Name: Air Fryer Churro Bites Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Spanish
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup water; ⅓ cup (plus 1 tablespoon) unsalted butter; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 large egg; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 6 reviews

If you’ve ever dreamed of enjoying crispy, sweet churros without the hassle of deep frying, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Air Fryer Churro Bites Recipe. These little bites deliver all the addictive cinnamon sugar goodness with a light, airy texture and golden crunch, all created effortlessly in your air fryer. Perfect for a quick treat or a fun dessert, these churro bites are as fun to make as they are to eat, promising a warm, cinnamon-scented hug in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows seven clear glass bowls arranged on a white marbled surface. The largest bowl at the bottom contains a mound of white flour with a powdery texture. Above it, centered in the middle row, is a bowl with a yellow block of butter. To its left is a bowl filled with brown cinnamon powder, and to its right is a bowl of white granulated sugar. Above these, in the top row, a bowl of dark brown vanilla extract is placed on the left, next to it a bowl holds a single white egg, and the rightmost container is a small white ceramic pitcher filled with cream or milk. All items are evenly spaced and clearly visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe keeps things delightfully simple with pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that irresistible golden color. Each ingredient plays a starring role, from the buttery dough that puffs up crisp to the cinnamon sugar coating that makes these bites unforgettable.

1 cup all purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, providing structure and chewiness.
1 cup water: Hydrates the flour to form a smooth, pliable dough essential for light bites.
⅓ cup (plus one tablespoon) unsalted butter: Adds rich flavor and crispness when cooked.
1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
2 tablespoons sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to the dough itself.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Gives the dough a lovely aromatic warmth.
1 large egg: Binds the dough and helps create that irresistible light texture.
1 cup granulated sugar: For coating; the sweetness that sticks to the churros.
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: Brings the signature spicy warmth to the coating.

How to Make Air Fryer Churro Bites Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the dough base

Start by combining water, butter, salt, and sugar in a saucepan and bring it to a boil over high heat. This mixture is the warm foundation that will transform into your churro dough, infusing buttery richness and seasoning at the very start.

Step 2: Form the dough

Once boiling, reduce heat and gradually add the flour while stirring continuously. Mix until the dough comes together in a smooth ball. This step ensures the dough is the right consistency—thick but pliable and perfect for piping.

Step 3: Cool and enrich the dough

Remove the dough from heat and transfer it into a large bowl, allowing it to cool for 4 to 5 minutes. When slightly cooled, mix in the egg and vanilla extract with an electric mixer to create a glossy, velvety dough that will crisp beautifully when cooked.

Step 4: Prepare the air fryer and pipe the bites

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F and lightly spray the basket with a neutral cooking spray, such as coconut oil spray. Transfer the dough into a piping bag and pipe bite-sized churros onto the basket without overcrowding—this might require cooking in batches for even cooking. Alternatively, simply drop spoonfuls of dough if you prefer a more rustic shape.

Step 5: Cook to golden perfection

Brush a little butter on top of the piped churros to encourage a beautifully golden crust. Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, watching closely as they puff and crisp to a perfect golden brown. Repeat with any remaining dough.

Step 6: Coat with cinnamon sugar

While the churro bites are cooking, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Once the churros are done, immediately toss them in the cinnamon sugar to coat evenly. If the mixture doesn’t stick well, brushing the bites with melted butter before coating helps achieve that classic sugary crust.

How to Serve Air Fryer Churro Bites Recipe

A white bowl with a dark blue rim is filled with small, golden-brown puffed pieces. The puffs have a light, airy texture with some parts darker and crispier than others, showing a mix of soft yellow and toasted brown colors. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with faint gray veining, adding subtle texture around the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

This Air Fryer Churro Bites Recipe shines with classic simplicity, but adding a drizzle of warm chocolate syrup, honey, or Nutella makes it extra indulgent and irresistible. Fresh berries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar can also add a pretty touch and bright flavor contrast.

Side Dishes

Serve these bites alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an easy dessert, or pair with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai for an afternoon snack that feels like a mini celebration. The warm cinnamon and sugar perfectly complement creamy, cold, or spiced counterparts.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Air Fryer Churro Bites Recipe into a fun sharing experience by serving them in a festive bowl lined with parchment paper, or create a dipping station with various sauces like caramel, raspberry jam, or even dulce de leche. Changing up the serving style instantly adds flair to any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover churro bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To maintain their signature crispness, avoid refrigerating as moisture can make them soggy.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked churro bites by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a sealed freezer bag for up to 1 month. This is a great way to enjoy them any time you want a quick sweet treat.

Reheating

Reheat the bites in your air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes or in a conventional oven at 375°F until crisp. This will revive their crunch and warm up their cinnamon sugar coating beautifully without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free flour for the Air Fryer Churro Bites Recipe?

Absolutely! Just ensure you use a gluten-free flour blend suited for baking to maintain the right texture. Some tweaks might be needed depending on your blend, but these bites will still turn out delicious.

Do I have to use an air fryer for this recipe?

The air fryer is the star here for its ability to give you crisp, golden churro bites without deep frying. You can bake them in a traditional oven, but the texture will be slightly different—still tasty, but less crisp overall.

Can I skip piping and just spoon the dough into the air fryer?

Yes! Spoonfuls of dough work perfectly if you want a quicker, fuss-free approach. The bite shape might be slightly different, but the flavors and texture are just as delightful.

What’s the best dipping sauce for these churro bites?

Chocolate sauce, caramel, or Nutella are fantastic choices. You could also try honey or a fruit jam for a lighter, fruity contrast that pairs nicely with the cinnamon sugar coating.

How do I know when the churro bites are done?

Look for a deep golden color and a firm crisp exterior. They should feel light when you lift them out. If they still look pale or soft, give them a couple more minutes in the air fryer while keeping an eye to avoid burning.

Final Thoughts

Making these Air Fryer Churro Bites Recipe at home is like bringing a little piece of sweet, cinnamony joy to your kitchen. They’re quick to whip up, incredibly satisfying, and perfect whenever you crave that warm, comforting treat. I absolutely encourage you to try them out and enjoy these crisp, sugary bites anytime you want to sprinkle your day with a bit of happiness.