Let’s talk about Air Fryer Churro Bites—because honestly, who can resist warm, sugary, cinnamon-dusted goodness that’s ready in minutes? Whether you’re craving something sweet after dinner or need a fun treat for movie night, these little bites of joy hit the spot.
I created this recipe after one too many late-night dessert cravings (you know, those “I deserve something sweet” moments). Traditional churros can be messy and time-consuming to fry, but with the air fryer? Magic happens. You get that same crispy exterior, fluffy center, and iconic sweet churros flavor—without standing over a pot of hot oil.
Perfect for busy moms, weekend bakers, or anyone who believes dessert should be easy and indulgent, this air fryer dessert brings instant happiness. Let’s whip up a batch—you’ll be surprised how quickly these little bites disappear!
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Churro Bites
These Air Fryer Churro Bites deliver everything you adore about classic churros—crunchy edges, soft middles, and a glorious cinnamon sugar coating—without the hassle of deep-frying. They’re bite-sized, easy to make, and impossible to stop eating.
Plus, they use everyday ingredients, no fancy gadgets required (besides your trusty air fryer, of course). This is one easy snack recipe that makes any day feel like a fiesta.
Print
Sweet Air Fryer Churro Bites
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 20–24 churro bites (about 4 servings) 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Air Fryer Churro Bites are a bite-sized twist on the classic churro—crispy, golden, and coated in cinnamon sugar. Made easily in the air fryer, they deliver that perfect crunchy exterior and soft, fluffy center without deep-frying. A quick and comforting dessert for any occasion!
Ingredients
For the dough:
-
1 cup (240 ml) water
-
1/3 cup + 1 tbsp (85 g) unsalted butter
-
1 tsp (5 g) salt
-
2 tbsp (25 g) sugar
-
1 cup (120 g) plain flour
-
1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla essence
-
1 large egg
For the coating:
-
1 cup (200 g) white sugar
-
1 tbsp (8 g) cinnamon powder
Instructions
-
In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, salt, and sugar. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally.
-
Once boiling, reduce heat to low. Gradually add flour, stirring until a smooth dough forms and pulls away from the sides.
-
Remove from heat and let cool for 4–5 minutes.
-
Beat in the egg and vanilla essence until the dough becomes smooth and glossy.
-
Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly coat the basket with nonstick spray.
-
Pipe or spoon small bite-sized pieces of dough into the basket, leaving space between each.
-
Brush lightly with melted butter and air fry for 10–12 minutes, until golden brown and crisp.
-
Mix sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish. Immediately toss warm churros in the mixture to coat evenly.
-
Serve warm and enjoy with your favorite dipping sauces like chocolate or caramel.
Notes
Cool the dough slightly before adding the egg to prevent curdling.
Pipe evenly sized churro bites for consistent cooking.
Avoid overcrowding the basket—work in batches for best crispiness.
Add a second light butter brush before coating for extra shine.
Serve with chocolate ganache, caramel sauce, or ice cream for an indulgent treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Spanish / Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the dough:
-
1 cup (120 g) plain flour
-
1 cup (240 ml) water
-
1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon (85 g) unsalted butter
-
1 teaspoon (5 g) salt
-
2 tablespoons (25 g) sugar
-
1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla essence
-
1 large egg
For the coating:
-
1 cup (200 g) white sugar
-
1 tablespoon (8 g) cinnamon powder
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, salt, and sugar. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally.
-
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Gradually add flour and stir continuously until the dough forms a smooth ball.
-
Remove from heat and let the dough cool for 4–5 minutes.
-
Beat in the egg and vanilla until smooth and glossy.
-
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Spray the basket lightly with nonstick spray.
-
Pipe or spoon bite-sized pieces of dough into the basket, leaving space between each.
-
Lightly brush with melted butter and air fry for 10–12 minutes until golden and crisp.
-
Mix sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish. Toss warm churros in the mixture immediately.
Serve warm and prepare for happy faces all around!
Olivia’s Tips for Perfect Churros
-
Cool your dough slightly before adding the egg—hot dough scrambles eggs faster than you can say “oops.”
-
Pipe evenly sized bites. It helps them cook at the same rate.
-
Work in batches. Overcrowding makes churros soggy instead of crisp.
-
Want extra sparkle? Give them another light brush of butter before tossing in cinnamon sugar.
-
Pair with dips. Melted chocolate, Nutella, or even honey add the perfect finishing touch.
And if your first batch looks a little “abstract,” don’t worry. They’ll still taste amazing—let’s call them “rustic.”
A Little Story from My Kitchen
These sweet churros became a family favorite during one of our cozy Friday movie nights. My kids had just discovered the joy of “air fryer everything,” and we decided to experiment. After one bite, my youngest declared, “Mom, these taste like Disneyland!”
That was all the confirmation I needed. Now, whenever we have guests or just a long week to celebrate, Air Fryer Churro Bites are our go-to treat. It’s become a small, sweet tradition in our house—a reminder that joy doesn’t have to take hours to make.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Churro Bites
These crispy bites are delightful on their own, but why stop there? Serve them with:
-
Chocolate ganache for an extra indulgent twist.
-
Salted caramel sauce if you love that sweet-salty combo.
-
A scoop of vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable dessert duo.
-
Coffee or hot cocoa for cozy evening vibes.
They’re also a hit at parties—just set out bowls of different dips and watch them vanish.
How to Store Your Churro Bites
If by some miracle you have leftovers, here’s how to keep them tasty:
-
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
-
To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to revive the crunch.
-
Avoid the microwave—it’ll make them soft and sad.
-
You can also freeze cooked churros for up to a month. Just reheat from frozen until crisp.
These store beautifully, but let’s be real—there’s rarely anything left to save!
FAQs About Air Fryer Churro Bites
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Store the dough in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before piping.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
You can, but it’ll make the churros a bit denser. All-purpose gives that signature airy bite.
What other coatings work well?
Try powdered sugar, pumpkin spice sugar, or even cocoa powder for a twist!
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—just fry in batches to keep them crispy.
Sweet Moments Made Easy
Air Fryer Churro Bites prove that dessert doesn’t need to be complicated to feel special. They’re warm, golden, and coated in that irresistible cinnamon sugar—basically, happiness in edible form.
Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or sneaking a few after everyone’s asleep (no judgment here), these sweet churros make life just a little sweeter. So grab your air fryer, a piping bag, and let’s make dessert magic together.
Discover more delicious recipes by following me on Facebook and Pinterest.
