Sweet Air Fryer Churro Bites: Crispy, Cinnamon-Sugar Perfection

Air fryer churro bites are a fun, indulgent snack that brings the classic churro experience into a convenient, bite-sized, and healthier version. With crispy exteriors, soft interiors, and a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating, these churro bites are perfect for dessert, parties, or even an afternoon treat. Using an air fryer reduces the amount of oil required compared to deep frying while still delivering that golden, crispy texture you love.

This recipe is approachable for bakers of all levels and provides step-by-step instructions for perfectly golden churro bites every time.

Recipe Overview

• Course: Dessert, Snack
• Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
• Servings: Approximately 20–25 bite-sized churros
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes per batch
• Total Time: 22–30 minutes per batch

Equipment

• Saucepan
• Large mixing bowl
• Electric hand mixer
• Piping bag (or spoon for dropping dough)
• Air fryer
• Shallow bowl for cinnamon-sugar coating
• Nonstick cooking spray

Ingredients

Dough

• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup plain flour (e.g., King Arthur all-purpose flour)
• 1/3 cup + 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 cup water
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt

Coating

• 1 tbsp cinnamon powder (freshly ground preferred)
• 1 cup white sugar

Optional dips: chocolate syrup, honey, Nutella

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, salt, and sugar.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
3. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium and gradually add the flour, stirring continuously until the dough comes together smoothly and forms a ball.
4. Turn off the heat and remove the pan from the stove.

Step 2: Cool and Mix

1. Transfer the dough to a large mixing bowl.
2. Let it cool for 4–5 minutes. The dough should be warm but not hot enough to cook the egg.
3. Add egg and vanilla extract, and use an electric hand mixer to combine until smooth. The mixture should be thick, glossy, and uniform.

Step 3: Preheat Air Fryer

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spray the air fryer basket with a neutral nonstick cooking spray (e.g., coconut oil spray).

Step 4: Shape the Churros

1. Transfer the dough into a piping bag.
2. Pipe bite-sized churros directly into the air fryer basket.
3. Alternatively, for a simpler method, drop the dough by spoonfuls into the basket.
4. Ensure not to overcrowd the basket; the churros need space to cook evenly.

Step 5: Cook the Churros

1. Lightly brush the churros with melted butter.
2. Air fry for 10–12 minutes or until golden brown.
3. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.

Step 6: Coat with Cinnamon-Sugar

1. In a shallow bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon powder.
2. Once cooked, transfer churros immediately into the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
3. Toss gently to coat evenly.
4. If necessary, brush churros with melted butter (or lightly spray with water or nonstick spray) to help the sugar adhere better.

Step 7: Serve

• Enjoy churros warm.
• Optional: Serve with chocolate syrup, Nutella, or honey for dipping.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Churro Bites

1. Fresh cinnamon: Use freshly ground cinnamon for a more aromatic coating.
2. Don’t overcrowd: Leave space in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
3. Egg temperature: Let the dough cool slightly before adding the egg to prevent scrambling.
4. Consistent size: Pipe or spoon dough uniformly to ensure even cooking.
5. Golden brown: Check after 10 minutes, as air fryer power can vary; cook longer if needed.

Texture and Flavor

• Exterior: Crispy and golden
• Interior: Soft, slightly chewy
• Flavor: Sweet, buttery, and aromatic with cinnamon and vanilla notes

These bite-sized churros are a delightful balance of soft interior and crisp exterior, making them irresistible for both kids and adults.

Storage

• Room Temperature: Enjoy immediately for best texture.
• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for 2–3 days.
• Reheating: Air fry or oven bake for a few minutes to restore crispiness.

Conclusion and FAQs

Air fryer churro bites provide a quick, fun, and less-oily alternative to traditional deep-fried churros. Perfect for parties, desserts, or sweet snacking, they are easy to make, customizable, and incredibly satisfying.

Print

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I make these without an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake them in an oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes or deep-fry for a crispier texture.

Q2: Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar for coating?
Yes, but it will create a slightly darker, more molasses-like flavor.

Q3: Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate for a few hours before cooking.

Q4: Can I add fillings?
Yes, you can try chocolate chips or Nutella-filled mini churros for variation, but the cooking time may vary slightly.

Q5: How do I keep them crispy?
Serve immediately after cooking. If storing, briefly air fry or oven-toast to restore crispiness before serving.

---

These Sweet Air Fryer Churro Bites are a quick, indulgent snack that combines convenience, flavor, and fun. Perfectly golden, sweet, and crisp, they’re a must-try for anyone craving a classic churro experience in bite-sized form.