Name: Sweet Air Fryer Churro Bites Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Ingredients: 1 cup plain (all-purpose) flour; 1 cup water; 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla essence; 1 large egg; 1 cup white sugar; 1 tablespoon cinnamon powder

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a sweet, crunchy treat that’s quick to make and absolutely delightful, then you’re going to love this Sweet Air Fryer Churro Bites Recipe. These little golden bites bring all the joy of traditional churros without the hassle of deep frying. Thanks to the magic of the air fryer, you get a perfectly crisp, cinnamon-sugar coated snack that’s ideal for sharing, snacking, or impressing guests. Plus, they’re surprisingly simple to whip up using pantry staples you probably already have on hand!

Sweet Air Fryer Churro Bites Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in creating churro bites that are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with warm cinnamon flavor. From the flour that shapes the dough to the cinnamon sugar that coats each bite, it all comes together in a beautiful balance.

1 cup plain flour: Provides the perfect structure for churro dough with a tender crumb.
1 cup water: Hydrates the dough for a soft yet pipeable consistency.
1/3 cup and 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps the dough come together smoothly.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the richness.
2 tablespoons sugar: Sweetens the dough slightly for an overall balanced taste.
1 teaspoon vanilla essence: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
1 large egg: Key for binding the dough and giving it structure.
1 cup white sugar (for coating): Coats the churro bites with just the right amount of sweetness.
1 tablespoon cinnamon powder: The classic spice that makes churros irresistible.

How to Make Sweet Air Fryer Churro Bites Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough Base

Start by combining the water, butter, salt, and sugar in a pan. Bring this mixture to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce the heat and gradually add the flour while stirring vigorously. Keep stirring until the dough pulls away from the sides and forms a smooth ball. Remove the pan from the heat and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Cool and Mix Dough

Transfer your dough to a large bowl and let it cool for about 4 to 5 minutes. This ensures the egg won’t scramble when added. Add the egg and vanilla essence, then beat the mixture thoroughly using an electric mixer until smooth and consistent.

Step 3: Pipe the Churros

Fill a piping bag fitted with a large star tip with your churro dough. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray the basket with a neutral oil spray. Pipe bite-sized pieces directly into the basket, making sure they’re spaced to allow hot air circulation. Alternatively, you may spoon dollops of dough if you prefer unshaped bites.

Step 4: Cook the Churros

Brush the churro bites lightly with melted butter to promote browning and crispiness. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they turn an inviting golden brown color. Depending on your air fryer size, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even crispness.

Step 5: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

Mix the white sugar and cinnamon powder in a shallow bowl. While the churro bites are still warm, toss them gently in the cinnamon sugar until thoroughly coated. For a better coating, you can brush the bites with melted butter or spray lightly with water before rolling.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

These sweet churro bites are best served warm! Pair them with your favorite dips like chocolate syrup, honey, or Nutella for a fun and irresistible dessert experience.

How to Serve Sweet Air Fryer Churro Bites Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar on top just before serving for an added pop of flavor and texture. You can also dust with powdered sugar or drizzle melted chocolate for a decadent touch that elevates presentation.

Side Dishes

Serve churro bites alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a small bowl of warm dulce de leche for an indulgent combination. Mexican hot chocolate or freshly brewed coffee complement their cinnamon sweetness beautifully and make for a cozy pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

Place churro bites in small paper cones or mini baskets for parties and family gatherings. You can also arrange them on a tiered dessert stand surrounded by dipping sauces for an eye-catching display that invites everyone to dig in and share the fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover churro bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keep in mind they’ll lose some crispness but remain delicious. Re-crisping before serving can bring back that fresh-out-of-the-air-fryer texture.

Freezing

Churro bites freeze well if you want to keep them longer. Place cooled churros in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to one month.

Reheating

To refresh churro bites, pop them in the air fryer at 350°F for 1 to 2 minutes until warm and crispy again. You can re-roll them in cinnamon sugar after reheating to reclaim that irresistible coating.

FAQs

Can I make these churro bites without an air fryer?

While this recipe is designed for the air fryer, you can bake them in a conventional oven at 400°F for about 10-15 minutes or until golden, but they won’t be quite as crispy as air-fried churros.

Is it necessary to use unsalted butter?

Using unsalted butter lets you control the salt level better. If you have salted butter, reduce or omit the additional salt in the dough to keep the flavors balanced.

Can I substitute the vanilla essence for something else?

Absolutely! Vanilla extract, vanilla bean paste, or even a splash of almond extract will bring a lovely twist to the flavor.

How do I know when to stop cooking churro bites in the air fryer?

Look for a golden brown exterior that is crisp to the touch. Depending on your air fryer, cooking 10-12 minutes typically achieves the perfect texture.

Are these churro bites kid-friendly to make?

Definitely! Kids will love helping with rolling or tossing the churro bites in cinnamon sugar, plus they make a great family activity that ends in a sweet treat everyone can enjoy.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like homemade churros fresh out of the air fryer, and this Sweet Air Fryer Churro Bites Recipe makes creating them at home both easy and fun. Whether it’s a weekend treat or a special occasion, these crunchy, sweet bites will become an instant favorite. So grab your ingredients, fire up that air fryer, and share some smiles with this delightful snack!

Sweet Air Fryer Churro Bites Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 22 reviews

Author: Naomi
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: About 30 churro bites 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Sweet Air Fryer Churro Bites are a quick and easy dessert that captures the classic cinnamon-sugar coated churro flavor without the hassle of deep frying. Made with simple pantry ingredients, these crispy, golden bites offer a healthier alternative with less oil, perfect for portion control and family-friendly cooking. Enjoy them fresh with your favorite dipping sauces or as a delightful snack anytime.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough:

1 cup plain (all-purpose) flour
1 cup water
1/3 cup plus 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

Instructions

Prepare the Dough Base: In a pan, combine 1 cup water, 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and gradually add 1 cup plain flour, stirring continuously until the dough comes together smoothly. Turn off the heat and remove the pan from the stove.
Cool and Mix Dough: Transfer the dough from the pan into a large mixing bowl and let it cool down for about 4-5 minutes. Once slightly cooled, add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla essence. Use an electric hand mixer to thoroughly combine the ingredients until a smooth mixture is achieved.
Pipe the Churros: Transfer the churro dough into a piping bag. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Spray the air fryer basket with a neutral nonstick cooking spray, such as coconut oil spray. Carefully pipe bite-sized churros into the basket, ensuring not to overcrowd them. Alternatively, drop the dough by spoonfuls into the basket.
Cook the Churros: Lightly brush some butter on top of the churros and cook them in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. You may need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size to avoid overcrowding.
Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: In a shallow bowl, mix together 1 cup white sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon powder. Once the churros are cooked, transfer them while warm into the cinnamon sugar mixture. Toss gently to ensure even coating. If needed, brush the churros with melted butter or spray lightly with water or nonstick spray to help the sugar stick better.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the churro bites warm with your choice of dips such as chocolate syrup, honey, or Nutella. Perfect as a sweet snack or dessert to share.

Notes

Use all-purpose flour for the best churro texture; avoid whole wheat flour to prevent heaviness.
Measure flour correctly by spooning and leveling to avoid dense dough.
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure crispiness.
Brush churros lightly with butter or oil before air frying for crunch without greasiness.
Toss churros in cinnamon sugar while still warm to maximize coating adherence.
Store churros in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days; refresh crispiness by air frying briefly.
You can prepare dough up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate; bring to room temperature before cooking.
For variation, try cocoa powder or pumpkin pie spice in the sugar coating.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert, Snack
Method: Air Frying, Piping
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired