If you’re dreaming of classic churros without the hassle of deep-frying, these Sweet Air Fryer Churro Bites are the answer. They’re crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and rolled in cinnamon sugar for that authentic street-fair flavor. Best of all, they’re air-fried instead of deep-fried, making them lighter, less messy, and faster to prepare.
Growing up, churros were always a treat my grandmother made for celebrations. The aroma of cinnamon sugar still brings me right back to those memories of family and laughter. These air fryer churro bites capture that same spirit but in a quick, modern way — perfect for a busy weeknight or a fun weekend baking project with kids.
Whether you serve them with a drizzle of chocolate, a side of caramel, or a cup of coffee, these mini churros will bring a smile to everyone’s face.
Why You’ll Love These Sweet Air Fryer Churro Bites
- Classic churro flavor with less oil
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Kid-friendly and perfect for parties
- Easier cleanup thanks to the air fryer
- Naturally vegetarian
These little treats work beautifully as a quick dessert, a sweet snack, or even a creative breakfast.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
How to Make Sweet Air Fryer Churro Bites
Follow these easy steps to make perfect churro bites at home.
Step 1: Prepare the Dough Base
In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, salt, and sugar. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a smooth ball. This should take about 1 to 2 minutes.
Turn off the heat and remove the pan from the stove. Allow the dough to cool for about 4 to 5 minutes.
Step 2: Add Vanilla and Egg
Transfer the slightly cooled dough to a large mixing bowl. Add the vanilla extract and the egg.
Use a sturdy wooden spoon or an electric hand mixer on low speed to beat the egg into the dough. It may look separated at first, but keep mixing until smooth and pipeable.
Step 3: Pipe the Churro Bites
Spoon the dough into a piping bag fitted with a star-shaped tip (this gives that classic churro ridged look). If you don’t have a piping bag, a heavy zip-top bag with the corner snipped off will work in a pinch.
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the basket with a neutral oil spray like avocado or coconut oil.
Pipe bite-sized portions of dough directly into the air fryer basket, leaving some room between them for airflow. Alternatively, you can drop spoonfuls of dough if you prefer a more rustic shape.
Step 4: Cook the Churro Bites
Lightly brush or spray the tops of the churros with a little melted butter or neutral oil to encourage browning.
Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, turning once if needed, until they are golden brown and puffed.
Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches.
Step 5: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
In a shallow bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon powder.
While the churro bites are still warm, transfer them directly from the air fryer to the cinnamon-sugar mixture and toss until they are evenly coated. If needed, lightly brush them with melted butter to help the sugar mixture stick.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve warm, with your favorite dipping sauces like chocolate ganache, Nutella, caramel, or even honey. These churro bites are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored and reheated if you have leftovers.
Tips for Success
- Let the dough cool slightly before adding the egg to avoid cooking it.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket, which can prevent even cooking.
- Use a star piping tip for authentic ridged churros, which helps them hold the cinnamon-sugar better.
- If you like them extra crispy, add one to two minutes of additional air fryer time.
- Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions
Sweet Air Fryer Churro Bites pair beautifully with:
- Hot chocolate or café con leche
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas
- Whipped cream with a sprinkle of cinnamon
These churros also make a fantastic addition to a brunch table or a holiday dessert spread.
Flavor Variations
Try customizing your churro bites with these ideas:
- Swap the vanilla extract for almond or orange extract
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar
- Drizzle with melted white or dark chocolate
- Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a sweet-salty twist
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftover churro bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days
- Reheat them in the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes to bring back their crispiness
- Do not refrigerate them, as they may become soggy
- You can freeze the cooked churro bites for up to 2 months; reheat straight from frozen in the air fryer for 4 to 5 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour substitute.
Can I use a different sweetener?
Granulated sugar is best, but coconut sugar works if you want a slightly deeper caramel flavor.
Do I have to use a piping bag?
No, you can spoon the dough into rounds instead, but piping gives the authentic churro shape.
Can I deep-fry these instead?
Absolutely. Heat oil to 375°F and fry until golden, then toss in cinnamon sugar.
Sweet Air Fryer Churro Bites
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough Base
- In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, salt, and sugar. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a smooth ball. This should take about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and remove the pan from the stove. Allow the dough to cool for about 4 to 5 minutes.
Step 2: Add Vanilla and Egg
- Transfer the slightly cooled dough to a large mixing bowl. Add the vanilla extract and the egg.
- Use a sturdy wooden spoon or an electric hand mixer on low speed to beat the egg into the dough. It may look separated at first, but keep mixing until smooth and pipeable.
Step 3: Pipe the Churro Bites
- Spoon the dough into a piping bag fitted with a star-shaped tip (this gives that classic churro ridged look). If you don’t have a piping bag, a heavy zip-top bag with the corner snipped off will work in a pinch.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the basket with a neutral oil spray like avocado or coconut oil.
- Pipe bite-sized portions of dough directly into the air fryer basket, leaving some room between them for airflow. Alternatively, you can drop spoonfuls of dough if you prefer a more rustic shape.
Step 4: Cook the Churro Bites
- Lightly brush or spray the tops of the churros with a little melted butter or neutral oil to encourage browning.
- Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, turning once if needed, until they are golden brown and puffed.
- Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches.
Step 5: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
- In a shallow bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon powder.
- While the churro bites are still warm, transfer them directly from the air fryer to the cinnamon-sugar mixture and toss until they are evenly coated. If needed, lightly brush them with melted butter to help the sugar mixture stick.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve warm, with your favorite dipping sauces like chocolate ganache, Nutella, caramel, or even honey. These churro bites are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored and reheated if you have leftovers.
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