Crispy Air Fryer Churro Bites

Craving a sweet, cinnamon-sugar treat without the deep-fried mess? These Crispy Air Fryer Churro Bites are the answer! With a golden, crisp exterior and a soft, doughy center, they deliver everything you love about traditional churros in a bite-sized, air-fried version. Perfect for parties, movie nights, or whenever your sweet tooth strikes—these little bites are addictively delicious and ready in minutes.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy – Made in under 30 minutes with no need for deep frying.
Crispy & Tender – Air fryer gives them that classic churro texture with less oil.
Kid-Friendly – Perfect little treats for tiny hands (and grown-up ones too).
Great for Dipping – Serve with chocolate sauce, caramel, or fruit dips.
Mess-Free – All the churro flavor without the splatter of hot oil.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Churro Dough:
½ cup water
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp granulated sugar
¼ tsp salt
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 large egg
½ tsp vanilla extract
Non-stick cooking spray or light brushing of oil

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
½ cup granulated sugar
1½ tsp ground cinnamon
1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)

Optional Dipping Sauce:
½ cup chocolate chips
¼ cup heavy cream
Pinch of salt

Tools You’ll Need
Air fryer
Small saucepan
Mixing bowl
Wooden spoon or spatula
Piping bag with large star tip (or zip-top bag with corner cut off)
Small bowl for coating
Tongs

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

1. In a small saucepan, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
2. Once butter melts and mixture is bubbling, reduce heat and stir in the flour all at once.
3. Stir quickly with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a smooth dough ball and pulls away from the sides (about 1–2 minutes).
4. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
5. Add egg and vanilla extract to the dough, then mix until fully incorporated and smooth. It will look a little separated at first—just keep stirring.

Step 2: Pipe the Churro Bites

1. Transfer dough into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
2. Pipe 1-inch pieces onto a parchment-lined tray. Use scissors or a knife to snip the dough at the tip.
3. Lightly spray or brush the churro bites with oil to ensure crisping.

Step 3: Air Fry the Bites

1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place churro bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket—do not overcrowd.
3. Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and puffed.

Step 4: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

1. In a small bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon.
2. While the churro bites are still warm, brush them with melted butter.
3. Toss gently in the cinnamon sugar mixture until well coated.

Step 5: Make the Chocolate Dipping Sauce (Optional)

1. In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt.
2. Microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.
3. Serve warm with churro bites for dipping.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Churro Bites
Don’t Skip Cooling the Dough – This prevents the egg from scrambling when mixed in.
Use a Star Tip – Gives the classic ridged churro shape and more surface for cinnamon sugar to stick.
Spray Lightly – A little oil helps the bites crisp up without turning greasy.
Work in Batches – Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket for even cooking.
Serve Warm – Churro bites are best enjoyed fresh and warm from the fryer.

Serving Suggestions
Serve as a party dessert with various dips: chocolate, caramel, or even a fruit compote.
Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a churro sundae.
Dust with powdered sugar for a festive finish.
Add a drizzle of honey or sweetened condensed milk for extra indulgence.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Reheating:
Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 2–3 minutes until warm and crispy.
Oven: Bake at 350°F for 5–6 minutes.
Microwave not recommended—it makes them soft instead of crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before piping.
2. Can I freeze churro bites?
   Freeze uncoated churro bites after air frying. Reheat in the air fryer and coat in cinnamon sugar before serving.
3. Do I need a piping bag?
   It helps with shaping, but a zip-top bag with a cut corner can work in a pinch.
4. What if I don’t have an air fryer?
   You can bake them at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, or deep fry for a more traditional texture.
5. Are these gluten-free?
   Not as written, but you can try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a similar result.

Final Thoughts
These Crispy Air Fryer Churro Bites are the perfect blend of classic flavor and modern convenience. No oil splatter, no hassle—just warm, golden bites coated in sweet cinnamon sugar and begging to be dipped in chocolate. Make them once, and they’ll be your new go-to treat for parties, cravings, or just because.

Try them out and let me know how yours turn out! Don’t forget to tag your churro creations online—I’d love to see those golden bites!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 210 | Protein: 3g | Carbohydrates: 24g | Fat: 12g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 120mg

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