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
½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar + 2 tbsp (25 g), divided
¾ tsp ground cinnamon, divided
½ cup (120 ml) water
½ cup (120 ml) whole milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
8 tbsp (115 g) unsalted butter, cubed
¼ tsp salt
1 ¼ cups (155 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
2 large cold eggs
2 tbsp (30 g) unsalted butter, melted
Chocolate sauce, for serving (optional)
Instructions
Mix ½ cup sugar and ¾ tsp cinnamon in a shallow bowl; set aside for coating.
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.
Stir in flour constantly until dough forms a thick ball and pulls from pan (2–3 minutes).
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.
Spoon dough into a piping bag fitted with large star tip; chill 30 minutes.
Preheat air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Spray basket with nonstick spray.
Pipe 2½-inch strips into basket without overcrowding; cut dough after each strip.
Air fry 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
Toss hot churro bites in cinnamon-sugar coating until fully covered.
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