Sweet Air Fryer Churro Bites Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s quick, easy, and perfect for satisfying a sweet craving. The air fryer gives these churro bites a crispy, golden finish without the extra fat from traditional frying. The best part is the cinnamon sugar coating – it gives them that warm, comforting flavor that pairs perfectly with chocolate syrup, honey, or Nutella for dipping. It’s a sweet, indulgent snack that’s perfect for any time of the day or even for sharing with friends and family!

Ingredients

For the Dough:

1 cup plain flour

1 cup water

1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

1 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla essence

1 large egg

For the Coating:

1 cup white sugar

1 tablespoon cinnamon powder

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

Directions

Step 1: Make the Dough

In a pan, I combine the water, butter, salt, and sugar. I bring it to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat once boiling.

Gradually, I add the flour to the pan, stirring continuously until the dough comes together smoothly. I remove the pan from the stove and let it cool for about 4-5 minutes.

Once the dough is slightly cooled, I add the egg and vanilla extract. Using an electric hand mixer, I mix everything together until smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 2: Pipe and Air Fry

I transfer the churro dough into a piping bag. Before I start, I preheat my air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and spray the basket with a neutral nonstick cooking spray (such as coconut oil spray).

Carefully, I pipe bite-sized churros into the basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. If I want a different shape, I can also drop the dough by the spoonful into the basket.

I lightly brush the churros with some butter before cooking them in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, until they are golden brown. Depending on the size of my air fryer, I might need to cook them in several batches to make sure they cook evenly.

Step 3: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

While the churros cook, I mix together the sugar and cinnamon powder in a shallow bowl.

Once the churros are done, I transfer them directly into the cinnamon sugar mixture and toss gently to coat them evenly. For an extra crispy finish, I brush the churros with melted butter (or spray them with water or nonstick spray) before rolling them in the cinnamon sugar.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

I serve the churro bites warm, alongside my favorite dipping sauces such as chocolate syrup, honey, or Nutella for that extra touch of indulgence.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 12 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 37 minutes

Variations

Stuffed Churro Bites: For a fun twist, I can stuff these churro bites with a little bit of chocolate or caramel before cooking.

Different Coatings: Instead of cinnamon sugar, I could try coating the churros in powdered sugar or even drizzle them with melted chocolate for an extra treat.

Air Fryer Donut Holes: I could shape the dough into small balls instead of churros to create bite-sized donut holes with a similar cinnamon sugar coating.

Storage/Reheating

These churro bites are best enjoyed fresh and warm, but if I have leftovers, I can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. To reheat, I pop them back into the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to regain their crispiness.

FAQs

Can I make these churros in advance?

While fresh churros are the best, I can make the dough in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. I would pipe and air fry them just before serving for a fresh treat.

Can I freeze the churro dough?

Yes, I can freeze the dough. After piping the churros onto a baking sheet, I freeze them for about 1 hour before transferring them to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, I can air fry the frozen churros without thawing them—just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

Can I use a different air fryer temperature?

I recommend cooking the churros at 375°F (190°C) for the best texture. However, I can adjust the temperature by a few degrees depending on my air fryer model, but I should keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn.

Can I use a regular piping bag without a nozzle?

Yes, I can use a regular piping bag or even a plastic sandwich bag with the tip cut off to pipe the dough. The churros will still come out delicious!

What can I serve with these churro bites?

These churro bites are great on their own, but I can also serve them with dipping sauces like chocolate syrup, caramel sauce, or whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Conclusion

Sweet Air Fryer Churro Bites are a fun, easy, and healthier way to enjoy the classic churro flavor. With a crispy exterior, a soft inside, and that perfect cinnamon sugar coating, they’re a treat that’s hard to resist. Whether for a snack, a dessert, or a fun treat for the family, these churro bites are sure to become a favorite.

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