why make this recipe
Crispy Air Fryer Churro Bites are a delightful treat that combines the fun of churros with the ease of an air fryer. They are perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. With simple ingredients, you can create a dessert that is great for parties, movie nights, or anytime you crave something sweet. Plus, using an air fryer makes them a healthier option compared to traditional frying!
how to make Crispy Air Fryer Churro Bites
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup sugar (plus 1/4 cup for coating)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Cooking spray
Directions:
- In a saucepan, combine water, butter, and 1/4 cup sugar over medium heat. Stir until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in flour, salt, baking powder, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Let the dough cool slightly, then transfer to a piping bag.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Pipe small bites of dough onto parchment paper.
- Lightly spray the dough bites with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.
- In a shallow bowl, mix together 1/4 cup sugar and cinnamon.
- Toss the warm churro bites in the cinnamon-sugar mixture before serving.
how to serve Crispy Air Fryer Churro Bites
Serve Crispy Air Fryer Churro Bites warm for the best experience. They are delicious on their own or paired with a dipping sauce, such as chocolate sauce or caramel. You can arrange them on a platter and sprinkle more cinnamon-sugar on top for a nice presentation.
how to store Crispy Air Fryer Churro Bites
To store any leftover churro bites, place them in an airtight container. They can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you want to enjoy them again, simply reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back their crispiness.
tips to make Crispy Air Fryer Churro Bites
- Be sure to pipe the dough bites small and evenly for consistent cooking.
- Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or add chocolate chips to the dough for a fun twist.
- If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a ziplock bag with the corner cut off as a makeshift piping bag.
Pro Tips for Success
Measure flour lightly: Spoon flour into the cup and level; packed flour makes the dough dense and dry.
Cool the dough slightly: If it’s too hot, it can melt the cinnamon-sugar coating and soften the texture. Warm is fine—just not steaming.
Pipe small, even bites: Aim for about 1 to 1½ inches so they cook through without drying.
Don’t crowd the basket: Air needs space to circulate. Cook in batches for the crispiest results.
Flip for even color: Turn bites halfway and give a quick second mist of cooking spray for extra crunch.
Coat while warm: Toss in cinnamon sugar immediately after cooking so it clings perfectly.
Refresh like new: If they soften after storing, air fry 2–3 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to revive the crisp.
variation
You can make chocolate-filled churro bites by putting a small piece of chocolate inside the dough before cooking. Another option is to substitute some of the flour for cocoa powder to make chocolate churros.
FAQs
CAN I USE WHOLE WHEAT FLOUR INSTEAD OF ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR?
A: Yes, you can swap 1:1, but expect a heartier, slightly denser bite and a touch more nuttiness. Whole wheat absorbs more liquid, so the dough may feel a bit firmer—this is normal. For a lighter texture, try a 50/50 blend (half all-purpose, half whole wheat). Start checking doneness on the earlier side (7–8 minutes) since smaller pieces brown quickly in the air fryer. If the exterior browns before the center sets, lower the temp to 360°F (182°C) and add 1–2 minutes.
WHAT CAN I USE INSTEAD OF BUTTER?
A: For dairy-free, use margarine or refined coconut oil (neutral flavor) in the same amount. Margarine keeps the dough tender and close to the original flavor. Coconut oil adds a faint coconut note; if you prefer neutral taste, pick refined coconut oil (not virgin). Melt substitutes gently and proceed as written. If your dough feels a touch greasy with oil, let it cool a minute longer before piping so it holds shape better.
CAN I FREEZE THE CHURRO BITES?
A: Yes—freezing works great two ways:
After cooking (best for convenience): Cool completely, then freeze in a single layer until firm and transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes, then toss in fresh cinnamon sugar (the original coating fades in the freezer).
Before cooking (for freshest texture): Pipe the dough onto a parchment-lined tray, freeze until solid, then store in a bag. Air fry from frozen at 360–375°F (182–190°C), adding 1–2 extra minutes as needed. Coat in cinnamon sugar while warm.
Either way, keep batches small in the basket so they crisp, not steam.
Crispy Air Fryer Churro Bites
Ingredients
For the churro dough
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup sugar Plus 1/4 cup for coating
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- spray Cooking spray
For the coating
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
Preparation
- In a saucepan, combine water, butter, and 1/4 cup sugar over medium heat. Stir until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in flour, salt, baking powder, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Let the dough cool slightly, then transfer to a piping bag.
Cooking
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Pipe small bites of dough onto parchment paper.
- Lightly spray the dough bites with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.
Coating
- In a shallow bowl, mix together 1/4 cup sugar and cinnamon.
- Toss the warm churro bites in the cinnamon-sugar mixture before serving.