If you’re craving a sweet, crispy treat with just the right amount of cinnamon-sugar goodness, these Sweet Air Fryer Churro Bites are the perfect solution. With an easy dough recipe and a quick cooking time in the air fryer, you can enjoy fresh churros without the deep-frying mess. The bite-sized pieces make them ideal for snacking or serving as a fun dessert at any gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Air fryer churros are a quick and healthier alternative to the traditional fried version. The light and crispy dough is coated in cinnamon sugar, creating a perfect balance of flavors. The air fryer ensures that each churro is golden brown on the outside while remaining soft on the inside. With minimal prep time and ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, this recipe is ideal for when you need a sweet snack in a hurry!
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 1 cup plain flour
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup and 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
Step 1: Prepare the Dough Base
In a saucepan, combine the water, butter, salt, and sugar. Bring this mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and gradually add the flour, stirring continuously until the dough comes together. Turn off the heat and remove the pan from the stove.
Step 2: Cool and Mix Dough
Transfer the dough into a mixing bowl and let it cool for about 4-5 minutes. Once slightly cooled, add the egg and vanilla essence. Use an electric hand mixer to mix the ingredients until the dough is smooth and well-combined.
Step 3: Pipe the Churros
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray, such as coconut oil spray. Transfer the churro dough into a piping bag and carefully pipe bite-sized churros into the air fryer basket. Be sure not to overcrowd the churros. If you prefer, you can drop the dough by spoonfuls instead.
Step 4: Cook the Churros
Lightly brush melted butter on top of the churros. Air fry them for 10-12 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the churros in batches to ensure even cooking.
Step 5: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
In a shallow bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon. Once the churros are cooked, transfer them into the cinnamon sugar mixture. Gently toss the churros to coat them evenly. If needed, brush them with additional butter (or spray with water) to help the cinnamon sugar stick.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your churros warm with your favorite dipping sauces, such as chocolate syrup, honey, or Nutella. These bite-sized churros make for an indulgent snack or dessert that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes approximately 20-25 churro bites
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 10-12 minutes
- Total time: 25-30 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Churros: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolatey twist.
- Stuffed Churros: Pipe a small amount of Nutella or chocolate ganache into the churro dough before air frying for a gooey center.
- Spicy Cinnamon Churros: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the cinnamon-sugar coating for a spicy kick.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover churro bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the churros back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes to crisp them up.
FAQs
How do I know when the churros are done cooking?
The churros should be golden brown and crispy on the outside. Check them around the 10-minute mark and adjust the cooking time if needed.
Can I make these churros ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before piping and air frying the churros.
Can I use a different type of flour?
All-purpose flour is the best option for this recipe, but you can try substituting it with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
Can I bake these churros instead of using the air fryer?
Yes, you can bake the churros at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Be sure to brush them with melted butter before baking.
How do I get the cinnamon sugar to stick better?
Brushing the churros with melted butter or spraying them with nonstick spray before coating them in cinnamon sugar will help the mixture stick more effectively.
Can I freeze the churro dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Let the dough thaw before piping and cooking.
How long will these churros last?
The churros are best eaten fresh, but they will stay fresh for up to 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
What is the best way to serve churros?
Churros are perfect on their own, but they are even better with a side of chocolate syrup, caramel, or Nutella for dipping.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe if you’re serving a crowd. Just be sure to cook the churros in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
What can I dip churros in besides chocolate syrup?
You can try dipping churros in honey, vanilla icing, or even whipped cream for a different twist!
Conclusion
Sweet Air Fryer Churro Bites are the perfect balance of crispy and soft, with a delightful cinnamon-sugar coating. This simple recipe is ideal for satisfying your sweet tooth without the hassle of deep-frying. Whether you’re enjoying them as a quick snack, dessert, or a fun treat for a party, these churros are sure to become a favorite. Enjoy them warm, paired with your favorite dips, and watch them disappear in no time!
Print
Sweet Air Fryer Churro Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 20-25 churro bites
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Craving a sweet treat without the deep-frying mess? These Sweet Air Fryer Churro Bites are the answer! Easy to make and ready in under 30 minutes, these bite-sized churros are coated with cinnamon sugar and air-fried to perfection for a crispy, soft, and healthier alternative to the traditional fried version. Perfect for a snack, dessert, or party treat, you’ll love how simple and delicious they are.
Ingredients
For the dough:
1 cup plain flour
1 cup water
1/3 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
Instructions
-
Prepare the Dough Base:
In a saucepan, combine the water, butter, salt, and sugar. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat, and slowly add the flour, stirring continuously until the dough forms. Turn off the heat and remove the pan from the stove. -
Cool and Mix Dough:
Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool for 4-5 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla essence, then mix with an electric hand mixer until smooth and well-combined. -
Pipe the Churros:
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Spray the basket with nonstick cooking spray. Transfer dough to a piping bag and pipe bite-sized churros into the basket, ensuring not to overcrowd. Alternatively, spoon the dough. -
Cook the Churros:
Lightly brush churros with melted butter. Air fry for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Cook in batches if needed for even cooking. -
Coat with Cinnamon Sugar:
In a shallow bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon. Toss cooked churros in the cinnamon sugar mixture, gently coating them. Optionally, brush with more butter or spray with water to help the sugar stick. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces like chocolate syrup, Nutella, or honey.
Notes
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days.
Reheating: Reheat churros in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes to crisp them up.
Freezing: Freeze dough in an airtight container for up to 1 month, then thaw before piping and cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American, Spanish
