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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 churro bites
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Air fryer churro bites, cinnamon sugar churros, healthy churros, easy dessert, kid-friendly snack, air fryer desserts
