Fluffy Air Fryer Churro Bites

Craving churros but don’t want to deal with frying oil? These Fluffy Air Fryer Churro Bites are the perfect solution! Golden and crispy on the outside, pillowy soft on the inside, and tossed in a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating, they deliver everything you love about traditional churros without the mess or guilt. Quick to make and super fun to eat, they’re perfect for dessert, snacking, or sharing with friends.

Love easy sweet treats like this? Subscribe now for more air fryer desserts and family-favorite recipes delivered weekly!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
No Deep Frying – All the crisp without the oil and cleanup.
Quick & Easy – Ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish.
Perfectly Soft Inside – Light, fluffy dough with a golden crust.
Bite-Sized & Fun – Ideal for sharing, dipping, or party platters.
Air Fryer Friendly – Great way to enjoy churros with a healthier twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Churro Dough:

• 1 cup water
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)

Optional for Serving:

• Chocolate sauce
• Caramel sauce
• Strawberry dipping sauce

Tools You’ll Need
Medium saucepan
Wooden spoon or spatula
Mixing bowl
Electric mixer (or strong whisk and arm power)
Piping bag with large star tip (or a resealable bag with the corner cut off)
Air fryer
Pastry brush

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough
In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt over medium heat.
Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and stir in the flour all at once.
Stir vigorously until a dough forms and pulls away from the sides (about 1 minute).
Remove from heat and let it cool for 5 minutes.

Step 2: Add Egg & Vanilla
Once the dough has cooled slightly, add the egg and vanilla extract.
Beat with a hand mixer (or vigorously by hand) until the dough is smooth and slightly sticky.
The texture should resemble thick paste.

Step 3: Pipe the Dough
Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
Pipe 1-inch to 1.5-inch pieces onto a parchment-lined tray or plate.
Use scissors or a knife to cut the ends for cleaner bites.

Step 4: Air Fry the Bites
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease the air fryer basket with oil spray.
Place churro bites in a single layer, leaving space between them.
Air fry for 8–10 minutes or until golden and puffed, turning halfway through if needed.
Work in batches if necessary.

Step 5: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
While churro bites are still warm, brush them lightly with melted butter.
In a shallow bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon.
Roll the churro bites in the cinnamon sugar until well coated.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
Serve immediately while warm and fluffy.
Pair with your favorite dipping sauces like chocolate, caramel, or fruit sauce for extra fun.

Tips for Perfect Churro Bites
Cool Dough Slightly – Prevents the egg from scrambling when added.
Use Star Tip – Gives them that classic churro texture and ridged surface.
Don’t Overcrowd – Air circulation is key for even crisping in the air fryer.
Serve Warm – Best enjoyed fresh when they’re crisp outside and fluffy inside.
Customize the Size – Make mini bites or longer churros depending on your mood.

Serving Suggestions
Dip in warm chocolate ganache or dulce de leche for an indulgent treat.
Dust with powdered sugar for a softer coating.
Add a sprinkle of sea salt over the coating for a sweet-salty combo.
Turn them into dessert nachos—pile high, drizzle with sauce, and add whipped cream!

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Let churro bites cool completely before storing.
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Reheating:
Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 2–3 minutes until warm and crisp again.
Microwave: Use short bursts (10–15 seconds) for a quick reheat, though texture may soften.

Make-Ahead Tips
Pipe the dough onto a tray and freeze until solid.
Transfer frozen churro bites to a bag and air fry directly from frozen (add 1–2 minutes to cook time).
You can also make the dough a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use pre-made dough?
Yes, refrigerated biscuit dough or choux pastry can work for shortcuts, but the homemade version is fluffier and more authentic.

2. Do I need a piping bag?
It helps for shape, but a resealable plastic bag with the tip cut off also works in a pinch.

3. Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, just substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend.

4. What if I don’t have an air fryer?
Bake them in the oven at 400°F for about 12–15 minutes, or fry in oil at 350°F until golden brown.

5. Can I flavor the dough?
Absolutely! Add a dash of cinnamon, orange zest, or almond extract for extra flavor.

Final Thoughts
These Fluffy Air Fryer Churro Bites are everything you love about classic churros—crunchy edges, soft centers, and irresistible cinnamon sugar coating—made easier and lighter in the air fryer. Whether you’re hosting a party, planning a movie night, or just satisfying a sweet craving, this recipe delivers comfort and fun in every bite.

Try them today and bring the carnival home—minus the deep fryer! Don’t forget to leave a review and share your sweet creations with us!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Cuisine: Spanish-inspired American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, approx. 5 bites):
Calories: 230 | Protein: 3g | Carbohydrates: 28g | Fat: 11g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 120mg

Print