Dessert

Delightful Air Fryer Churro Bites Recipe

Name: Delightful Air Fryer Churro Bites Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; ¼ cup whole milk, warmed; 1 large egg; ¼ cup granulated sugar (extra for coating); 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (extra for coating); ½ cup dark chocolate chips (optional dip)

ByNaomi Fletcher January 2, 2026January 2, 2026

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Introduction

Imagine the sweet, cinnamon-kissed aroma of classic churros in bite-size form, ready in minutes thanks to the air fryer. These delightful Air Fryer Churro Bites offer a light, crisp texture with a warm cinnamon-sugar coating, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack anytime.

A small round rustic bowl lined with white parchment paper holds five churros standing upright. The churros are golden brown with a crispy texture, coated evenly in cinnamon sugar, and sprinkled with coarse white salt flakes on top. One churro has a stream of thick chocolate drizzled down its side. To the right of the bowl is a small white cup filled with smooth, glossy melted chocolate, and on the left, there is another dark cup with creamy caramel sauce. The setting is on a white marbled surface with cinnamon sticks scattered in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup whole milk, warmed
1 large egg
¼ cup granulated sugar (extra for coating)
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (extra for coating)
½ cup dark chocolate chips (optional dip)

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, ¼ cup sugar, and 2 teaspoons cinnamon. In a separate cup, combine melted butter, warm milk, and egg.
Step 2: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir with a wooden spoon until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. The dough should pull away from the bowl sides but remain moist.
Step 3: Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip (about ½-inch opening). Pipe 1-inch long strips onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing 1 inch apart. If you don’t have a piping bag, drop teaspoon-sized scoops and shape into short cylinders with wet fingertips.
Step 4: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with cooking oil, then place the churro bites in a single layer with space between them.
Step 5: Air-fry the bites for 6–8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking. They should turn deep golden brown and feel firm. Add an extra minute if you prefer a darker crust.
Step 6: Immediately toss the warm bites in a bowl with the extra ¼ cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon. The heat helps the coating stick perfectly.
Step 7: If desired, melt the dark chocolate chips in 20-second bursts in the microwave, stirring until smooth. Serve churro bites warm with the chocolate for dipping.

Tips & Variations

Don’t overmix the dough to keep the bites tender and light.
Use room-temperature butter for a smoother dough texture.
Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar for a warm spice twist.
Substitute all-purpose flour with whole-wheat or oat flour for nuttier flavor and extra fiber.
For a dairy-free option, use almond milk and plant-based butter.
Freeze leftover bites on a tray before bagging to prevent sogginess.
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes to restore crispness.

Storage

Allow churro bites to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze on a parchment-lined tray for 1 hour, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to refresh the crunch; avoid microwaving alone as it softens the coating.

How to Serve

There are six churros standing upright in a small rustic bowl lined with white parchment paper. Each churro is golden brown with a rough, sugary surface texture and a dusting of coarse salt flakes on top. One churro has chocolate sauce dripping down its side. To the right of the bowl, there is a white bowl filled with smooth chocolate sauce, and to the left, a small black bowl with a yellow caramel or butterscotch sauce. This whole setup rests on a wooden board with scattered salt flakes around. The background has a soft focus on cinnamon sticks and a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these churro bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and pipe the bites ahead. Store shaped dough in the fridge for a few hours before air-frying, or freeze the cooked bites for longer storage.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can bake the churro bites in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10–12 minutes until golden, but the air fryer ensures a crispier texture with less oil.

How do I keep the coating from getting soggy?

Coat the churro bites immediately while they’re still warm. This allows the cinnamon-sugar to stick and form a crisp crust. Avoid coating once they’ve cooled.

Can I add a savory twist?

Yes, try swapping the cinnamon-sugar for savory herb blends or cheese powders for a deliciously different flavor profile. The base dough is versatile for both sweet and savory treats.

Naomi Fletcher