Sweet Air Fryer Churro Bites

Why You’ll Love These Churro Bites

• Quick and easy dessert – These churro bites come together in just 30-45 minutes, making them perfect for a sweet treat without the wait.

• Simple pantry ingredients – With common ingredients like flour, sugar, and butter, you probably already have everything you need for these churros.

• Healthier alternative – Using an air fryer instead of deep frying means less oil and mess, yet still providing that signature crispy churro texture.

• Perfect portion control – Bite-sized churros are easier to share and enjoy, whether it's a snack for yourself or a crowd-pleasing treat at parties.

• Kid-friendly cooking project – Rolling the churro bites in cinnamon sugar is a fun, hands-on activity that kids can participate in, making this recipe a perfect family baking project.

Ingredients

For the dough:

• 1 cup plain flour

• 1 cup water

• ⅓ cup + 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence

• 1 large egg

For the coating:

• 1 cup white sugar

• 1 tablespoon cinnamon powder

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough Base
   In a pan, combine 1 cup water, ⅓ cup + 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and gradually add in the 1 cup plain flour, stirring continuously until the dough comes together smoothly. Remove the pan from the heat.

2. Cool and Mix Dough
   Transfer the dough from the pan into a large mixing bowl and let it cool for about 4-5 minutes. Once slightly cooled, add the 1 teaspoon vanilla essence and 1 large egg. Use an electric hand mixer to combine the ingredients until smooth.

3. Pipe the Churros
   Transfer the churro dough into a piping bag. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and spray the air fryer basket with a neutral nonstick cooking spray. Carefully pipe bite-sized churros into the basket, ensuring they don’t overcrowd. Alternatively, drop the dough by the spoonful into the basket for a different look.

4. Cook the Churros
   Lightly brush some butter on top of the churros and cook in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, until golden brown. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

5. Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
   In a shallow bowl, mix together 1 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon powder. Once the churros are cooked, toss them gently in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. If needed, brush them with melted butter or spray them with nonstick cooking spray to help the sugar adhere.

6. Serve and Enjoy
   Serve your churros warm with chocolate syrup, honey, Nutella, or any dipping sauce of your choice. Enjoy your delicious bite-sized churro treat!

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10-15 minutes

• Cook Time: 20-30 minutes

• Total Time: 30-45 minutes

• Servings: Approximately 4 servings

Variations

• Different Coatings: While cinnamon-sugar is the classic choice, you can experiment with cocoa powder mixed with sugar, pumpkin pie spice for a fall twist, or even powdered sugar for a lighter coating.

• Flavoring the Dough: Add a splash of almond extract instead of vanilla for a different flavor profile. You can also try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon directly into the dough for extra spice.

• Other Dips: If chocolate isn’t your thing, try dulce de leche, cream cheese frosting, or even a tangy fruit dip for a fun contrast to the sweet churros.

Storage/Reheating

• Keep Fresh: These churro bites are best enjoyed immediately while they’re still warm and crispy. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, though they may lose some crispiness.

• Make Ahead: Prepare the churro dough up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Let the dough come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before piping and air frying.

• Refresh: To restore crispiness, reheat leftover churro bites in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 350°F. You can also give them another roll in cinnamon sugar for extra flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of flour?

While all-purpose flour is the best choice for churros, you can substitute bread flour if needed. Avoid using whole wheat flour as it will result in a denser texture.

2. Can I make these churro bites without a piping bag?

Yes, you can drop the dough by the spoonful into the air fryer basket if you don’t have a piping bag.

3. What if I don’t have an air fryer?

If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake these churro bites in a regular oven at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes. They won’t be as crispy but should still be tasty.

4. How can I make these churros gluten-free?

You can substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that’s designed for baking. Keep in mind, the texture may vary slightly.

5. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, you can substitute unsalted butter with margarine, but butter gives the churros the best flavor and texture.

6. How do I prevent the churros from spreading in the air fryer?

Make sure the dough is at the right consistency: smooth but not too wet. Also, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation.

7. Can I freeze these churros?

Yes! You can freeze the churro dough (before cooking) for up to 1 month. When ready to cook, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before piping and air frying.

8. Can I use different spices for the coating?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with pumpkin pie spice, cocoa powder, or even a little cayenne pepper for a spicy-sweet twist.

9. How do I get the cinnamon-sugar to stick?

Make sure to coat the churros while they are still warm, but not burning hot. You can also brush them with a little melted butter or spray with a cooking spray to help the sugar stick.

10. Can I use a non-stick air fryer basket?

Yes, using a non-stick basket will make it easier to remove the churros without them sticking, but make sure to still spray the basket lightly with oil to ensure the churros don’t stick.

Conclusion

These Sweet Air Fryer Churro Bites are the perfect balance of crispy, golden, and sweet. With simple ingredients, minimal mess, and a healthier air fryer method, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you're hosting a party or just craving a snack, these bite-sized churros are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Enjoy them fresh, with a variety of fun dips, and share the joy with everyone!

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