Air Fryer Churro Bites Recipe

Warm, crisp, and dusted with the perfect layer of cinnamon sugar, these Air Fryer Churro Bites are a magical treat that brings the carnival straight to your kitchen—no deep-frying required! Tender inside and golden on the outside, they’re utterly irresistible and incredibly easy to make any time your sweet tooth calls.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how everyday staples transform into the magic of Air Fryer Churro Bites. Each ingredient has its role—creating the signature chewy texture, fragrant flavor, and tempting golden color we all love in a churro.

• All-purpose flour: The backbone of the churro bite, this builds that soft, pillowy interior.
• Water: Helps create the classic choux-like dough—make sure it’s at a boil before adding the flour.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor, ensuring the bites are ultra-tender.
• Salt: Just enough to highlight the buttery sweetness and balance the sugar’s flavor.
• Sugar: A touch in the dough gives gentle sweetness, and plenty more for that classic cinnamon-sugar finish.
• Vanilla extract: For irresistible aroma and warmth—don’t skip it!
• Egg: Essential for binding the dough and providing a little lift and structure, so your churro bites puff up perfectly.
• Ground cinnamon: The star in the sugar coating—fresh, fragrant cinnamon makes all the difference.
• Nonstick cooking spray: Just a light spray ensures easy release and that golden, crispy surface.

Variations

These Air Fryer Churro Bites are so easy to make your own, whether you’re catering to a dietary need, an allergy, or just want to get creative. With a few tweaks or fun additions, you can craft a batch that perfectly matches your craving or occasion.

• Chocolate Churro Bites: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolatey twist, or dip the finished bites in melted chocolate.
• Gluten-Free Churros: Substitute a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour—just double-check your mix contains xanthan gum.
• Spiced Sugar Coating: Take the sugar blend up a notch with a pinch of nutmeg, or a dash of cayenne for a gentle kick.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use vegan butter or coconut oil in place of butter, and a plant-based egg replacer for the egg.

How to Make Air Fryer Churro Bites

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by combining the water, butter, salt, and sugar in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat—this will melt everything together. As soon as it boils, reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the flour until the dough pulls away from the sides and forms a soft, cohesive ball. Switch off the heat and transfer the dough to a large mixing bowl to cool for a few minutes before adding the egg (trust me, you don’t want scrambled eggs in your churro dough!).

Step 2: Enrich with Egg and Vanilla

Once the dough is just warm (not hot), add the egg and vanilla extract. Start mixing with an electric mixer—this step takes a little muscle, but the dough will soften and become smooth and glossy. It should look pipe-able and slightly sticky, perfect for churro bites.

Step 3: Pipe and Air Fry

Scoop the dough into a piping bag (no fancy tip required—just snip the end for bite-sized pieces). Preheat your air fryer to 375°F and lightly spray the basket with nonstick spray, focusing on the areas the churros will touch. Pipe or spoon small bite-sized pieces into the air fryer basket, leaving space between each one. Brush the tops with a little melted butter for extra crispiness. Air fry in batches for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown and fragrant.

Step 4: Toss in Cinnamon Sugar

While the churro bites are still warm, toss them generously in your cinnamon sugar mixture. If the coating doesn’t stick well, give them a quick brush of melted butter or a mist of coconut oil spray, then roll again. This ensures every nook is perfectly sweet and spicy!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Transfer your finished Air Fryer Churro Bites to a plate and serve them up warm with bowls of chocolate syrup, Nutella, or honey for dunking. There’s honestly nothing better than that first bite!

How to Serve Air Fryer Churro Bites

Garnishes

The classic finish is a generous tumble in cinnamon sugar, but don’t stop there! Dust with powdered sugar for a snowy look, add a drizzle of melted chocolate for decadence, or top with a sprinkle of citrus zest for a bright, zippy touch.

Side Dishes

Pair your Air Fryer Churro Bites with rich, warm chocolate dipping sauce, fresh berries, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an impromptu sundae. For a brunch spread, they’re delightful alongside fresh fruit salad and lattes.

Creative Ways to Present

Fill little paper cones for a festive party treat or serve mini churro “bitesicles” by sticking them with toothpicks for easy dipping. Arrange them on a rustic wooden board with tiny bowls of Nutella, caramel, and honey for a playful DIY dessert bar.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover churro bites (if you have any!) keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’ll lose a bit of their initial crunch but are still absolutely snack-worthy.

Freezing

If you’d like to prep in advance, freeze the cooked and cooled churro bites in a single layer, then transfer to a bag or airtight container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months—just skip the cinnamon sugar until after reheating for best results.

Reheating

To revive the texture, pop churro bites back into the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes. Once warmed, toss again with cinnamon sugar so they taste (and smell!) as freshly baked as possible.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to experience just how easy and joyful homemade Air Fryer Churro Bites can be! Whether it’s for a cozy night in or a fun family celebration, these sweet treats will always steal the show—so don’t be surprised if your kitchen quickly becomes everyone’s favorite place to gather.

Print