Name: Sweet Air Fryer Churro Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup water; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for the batter); 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating); 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines the irresistible cinnamon-sugar goodness of churros with the convenience of an air fryer. The churro bites are perfectly crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated with a sweet, spiced sugar that makes them impossible to resist. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, dessert, or a fun treat for a gathering, they are quick to prepare and even quicker to disappear. Plus, they require little oil, making them a healthier alternative to deep-frying without compromising on flavor or texture.

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for the batter)
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating)

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

Directions

In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the butter has melted.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring constantly until the dough forms into a smooth ball. Remove the dough from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (188°C).
Once the dough has cooled slightly, transfer it to a piping bag fitted with a star-shaped tip.
Lightly grease the air fryer basket or line it with parchment paper. Pipe small bite-sized pieces of dough (about 1-2 inches long) into the basket, leaving some space between each bite.
Air fry the churro bites at 370°F (188°C) for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
While the churro bites are cooking, mix the 1/4 cup of granulated sugar with the cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
Once the churro bites are done, remove them from the air fryer and immediately toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until well coated.
Serve warm and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 8 minutes
Total time: 18 minutes

Variations

Churro Bites with Chocolate Sauce: Serve your churro bites with a side of melted chocolate or Nutella for dipping for an added treat.
Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these churro bites gluten-free.
Spicy Cinnamon: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cinnamon-sugar coating for a spicy twist to the traditional churro flavor.
Stuffed Churro Bites: Pipe some Nutella or dulce de leche inside each churro bite before air frying for a decadent surprise.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover churro bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but they can be kept for a short time.
Reheating: To reheat, place the churro bites in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes to crisp them up again.

FAQs

1. Can I make these churro bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time, store it in the fridge for up to a day, and pipe and air fry them when you’re ready to enjoy them.

2. Can I bake churro bites instead of using an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake churro bites at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden and crisp.

3. Can I freeze churro bites?

Yes, you can freeze the churro dough after piping it. Freeze the churro bites on a baking sheet for about 1-2 hours, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen in the air fryer at 370°F (188°C) for 8-10 minutes.

4. How do I prevent the churro bites from sticking to the air fryer basket?

Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray or use parchment paper to ensure the churro bites don’t stick.

5. Can I use margarine instead of butter in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter, though the flavor might be slightly different.

6. What is the best way to pipe the dough for churro bites?

Use a piping bag with a star tip to get that classic churro shape. For bite-sized pieces, pipe small lengths of dough about 1-2 inches long.

7. Can I make the churro bites without a piping bag?

Yes, if you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a plastic sandwich bag with the tip of the corner cut off to pipe the dough.

8. How do I keep the churro bites crispy?

To keep them crispy, serve them immediately after tossing them in the cinnamon-sugar coating, or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for no longer than a few days.

9. Can I make churro bites with a different flavor coating?

Absolutely! You can use powdered sugar, cocoa powder, or even a combination of your favorite spices for the coating.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe if you’re serving a larger crowd. Just be sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.

Conclusion

These sweet Air Fryer churro bites are a game-changer when it comes to easy and delicious desserts. They offer the classic churro flavor with the convenience of air frying, making them perfect for any occasion. With a crispy exterior, tender interior, and cinnamon-sugar coating, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone. Whip up a batch, and enjoy the irresistible, warm, and sweet goodness in just a few minutes!