If you have a sweet tooth and crave that perfect crunchy-yet-soft cinnamon treat, this Air Fryer Churro Bites Recipe will become your new obsession. These little bites bring all the joy of traditional churros without the mess of frying in oil, thanks to the magic of the air fryer. With a silky, tender dough coated in a delightful cinnamon sugar mix, these churro bites have the perfect balance of crispy edges and soft insides. They’re quick to whip up, irresistible to eat, and a fantastic way to impress family and friends anytime you want a sweet snack or dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Air Fryer Churro Bites Recipe lies in how simple the ingredients are, yet every single one plays an essential role. From the tender dough to the fragrant cinnamon sugar coating, these pantry staples come together to create a mouthwatering experience.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, providing a tender yet sturdy base for the bites.
- 1 cup water: Helps bring the dough together and keeps it moist during cooking.
- ⅓ cup plus 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Adds rich flavor and contributes to the dough’s silky texture.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 2 tablespoons sugar: Sweetens the dough just enough for a delightful balance with the cinnamon sugar coating.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, comforting aroma that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
- 1 large egg: Binds the dough and helps achieve that perfect golden color and structure.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Essential for the classic sweet coating that gives churro bites their signature sparkle.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: Spices the sugar coating with a fragrant warmth that makes every bite irresistible.
How to Make Air Fryer Churro Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by combining water, butter, salt, and sugar in a pan. Bring this mixture to a boil over high heat, allowing the butter to melt completely. Then, reduce the heat and slowly add the flour while stirring continuously until the dough pulls together into a smooth ball. Remove the dough from heat and let it cool for a few minutes so it won’t scramble the egg in the next step.
Step 2: Mix in Egg and Vanilla
Transfer the slightly cooled dough into a large mixing bowl, then add the egg and vanilla extract. Using an electric hand mixer, beat the mixture until it is smooth, silky, and fully combined. This step is crucial for achieving light, airy churro bites with just the right texture.
Step 3: Preheat Your Air Fryer and Prepare for Piping
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (about 190°C) and lightly spray the basket with a neutral nonstick cooking spray — coconut oil spray works wonderfully here. Filling a piping bag with your dough makes shaping the churro bites easy and consistent, but spooning the dough in works just as well if you want a more rustic shape.
Step 4: Pipe and Cook the Churro Bites
Pipe or drop bite-sized portions of dough into the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd to allow maximum airflow for crispiness. Brush each batch lightly with melted butter, then cook for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown. Depending on your air fryer, you might need to cook in batches to achieve the perfect crunchy exterior and soft inside.
Step 5: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
While the bites are cooking, mix granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Once a batch is done, immediately toss the hot churro bites in the cinnamon sugar mixture. If the coating doesn’t stick well, brushing the bites with a little melted butter or a quick spray of water or oil before coating will help that sweet spice mixture cling beautifully.
How to Serve Air Fryer Churro Bites Recipe
Garnishes
These Air Fryer Churro Bites Recipe treats are lovely on their own, but you can elevate the experience by adding a drizzle of chocolate syrup, a spoonful of luscious honey, or some creamy Nutella. For extra flair, a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a side of whipped cream adds irresistible charm.
Side Dishes
Pair your churro bites with fresh fruit like strawberries or banana slices for brightness and balance. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side introduces a creamy, cool contrast that beautifully complements the warm, cinnamon-spiced bites.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your churro bites in charming mini paper cones or small dessert cups for an inviting presentation that’s perfect for parties or casual get-togethers. You can also set up a dipping station with multiple sauces, inviting everyone to customize their own sweet experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover churro bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To maintain their delightful crispness, avoid refrigerating as it tends to soften the coating and dough.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the fully cooked and cooled churro bites in a zip-top bag or airtight container. Properly stored, they’ll keep for up to one month, ready whenever that craving strikes.
Reheating
Reheat chilled or frozen churro bites in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3 to 5 minutes. This method restores their golden crunch while warming the soft center—much better than microwaving, which can soften them.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough up to a day in advance. Just keep it covered tightly in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before piping and air frying.
What if I don’t have a piping bag?
No worries! You can simply spoon the dough directly into the air fryer basket for rustic, bite-sized churros. They won’t have the classic ridges but will still taste amazing.
Is it possible to make these gluten-free?
Substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is suitable for baking can work well, but results might vary slightly in texture. Be sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for best results.
Can I use an oven instead of an air fryer?
Absolutely! Bake the churro bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F (205°C) for about 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
How do I prevent the churro bites from sticking together?
Be sure to space the dough evenly in the air fryer basket and avoid overcrowding. Also, coating them as soon as they come out ensures the sugar sticks without clumping the bites together.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend giving this Air Fryer Churro Bites Recipe a try enough! It’s one of those easy, joyful recipes that transforms simple ingredients into a delightful treat with minimal fuss. Whether you’re after a cozy dessert or a fun snack, these cinnamon-sugar bites deliver that authentic churro magic without the mess. Trust me, once you make them, they’ll quickly become your favorite go-to sweet snack, perfect for sharing or savoring all to yourself.
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Air Fryer Churro Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
These homemade Air Fryer Churro Bites are a deliciously easy-to-make treat featuring a crispy exterior and soft, chewy interior. Crafted from a simple dough and coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar mix, these bite-sized churros are perfect for snacking or dessert, made with the convenience and health benefit of air frying.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup water
- ⅓ cup (plus one tablespoon) unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
For the coating:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Boil liquids and fats: In a pan, add water, unsalted butter, salt, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, ensuring everything is well combined and the butter is melted.
- Add flour and form dough: Reduce heat to low and gradually add the flour while stirring continuously until the dough comes together into a smooth ball. Remove from heat immediately.
- Cool the dough: Transfer the dough from the pan into a large mixing bowl and allow it to cool for 4-5 minutes to avoid cooking the egg when added.
- Incorporate egg and vanilla: Add the large egg and vanilla extract to the cooled dough. Use an electric hand mixer to blend thoroughly until the dough is smooth and slightly sticky.
- Prepare for air frying: Transfer the dough to a piping bag. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with a neutral nonstick cooking spray such as coconut oil spray to prevent sticking.
- Pipe and arrange churros: Carefully pipe bite-sized churros into the air fryer basket without overcrowding. You can also drop spoonfuls directly if preferred. Cook in batches if needed.
- Brush and cook: Lightly brush the churro bites with melted butter to promote browning. Air fry for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Mix coating: While the churros cook, combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl for the coating.
- Coat churro bites: Once cooked, transfer the churros to the cinnamon sugar mixture and toss gently to coat evenly. If the sugar does not stick well, brush the churros with melted butter or spray with water or cooking spray before coating.
- Serve: Serve the churro bites warm with optional dipping sauces like chocolate syrup, honey, or Nutella for extra indulgence.
Notes
- The air fryer basket must not be overcrowded to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Brush with butter before air frying to enhance browning and flavor.
- If coating does not adhere well, use melted butter, water spray, or nonstick spray to help the cinnamon sugar stick.
- These churro bites are best enjoyed fresh and warm.
- You can adjust cinnamon sugar ratio to your taste preference.
- Use a neutral nonstick cooking spray like coconut oil spray for best results in the air fryer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
