Name: Sweet Air Fryer Churro Bites Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 17 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 cup water; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating); 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating)

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If you’re craving a sweet, crispy treat, these air fryer churro bites are a perfect choice. Made without deep frying, they come out crisp on the outside and soft on the inside with a dusting of cinnamon and sugar. Best of all, they are quick and easy to prepare, especially with the help of the air fryer!

Sweet Air Fryer Churro Bites Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Sweet Air Fryer Churro Bites are a delightful, less-mess version of the classic churro. Not only are they cooked in an air fryer, which eliminates the need for all that oil, but they still have the signature crispy exterior and soft, pillowy interior that churros are known for. The cinnamon-sugar coating adds a sweet, spiced kick that makes them irresistibly delicious. Plus, they are super easy to make and require minimal effort!

Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a sweet snack, or just craving something indulgent, these churro bites are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Plus, the versatility in dipping sauces makes them even more exciting!

Ingredients

1 cup water
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 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, bring the water, butter, sugar, and salt to a boil over medium heat.
Once the mixture is boiling, remove it from the heat and stir in the flour until a dough forms.
Allow the dough to cool slightly for about 5 minutes, then add the eggs, one at a time, stirring well after each addition. The dough should be smooth and slightly sticky.
Stir in the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon.
Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
Transfer the churro dough into a piping bag fitted with a star tip or a ziplock bag with the tip cut off.
Pipe small, bite-sized churro pieces (about 1 inch long) into the air fryer basket, leaving a bit of space between them.
Cook the churro bites in the air fryer for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
While the churros are cooking, mix together the cinnamon and sugar for the coating in a shallow dish.
Once the churros are done, remove them from the air fryer and immediately toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Total Time: 17 minutes

Variations

Chocolate Dipping Sauce: Melt some chocolate chips with a splash of heavy cream for a rich, creamy dip.
Dulce de Leche: A sweet caramel dip that complements the cinnamon flavor of the churro bites perfectly.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve the churro bites warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Cream Cheese Frosting: If you want a richer dip, cream cheese frosting is a great choice.

Storage/Reheating

Keep Fresh: These churro bites are best enjoyed immediately while they’re still warm and crispy. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They may lose some of their crispiness over time but will still taste delicious.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the churro dough up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Let the dough sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before piping and air frying.
Refresh: If you have leftover churro bites, pop them in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 350°F to refresh their crispiness. Afterward, roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a fresh taste.

FAQs

How do I make churro bites without an air fryer?

If you don’t have an air fryer, you can deep fry the churro bites in hot oil (about 350°F) until golden brown and crispy. Be sure to drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil before coating them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Can I use store-bought dough for churro bites?

While store-bought dough can save time, homemade dough provides a fresher taste and better texture. However, if you’re in a pinch, you can use store-bought churro dough from your local grocery store.

Can I freeze churro dough for later use?

Yes, you can freeze the churro dough! Just scoop it into small portions and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough to an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to use, let the dough thaw and come to room temperature before piping and air frying.

How do I know when churro bites are done?

Churro bites are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. You can also check by piercing one with a toothpick—if it comes out clean, they are ready to be removed from the air fryer.

Can I make churro bites without cinnamon?

Yes! If you’re not a fan of cinnamon, you can skip it and coat the churro bites in other flavors like vanilla sugar, or even drizzle them with melted chocolate or caramel sauce.

What can I serve with churro bites?

Churro bites go wonderfully with dipping sauces like chocolate sauce, dulce de leche, vanilla ice cream, or cream cheese frosting. For a balance, try serving them with coffee or Mexican hot chocolate.

How can I make churro bites extra crispy?

For extra crispiness, make sure the dough isn’t too thick and pipe it in small bite-sized pieces. Also, preheating your air fryer ensures a crispier exterior.

Can I use other types of flour for this recipe?

You can use gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version of churro bites. Just ensure it’s a 1:1 substitute for regular flour.

How long do churro bites last?

Fresh churro bites are best enjoyed immediately, but they can last up to 2 days when stored properly in an airtight container. Keep in mind that they may lose some of their crispiness over time.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe if you’re serving more people. Just be sure to cook the churro bites in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.

Conclusion

These Sweet Air Fryer Churro Bites are the perfect balance of crispy and soft, with a delicious cinnamon-sugar coating that makes them impossible to resist. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy this sweet treat in under 20 minutes. Whether you serve them with a decadent dipping sauce or on their own, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.