Why You’ll Love This Recipe

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

• Simple pantry ingredients – Most of the ingredients are likely already in your kitchen, so no need for a special shopping trip.

• Healthier alternative – Using an air fryer instead of deep frying reduces oil and mess while still delivering that crispy churro crunch.

• Perfect portion control – Bite-sized pieces make it easy to control portions, great for sharing or as a snack.

• Kid-friendly cooking project – Rolling churros in cinnamon sugar is a fun activity for kids, making it a perfect family recipe.

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 water, butter, salt, and sugar. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and gradually add in the flour, stirring until the dough comes together smoothly. Turn off the heat and remove from the stove.

2. Cool and Mix Dough: Transfer the dough to a large mixing bowl and let it cool for about 4-5 minutes. Once slightly cooled, add the egg and vanilla essence. Mix thoroughly until smooth.

3. Pipe the Churros: Transfer the dough into a piping bag. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Spray the basket with nonstick cooking spray. Pipe bite-sized churros, being careful not to overcrowd them.

4. Cook the Churros: Lightly brush butter on top of the churros and air fry 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: While the churros are warm, toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture for the perfect coating.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields about 4 servings.

• Preparation Time: 10-15 minutes

• Cooking Time: 20-30 minutes

• Total Time: 30-45 minutes

Variations

• Cinnamon Sugar Alternatives: Try swapping the cinnamon with cocoa powder or pumpkin pie spice for a unique twist.

• Substitute Vanilla: Swap vanilla essence with almond extract or even vanilla bean paste for a richer flavor.

• Different Flours: You can use bread flour if you don't have all-purpose flour, though it may alter the texture slightly.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store churro bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

• Reheating: To refresh leftover churros, reheat them in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 350°F (175°C). This will help restore their crispiness.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of flour?

For best results, use all-purpose flour. While bread flour can be used in a pinch, other types like whole wheat may make the churros dense.

2. Can I make churro dough in advance?

Yes! Prepare the dough up to 24 hours ahead and store it in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature before piping and frying.

3. How do I prevent my churros from becoming too oily?

To avoid greasiness, lightly brush the churros with oil rather than over-spraying, and don't overcrowd the air fryer basket.

4. How do I ensure the churro dough has the right consistency?

The dough should be smooth and pipeable. If it’s too wet, it will spread; too dry, and it will be tough to pipe.

5. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, but butter gives the churros the best flavor. If using margarine, it will still work fine.

6. Can I add more cinnamon to the sugar coating?

Absolutely! If you like a stronger cinnamon flavor, feel free to adjust the ratio in the coating.

7. Are churros gluten-free?

This recipe contains gluten due to the all-purpose flour. If you need gluten-free churros, substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

8. What is the best way to pipe the dough?

Use a piping bag to ensure even churro bites. If you don't have a piping bag, a ziplock bag with the tip cut off can also work.

9. Can I make churros without an air fryer?

Yes, churros can be deep-fried in oil for a traditional method, though the air fryer offers a healthier alternative.

10. What can I serve churro bites with?

Serve with chocolate sauce, dulce de leche, or vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.

Conclusion

These Sweet Air Fryer Churro Bites are the perfect combination of convenience and flavor. With their crispy texture and cinnamon-sugar coating, they make a delightful snack or dessert that the whole family will love. Easy to make and easy to share, they are sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen.