead of cinnamon sugar, drizzle your churro bites with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
Vegan Version: Replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative and the eggs with flaxseed meal or a vegan egg replacer.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover churro bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place churro bites back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 375°F, or until crispy and warm.

FAQs

Can I make these churro bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to fry, simply pipe and air fry as directed.

Can I use a deep fryer instead of an air fryer?

Yes, you can deep fry these churro bites if you prefer, but using an air fryer is a healthier alternative and gives the churros a lighter texture.

Can I freeze churro bites for later?

Yes, you can freeze uncooked churro dough. Place the piped dough on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer the dough to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to cook, air fry straight from frozen.

Why is my dough too sticky or too thick?

If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the right consistency. If it’s too thick, add a little more water to loosen it up.

How do I make sure my churro bites are crispy?

Make sure your air fryer is preheated, and don’t overcrowd the basket. Air flow is important for getting the churro bites crispy.

Can I use whole wheat flour for this recipe?

Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but the texture may be slightly denser than with all-purpose flour.

Can I skip the cinnamon sugar coating?

You can skip the coating, but the cinnamon sugar adds a classic churro flavor. You could also try a powdered sugar dusting or a glaze instead.

How can I make these churro bites spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a sweet and spicy twist.

Can I use non-stick spray in the air fryer?

Yes, lightly spraying the air fryer basket with non-stick spray can help prevent the churro bites from sticking, but don’t use too much.

What should I do if my churro bites are too soft after air frying?

If the churro bites are too soft, try increasing the cook time by 1-2 minutes. Also, check that your air fryer is preheated to the right temperature.

Conclusion

Sweet Air Fryer Churro Bites are a quick and delicious way to enjoy a popular treat with fewer calories and less mess. Whether you’re looking for a snack, a dessert, or something fun to serve at a party, these churro bites will be a crowd-pleaser. They’re easy to make, customizable, and full of the comforting flavors of cinnamon and sugar. Enjoy these warm, crispy bites anytime!