Description
Air Fryer Churro Bites are a quick, easy, and healthier twist on the classic Mexican pastry. These bite-sized treats are crispy on the outside, soft inside, and coated in cinnamon-sugar, made effortlessly in the air fryer without deep frying or excess oil.
Ingredients
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½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar + 2 tbsp (25 g), divided
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¾ tsp ground cinnamon, divided
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½ cup (120 ml) water
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½ cup (120 ml) whole milk
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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8 tbsp (115 g) unsalted butter, cubed
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¼ tsp salt
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1 ¼ cups (155 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
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2 large cold eggs
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2 tbsp (30 g) unsalted butter, melted
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Chocolate sauce, for serving (optional)
Instructions
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Mix ½ cup sugar and ¾ tsp cinnamon in a shallow bowl; set aside for coating.
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In a saucepan over medium heat, combine water, milk, vanilla, butter, salt, 2 tbsp sugar, and ¼ tsp cinnamon; bring to a rolling boil, stirring often.
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Stir in flour constantly until dough forms a thick ball and pulls from pan (2–3 minutes).
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Transfer dough to a bowl; beat with mixer 2 minutes to cool slightly. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each, until smooth and creamy.
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Spoon dough into a piping bag fitted with large star tip; chill 30 minutes.
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Preheat air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Spray basket with nonstick spray.
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Pipe 2½-inch strips into basket without overcrowding; cut dough after each strip.
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Air fry 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
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Toss hot churro bites in cinnamon-sugar coating until fully covered.
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Serve warm, optionally with chocolate sauce.
Notes
Add nutmeg or cardamom to cinnamon sugar for flavor twists.
Chilling dough helps maintain shape during cooking.
Avoid overcrowding for crispiness; cook in batches if needed.
Use a plastic bag with snipped corner if no piping bag is available.
Dough can be frozen in portions; cook from frozen, adding a few minutes to air fry time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes chilling)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Air Frying, Mixing, Piping
- Cuisine: Mexican