Air Fryer Churro Bites Recipe

You don’t need a street fair (or a deep fryer!) to enjoy warm, sweet, cinnamony bliss—this Air Fryer Churro Bites recipe makes it surprisingly easy to whip up a batch of golden, fluffy churros in your own kitchen. No fuss, little mess, and tons of rich, homemade flavor you’ll want to share with everyone (or maybe keep just for you!).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Crispy Outside, Fluffy Inside: Thanks to the air fryer, you get a crunchy exterior and cloud-like center—no deep-frying necessary.
  • Fun and Fast: With just 25 minutes from start to finish, these churro bites are a perfect sweet treat, even on busy weeknights.
  • Customize Your Flavor: Dust in extra cinnamon, dip in chocolate, or serve with Nutella—make them your own little bites of joy!
  • No Greasy Mess: Skip the oil splatter and savor classic churro flavor with way less clean-up.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Air Fryer Churro Bites is that they use simple pantry staples, but each ingredient plays a starring role. Every detail—from the butter in the dough to the cinnamon-sugar finish—plays into that irresistible sweet, fluffy, and aromatic magic.

  • All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of your dough, giving each churro bite its chewy, soft structure.
  • Water: Helps bind the dough and keeps it moist, setting you up for a plush, tender texture inside.
  • Unsalted butter: Adds that rich flavor and helps the dough come together smoothly—don’t skimp here!
  • Salt: Balances out the sweetness and amps up all the flavors.
  • Sugar: Essential for sweetness—both in the dough and the crunchy cinnamon-sugar coating.
  • Vanilla extract: For warmth and depth you’ll notice with every bite.
  • Egg: Gives the dough structure and a little lift, ensuring an airy interior.
  • Ground cinnamon: What’s a churro without that iconic warm spice? Absolutely essential for flavor and aroma.
  • Neutral nonstick cooking spray: (like coconut oil spray) Keeps your churro bites from sticking while crisping the outside beautifully.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

These Air Fryer Churro Bites are totally customizable—don’t hesitate to tweak things to fit your cravings, dietary needs, or what you already have on hand. There’s no wrong way to churro!

  • Gluten-Free Swap: Use your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Substitute vegan butter (or a neutral oil) and plant-based milk for a completely dairy-free version.
  • Spice It Up: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar mix for an exotic twist.
  • Churro Sticks: Pipe longer strips instead of bites for a more classic churro presentation (just adjust air fry time as needed).

How to Make Air Fryer Churro Bites

Step 1: Prepare the Dough Base

Start by combining water, butter, salt, and sugar in a saucepan over high heat. Bring everything up to a nice rolling boil—this is how you’ll melt the butter fully and dissolve the sugar for a rich, even dough.

Step 2: Mix in the Flour

Turn the heat down and add your flour gradually, stirring continuously. This part happens fast: keep mixing until the dough pulls away from the edges and forms a ball. Then, turn off the heat and let it cool for 4-5 minutes so the egg won’t scramble in the next step.

Step 3: Incorporate Egg & Vanilla

Add the egg and vanilla extract to your warm (not hot!) dough. Mix everything together—I find an electric hand mixer makes this a breeze—until completely combined and smooth. The dough will become sticky and glossy, just like it should!

Step 4: Pipe & Air Fry the Churro Bites

Spoon the dough into a piping bag. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F and coat the basket with a little nonstick spray. Pipe bite-sized portions (or drop small spoonfuls) into the air fryer basket, being careful not to crowd them—crispness needs room! Brush the tops lightly with butter and cook in batches for 12-15 minutes, until beautifully golden and crisp on the outside.

Step 5: Cinnamon-Sugar Finish

While the churro bites are still warm, roll them around in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon, making sure each piece gets a generous, even coating. Tip: If the coating isn’t sticking, brush with a little melted butter before tossing again—this makes every Air Fryer Churro Bite irresistible!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your freshly made Air Fryer Churro Bites warm with your favorite dipping sauce—chocolate syrup, honey, or Nutella are all epic choices. Watch as they disappear before your eyes (and maybe quietly plan your next batch!).

Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Churro Bites

  • Cooling Matters: Let the dough cool for at least 4-5 minutes before adding the egg so you get a smooth, lump-free batter with no scrambled egg bits.
  • Don’t Skimp on the Butter Brushing: Brushing a bit of melted butter on top before air frying—and after, if needed—gives each bite authentic churro flavor and helps that cinnamon-sugar stick perfectly.
  • Space Is Key: Leave plenty of room between churro bites in the basket. If they touch, they’ll steam instead of crisp—air flow gives you the crunch you crave!
  • Batch Friendly: Work in batches and keep earlier churro bites warm in the oven on low (around 200°F) so everyone can enjoy them hot and fresh at once.

How to Serve Air Fryer Churro Bites

Air Fryer Churro Bites Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

These little churro bites absolutely shine with a dusting of extra cinnamon-sugar just before serving. Add a drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for bakery-style flair. If you want to get festive, try a handful of colorful sprinkles or edible gold dust for a party look!

Side Dishes

Pair Air Fryer Churro Bites with your favorite hot cocoa, café au lait, or cold brew for a dreamy treat. They’re also lovely alongside a fruit salad, a bowl of berries, or even a simple vanilla ice cream scoop to balance the cinnamon sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Set out your churro bites in little parchment snack cones for a fun street-food vibe, or stack them up high on a cake stand with bowls of dipping sauces all around (think chocolate, caramel, and raspberry!). They also make an adorable dessert board centerpiece with fun toppings and dips for a crowd.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If (and that’s a big “if”!) you have leftover Air Fryer Churro Bites, let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them from getting soggy and helps preserve their cinnamon-sugary crunch.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange cooled churro bites in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. For best results, wait to roll in cinnamon sugar until after reheating so the coating stays crisp and fresh.

Reheating

Pop churro bites in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to crisp them back up—or heat in a 300°F oven for 5-6 minutes. As soon as they’re warm, give them a fresh toss in cinnamon sugar for that same straight-from-the-fryer magic.

FAQs

  1. Can I make Air Fryer Churro Bites ahead of time?

    Yes! You can pipe and air fry the churro bites ahead, then reheat them in the air fryer for a couple minutes just before serving. For the best flavor and texture, toss them in fresh cinnamon-sugar right after reheating.

  2. What if I don’t have a piping bag?

    No worries at all! You can use a sturdy zip-top bag with the corner snipped off, or drop spoonfuls of dough straight into your air fryer basket. They’ll be more rustic in shape but every bit as delicious.

  3. How do I prevent my Air Fryer Churro Bites from sticking?

    Be sure to spray your air fryer basket generously with a neutral oil (like coconut oil spray) before adding the churro dough. Also, avoid overcrowding; a bit of space ensures even crisping and easier removal.

  4. Can I double the recipe for a party?

    Absolutely! Double or even triple the batch, cooking in multiple batches as needed. Keep finished churro bites warm on a low oven setting, and roll in cinnamon-sugar just before serving for that wow-factor crunch.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a seriously fun, comforting treat, these Air Fryer Churro Bites are unbeatable! They deliver street-fair magic straight to your kitchen, and I know you’ll fall in love with every warm, sweet bite. Gather your ingredients, fire up the air fryer, and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to a dessert that’s as easy as it is unforgettable!

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Air Fryer Churro Bites Recipe

Air Fryer Churro Bites Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 51 reviews
  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 24 churro bites 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Air Fryer
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Delight your taste buds with these crispy Air Fryer Churro Bites that are easy to make and perfectly sweet. These bite-sized churros are coated in cinnamon sugar and make a delicious treat for any occasion.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the dough:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/3 cup + 1 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

  1. In a pan, prepare the dough: Boil water, butter, salt, and sugar. Gradually mix in the flour until a dough forms. Remove from heat.
  2. Cool and mix: Transfer dough to a bowl, let it cool, then mix in egg and vanilla extract using an electric hand mixer.
  3. Prep for air frying: Place dough in a piping bag. Preheat air fryer, spray basket, and pipe bite-sized churros onto it. Cook in batches.
  4. Cook and coat: Brush churros with butter and air fry until golden. Coat in cinnamon sugar mixture.
  5. Serve: Enjoy the churro bites with your choice of dip or sauce.

Notes

  • Ensure the dough is not too hot when adding the egg to prevent scrambling.
  • Adjust cinnamon sugar coating to taste preference.
  • Experiment with different dips like caramel or fruit sauces.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4 churro bites
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

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