Craving something sweet and crispy without all the oil? Air fryer churro bites are the perfect snack for you. These golden, sugar-coated bites deliver the same cinnamon-sweet crunch as traditional churros but with less mess and fewer calories. In this guide, you’ll learn how to make churro bites from scratch, tips for air frying frozen churros, mistakes to avoid, and creative ways to serve and store them.
Looking for inspiration? Try our Air Fryer Dolma Bites for another quick and healthy snack option.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Air Fryer Churro Bites
What Are Air Fryer Churro Bites?
Air fryer churro bites are miniature versions of the classic fried dough pastry coated in cinnamon sugar. Instead of deep frying in oil, they’re cooked in a hot air fryer that circulates air around the food, delivering a crispy outer layer and soft, chewy interior. This approach lowers calorie intake and simplifies cleanup.
Why Use an Air Fryer for Churros Instead of Deep Frying?
Traditional churros require deep frying, which uses excessive oil and creates a mess. By using an air fryer:
- You cut down on oil by 70–80%.
- You get a cleaner cooking process with no oil splatters.
- You can achieve consistent golden-brown bites in less time.
For those who want to indulge in sweet treats without compromising health, the air fryer is a perfect kitchen companion.
Key Ingredients for Air Fryer Churro Bites
Flour, Butter, and Egg: The Base for Perfect Churros
The foundation of every churro bite is a simple dough, and the right ratio of ingredients is key to the perfect texture:
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Provides structure and creates a tender bite.
- Unsalted butter (⅓ cup + 1 tablespoon): Adds richness and helps bind ingredients together.
- Egg (1 large): Enhances flavor and helps achieve a fluffy, airy interior.
- Water (1 cup) & Salt (1 teaspoon): Hydrate the dough and enhance flavor balance.
This basic combination creates a soft dough that holds its shape when piped, ensuring evenly cooked churro bites.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Getting That Classic Churro Taste
The magic of churros lies in their sweet, spiced coating. For these bites, you’ll need:
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Provides sweetness and crunch.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 tablespoon): Provides warmth and the classic churro aroma.For best results, toss the hot churro bites in the cinnamon-sugar mixture right after air frying. If the coating doesn’t stick, lightly brush bites with melted butter or spray them with nonstick cooking spray before tossing.
Air Fryer Churro Bites: The Ultimate Homemade Recipe Guide
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
These homemade Air Fryer Churro Bites are absolutely divine! An easy-to-make dough that creates sweet and tasty bites of cinnamon sugar goodness!
Ingredients
- 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
- In a pan add water, butter, salt and sugar. Bring it to boil over high heat.
- Reduce the heat and add in the flour gradually, mix until the dough comes together. Switch off the flame.
- Remove the dough from the pan into a large mixing bowl and allow it to cool down for 4-5 minutes.
- Add in the egg and vanilla extract and mix everything together with an electric hand mixer.
- Transfer the mixture into a piping bag. Pre-heat the air fryer to 375F degrees. Spray the basket with a neutral nonstick cooking spray (I think coconut oil spray works best in the air fryer.)
- Pipe bite-shaped churros on the air fryer carefully without overcrowding. You’ll have to cook in several batches. Note: you could also just drop them by the spoonful into the air fryer basket.
- Brush some butter on top of the churros and cook for 12-15 minutes until golden brown (see notes below). Repeat with rest of the dough. In a shallow bowl mix together sugar and cinnamon powder.
- Once the churros are done, transfer them into the sugar and cinnamon mixture. Toss and let it coat evenly.
- If the cinnamon sugar mixture is not sticking well, just brush the churro bites with some melted butter (or spray with water or nonstick cooking spray) then roll into the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Serve with chocolate syrup, honey or Nutella.
Notes
I used a piping bag to create these churro bites but it is not absolutely necessary. You can just drop the batter by the spoonful into the air fryer basket.
NOTE: Because of the numerous styles of air fryers that are out there now, the cook time can vary so please keep this in mind. It may take longer (or shorter) in your particular style of air fryer. This recipe was tested with a standard basket air fryer.
To store leftovers: Place in an airtight container and place into the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave, air fryer or oven until heated through. These leftovers can also be frozen. Covered and wrapped tightly, they should last in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 328kcal
- Sugar: 37g
- Sodium: 404mg
- Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
Keywords: Cinnamon, egg, sugar, all purpose flour, vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Recipe for Air Fryer Churro Bites
Preparing the Churro Dough
- Boil the Base: In a medium pan, combine 1 cup water, ⅓ cup butter, 1 teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons sugar. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Add Flour: Lower the heat and gradually stir in 1 cup all-purpose flour until a smooth dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Cool and Mix: Allow the dough to cool for 4–5 minutes after removing it from heat. Mix in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract using an electric mixer until smooth and perfect for air fryer churro bites.
- Pipe the Dough: Transfer the mixture into a piping bag with a star tip or use a spoon for rustic-style air fryer churro bites.
Shaping and Air Frying Your Bites to Perfection
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F and lightly spray the basket with neutral oil spray.
- Pipe the Bites: Pipe bite-sized pieces directly onto the basket, keeping space for even airflow to ensure crispy air fryer churro bites.
- Cooking the Churros: Brush with melted butter and air fry for 12–15 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Coat in Cinnamon Sugar: While warm, toss your freshly cooked air fryer churro bites in a cinnamon-sugar mix. If the coating doesn’t stick, brush with melted butter first.
Pro Tip: Serve air fryer churro bites with chocolate syrup, honey, or Nutella for dipping.
How to Make Frozen Churros in an Air Fryer
Can You Air Fry Store-Bought Frozen Churros?
Frozen churros are a super convenient way to enjoy air-fried churro bites at home.
The hot air circulation ensures crispy results without additional oil, making them taste nearly as fresh as homemade churros.
Tips for Crispy and Evenly Cooked Frozen Churros
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Always preheat to 375°F for evenly cooked air fryer churro bites.
- Arrange Evenly: Place frozen churros in a single layer without overlapping.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Cook frozen churros for 8–10 minutes until golden brown and perfectly crispy.
- Add Fresh Coating: Toss warm air fryer churro bites in cinnamon sugar for that homemade touch.
- Serve Immediately: These sweet treats are best served fresh for maximum crunch.
Looking for inspiration? Check out our Air Fryer Mini Casseroles for another quick air fryer treat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Air Frying Churros
Overcrowding the Basket
When making air fryer churro bites, one of the most common errors is overcrowding the basket. Air fryers rely on hot air circulation to create crispy, evenly cooked churros. If you pack too many pieces at once, they may steam instead of crisp. Always leave enough space between each churro bite and cook in batches for the best results.
Incorrect Temperature and Timing Issues
Many home cooks either undercook or overcook their churros. Setting the wrong temperature can make air fryer churro bites soggy or dry. For best results, preheat your air fryer to 375°F and cook for 12–15 minutes for fresh dough or 8–10 minutes for frozen churros. Adjust based on your specific model since cooking performance varies.
Looking for inspiration? Don’t miss our Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls for another sweet treat idea.
Serving Ideas and Flavor Variations
Chocolate, Honey, and Nutella Pairings
Freshly made air fryer churro bites are delicious on their own, but pairing them with dips elevates the experience. The most popular options include:
- Chocolate Sauce: Melt dark or milk chocolate for a rich, decadent dip.
- Honey Drizzle: Provides a natural touch of sweetness that enhances the cinnamon-sugar flavor.
- Nutella Spread: A creamy hazelnut touch that makes every bite irresistible.
These pairings are quick to prepare and turn a simple snack into a gourmet dessert.
Creative Churro Bite Twists (Stuffed, Vegan, Gluten-Free)
For those looking to try new flavors and dietary options:
- Stuffed Churro Bites: Fill your dough with caramel, cream cheese, or fruit preserves before air frying.
- Vegan Version: Substitute butter with coconut oil and egg with flaxseed gel for plant-based air fryer churro bites.
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for those with gluten sensitivities.
Check out our Cloud Bread Chips for more creative and healthy snack ideas.
Storage and Reheating Tips
How to Store Leftover Churro Bites Properly
Leftover air fryer churro bites can stay fresh if stored the right way:
- Room Temperature: Keep them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Make sure they’re completely cooled before sealing to avoid condensation and sogginess.
- Refrigerator: For longer storage (up to 5 days), place churro bites in an airtight container in the fridge.
Reheating Churros Without Losing Texture
Reheating is key to reviving that crispy texture:
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 3–4 minutes for best crispness.
- Oven: Use a preheated oven at 350°F for 5 minutes if you don’t want to use the air fryer.
- Microwave (Not Recommended): Microwaving tends to make churro bites chewy rather than crispy, so use it only if necessary.
Looking for inspiration? Check out our Blue Chia Pudding Recipe for another easy sweet treat.
Air Fryer vs. Oven vs. Deep Frying
Why Air Fryers Are Healthier
When it comes to making air fryer churro bites, health-conscious cooks often choose an air fryer because it requires little to no oil. Deep frying can pack on hundreds of extra calories and introduce unnecessary fats. In contrast, air fryers circulate hot air to create that same crispy texture without submerging food in oil. This makes air fryer churro bites a lighter yet equally delicious alternative.
Taste and Texture Comparison
- Air Fryer: Delivers a golden-brown crust and soft interior with less oil and faster cleanup.
- Oven Baking: Uses dry heat but often results in a drier texture and longer cooking time compared to the air fryer.
- Deep Frying: Offers the crispiest results but at the cost of higher calories, greasier food, and more cleanup.
For those who love guilt-free desserts, air fryer churro bites are a perfect choice, striking the balance between flavor, health, and convenience.
Conclusion
Air fryer churro bites are the ultimate sweet snack—easy to make, healthier than deep-fried versions, and packed with flavor. With just a few pantry ingredients and an air fryer, you can create crispy, golden churros at home in minutes. Experiment with different dips, try unique twists, and store extras for later to satisfy cravings anytime.
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FAQs
How to make churro bites in an air fryer?
To make air fryer churro bites, prepare a basic dough using flour, water, butter, sugar, and an egg. Pipe small portions onto a preheated air fryer basket, cook at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, then roll them in cinnamon sugar for the classic churro flavor.
Can you fry churros in an air fryer?
Yes, you can. While air fryers don’t technically “fry,” they circulate hot air to achieve a crispy golden texture similar to frying, making air fryer churro bites a healthier alternative.
How long to leave pizza bites in the air fryer?
Though unrelated to churros, many wonder about pizza bites. For frozen pizza bites, cook at 380°F for 6–8 minutes until golden and crispy.
Can I make frozen churros in an air fryer?
Definitely! Just preheat your air fryer to 375°F, place the frozen churros in the basket, and cook for 8–10 minutes until hot and crispy. For added sweetness, roll them in cinnamon sugar after cooking.