Description

These Delightful Air Fryer Churro Bites capture the classic cinnamon-sugar flavor of traditional churros in a quick, easy, and healthier bite-size treat. Made with a tender dough of flour, butter, milk, and egg, they are air fried to golden perfection and coated in a crunchy cinnamon-sugar blend. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, they are served warm and can be complemented with an optional silky chocolate dip. Enjoy a nostalgic yet modern treat that’s crisp on the outside, soft inside, and ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Components

1 cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt

Wet Components

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup whole milk, warmed
1 large egg

Coating & Dipping

¼ cup granulated sugar (extra for coating)
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (extra for coating)
½ cup dark chocolate chips (optional dip)

Instructions

Mixing the Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, ¼ cup sugar, and cinnamon. In a separate cup, combine melted butter, warm milk, and the egg. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. The dough should pull away from the sides but remain moist, ensuring a fluffy interior after air frying.
Shaping the Bites: 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 them about 1 inch apart. The star tip creates ridges that help capture the cinnamon-sugar coating. If you don’t have a piping bag, drop teaspoon-sized scoops and shape them into short cylinders with wet fingertips.
Preheating the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it heat for 3 minutes. This preheating is critical to form an immediate crust, preventing spreading and ensuring crispness.
Air-Frying the Bites: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil. Place the piped churro bites in a single layer, leaving space for air circulation to ensure even cooking. Air fry for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking for uniform browning. The bites should turn deep golden-brown and feel firm. Add an extra minute if you prefer a darker crust.
Coating with Cinnamon Sugar: Immediately after air frying, while the bites are still warm, toss them in a bowl containing the extra ¼ cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon. The residual heat helps the sugar stick and creates the signature churro crunch.
Preparing the Chocolate Dip (Optional): Melt the ½ cup dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second bursts, stirring between each burst until smooth and silky. Serve the air fryer churro bites warm alongside the chocolate dip for dipping.

Notes

Do not overmix the dough to avoid tough bites; mix until just combined.
Use room-temperature butter for a smoother dough and lighter crumb.
Preheat your air fryer for best texture and crust formation.
Shake or toss the basket halfway through cooking to promote even browning.
Coat the bites while still warm to ensure the cinnamon sugar adheres properly.
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to maintain proper air circulation and crispness.
Freeze leftover bites on a tray before storing in bags to preserve texture.
Reheat in air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to refresh the crunch.
Try adding nutmeg or cardamom to the coating for added spice complexity.
For a richer dip, stir vanilla extract into melted chocolate, or drizzle caramel sauce over finished bites.
Substitute flours or milks for gluten-free or dairy-free variations as desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Desserts
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: International

Keywords: air fryer churros, churro bites, easy dessert, cinnamon sugar snack, breakfast treats, quick churros, healthier churros, cinnamon sugar bites