A Short Story About the Recipe
I’ll be honest: I’ve always had a deep, borderline emotional connection to churros. There’s something magical about that crisp-sugary outside giving way to a warm, fluffy interior. But frying? The oil splatter, the clean-up, the lingering smell? Not so magical.
That’s why the day I discovered that I could make churro bites in the air fryer was the day my kitchen life changed forever. It started when I had a craving for something sweet after dinner but didn’t want to commit to the full-on churro-frying ritual. I had some dough from another project chilling in the fridge and, on a whim, I rolled it into little bites, air fried them, then tossed them in cinnamon sugar.
Friends, I may have eaten half the batch standing at the counter with zero shame.
They were golden, crispy on the outside, impossibly soft in the middle, and ready in just minutes—without a drop of oil. Since then, I’ve tweaked the recipe, tested different doughs, and found the perfect mix. And now, I’m sharing it with you, because no one should go through life without air fryer churro bites.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Versatile
These bites are easy to adjust. You can fill them with chocolate, serve them with a caramel dip, or even dust them with cocoa for a twist. They work as a party snack, dessert, or midweek treat.
Budget-Friendly
You won’t need anything fancy—just pantry staples like flour, sugar, butter, and eggs. Even if you’re working with a tight grocery list, this recipe fits right in.
Ingredients for the Recipe
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1 cup water
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¼ cup unsalted butter
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1 tablespoon granulated sugar
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¼ teaspoon salt
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the cinnamon sugar coating:
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½ cup granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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Melted butter or spray oil for coating
How to Make This Recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions
If you’re craving churros but dread the deep-frying mess, this air fryer version is your new best friend. These fluffy, golden bites come together quickly and easily—perfect for satisfying that sweet tooth without the hassle.
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by adding the water, butter, granulated sugar, and salt into a medium saucepan. Place it over medium heat. Stir occasionally as the butter melts and the mixture comes to a gentle boil. This will take about 2-3 minutes.
Once the mixture is boiling, remove the pan from the heat. Immediately add the flour, stirring vigorously until the dough forms a ball. This will happen pretty quickly—don’t be surprised by how fast the dough comes together. You want to make sure it’s smooth and cohesive without being sticky.
Let the dough cool for about 5 minutes. This helps ensure that the eggs don’t cook when added.
Step 2: Add the Eggs
Once the dough is slightly cooled, crack in both eggs one at a time, mixing well between each addition. The dough may seem to separate at first, but just keep stirring, and it will come back together into a smooth, glossy dough. Stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely warm flavor.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
While the dough is resting, preheat your air fryer to 370°F (188°C). Preheating ensures that your churro bites cook evenly and crisp up perfectly.
Step 4: Shape the Churro Bites
Prepare a piece of parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. You can make them a little smaller or bigger, depending on your preference. Roll each ball into a smooth bite-sized ball.
Step 5: Air Fry the Churro Bites
Place the dough balls in the preheated air fryer basket, ensuring they’re spaced apart. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches. Don’t overcrowd them! Spray or brush the churro bites with a little melted butter or oil to help them crisp up.
Air fry the churro bites for about 8-10 minutes or until they’re golden brown and puffed up. Be sure to check halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning. If necessary, shake the basket gently to turn the bites.
Step 6: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
While the churro bites are cooking, mix the cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl. When the churro bites are done, immediately remove them from the air fryer and toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until they’re fully coated.
Step 7: Serve
Serve these delicious churro bites while they’re warm and fresh. They’re perfect as a standalone snack, but you can pair them with a sweet dipping sauce like chocolate, caramel, or even a vanilla glaze for an extra indulgent treat.
Quick and Easy
This recipe couldn’t be easier or quicker. With only 15-20 minutes of active prep time and about 10 minutes in the air fryer, you can have fresh churros on your plate in no time. It’s a perfect go-to for last-minute cravings or when you want something sweet without the hassle.
Customizable
If you’re feeling extra creative, feel free to experiment. You can stuff the churro bites with chocolate chips or Nutella before air frying them. Or, drizzle some melted chocolate over the top for an even more decadent dessert. The possibilities are endless!
Perfect for Guests
These fluffy air fryer churro bites are an instant crowd-pleaser. Serve them at your next gathering, and watch them disappear. The best part is, since they’re made in the air fryer, there’s no mess to clean up afterward—leaving you more time to enjoy the company and the treats.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I make these churro bites ahead of time?
While churro bites are best enjoyed fresh and warm, you can make them ahead and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to restore their crispiness.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the churro bites may have a slightly denser texture. If you’re going for a healthier option, it’s a great substitute, though the final product might not be as light and fluffy.
Can I make these churro bites without an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake the churro bites in a conventional oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), place the dough balls on a lined baking sheet, and bake for about 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Be sure to brush them with butter and toss them in the cinnamon sugar as soon as they come out of the oven.
Can I freeze churro bites?
Yes, you can freeze the dough before cooking. Simply form the dough balls, place them on a parchment-lined tray, and freeze them for about 2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to cook, air fry them from frozen at 370°F (188°C) for about 10-12 minutes, adjusting the time as needed.
What if I don’t have cinnamon sugar?
If you don’t have cinnamon sugar, you can make your own by mixing ½ cup granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. You can also experiment with different flavorings like cocoa powder, nutmeg, or even a little powdered sugar for a lighter finish.
Can I dip churro bites in something?
Absolutely! These churro bites are perfect for dipping. Try pairing them with chocolate sauce, caramel, or a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk for an extra sweet treat.